Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent discussions her Department has had with the Government of Iraq on tackling the (a) number of displaced people and (b) need for housing in that country.

During my trip to Iraq in January, I emphasised to the new Government the importance of addressing underlying causes of conflict and the support that is required for the return of displaced families, which should be conducted on a safe, voluntary, sustainable and non-discriminatory basis.

Ensuring access to services and adequate shelter is essential for the return of IDPs. This is why the UK is funding the Iraq Reform and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF), which will provide support and technical assistance to the Government of Iraq as it reconstructs areas affected by conflict, including the rebuilding of houses, schools, hospitals, factories and roads. The IRRF will also support longer term economic reform and is aligned to the Government of Iraq’s strategic objectives, as set out in the National Development Plan and Reconstruction and Development Framework.