Statements issued by Iraqi and Arab jurists and nationalistic forces have condemned the illegal measures of Maliki’s government aimed at confiscating and possessing the property of Ashraf and Liberty residents.
Iraqi Committee in Defense of Ashraf: After 8 months of pain and suffering that Ashraf and Liberty residents have endured, and pseudo promises given by the UN Special Representative, including to resolve the issue of the residents’ properties, this subject remains unresolved to this day. The Iraqi Committee in Defense of Ashraf considers the Iraqi government’s measures to seize the property of these defenseless Iranian refugees who have been present in Iraq for 26 years as a flagrant violation of international covenants and laws, and a breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention. This committee calls on the UN Secretary-General to take an urgent stance in the face of such aggressive, illegal and inhumane measures against the guests of the Iraqi people.
We also call on all noble nationalistic figures and tribal sheikhs in Iraq to protest against such measures that taint Iraq’s prestige.
Association of Progressive Lawyers and Jurists: Through a six-month long charade with a merchant affiliated to the security apparatus, Iraqi officials initially prevented the entrance any other Iraqi merchant to Ashraf. The Iraqi government has resorted to shameful excuses including forged judicial cases. These measures by the Iraqi government are a completely illegal stance.
The US government, according to its obligation based on the IV Geneva Convention, and the UN based on its commitment to the residents for protecting their rights in the face of relocation, have clear responsibilities to protect the residents’ properties and rights. They must not allow these rights be sacrificed for political reservations and appeasement with the Iraqi government.
Association of Egyptian Lawyers in Defense of Ashraf Residents: Right to ownership and respect to human rights are among the longest standing rights written down in legal books and laws. Article 13 of the convention related to the status of refugees, adopted on 28 July 1951, stresses on the necessity to respect refugees’ ownership rights over their moveable and immovable property. Therefore, the Iraqi government must recognize Ashraf residents’ rights related to their moveable and immovable assets. UN Special Representative to the Secretary-General Martin Kobler, who signed the agreement to relocate Ashraf residents to Liberty, has direct responsibility on protecting Ashraf and Liberty residents’ rights and property.
Iraq National Chaldean Movement: Depriving Ashraf and Liberty residents of the right to sell their property is a clear violation of human rights laws and refugee laws. Considering the fact the UNHCR has formally declared them as asylum seekers, it is up to the UN to prevent this conspiracy that is against the 4th Geneva Convention and international agreements on civil and political rights.
Kurdish Committee in Defense of Ashraf: New information indicates pressure against the PMOI in Iraq continue. Iran’s Quds Force commander Ghasem Soleimani has requested from Maliki to plunder the residents’ property and deprive them of their assets.
This is while Ashraf residents have been in Iraq for nearly 30 years and the UN and US are informed of this. For the Iraqi people who widely support the PMOI, Iran’s accusations against this organization have no value. Therefore, the Kurdish Committee condemns the Iraqi government’s measures and calls on the UN and US to not allow the Iraqi government to carry out orders issued by Iran.
Iraqi MP Talal Al-Zobei (Iraqiya Coalition): The Iraqi government’s decision on seizing Ashraf residents’ property is illegal and religiously forbidden. The approach towards PMOI members, who are guests of the Iraqi people, must be based on humanitarian standards and in line with the Iraqi people’s conscience because this organization defends freedom in the region.
Arab Lawyers Committee in Defense of 1000 Ashraf Women: Ashraf residents have sold their property to an English merchant and signed an agreement with all its details. However, the Iraqi government has threatened this merchant and intends to confiscate the residents’ property without any legal reason. Such a measure is against international laws and Iraq’s Civil Code.
Research Center for Progress and Human Rights in Iraq: The Iraqi government’s excuses on PMOI’s property are related to those affiliated to Iran. We condemn these measures by the Iraqi government and consider such actions as illegal and unfair.