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1126294

registered interest
date	13/05/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iraq: Christianity
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bates on 5 February (HL13010), what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute of Development Studies The Persecution of Christians in the Middle East, published in 2017, that estimates that in 2003 there were approximately 1.5 million Christians in Iraq, and that in 2017 that number was between 200,000 and 250,000.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL15654
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>While we are unable to confirm the exact numbers, we are gravely concerned about the decline in the numbers of Christians in Iraq in recent years as also cited in the independent interim report of the Bishop of Truro into the Persecution of Christians. We assess that a number of factors have resulted in this decline, including conflict and insecurity in Iraq and the particular threat posed by Daesh. We continue to engage with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government on the need to protect the rights of Christians and other religious minorities. However, during a recent meeting with the Iraqi Foreign Minister on the 17 May and the Archbishop of Erbil on 21 May I heard of the steps being taken to reopen churches and the increased number of church services being help in Iraq.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 12:01:07 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1087044

registered interest
date	12/03/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iraq: Christianity
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he is making to his Iraqi counterpart on the persecution of Christians in that country.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	231463
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/03/2019 answer text <p>We regularly engage with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government on the need to protect the rights of Christians and other religious minorities. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon raised this with Iraqi Foreign Minister Al-Hakim in December 2018. We continue to follow this issue actively. During my visit to Iraq in January I discussed the situation of Christians with the Archbishop of Erbil and in February Our Ambassador to Iraq visited Christian communities in six towns across the Ninewa Plain of north-western Iraq, previously occupied by Daesh.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 20/03/2019 17:43:19 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1047041

registered interest
date	23/01/2019
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iraq: Christianity
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Government of Iraq on that country's inclusion in the Open Doors 2019 World Watch List of the top 50 countries where Christians face persecution.
tabling member constituency	Glasgow East
tabling member printed	David Linden
uin	211915
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/01/2019 answer text <p>The Foreign Secretary and I, alongside other British Government Ministers, routinely raise our concerns about the persecution of religious minorities, including Christians, where this occurs. He recently asked the Bishop of Truro to conduct an independent review of the persecution of Christians around the world to help inform this important area of our work and ensure it is targeted and effective. The Government works with a large number of NGOs, including Open Doors, to help promote and protect freedom of religion or belief. We use information from a wide range of sources to inform our work.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field grouped question UIN 211879 211880 211881 211882 211883 211884 211885 211886 211887 211888 211889 211890 211891 211892 211893 211894 211895 211896 211897 211898 211899 211900 211901 211902 211903 211904 211905 211906 211907 211908 211909 211910 211911 211912 211913 211914 211916 211917 211918 211919 211920 211921 211922 211923 211924 211925 211926 211927 211928 question first answered 31/01/2019 13:02:22 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
tabling member	4640 label Biography information for David Linden

1046301

registered interest
date	22/01/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	Iraq: Christianity
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bates on 21 January (HL12614), what assessment they have made of the comments of Chaldean Archbishop Habib Nafali of Basra that the Christian population of Iraq has reduced from around 1.5 million in 2003 to 250,000 in 2018.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL13010
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/02/2019 answer text <p>The exact number of Christians in Iraq is difficult to confirm, as Iraq has not held a nationwide census in many years. The UK remains concerned by the decreasing number of Christians and we are firmly committed to protecting all ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq and the region. Minister Burt met with the Archbishop of Erbil during his recent trip to Iraq, and UK Embassy staff regularly meet with representatives of Christian and other minority communities to discuss their situation. We continue to raise the needs of these communities with the Government of Iraq. For example, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon reinforced the need to protect ethnic and religious minority communities with Iraqi Foreign Minister Al-Hakim in December 2018.</p> answering member printed Lord Bates question first answered 05/02/2019 17:34:49 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1036972

registered interest
date	07/01/2019
answering body	Department for International Development
answering dept id	20
answering dept short name	International Development
answering dept sort name	International Development
hansard heading	Iraq: Christianity
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial assistance they have provided to Christian groups in Iraq in each year since 2003.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL12614
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/01/2019 answer text <p>DFID has committed to providing humanitarian support to Iraq since 2003, including access to clean water, food, medicines, protection and other life-saving assistance, targeted towards the most vulnerable people. This support is provided on the basis of need, irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity, and in line with international humanitarian principles; it is therefore not possible to provide figures on assistance specifically provided to Christians or other religious group. The UK works closely with the Government of Iraq, the UN, humanitarian partners and minority representatives to support the rights of all minorities and to ensure our aid reaches those in the greatest need.</p> answering member printed Lord Bates question first answered 21/01/2019 17:41:18 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

