HL Deb 23 April 2001 vol 625 c4WA
Lord Ahmed

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What work is currently being undertaken by the Department for International Development in northern Iraq. [HL1677]

Baroness Amos

In the Financial Year ending 31 March 2001, DfID provided approximately £3 million in humanitarian assistance to northern Iraq for mines-affected communities, village rehabilitation for internally displaced and vulnerable women and children, physiotherapy for children with physical disabilities, social support for older persons, the development of a statistical capacity to assist the Kurdish administration in the planning of humanitarian aid policies, and an integrated water management programme, focusing on 2,500 families in 123 urban and rural communities. We are funding these projects through Save the Children Fund, ACORN, Kurdistan Children's Fund, Christian Aid/ REACH, HelpAge International, 4RS, Durham University and Mines Advisory Group.

DfID is also providing funds for Liverpool University to carry out research into a possible healthcare programme for the victims of weapons of mass destruction.