This written declaration commits only those who have signed it.
Amnesty International (28 August 2008, statement), the European
Parliament (4 September 2008, resolution), and the International
Federation of Human Rights (8 September) have expressed concern
regarding the threats posed to 3 500 Iranian political refugees
in Camp Ashraf in Iraq, who are protected persons under the Fourth
Geneva Convention.
Relevant international bodies and United States (US) officials
have confirmed that the principle of non-refoulement and
protection under international humanitarian law and international
law apply to Ashraf residents.
We are deeply concerned that the protection of Ashraf may
be transferred from the US-led Multinational Force
Iraq to Iraqi forces resulting in greater pressure on the
Iraqi Government by the Iranian regime to crack down on or extradite
PMOI members in Ashraf, and allowing the regime to increase its
terrorist attacks on Ashraf. They would face torture and execution
if returned to Iran.
Transferring protection of Ashraf under the present circumstances
violates the principle of non-refoulement, the
Fourth Geneva Convention, the Convention relating to the Status
of Refugees, the Convention against Torture, international humanitarian
law and international law, and would result in a humanitarian catastrophe, thus
we urge US forces for as long as they remain in Iraq to continue
to protect Ashraf residents and uphold their judicial protection
under international law.
