The British government takes very seriously its international responsibility to help the people of Iraq build a strong and peaceful country in which their human rights are respected and the rule of law applies to all, regardless of rank or background. We are working with the government of Iraq, the Iraqi security forces and international partners to help them develop a society free from violence and with infrastructures that will strengthen human rights and the rule of law.

IDP’s

We remain concerned about the humanitarian situation in Iraq and the number of people who have been displaced. We are working to promote a co-ordinated international effort in response to the humanitarian situation, with the Government of Iraq in the lead and have made regular contributions for Iraqis inside the country and displaced in the region. Our total humanitarian contribution since 2003 is over $290 million. Building the Iraqi Government’s capacity and reconstruction efforts are key to providing basic services in host communities. The UK has disbursed $1.4 billion on reconstruction since 2003.

Women's rights

The Iraqi Constitution includes provisions protecting the rights of women. We will continue to work to promote the protection of these rights.

Embassy officials at the Embassy work closely with London and the UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Human Rights, Ann Clwyd MP, regularly raising women’s rights with the Iraqi Government at all levels. We support a range of projects in Iraq to help develop the role of women including providing support to the Iraqi Ministries of Human Rights, Women, and Civil Society.

Minority Groups

We believe that all Iraqis should feel able to live without fear of violence and intimidation. Chapter 2, Section 2 of the Iraqi Constitution guarantees religious freedoms and rights to all of Iraq’s religious groups. The Iraqi Government, and we, recognise the importance of Iraq’s political, ethnic and religious communities working together in harmony. To this end we are doing all we can to support the Iraqi Government’s efforts to promote reconciliation and national unity.

The UK Government works closely with the Government of Iraq at ministerial and official level to take action to protect people, regardless of faith or political persuasion, and to take tough measures against those who perpetuate violence. The Rt. Hon Ann Clwyd MP frequently raises the issues related to minority groups on her regular visits to Iraq.