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Iraqis killed 11 people, injured 500, and kidnapped and tortured 36 others
On July 28-30, Iraqi forces mounted an attack on Camp Ashraf, a refugee camp housing 3,400 unarmed civilians of the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI). The Iraqis killed 11 people, injured 500, and kidnapped and tortured 36 others. Footage shows Iraqi police beating defenceless people with electric batons, metal bars, planks of wood, daggers, axes, sound grenades, water cannons, and live ammunition and running some of them over with armoured vehicles.
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Iran’s hand is seen behind camp massacre
http://www.iranfocus.com/en/iraq/iran-s-hand-is-seen-behind-camp-massacre-18440.html
Friday, 31 July 2009 The National Alice Fordham
KIRKUK, IRAQ // Residents at an Iraqi camp for Iranian dissidents have started a hunger strike to protest against alleged human rights abuses inflicted by Iraqi security forces this week, amid fears that the Iranian regime’s influence is growing in the Iraqi government.
On Tuesday, Iraqi police entered Camp Ashraf in Diyala province, where, according to residents, they attacked an unarmed group of people with machine guns and batons, killing 12 and seriously wounding 500.
Iraqi security forces initially denied the casualty figures, but on Thursday, Ali al Dabbagh, the Iraqi government spokesman, acknowledged that six Iranians had been killed and promised an investigation.
“We were empty-handed, with only slogans,” Shahriar Kia, a camp press officer, said. “We were shouting that Ashraf is a city of peace, and they started shooting and beating us.”
Iraqi police are now in position at junctions within the camp, which is around six square kilometres, and in control of the squares and public places, he said. They were restricting movement, said Mr Kia. “They don’t let people move around. They have shot car windows and tyres as people were driving.”
Mr al Dabbagh said a police station had been set up and that there were 1,000 Iraqi troops inside the camp. It was the setting up of a police post inside the camp that sparked the first clashes on Tuesday.
The camp has been home to a group called the People’s Mujahedeen of Iran (PMOI), or Mujahedeen-e Khalq, since 1986, when Saddam Hussein gave them refuge there during the Iran-Iraq war. The group, which was set up to oppose the Shah but then fell out with Ayatollah Khomeini, carried out a series of bombings, attacking the Islamic Republic of Iran’s leadership, and is classified as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US.
In 2003, after the fall of Saddam, members of the camp say they handed over their weapons voluntarily to US soldiers, who then protected the camp during conflict in Iraq.
However, at the end of last year, after the Status of Forces Agreement was signed between the US and Iraqi governments, the US handed over control of the camp and its residents to Iraqi troops.
Under the new Iraqi regime, relations with the Iranian government are far friendlier than they were under Saddam, and concerns were raised over the likely treatment of the camp’s 3,500 or so residents.
Residents claim that since Iraqi forces took charge, food and medical supplies have been restricted, and visiting family members and lawyers have not been allowed in.
The clashes this week have stoked fears that the residents will be evicted from the camp and returned to Iran, where they would probably face arrest amid an extensive clampdown on the opposition movement since the disputed June 12 election.
“This is the Iranian regime who is trying to survive by destroying opposition,” said Mr Kia. “The same thing is happening here as on the streets of Tehran – killing and beating.”
Residents had begun a hunger strike, he said, which they would maintain until the UN and other international groups came to Ashraf, and residents were allowed to see their lawyers.
“I think that the Iranian government, which is facing a summer of discontent back home, is using its influence over the Iraqi government to send a message that it is still in control,” said Maysun al Damluji, an MP of the secular National List coalition.
The Iranian authorities, she said, were trying to ensure that parties sympathetic to them win in Iraqi elections scheduled for January 2010. They will, she said, “do everything in their power to bring Iraqi political entities that are loyal or close to Iran’s conservatives to power in Iraq … they will also rid Iraq of all of Iran’s opponents, not only in Ashraf, but even outside it.” She described Ashraf as a “simple exercise of muscle flexing”.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Ali Larijani, has welcomed the seizure of the camp, describing the action as “praiseworthy” albeit “rather late”.
At the time of the handover of the camp to Iraqi forces, the US Embassy said in a statement. “The Government of Iraq has provided the US government written assurances of humane treatment of the Camp Ashraf residents in accordance with Iraq’s Constitution, laws, and international obligations.”
Some US forces would remain at Ashraf, the statement said, “to assist the Government of Iraq in carrying out its assurances of humane treatment of the residents of Camp Ashraf”. Although US military sources confirmed that extra medical teams had been summoned to Ashraf during the fighting, an embassy spokesman maintained that, “this is a matter for the government of Iraq”. “The US government is engaged in the issue, we have monitors,” said the spokesman. A state department spokesman on Thursday said embassy officials had met with representatives of the government of Iraq. “We wanted to stress the importance to the government … the importance of Iraq fulfilling its commitment to the US government to treat the camp residents humanely.”
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also called on Iraq to “fulfil its obligations to show restraint”.
Mr Kia, speaking from Ashraf, said that, “since yesterday [US forces] were witnesses of killings, and beating people, and they didn’t do anything.”
The PMOI released video footage on YouTube of what it claimed was Iraqi attacks on camp residents.