714122

registered interest
date	27/03/2017
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iraq: Christianity
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the Iraqi Government on the importance of protecting the religious freedom of Christians in that country.
tabling member constituency	Chipping Barnet
tabling member printed	Mrs Theresa Villiers
uin	69209
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/04/2017 answer text <p>The UK consistently urges the Government of Iraq at senior levels to uphold the rights of all Iraq's minorities, including Christians. We also continue to encourage political and religious leaders in Iraq to speak out publicly to condemn sectarian violence. Furthermore, we are working to build international consensus on upholding freedom of religion or belief.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 04/04/2017 14:26:57 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	1500 label Biography information for Theresa Villiers

625962

registered interest
date	31/10/2016
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iraq: Christianity
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to enable Christians to stay in Iraq.
tabling member constituency	Islwyn
tabling member printed	Chris Evans
uin	51270
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/11/2016 answer text <p>​Ultimately, the only way of safeguarding minority communities and enabling Christians to stay in Iraq freely is by defeating Daesh and establishing a lasting peace. The Government is committed to this: we have a comprehensive strategy for defeating Daesh and continue to support the Government of Iraq in its efforts to build a more inclusive society.</p><p>We are also working with our international partners and the Government of Iraq to ensure that Daesh is held to account for its appalling crimes, including against Christians. At the United Nations General Assembly on 19 September, The Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson), alongside Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari and the Belgian Foreign Minister, launched a global campaign to hold Daesh to account for its crimes. The campaign has three mutually reinforcing objectives: supporting national and international efforts to ensure Daesh and its followers are brought to justice; empowering survivors of Daesh crimes; and ensuring that where Daesh tries to stoke division, hatred and violence, the pursuit of justice unites all our communities – local, national and international.</p><p>Through the UK's Conflict, Security and Stability Fund we are also supporting community cohesion, encouraging reconciliation and promoting acceptance and tolerance between communities at a grass roots level. We continue to encourage political and religious leaders in Iraq to speak out publicly and condemn sectarian violence. And we will continue to explore what further support we might be able to provide to vulnerable groups and internally displaced persons.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 08/11/2016 14:43:22 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	4040 label Biography information for Chris Evans

625963

registered interest
date	31/10/2016
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iraq: Christianity
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on the treatment of Christians in Iraq.
tabling member constituency	Islwyn
tabling member printed	Chris Evans
uin	51272
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/11/2016 answer text <p>​We remain gravely concerned by the appalling crimes committed by Daesh against all faiths in Iraq, including Christians, Mandeans, Yezidis and others, as well as the majority Muslim population. We are aware of the strength of feeling on this matter in parliament and in the UK.</p><p>I last discussed human rights issues with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari at the UK-Iraq annual bilateral Joint Commission on 12 October. There is a growing body of evidence that terrible crimes have been committed by Daesh in Iraq. That includes recent unverified UN reports of Daesh crimes against the citizens of Mosul and its surrounds as military operations to free the city and its people are taking place. We welcome the commitments that Prime Minister Abadi has made to inclusivity, to protecting all Iraqi citizens regardless of their faith, to investigate all allegations of human rights abuses and violations and to hold those responsible to account.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 08/11/2016 14:45:41 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	4040 label Biography information for Chris Evans

427149

registered interest
date	09/11/2015
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iraq: Christianity
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent estimate he has made of the number of Christians who have left Iraq in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	South Down
tabling member printed	Ms Margaret Ritchie
uin	15439
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/11/2015 answer text <p>The UK Government continues to condemn in the strongest terms the atrocities committed by ISIL in Iraq against all communities, including Christians, throughout the areas under its control. The human rights situation for many living in ISIL-held areas remains of grave concern.</p><p>We do not currently have estimates for the number of Christians who have fled Iraq due to the atrocities carried out by ISIL. We do, however, continue to encourage Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi to ensure all minorities are represented in Baghdad and their rights protected. We welcome the commitments he has made to inclusivity, to protecting Iraqi citizens, addressing human rights abuses and holding those responsible to account. We continue to engage with minority leaders in Iraq. On Monday 10 November, the Minister of State, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns met with Father Pios, a Catholic priest sheltering Internally Displaced Persons in Iraq, and she discussed the situation of Christians in the country.</p><br /> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 16/11/2015 14:26:04 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	4130 label Biography information for Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick

381470

registered interest
date	16/06/2015
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iraq: Christianity
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the government of Iraq on protection of the Christian minority in that country.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	2709
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/06/2015 answer text <p>We continue to condemn in the strongest terms the atrocities committed by the self-styled ISIL against all communities throughout the areas under its control. The human rights situation for many living in areas under ISIL control is gravely concerning.</p><p>I visited Iraq on 12 February and encouraged Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to continue progress on ensuring that all minorities are represented and their rights protected. We welcome the commitments that Prime Minister al-Abadi has made to inclusivity, to protecting Iraqi citizens, addressing human rights abuses and holding those responsible to account.</p><p>We are working closely with the Iraqi government and our international coalition partners to assist and protect civilians wherever we can. We will continue to explore what further support we might be able to provide to vulnerable groups and internally displaced persons.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 22/06/2015 14:27:09 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon