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[casi-analysis] Military Operations and Reconstruction:the Environment in Iraq



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9 February 2004

Military Operations and Reconstruction:
the Environment in Iraq
NEW INQUIRY


It is clear that the environmental situation in Iraq is a cause of great
concern not just for the people of Iraq but for all those interested in that

country's stable and prosperous future. Recent publications from the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have spotlighted the severe
environmental degradation that the country suffered before and as a result
of the recent military operations conducted there; and have also shown that
in many areas the situation has not improved since the setting up of the
Coalition Provisional Authority.


It is, however, not entirely clear to what extent reconstruction and other
assistance will prioritise and properly address the major environmental
problems which are so evident in Iraq.  The Committee is very alive to the
fact that the situation in Iraq is dangerous and changeable, and that
information concerning the environmental context is inevitably patchy and
far from comprehensive.  Nonetheless, the Committee considers it important
that some assessment be made of the degree to which environmental and
sustainable development principles are properly integrated and prioritised.


Given that many of the issues arising out of the Iraq conflict and its
aftermath might well show themselves in future conflicts (as they were in
some respects adumbrated in the earlier Balkan conflicts), the Committee has
decided to carry out this inquiry in the form of an environmental audit of
Government policy with regard to military operations and reconstruction
activity and priorities in general.  It will also seek to assess how these
policies have been applied in respect of Iraq.  To that end the Committee
would like to hear from interested parties their considered views, in
general terms and with regard to Iraq, on the extent to which relevant
Government departments:
1. have in place policies to evaluate and minimise environmental damage in
planning and carrying out military action;
2. have in place policies to assist in establishing environmental and
sustainable development priorities for reconstruction in the immediate
aftermath of conflicts; and
3. liaise and coordinate with military partners, international organisations

and other Governmental departments in the above respects.


The Committee expects the inquiry to focus in particular on the activities
of the MoD and DfID, but would welcome views as to the role of the FCO,
DEFRA and other Government departments or agencies.


The Committee would also like to hear views as to the degree to which
environmental progress in Iraq is hampered by the absence of a comprehensive

and agreed baseline assessment upon which all parties are committed to act.
Written evidence should be sent to the Committee by Monday 1st March 2004,
preferably by e-mail to eacom@parliament.uk (with a hard copy by post).   A
brief guidance note on the preparation and submission of evidence is
available on the Committee's web pages.  For further information on the
Committee's inquiry, please telephone 020-7219-5776.
_____________________________________
Notes for Editors
1.    The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) produced  its Desk
Study
on the Environment in Iraq at the end of April 2003.  This was followed-up
in
October 2003 by its Environment in Iraq: UNEP Progress Report. These are the

fullest environmental assessments to date of the situation in Iraq following

the recent conflict.  There is also a significant amount of information on
the
reconstruction needs of Iraq in the United Nations/World Bank Joint Iraq
Needs
Assessment, also of October 2003

---



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