Written questions, answers and statements

Iraq: Genocide

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Question for Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UIN 26920, tabled on 10 February 2016

Question

Hilary Benn
Labour
Leeds Central
Commons

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the UK plans to send forensic teams to Sinjar in Iraq to examine mass graves that have been discovered there.

Answer

Mr Philip Hammond
Conservative
Runnymede and Weybridge
Commons

Answered on

22 February 2016

We are aware of reports that mass graves have been discovered in northern Iraq. The relevant authorities have not requested us to send forensic teams to investigate these reports, and we have no plans to do so.

We condemn in the strongest terms the targeting and persecution of Yazidis, Christians and other communities by Daesh. We continue to urge the Government of Iraq to do all it can to ensure the security and rights of all communities in Iraq. We are working to build consensus around the importance of freedom of religion or belief, including by funding practical projects designed to enhance community dialogue between civil society and faith groups.

Answered by

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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