Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of allegations that the Kurdish population in Northern Syria are being displaced from their homes by forces loyal to the Turkish Government.

​We are aware of reports of the displacement of over 130,000 civilians, both Kurds and other groups, from areas in Afrin following the Turkish military operation. It is essential that the rights of internally displaced persons are protected, including the protection of property, and that those who wish to return are able to do so freely and safely. We continue to make this point clearly in our close dialogue with Turkey about Syria. Turkey has assured us of its commitment to respect international law in its operations.