Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 March 2011.

Iraq: Camp Ashraf

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in light of alleged psychological torture of Iranian refugees at Camp Ashraf in Iraq through the continuous use of multiple loudspeakers, they intend to arrange a visit to the camp by United Kingdom observers; and, if so, whether they have sought support from the Government of the United States for such a visit.

Answer: We have no intention to arrange a visit to the camp by UK observers. Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice clearly advises against all travel to Baghdad and the provinces listed, including the one in which Camp Ashraf is located. The UK is entirely reliant on US and UN support to provide transport, security and access to the camp. If there is a need for a consular visit to the camp, the UK will discuss options with the US and the UN. Our embassy officials continue to discuss the situation at the camp with the EU, US, UN and the Iraqi Government's Ashraf Committee. We receive regular updates from the UN who visit the camp on a weekly basis and are in telephone contact with representatives of residents in the camp.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7190; 725 c411WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Iraq: Camp Ashraf
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Written questions
House of Lords; Iraq: Camp Ashraf
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Iraq Inhuman treatment Noise Refugees Iran Mujahedin-e Khalq Official visits
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk