We have received with great concern and regret the continuous reports regarding the situation in Ashraf City, the residence of 3,500 members of the Iranian Mojahedin-e Khalq organization. These reports raise increasing concerns for us and all those interested in human rights issues around the world regarding the infringement of the rights of Ashraf residents, of whom 1,000 are women. The crisis remains, and the danger looms over the city and its inhabitants.

Since January 1st of this year, when the protection and control of Ashraf City was transferred from US forces to the Iraqi government, harassment and pressure have increased markedly. The situation has then escalated arbitrarily, reaching the point of besieging the city and preventing anything from entering Ashraf residents except for water and food.

While we share the free world’s concern regarding Ashraf, we express our support and great respect for the European Parliament’s resolution of April 24, 2009, which affirmed the legal status of Ashraf residents as protected persons under the Fourth Geneva Convention. The resolution stated: “The European Parliament calls on the Iraqi government to end the siege of the camp and respect the legal status of the residents of Camp Ashraf, who are ‘protected persons’ under the Geneva Conventions, and to refrain from any action that endangers their lives or safety. In particular, full and safe access to food, water, medical care and facilities, and fuel to Ashraf must be guaranteed, and they should be allowed to meet with members of their families and international humanitarian organizations,” to enter Ashraf; correspondents and delegations from international and regional humanitarian organizations and visitors from Iranians and then Iraqis.

In solidarity with the rights of Ashraf residents and in support of the resolution issued by the European Parliament on April 24, 2009, regarding the rights of Ashraf residents, we, the undersigned on this statement, demand that the Iraqi government declare, formally and in writing, its commitment to the resolution and international regulations. Otherwise, there will be no international guarantees to protect Ashraf under the international principle (Responsibility to Protect for communities at risk).

CWLRCP

Palestine, May 28, 2009