§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the trauma caused to children in Iraq from(a) the coalition invasion and (b) the continuing violence; and what assistance his Department is providing to mitigate trauma in Iraqi children. [174374]
§ Hilary BennDFID's support for the health sector in Iraq, including psychosocial support, is being channelled through the multi-donor Trust Fund managed by the United Nations. The work of the UN in this area will focus on the provision of technical assistance for the development of mental health and psychosocial support services at the primary level. DFID has made an initial contribution of £30 million to the UN Trust Fund.
DFID has not undertaken an assessment of the levels of trauma suffered by children in Iraq, but such an evaluation is planned by the UN as part of the World Health Organisation's mental health plans.