§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her policy is on humanitarian aid to the children of Iraq. [147787]
§ Clare ShortThe opportunities for assisting Baghdad-controlled Iraq are greatly constrained by the regimes policies. We are spending some £5 million this financial year to help rehabilitate water and sanitation systems which should reduce risks to childrens health. In northern Iraq, through Save the Childrens Fund and other non-governmental organisations, we are funding programmes to improve childrens well-being. This financial year we expect to spend some £1.25 million.
The UNs oil-fair-food programme is contributing significantly to improved life opportunities and reduced infant and child mortality for children in the areas of Iraq not controlled from Baghdad. Tragically in Baghdad controlled Iraq, children are suffering badly as the Government of Iraq manipulate the suffering of their people for propaganda purposes.