§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees consulted them about the proposed closure of the refugee camp at Atrush in northern Iraq; whether they consider that, in view of attacks on the camp by KDP forces, and the absence of any alternative proposals by UNHCR to ensure the security and well-being of the refugees, they can be said to give informed consent to their repatriation, and whether the United Kingdom will insist on consultation with representatives of the refugees in Atrush, as well as unimpeded access by humanitarian agencies and human rights NGOs to the emergency region in Turkey, to which it is proposed that they return, as part of any international endorsement of the proposed arrangements.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyGiven our humanitarian interest in the region we have discussed the situation at Atrush Camp with UNHCR. However, the decision to close the camp was one for them to take. UNHCR have made clear that they will assist anyone wishing to return to Turkey. They are currently looking32WA at possible solutions for those who choose not to do so, and have said that refugees will not be forced to return, Monitoring the situation inside Turkey for those who do return is part of the UNHCR's standard practice; we expect the Turkish authorities to co-operate with the UNHCR.