WILPF Statement on Camp Ashraf

12 April 2011

Reports have been sent to WILPF by NGO's and statements have been made by UN agencies in Iraq as to the storming of Camp Ashraf on 8th of April, by Iraqi forces. This is the second attack this year (see WILPF statement from 11 January 2011) on the camp which is home to approximately 3,400 Iranians, including 1,000 women.The Camp residents were shot at indiscriminately and attacked by Iraqi soldiers. At least 33 Camp members have been killed, including eight women. Over 300 people were injured, 178 of whom have sustained gunshot wounds, and several dozen are in a critical condition. Six of the wounded have been taken hostage by Iraqi forces and are being held at al-Khalis Prison. It is reported that they are now on hunger strike.

WILPF deplores the use of violence against civilians and children. The excessive force used against unarmed civilians, who are recognized as “protected persons” under the Fourth Geneva Convention, is potentially a crime against humanity. It is of paramount importance that the men and women inside the Camp are not subjected to further attacks. WILPF again urges Iraq to comply with its international obligations, notably Article 27 of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and with its obligations under the human rights conventions that it is a party to.

The State of Iraq bears responsibility to ensure this protection and the respect for the human rights of all persons within its territory regardless of nationality. WILPF would also call on States which have political, military, or economic influence on the Iraqi government to use that influence to secure compliance with international law.