The UN High Commissionaire for Refugees (UNHCR) asked US and Iraq to refrain from any actions that would put at risk the lives or safety of the residents of the camp.

In response to letters of three prominent human rights activists, Hans Christiane Neerskov, President of the Sakharov International Committee and chairman of Danish branch of Friends of Free Iran, Lars Rise, President of Norwegian Friends of Free Iran, and Yosta Gronroos, vice chairman of the Swedish branch of Friends of Free Iran, regarding the rights of Ashraf residents, UNHCR wrote:
“Dear Messrs Neerskov, Rise and Gronoroos,
Thank you for sharing with UNHCR a copy of your letter dated September 08 2008, addressed to Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Secretary General, regarding the situation of the members of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI) at Ashraf camp in Iraq. In the letter you expressed concern over their security and well being in view of the impending handover of the responsibility of Ashraf camp from the Multinational Forces in Iraq to the Iraqi government.

UNHCR is fully aware of the situation of the individuals at Ashraf camp. If, however, I may first clarify UNHCR’s position vis-à-vis this group and any role it might play in seeking a solution to their problems. Bearing in mind a number of factors that would be known to your good selves, UNHCR is restricted from extending its activities in respect of the camp and its residents. The persons themselves seem to be more directly covered by protection rights established in other bodies of international law, especially International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law and the organizations which are responsible to ensure adherence to those rights and obligations.

Notwithstanding the above position, as a humanitarian organization, UNHCR has on a number of occasions appealed to all concerned parties to refrain from any actions that would put at risk the lives or safety of the residents of the camp, in which context the Office has particularly singled out the threat of forced deportations to Iran. UNHCR will, on the same basis, and in close co-ordination with the concerned agencies, continue to make similar representations and call for appropriate humanitarian solutions to be found. “