The governor of Diyala province, Abdul Nasir al-Mahdawi, expressed unhappiness at the treatment of the residents of the camp in his province, saying that he had set up a committee to investigate the issue.
"The residents in Camp Ashraf are unarmed," said Mr Mahdawi, "so we are not thinking about the possibilities of any problems being caused by them."
He was not consulted on the plans to enter the camp, but when he heard of the actions of the Iraqi security forces, he called on them to, "treat the residents of Ashraf in accordance with their human rights," and not impose the police station on them.
"I am not happy with the recent events at Ashraf," he continued, saying that he would write to the central government once his committee had completed its investigation. The camp was, he said, "out of our hands."
* The National
Malnourished: Farzaneh Dadkhah in an earlier collapse during the protest in Grosvenor Square over the fate of 3,500 Iranian dissidents at a camp near Baghdad
Iranian hunger striker has heart attack outside US embassy
A woman on hunger strike outside the American Embassy inGrosvenor Square for more than a month has suffered a heart attack.
Farzaneh Dadkhah, 41, was last night in a specialist heart hospital amid fears that her prolonged period of starvation had triggered heart problems.
She is one of 12 people who were today on their 37th day without food, in a plea for international action to help thousands of Iranian dissidents housed in a camp in Iraq.
About 3,500 people live at Camp Ashraf, which was set up near Baghdad in the Eighties to house opponents of the Iranian regime.
Iraqi security forces entered the camp to take control on 28 July, leaving at least eight dead and hundreds injured according to Amnesty International.
Ms Dadkhah, who lives in London, was admitted to University College Hospital on Monday night after she began experiencing chest pains.
Doctors placed her on a drip of fluids, salts and sugar.
Azadeh Hosseini, spokeswoman for the protesters, said: “Farzaneh was just complaining of not feeling very well and then when they took her to hospital they checked her heart and said she might have had a possible heart attack.”
Nonetheless the Iranian mother-of-two is expected to return to the strike outside the embassy despite being severely malnourished.
“She is very determined,” said Ms Hosseini.
“She was in prison for many years inside Iran so she knows what could happen to people at Ashraf. She has put her health — and life — at risk.”
It must take a lot of courage to go on hunger strike for 37 days. I admire her.
- Emma, London, UK
Lord Corbett said in a news conference held in front of the US Embassy earlier this month reiterated that the US has a legal obligation to protect the dissidents in Ashraf. This is a humanitarian issue. If Eddie, Danny or Sue do not appreciate the injustice that has forced a mother of two to hunger protest as the very last mean to show her outrage to the crime that has taken place in Ashraf and to the silence by the media and the governments who have a responsibility as the occupiers of Iraq to protect these dissidents (based on the Geneva Conventions). What these brave people in front of the US embassy are doing is very humanitarian and very admirable for us to wake up and join in preventing another Rwanda. Not to mention that Ashraf and the dissidents there are the only obstacle against the expansion of religious fanaticism that Iran is the heartland for. If it was not for Ashraf, the world would have not known about the clandestine nuclear programs of the Iranian government and we would be facing a supper power now that could have been equipped by atomic weapon!! Ashraf is the only source of inspiration for millions of youths and women who participated in the recent uprisings demanding freedom, which is the reason why the Iranian government is putting pressure on its proxies in Iraq to dismantle Ashraf. The International community has much benefit in securing Ashraf. In view of this we all owe to Farzaneh and others who are risking their lives to open our eyes.
- Kaveh, London
Sue R. The only thing the US asks for is enough ground to bury our dead. There is no colonialism in our recent history nor has the idea been to stay in Iraq. I think you may be speaking of the history of Britian not the USA.
- T A Paul, West Palm Beach,Fl.USA
She is using her body as the only weapon left for Iranians who want to defend themselves, against a portion of the world conspiring to keep the blood thirsty and barbaric regime of Iran in power. She doesn't have billions of barrels of oil or an economic benefit, but she does have her blood and life which always prevails before god almoghty.
- Sahand K, Washington DC
First of all, under the 4th Geneva Convention, coalition forces are supposed to be protecting the people of Ashraf City. On July 28, Iraqi forces raided Camp Ashraf on Khamenei's demand and killed 11 people, took 36 people hostages and wounded about 500 people and the Coalition forces and US aren't doing ANYTHING.
THAT'S WHY THEY'RE OUTSIDE THE US EMBASSY ON HUNGER STRIKE!
I think the fact that these people went on hunger strike shows what a price they are willing to pay for the freedom of their country and also, to be honest, if it was anyone else, they would probably retaliate against those responsible. but they are inficting this on themselves which shows their dignity and values which are quite respectable.
So to those of you who are making comments without even looking at the big picture, I have one thing to say, go educate yourself then speak, and secondly what would you do if the only true hope your country had for freedom and democracy was targeted by a raid?!? would you be willing to make such a sacrifice for the future of your country?!? Then please respect those who are willing to do that.
- Yasi, Washington DC
It really disgusts me reading some of the comments that people post on these articles.
People like Farzaneh are fighting for freedom of the main organisation against the dictatorship of Iran, PMOI.
- Ali Goldasht, London
I wish her well and hope that the problems she and her loved ones are facing are over soon so that she may then return to her home in good health.
