Mishcon de Reya
2 February 2012
STATEMENT BY LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES OF CAMP ASHRAF RESIDENTS
UNHCR update on Ashraf contradicts UNAMI’s claim that Camp Liberty is certified
In its latest update on Camp Ashraf, dated 1 February, which was posted on UNHCR’s website on 2 February, the UN refugee agency states that the new location “is being provisioned to enable the residents voluntarily to move there” indicating that the camp is not yet compliant with international standards. It further says, “UNHCR has been advising on the technicalities of improving the camp infrastructure.”
The UNCHR update also states, “UNHCR attaches utmost importance to peaceful solutions being found, including that any relocation outside Camp New Iraq proceed on a voluntary basis, with freedom of movement the most desirable state at the site of relocation.”
The UNHCR update contradicts the claim made by Ambassador Kobler, Special Representative of UN Secretary General (SRSG) on 31 January that UNHCR has “confirmed that the infrastructure and facilities at Camp Liberty are in accordance with the international humanitarian standards…”
It is clear that the press release issued by the Public Information Office of UNAMI (headed by Ambassador Kobler) is misleading. The Iraqi government has officially and in the presence of Ambassador Kobler informed the residents of Ashraf that they will have no freedom of movement in Camp Liberty. They will also be completely denied access to lawyers, as well as free access to family and medical services.
According to technical experts, the infrastructure in six out of seven sections of the Camp is not functioning and therefore it cannot currently house the more than 3,000 of Camp Ashraf. In the only section that is relatively functioning, many facilities, including heating and air conditioning, are not in proper working order and require repair and maintenance.
The report also acknowledges that there is no drinking or running water in the camp. Instead, drinking water should be “supplied in form of bottle water by the residents” and the residents should also arrange the supply of service water through contractors.
The dining facility is only available for around “700 people”. The report also acknowledges that there are no recreational facilities, but that instead there is an open space which could be used to build exercise and recreation facilities. There is no medical centre functioning in the Camp but instead there is a facility for in and out patient, which should be staffed and equipped by the residents.
Such conditions do not even comply with the standards required in a prison let alone a refugee camp. They are poor, nothing short of inhumane and should not be endorsed by Ambassador Kobler. The legal representatives of Camp Ashraf residents will not advise their clients to consign themselves to the inhumane and degrading fait that awaits them in Camp Liberty.