§ Lord Tordoffasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they have taken regarding the future of the 28,000 Iraqi refugees who have been in Saudi Arabia since the 1991 Gulf War.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe support the efforts of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) who are working hard to hasten re-settlement of the refugees. Under a UNHCR-asssisted resettlement programme that began in October 1992, 3,140 Iraqi refugees have found new homes in 23 different countries, including Britain. A further 3,500 have been accepted for resettlement and await departure.
§ Lord Tordoffasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the light of the decision by the United States Government to accept 3,000 Iraqi refugees from Saudi Arabia as well as the acceptance of substantial numbers by the Nordic countries and Iran, they intend to send a mission to Saudi Arabia with a view to initiating a resettlement programme.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyNo. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) are already operating a programme to resettle Iraqi refugees from Saudi Arabia in third countries. Since October 1992, 3,140 refugees have been resettled, the majority in Iran, the United States, Syria, Britain and the Nordic countries; and a further 3,500 have been accepted for resettlement and await departure.