- Ellie, Hammersmith, London
On July 28-30, Iraqi forces mounted an attack on Camp Ashraf, a refugee camp housing 3,400 unarmed civilians of the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI). The Iraqis killed 11 people, injured 500, and kidnapped and tortured 36 others. Footage shows Iraqi police beating defenceless people with electric batons, metal bars, planks of wood, daggers, axes, sound grenades, water cannons, and live ammunition and running some of them over with armoured vehicles.
Dear ,
Last Saturday event was a moving experience, many concerned people showed up and networked promising to take the message to their friends and expand the public awareness campaign to a wider audience.
Our humanitarian campaign for saving the lives of refugees in camp Ashraf has raised the issue with many people across the globe but not enough to keep Iraqi forces out of the camp and release the 36 abducted persons yet. We have to keep up the work.
I wrote to thank you for your concern and sharing your thoughts, prayers, and some friends with time and financial support to keep this humanitarian campaign moving forward.
As you know 12 prominent member of the Iranian community in Britain are continuing their hunger strike. Mrs. Farzaneh Dadkhah, one of the hunger strikers, was rushed to hospital yesterday. She is in intensive care unit right now. Today's Evening Standard article.
The Hunger strikers have vowed to continue until the threat of massacre is gone and Iraqi forces leave the camp. They urge the United Nations establishes a monitoring team in camp Ashraf. The US government with 150 thousand military personnel in Iraq is responsible and has legal obligations to see this happening according to the fourth Geneva conventions article 45.
I wrote to ask you to add your voice to ours by writing a letter to authorities to pay attention to this humanitarian catastrophe about to happen.
We have a letter writing campaign with the following aims:
1- Write to Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Secretary of State Rt. Hon. David Milliband
We would like him to urge Foreign Secretary to use its powers and authorities to ask American government to act and provide assurances that the Ashraf residents are protected. Please send CC of your e-mail to Mr. Ivan Lewis, MP who is minister of State for the Middle East.
Email for Rt. Hon. David Milliband, Foreign Secretary: milibandd@parliament.uk
Email for Mr. Ivan Lewis, Minister of State for the Middle East: ivanlewis@burysouth.fsnet.co.uk
2- Write to President Obama directly
We would like to urge him that the US Forces in Iraq provide immediate protection for the Ashraf refugee camp until the United Nations take over the security and establishes a monitoring team.
You can send him an Online message at the following link:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/
Please be courteous in your letters and positively urge them to respond as soon as possible.
If you receive a response or hear anything forward it to me so I can inform other friends.
Thank you again for your caring support. Together we can end this horrific experience soon. Please help us and write today.
Yours Sincerely,
Azad
Mobile: 078 1767 5423
Last weeks Rally report follows; please note that this coming Saturday, 5 September at 6:00 p.m. we have another rally with new presentations and news update. It is free to attend.
Iranians in London rally demand release of 36 detained Camp Ashraf residents
Hundreds of Iranians gathered outside the US Embassy in London on day 33 of a hunger strike by a dozen Iranians who are calling on the US authorities to prevent a further massacre of their relatives at Camp Ashraf, Iraq.
Following a judgment Monday by an Iraqi court ordering the release of 36 detained Camp Ashraf residents who were abducted following a savage attack by Iraqi forces against a group of 3,400 unarmed Iranian refugees, the demonstrators called on US authorities to now immediately intervene and initiate the release of the 36 residents who are illegally in detention.
Proceedings began with a speech by Martha Jean Baker who spoke from her position as a member of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Mrs Baker said, “What happened on the afternoon of 28 July to unarmed men and women in the confines of a refugee camp was nothing short of a crime against humanity”. She further called on the US and UK governments alongside the UN to intervene immediately to prevent further such criminal acts.
Next Jonathan Fryer, Liberal Democrat candidate for European Parliamentary elections, 
added his support to the demonstration stating, “The US authorities have a duty to intervene and protect the Camp Ashraf residents.” Mr Fryer congratulated the bravery of the hunger strikers and announced his belief that 30 years of struggle in Iran will succeed.
The demonstrators then proceeded to a local church where a ceremony of prayers and candle-lighting took place. Prayers were held for the 36 detained residents as well as the hunger strikers.
On their return to the US embassy, Lady Slynn, wife of the late Lord Slynn of Hadley whose efforts guaranteed the ‘protected persons’ status of the Camp Ashraf residents, addressed the crowd. In a message to the US and UK authorities Lady Slynn stated, “Is this why you went to war in Iraq? To bring to power a dictatorial regime that gets its orders from the mullahs in Iran.”
Lord Clarke of Hampstead in a statement to the demonstration said, “The United Nations now alongside the US and UK authorities have a duty to bring about the immediate release of the detainees and initiate their return to Camp Ashraf.”
Mr John Cowan, Labour parliamentary candidate for southeast Cambridgeshire, reiterated the demands of the demonstrators in stating that, “The United Nations must set up an immediate and full-time presence within Camp Ashraf to guarantee the safety of the unarmed residents.”
Rev. O’Halpin told the gathering: “The people of Ashraf have been struggling for freedom and equality. ... Those who are guilty of crimes against the people in Ashraf must be brought to justice. Proper protection must be given to the people in Ashraf”.
In conclusion, the demonstrators held a candle-lit vigil around Grosvenor Square in remembrance of the Camp residents who lost their lives and the 36 detained residents whose lives are in imminent danger following the continuation of a 33-day hunger strike.
The demands of the hunger strikers:
1. Iraq must immediately release the 36 people taken hostage and withdraw its forces from Camp Ashraf.
2. A UN-designated international force must take up protection of Ashraf residents, and UNAMI must urgently station a team of monitors in the camp.
3. US forces must temporarily assume protection of Ashraf until a UN-designated force can be established there.
Background
On July 28-30, Iraqi forces mounted an attack on Camp Ashraf, a refugee camp housing 3,400 unarmed civilians of the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI). The Iraqis killed 11 people, injured 500, and kidnapped and tortured 36 others. Footage shows Iraqi police beating defenceless people with electric batons, metal bars, planks of wood, daggers, axes, sound grenades, water cannons, and live ammunition and running some of them over with armoured vehicles.
Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders, the Law Society, the Bar Human Rights Committee, the World Organisation Against Torture, the International Federation of Human Rights and other leading NGOs have strongly condemned the massacre.
See this link for footage of the Iraqi police’s crime against humanity at Camp Ashraf: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CJxMaN4C4A (7 minutes)
http://www.iranfocus.com/en/iraq/iran-s-hand-is-seen-behind-camp-massacre-18440.html
About Iran Focus
Iran Focus is a non-profit news service provider that focuses on events in Iran, Iraq and the Middle East. With a network of specialists and analysts of the region and correspondents and reporters in several countries, Iran Focus is able to provide fast and reliable news and analysis on the political, social and economic situation in the region.
Iran Focus is dedicated to providing comprehensive, up-to-date information and news on the Persian Gulf region in a fair and balanced manner. We provide a wide array of daily news, weekly and special feature packages, commentary, news analysis, and investigative reporting. Through editorial initiatives and access to intelligence sources, our stories offer an insight into the complex situation in the Persian Gulf region that is indispensable to scholars, journalists, politicians, business people and all those interested in this sensitive part of the world.
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http://www.david-kilgour.com/2009/Aug_16_2009_01.php
End Camp Ashraf Nightmare
By Hon. David kilgour
Parliament Hill Public Demonstration
Ottawa
15 August 2009
On July 28, at the request of Iran's regime, Iraqi security forces attacked unarmed refugees at Camp Ashraf, using guns, axes, clubs and American-made Humvee armored vehicles. The camp is home to 3,400 members of the main Iranian opposition, the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). The attack left nine people dead and 500 injured; 36 have been taken hostage by Iraqi forces. American soldiers were present on the scene but did not prevent the massacre. Iraq's security forces, whose cruelty and brutality have shocked the world's conscience, are still stationed in Ashraf and can at any time commit further crimes. They clearly hope to obliterate Ashraf and its residents.
All Ashraf residents surrendered their weapons to US forces in 2003 and signed an agreement with US forces, stipulating in part that the Americans accepted the responsibility to protect them until the determination of their final status. In February 2009, Ashraf's protection was transferred to Iraqi forces. Before that, numerous parliamentarians, jurists and human rights organizations, who in light of the Iranian regime's influence within the al-Maliki government predicted such crimes, called on the US government to avoid transferring the protection. All of the residents stressed in private interviews with American forces in August 2008 that they would have no security if their protection were to be transferred to Iraq. None of these warnings were heeded.
Accurate news is difficult to obtain as journalists cannot enter Ashraf. Lawyers who want to visit clients are not being given visas to enter Iraq. After two weeks, Iraqi officials will still not allow residents to bury those who were killed in the attack. In extremely hot weather and with poor electricity, it is simply inhuman not to allow bodies to be buried.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International has recently (Aug 11th) voiced concerns about the detained residents of Ashraf. The key points of AI's statement:
--Thirty-six Iranian residents of Ashraf remain at risk of being forcibly returned to Iran where they could face torture or execution.
--At least eight residents were killed and many more injured during the raid. At least seven are said to need urgent medical care.
--Following the raid, 36 were taken to a police station inside the camp before being transferred to a police station about 25 km south of Ashraf.
--According to reports, the detainees were told to sign documents written in Arabic by those detaining them, but refused to do so. They have also sought access to lawyers, so far unsuccessfully.
Reporters Without Borders (RWB)
Reporters Without Borders (RWB) condemned the government of Iraq for detaining journalists for trying to cover the operations by the Iraqi army inside Ashraf. Eight Iraqi journalists working for local and international media were denied entry to Ashraf on August 1 and, the following day, several journalists were detained for four hours and their equipment was temporarily confiscated. At no time since the start of the Iraqi army's siege of the camp on July 28 have journalists been allowed into the area to film or to interview families and victims.
"It is clear the Iraqi authorities are ensuring that no reports or images emerge from Camp Ashraf but, in so doing, they are showing they have something to hide," RWB said. "This situation is unacceptable. The army must allow journalists to do their job in the camp, so that the world can know what is happening there."
(http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4a7fdcbdc.html).
US State Department
On August 12th, a transcript of the State Department's regular news briefing has Philip Crowley, Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, saying about Ashraf:
QUESTION:
''That Iranian exile group, MEK, is accusing the United States of failing to live up to some written commitments to look after its people's interests at the -- at their camp in Iraq. Anything to say about that?''
