The International Society for Human Rights – Australia raised concerns with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon regarding the safety and wellbeing of Ashraf residents and the outcome of their future following numerous breaches of commitments by Maliki’s government on the Memorandum of Understanding signed with UNAMI about the transfer of the residents to Camp Liberty.
Excerpts of this letter are as follows:
In the current circumstances where the camp has been recently targeted by katusha rockets, we implore you to once again intervene with the Government of Iraq for them to be mindful of their human rights obligations to protect these people until a durable third country solution is put in place.
Our information tells us that the government of Iraq intends to prevent the 400 residents from taking their personal belongings and their cars to the new location .Such measures will surely convert the new place to a prison for the 400 residents; which is greatly troubling. Any relocation under such conditions would be deemed as a forcible relocation transferring them to the prison, which is inconsistent with international laws.
The UN has an obligation to furnish the minimum requirements demanded by the Ashraf residents. We point out that, upon signing this agreement with the Iraqi government, the UN become responsible for the Ashraf residents’ body and soul and will be found complicit in the event of any bloodshed of them.
We point out that, upon signing this agreement with the Iraqi government, the UN become responsible for the Ashraf residents and will be found complicit in the event of any bloodshed of them.