IRAQ: DRAINING OF MARSHES

HL Deb 06 June 1994 vol 555 c64WA

Lord Molloy

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are taking steps to raise at the United Nations the effect on migratory wildlife, especially birds and fish, of Iraq's policy of draining marshlands.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

We are deeply concerned that the Iraqi Government continues to drain the marshes in southern Iraq. There is clear evidence that drainage is causing hardship to the Marsh Arabs and seriously damaging the environment to the detriment of migratory fish and birds. Iraq is not a Party to the conventions which protect migratory species of wildlife. But we take every opportunity to encourage all countries to join the relevant conventions at the United Nations and elsewhere.