CROWLEY:
''Well, we think that the outbreak of violence at Ashraf was an avoidable tragedy. We certainly understand and -- and -- you know, and support efforts by the Iraqi government to extend its sovereignty into the camp. I think even the Iraqi government would -- would acknowledge that that effort, while understandable, you know, was not necessarily executed as it should have been. "
No comment seems necessary about Crawley`s assessment.
David Matas
At a press conference on August 11 at the Press Club de France in Paris, David Matas, one of Canada's best-known lawyers and my colleague on the International Commission of Jurists in Defence of Ashraf from Canada, said:
''Iraqi police on July 28, 2009 attacked the residents of Camp Ashraf, killed nine, kidnapped thirty six and wounded hundreds. The American armed forces, who were present, videoed the attack, but did nothing else. They did not object during the attack or after. They did not make a public statement about what they had witnessed. They did not release the videos they had taken.
''US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, when asked at a press conference in Washington DC, the day after the attack on Camp Ashraf about the attack the day before, said:
'And although the U.S. Government remains engaged and concerned about this issue, it is a matter now for the Government of Iraq to resolve in accordance with its laws'."
''The United States, elsewhere in the world, condemns violations of human rights. It should do no less in Iraq when the violations occur in front of its own armed forces.
''I expect and hope that the US would take note of and censure grave violations of the human rights of the residents of Camp Ashraf. But now that is not happening. We have to find others in the international community who are able and willing to do what the United States is not doing.
''I came from Canada this morning. Tomorrow I intend to go to Geneva where I hope to meet with officials from the Red Cross and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to ask if they could send observers immediately to Camp Ashraf. I would hope that observers would be present in the Camp and not, like the Americans, outside.
"Because the Iraqi police have attacked the residents of Camp Ashraf with impunity, an international presence is necessary to put a brake on their cruelty. An international presence, which can report publicly and objectively on what is happening in the Camp, will, I believe, serve to restrain the behaviour of the Iraqi police.''
Conclusion
David Matas has voiced what any fair-minded Iraqi, Canadian, American or resident of any rule of law country would say about the nightmare continuing at Ashraf as we meet here under the peace tower on Canada's Parliament Hill. Those who hear what is said here today must resolve to act reponsibly, whether in Baghdad, Ottawa, Washington or any other capital, where human dignity counts.
The criminal operation against Ashraf residents, who are all “protected persons” under the Fourth Geneva Convention, was carried out at the request of the Iranian regime’s Supreme Leader.
All of us here , in solidarity with others demonstrating today in more than a hundred cities around the world, are seeking:
1. Iraqi forces must immediately withdraw from Ashraf; David Kilgour is currently chair of the Latin America and Caribbean policy working group of the Ottawa branch of the Canadian International council, a Fellow of the Queen's University Centre for the Study of Democracy and a director of the Washington-based Council for a Community of Democracies (CCD). First elected in 1979 in the riding of Edmonton Strathcona, he was re-elected seven times, most recently in 2004 to represent the constituents of Edmonton - Mill Woods - Beaumont. During his time in Parliament he was Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committees of the Whole House, Secretary of State for Latin America & Africa, and Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific. He did not stand in the 2006 election. Biography David Kilgour is currently a Fellow of the Queen's University Centre for the Study of Democracy and a director of the Council for a Community of Democracies (CCD). He was one of the two longest-serving MPs in the House of Commons for the 38th Parliament. First elected in 1979 in the riding of Edmonton Strathcona, he has been re-elected seven times, most recently in 2004 to represent the constituents of Edmonton - Mill Woods - Beaumont. Since Confederation, only two Alberta MPs have served longer terms. In the 38th Parliament, David was Chair of the Canada-ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast; co-chair of the All-Party and Multi-Faith Committee on Religious-Cultural Harmony and the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet; and Canadian Chair of Parliamentarians for Global Action. David was born in 1941 in Winnipeg. While studying at St John's Ravenscourt School, he won the Governor General's medal, and later completed a B.A. in Economics at the University of Manitoba and an L.L.B from the University of Toronto in 1966. After being set up on a blind date, David married Laura Scott in 1974. They have four grown children. Early Beginnings After graduating from high school, David worked as a ranch hand at the A-7 Ranche in the foothills of southwest Alberta. While at university, he pursued a wide variety of career options, including becoming a trail rides guide in Banff National Park, a copy writer for the Winnipeg Free Press and a labourer-teacher on a steel gang with Frontier College in northern Ontario. David's interests in recreational activities also started early in life. While studying law at the University of Toronto, he was a member of the Varsity Blues Boxing Team. He has played many sports, including hockey, football, skiing and jogging. Professional Career As a lawyer, David was admitted to practice in Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba. After graduating from law school, he articled with a Vancouver law firm and then worked as an assistant city prosecutor for the city of Vancouver. He also had his first attempt at running for public office in the federal riding of Vancouver Centre in the 1968 election, losing to incumbent Liberal Ron Basford. Following the '68 election, David went to work for the federal Department of Justice