OPEN
LETTER
to
the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
94 Rue Montbrillant
Case Postale 2500
CH-1211 Geneva/Switzerland
Dear
High Commissioner
Mr.
Lubbers,
considering
the latest statements made by the US government towards a possible military
operation against Iraq we are concerned for the safety of the civil population
living in the region.
Especially
the Kurdish people in northern Iraq has suffered from wars, embargoes,
destruction of their villages and massacres for decades. We clearly remind of
the horror of Halabja, the outrage of the Anfal-Operation and the misery of
the refugees during the last gulf war 1991. Therefore we believe in the
importance of the United Nations taking precaution, in order to prevent new
crimes against humanity.
In
1994, due to the destruction of thousands of villages by the Turkish military
forces, nearly 16 thousand Kurds had to flee from their homes. Since then, as
a result of repeated attacks and threats, the refugees had to change their
place seven times. Although the refugees urged support for their safety and
life security in the framework of the international laws, none of the
international human rights institutions reacted on this very basic, legitimate
appeal. Even the UNHCR withdrew its protection from the camp for unknown
reasons. As a result, a great number of refugees and infants died either
because of the attacks or because of hunger and malnutrition during the time
of Atrush Camp, in the period between 1995-1997.
Because
of ongoing attacks, the refugees had to move to the Iraqi territories in
spring 1998. The refugees started to build up a new camp, which is situated
near to the small town of Maxmur, 2 km outside the 36. parallel (no-fly-zone).
Today nearly 10 thousand refugees live in the camp, which is
presently under the protection of the UNHCR. Although the refugees want
to return to their homeland, they unfortunately still have no guarantee for a
safe return, yet.
We
as human rights activists and supporters, women’s organisations,
humanitarian organisations, peace activists and democrats think, that we are
living in a century where problems can only be solved by peaceful but not by
military means. Historical experiences proofed, that military actions were
never the real solution to any issue.
As
it is known, that in particular refugees, are the first victims of human
rights violations in times of political instability, wars and military
conflicts, we request from the United Nations and the UNHCR to play its role
as a peacekeeping body in the Middle East.
Dear
High Commissioner
Mr. Lubbers,
As
the signers and supporters of the Open Letter we appeal on the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees
- to
prevent any new violation of international law and human rights, without
any distinction.
- to keep
their protection on the refugee camps on the Iraqi territory - including
the Maxmur Refugee Camp – during the time of any possible conflict and
to take necessary steps, in order to prevent any military attacks against
refugees.
- to give
their full support for the life guarantee and safety of the people in the
Maxmur Camp and to all the other civilians living in the region.
International
Free Women’s Foundation
Amsterdam, 15.10.2002
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