In response to Maliki’s press conference: International solution for Ashraf residents; government deadline unjustifiable

With the utmost concerns regarding the remarks we heard from the Prime Minister’s advisor on Ashraf residents, we thus call on the head of UNAMI to explain to Iraqi officials the basics and foundations of international law, human rights principles and the impact on the Iraqi government in not abiding by and implementing these standards. Insisting on expelling Ashraf residents and/or forcefully relocating them inside Iraq is a sign of lack of knowledge and their tact regarding the principles of international law.
We emphasize that as a principle, the UNHCR must be given ample time to find an international solution for the case of Ashraf. Pursuing an international solution for the Ashraf dossier must take place without binding it to an unjustifiable deadline set by the government.

Heidar al-Mulla
Iraqi Parliament Human Rights Commission Rapporteur and Iraqiya Coalition Spokesman
4 Nov 2011