in Ottawa and later became Crown Attorney for the Dauphin Judicial District in Manitoba. From 1972 to 1979, he served as a senior agent of the Attorney General and a constitutional advisor to the Government of Alberta, a position he held until being elected to the House of Commons in the spring of 1979. Life in the House During his almost 27 years of service in the House of Commons, David held a wide variety of portfolios, including Parliamentary Secretary to the Government House Leader, the Minister of External Relations, the Minister of Indian Affairs and the Minister of Transport. His career has been marked by tough decisions and having to stand up for his beliefs. In April of 1987, he was dismissed as Parliamentary Secretary by then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney for criticizing his government's ethics and its treatment of Western Canadians. Three years later, after voting against the Goods and Services Tax, was expelled from the Conservative caucus. He briefly sat as an independent Progressive Conservative before joining the Liberal Party in 1991. After joining the Liberals, he served as Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committees of the Whole House. He then became Secretary of State for Latin America & Africa (1997-2002) and later Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific (2002-2003). He has traveled to over 75 countries and represented Canada abroad on numerous occasions, most recently as a member of the Canadian delegation to Rwanda in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the genocide. In April 2005, he chose to become an independent Member of Parliament and did not stand in the general election of Jan, 2006. Canada and the West A continuing theme in David's political career has been the importance placed upon including Western Canadians in the federal political dialogue. He has always been a strong advocate of representing Western views, even if it means criticizing his own party in the process. He has published two books on the topic of regional alienation: Uneasy Patriots: Western Canadians in Confederation and Inside Outer Canada. David believes in a strong Western presence in Ottawa and has spent his career representing Edmontonians and Albertans generally at the federal table. International Ambassador David also believes in a stronger voice for Canada in the world. He advocates strengthening our human rights commitments and engaging in multilateral peacekeeping and peace-building efforts. He has been instrumental in bringing the situation in countries like Burma, Sudan and Zimbabwe to the forefront of Canadian foreign policy and he works with NGO's from around the world to promote the advancement of human dignity for all. From 1990-1994, he served as the Chair of the Canadian chapter of the International Committee for a Free Vietnam, and he continues to shed light on the plight of political prisoners in Vietnam. In December of 1994, David's efforts to promote human rights in Vietnam were acknowledged by the Committee for the release of Political Prisoners in Vietnam. David is also passionate about Rwanda and ensuring that the atrocities committed there in the mid-90's are never repeated. He counts Gen. Romeo Dallaire as one of his personal heroes and in April 2004 participated in the Canadian delegation sent to the 10th anniversary remembrance ceremonies. David also contributed to La Mission au Rwanda, a book about the aftermath of the genocide, and continues to write on issues of human rights. Community Involvement David has been an active member of the Edmonton community for over 25 years. He received many awards, including the Kaputiman Award from the Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations, Special Award from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (Alberta Provincial Council), and an Outstanding Service Award from the Edmonton Sikh community. He serves on the Board of Directors the Ottawa Mission, a shelter and transition centre for homeless men. Faith Based Issues As a practising Christian, David believes it is important to promote awareness and understanding across and among different faiths. He is a member of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue of Ottawa and received a Religious Liberty Award from the International Religious Liberty Association in Washington, D.C. As Chairman of the Parliamentary Group for Soviet Jewry, he was recognized by B’Nai Brith Canada for his effort and commitment to bringing the plight of the Soviet Jewry to the attention of Canadians. David and his staff were instrumental in helping to organize the 39th Annual National Prayer Breakfast on Parliament Hill, bringing together participants from numerous faiths to celebrate religious harmony. David is also currently working on an all-party motion to recognize the importance that religious harmony plays in our multicultural and diverse society. Committees in the 38th Parliament Chair, Canadian Chapter of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) Chair, Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast Chair, Canada-ASEAN Inter-Parliamentarian Friendship Group Honorary Chair, Canadian Section, International Committee for a Free Vietnam Co-Chair, All-Party and Multi-Faith Committee on Religious-Cultural Harmony Co-Chair, Parliamentary Friends of Tibet ________________________________________________ David Kilgour Born Winnipeg, 1941 Family Married Laura Scott, Edmonton, 1974 Four children Professional Admitted to practise law in Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba A senior agent of the Attorney General and a constitutional advisor to the Government of Alberta, 1972-79 Crown Attorney for Dauphin Judicial District (Manitoba); 1971-72 Senior advisory counsel, Department of Justice, Ottawa, 1968-69 An assistant city prosecutor, Vancouver, 1967-68 Education Doctoral studies in constitutional law, University of Paris, 1969-70 LL.B. - University of Toronto, 1966; in April 2000 the University of Toronto reissued these degrees as Juris Doctor (JD) B.A. - economics, University of Manitoba, 1962 Graduate, St. John’s Ravenscourt School (Governor General’s Medal), Winnipeg, 1958 Other Work Experience Partner, Braebourne Farm, Gunn, Alberta, honey producers, 1975-1980 Journalist, Toronto Daily Star, 1964; copy boy Winnipeg Free Press, summer 