Press Release
Requests raised in the statements of the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative to Iraq that are of concern and in contradiction with international standards. The SRSG endorses Camp Ashraf, citing the UNHCR on 31 January, when on the next day, 1 February, the UNHCR declared in a statement it has only provided consultations on Liberty’s infrastructures, and there is no mentioning of an endorsement. Furthermore, the UNHCR has stressed the condition of Liberty meeting the necessary standards for relocation is complete freedom of movement for Ashraf residents. Freedom of movement is a recognized human right which Ashraf residents are to be deprived of in Camp Liberty, and UNAMI has remained silent on this matter. Any jurist knows depriving Ashraf residents of freedom of movement is tantamount to group detention and a crime, and cannot be justified under any pretext.
Yet another paradox is the remarks attributed to Mr. Kobler by the mullahs’ ambassador in Iraq. Allowing the Iranian regime to intervene in the destiny and negotiations over the future of these refugees, who in fear of this regime have sought asylum outside their country, and their families are subjected to the repression and persecution of this regime, is a flagrant violation of international laws and customs on behalf of UNAMI. The head of UNAMI permitting such measures is a very dangerous act that will distort UN’s credibility, especially since the repeated remarks of the regime’s ambassador regarding the fate of Ashraf residents, which at times cites the Secretary General’s Special Representative to Iraq, have remained unanswered.
Instead of issuing press releases, which is the task of a propaganda organ, UNAMI must take action to codify laws and Ashraf residents’ undeniable rights in Liberty in agreement to the residents’ representatives and lawyers, and oblige the Iraqi government to abide by such measures. Anything less is entering political games with innocent refugees and human beings paying the price, and victimizing international conventions and human rights principles. Ashraf residents’ relocation to Liberty is a test for the United Nations.

Heidar al-Mulla
Iraqi Parliament Human Rights Commission Rapporteur
Iraqiya Coalition Spokesman
5 February 2012