The English translation of the Statement follows:
Calls to lift siege on Ashraf
8 April 2009
The Arab Commission for Human Rights is following with great concern the measures being adopted by Iraqi authorities to close Camp Ashraf, home to 3,500 Iranian male and female dissidents and members of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI[MEK]).
Adding to the residents’ suffering is the Iraqi authorities’ recent decision to surround the camp, preventing the entry of doctors to treat patients.
This position contradicts the core of the most fundamental human rights stipulated by Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which clearly states that each individual has the right to seek refuge in another country to escape oppression. The recent decision, not only serves to deride the time honoured Arab and Muslim traditions of hospitality, generosity and helping the oppressed, it also tramples upon the right to life and to access medical treatment for women and children who would otherwise be deprived of medical care.
At a time when Western governments hesitate to accept its residents as refugees on their territory, closing the camp would render the residents homeless and lead to their gradual death. This action would expose them to the risk of being returned to Iran against their will, where they will be subjected to suppression and abuse due to the PMOI’s opposition to the regime, which will translate into a blatant violation of their rights.
The Arab Commission for Human Rights calls on Iraqi authorities to respect the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the Arab tradition of hospitality, refuse to sacrifice international principles and obligations for short term political considerations.
Paris
April 8, 2009