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News & Views Iranian refugees in Iraq protest against UN office The International Federation of Iranian Refugees, October 13, 1998 -- In recent months, hundreds of Iranian refugees have fled the Islamic Republic's brutal repression and assaults on peoples' protests, and reached Iraqi Kurdistan in order to gain protection. Having registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Suleymaniyah and Erbil, the refugees have been dealt with irresponsibly and denied decent living conditions and expedited resettlement. The long waiting periods for transfer to a safe third country has seriously endangered refugee lives given the Islamic Republic's surveillance and terrorist activities and the rule of nationalism in the area. Over 200 refugees and political opponents have been murdered by the regime in Iraqi Kurdistan. It is estimated that 3,700 Iranian refugees are currently residing in Northern Iraq. On September 13, 1998, 400 refugees living in Suleymaniyah and surrounding areas initiated a two-day sit-in to protest the UNHCR's irresponsibility. As a result, UNHCR staff met with refugee representatives to discuss their demands. The protesters ended their sit-in temporarily, giving the UNHCR a 15-day deadline to meet their demands. When their demands were not addressed, 200 protesters began a second sit-in on September 27, 1998 at the Erbil UNHCR office. The sit-in continues. The International Federation of Iranian Refugees (IFIR) calls upon progressive groups, parties, individuals and organizations to support the struggle of Iranian refugees residing in Iraqi Kurdistan. Their life, liberty, safety and health are in serious danger. Your letters to the UNHCR authorities will be critical in defending refugee rights. In your protest letters, put forth the following sit-in participants' demands: 1- The decision to close the UNHCR branch office in Suleymaniyah must not act as a barrier to refugee protection and resettlement. 2- All Iranian refugees residing in Iraqi Kurdistan must have access to decent living conditions and services. 3- Given the insecurity and life-threatening conditions in the area, refugee casefile determinations must be expedited and all closed casefiles reviewed. 4- Refugees must be transferred to safe third countries. Letters should be addressed to: Ahmed Abdelwahab Gubartalla Email: irqba@unhcr.ch Dennis McNamara Email: hqpro@unhcr.ch Links * Iran News
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