1960 International Economics Section, Bank of America, San Francisco, summer 1964 Investment analyst, Citibank, Manhattan, summer 1963 Labourer - teacher, Frontier College, northern Ontario, summer 1961 Trail rides guide, Banff National Park, summer 1959 Ranch-hand, A7 Ranche, Nanton, Alberta, summer 1958 Political Independent Member of Parliament representing Edmonton Mill Woods Beaumont until January 2006 Chair of the Canadian Chapter of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) until January 2006 Chair of the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast until January 2006 Chair of the Canada-ASEAN Interparliamentarian Friendship Group until January 2006 Honorary Chair of the Canadian Section of the International Committee for a Free Vietnam Co-Chair of the All-Party and Multi-Faith Committee on Religious-Cultural Harmony until January 2006 Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet until January 2006 Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific), January 2002-December 2003 Secretary of State (Latin America & Africa), June 1997-January 2002 Appointed Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and Chairman of Committees of the Whole House for the 35th Parliament, January 1994 Joined Liberal Party and appointed Critic for Energy, Mines and Resources, January 31, 1991 Expelled from Conservative Caucus for voting against the Goods and Services Tax, April, 1990 Dismissed as Parliamentary Secretary April 1987 by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney for criticizing ethics and treatment of Western Canadians by his government Parliamentary Secretary to Government House Leader, 1979; to Minister of External Relations, 1984; to Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, 1985; to Minister of Transport, October 1986 Elected M.P. for Edmonton - Beaumont, 2004 Elected M.P. for Edmonton Southeast, 1988; re-elected 1993, 1997 and 2000 Elected M.P. for Edmonton Strathcona, 1979; re-elected 1980 and 1984 Progressive Conservative candidate, Vancouver Centre, 1968 federal election - defeated Other Interests Member, Muslim-Christian Dialogue of Ottawa Board of Directors, The Ottawa Mission (for the homeless), 1988 to present Board of Directors, Ashbury College Foundation, Ottawa, until 2007 Board of Directors and Steering Committee, Canada-Ukraine Legislative Cooperation Project, 1995 - June 1997 Chair, Canadian Chapter, International Committee for a Free Vietnam, 1990-January 1994 Chair, Canadian Parliamentary Group for Soviet Jewry, 1984-86 Writings Author of Uneasy Patriots: Western Canadians in Confederation (1988), Inside Outer Canada(1990), and Betrayal: The Spy Canada Abandoned (1994) and Uneasy Neighbo(u)rs with David Jones (2007). contributor, Christians in the Public Square (1996) contributor, La Mission au Rwanda, Editions Liber, Montreal (1997) Awards Special Award, Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council Masaryk Award, Czechoslovak Association of Canada Human Rights Award, B'Nai Brith Canada Katipuman Award, Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations Outstanding Service Award, Edmonton Sikh Community Religious Liberty Award, International Religious Liberty Association, Liberty Magazine and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Quick Link for your convenience! Whistleblowers Need Protection
2. US forces, must assume responsibility for protecting Ashraf;
3. Lawyers and international human rights organisations, which have been banned for the past seven months, must be allowed in Ashraf;
4. The UN Security Council or Secretary General must send a representative to Ashraf;
5. Those who ordered or perpetrated the brutal attacks and massacre in Camp Ashraf must be prosecuted by an international tribunal for crimes against humanity.
6. The PMOI/MEK must be removed from the list of terrorist organizations in Canada and the US, as was done for good rule of law reasons early this year by all 27 member governments of the European Union.
Thank you.
David Kilgour's Biography
For your convenience, David Kilgour's biography is also given in a shorter Notes format.
David continues to be active in many issues of human rights and international concern. His latest book, Uneasy Neighbo(u)rs, co-authored with David Jones a former American diplomat, discusses the relationship of Canada and the USA in the dynamics of state, industry and culture. His many interests and speeches are well documented on his personal website.
Family
Learn about whistleblowers and the new Federal Accountability Act
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Open Letter to the Prime Minister, Open Letter to Senators, 'Deadly Silence'
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Government lawers prolonging Whistleblower case by abusing procedure: says pre-trial judge
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Whistle-blower faced 10,579 questions -
$6M Lawsuit; Discovery 'taken beyond reasonable limits'
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A Decade Of Torment
http://ncr-iran.org/content/view/6918/1/
"We massacred them in Iraq," Iranian regime tells Camp Ashraf relatives
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Iranian opposition’s Camp Ashraf in Iraq attacked – Statement 42
Intelligence Ministry’s interrogators calling families of Ashraf residents in Iran: We massacred them in Iraq
NCRI - The agents and interrogators of the clerical regime’s Ministry of Intelligence have been calling families of Ashraf residents, members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), inside Iran and telling them: “We have massacred all PMOI members in Ashraf and you heard that Mr. Larijani (speaker of mullahs’ parliament) thanked al-Maliki for it.” By these calls, the Intelligence Ministry is trying to counter the Iranian people’s uprising and break the resolve of families of PMOI members and members of resistance groups inside the country.
Alavi, Mohebi, Reza Arefi and Saeed Sheikhan are among the intelligence agents of the mullahs making these calls. They use dirty words and insults when they call and congratulate people for getting rid of the “Monafeqin” (derogatory term used for the Mojahedin). The regime is trying to put psychological pressure on the bereaved families and warns them not to take part in any protests and demonstrations.
Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
July 30, 2009
http://ncr-iran.org/content/view/27/158/
Overview - National Council of Resistance of Iran
Monday, 13 June 2005
Introduction to the National Council of Resistance of Iran Monday, 16 February 2009 National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a broad coalition of democratic Iranian organizations, groups and personalities, was founded in 1981 in Tehran upon the initiative of Massoud Rajavi, the Leader of the Iranian Resistance. Parliament in Exile Women comprise 50% of the council's members. Five organizations are also members of the NCRI, including the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran, the largest and most popular resistance group inside Iran. Democratic decision-making Six-month provisional government The provisional government will be in power for only six months and its main responsibility is to hold free and fair elections for a National Legislative and Constituent Assembly and to transfer power to the representatives of the people of Iran. President-elect Addressing a rally of 15,000 Iranians in Dortmund, Germany, on June 16, 1995, Mrs. Rajavi announced her Charter of Fundamental Freedoms for future Iran. In June 1996, Mrs Rajavi addressed some 25,000 Iranians at London's Earls Court. National Solidarity Front The Council noted that brightening prospects for overthrow of the regime necessitate ever-greater national solidarity among Iranians; a fact that prompted the NCRI to ratify the formation of the Front. Mrs. Maryam Rajavi described the Front as "a reflection of the most profound democratic yearnings of all the people of Iran, regardless of ideology, belief, religion and ethnicity that transcends all partisan and political interests." She said the Front "embodies the unshakable resolve of the Iranian people to overthrow the mullahs' inhuman regime." Platform Human Rights: Women: Economy: Freedom of Religion: National Minorities: International Relations:
The NCRI has over 500 members, including representatives of ethnic and religious minorities such as the Kurds, Baluchis, Armenians, Jews and Zoroastrians, representing a broad spectrum of political tendencies in Iran. Acting as parliament in exile, the NCRI aims to establish a democratic, secular and coalition government in Iran.
All members of the Council have one vote. All decisions are adopted by a simple majority.
The council's 25 committees form the basis for a provisional coalition government once the mullahs are toppled. Chairing each committee is a prominent political personality who is an expert in the field.
In August 1993, the NCRI unanimously elected Mrs. Maryam Rajavi as President for the transitional period. Her mandate is to oversee the peaceful transfer of power to the Iranian people following the regime's overthrow. Mrs. Rajavi was born in 1953 in Tehran and has a degree in metallurgy. The shah executed one of her sisters, Nargess, and the Khomeini regime murdered another, Massoumeh, who was pregnant at the time. Mrs. Rajavi was a leader of the anti-shah student movement in the 1970s.
In its two-day plenary session in November 2002, NCRI adopted a plan to form the "National Solidarity Front to Overthrow Religious Dictatorship in Iran." The front was designed as a platform to encompass all Iranian republicans who "are campaigning for a democratic, independent and secular regime."
The NCRI pledges to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all international covenants on human rights, including "freedom of association, freedom of thought and expression, media, political parties, trade unions, councils, religions and denominations, freedom of profession, and prevention of any violation of individual and social rights and freedoms."
The NCRI recognizes "the right of women to vote and stand as candidates in all elections, and the right to vote in all referenda," "the right to employment and free selection of profession, and the right to hold any public office, including the presidency or judgeship," "the right to freely choose clothing," and "the right to use, without discrimination, all instructional, educational, athletic, and artistic resources; the right to participate in all athletic competitions and artistic activities."
The council accepts national capitalism and the bazaar, private ownership and enterprise, as well as private investment. It emphasizes the need to utilize the latest scientific and technical achievements and views relations with industrial countries necessary to reconstruct Iran's economy.
The NCRI believes in the separation of Church and State. According to its ratifications, "all forms of discrimination against the followers of various religions and denominations in the enjoyment of their individual and social rights are prohibited. No citizen shall enjoy any privileges or be subject to any deprivations with respect to nomination for election, suffrage, employment, education, becoming a judge or any other individual or social rights, for reason of belief or non-belief in particular religion or denomination."
The NCRI recognizes the rights of all ethnic and national minorities. It has adopted a plan for the autonomy of Iranian Kurdistan, specifying that "the administration of all affairs of the autonomous region of Kurdistan," except for those related to foreign policy, national defense, national security, foreign trade and customs, "fall within the authority of the autonomous organs."
The council's foreign policy is based on independence, respect for the United Nations Charter and international conventions and treaties, good neighborliness, international and regional cooperation and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The NCRI supports the Middle East peace process and is committed to maintaining and protecting peace and tranquility in the region and condemns any aggression and expansionism. The council opposes nuclear proliferation and the production of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.
Plan on Provisional Government's Relations with Religion Monday, 13 June 2005 Adopted: November 1985
The National Council of Resistance of Iran,
- With emphasis on guarantees for the individual and social rights of the people as provided in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights' as for example the right of religious and denominational freedoms and the prohibition of any form of inquisition of beliefs, which are necessary for the preservation of the dignity and worth of human persons.
- With the specification that, in view of the respect it has for all religions and denominations, under no circumstance is any religion or denomination recognized as possessing special privileges or rights, rejecting all forms of discrimination against the followers of different religion and denominations.
Specifies the relations of the Provisional Government of the Democratic Islamic Republic of Iran with religion and denomination within the framework of the programme of the provisional Government and documents previously approved by this Council, as specified below.
1- All forms of discrimination against the followers of various religions and denominations in the enjoyment of their individual and social rights are prohibited. No citizens shall enjoy any privileges or be subject to any deprivations in respect of nomination for election, suffrage, employment, education, becoming a judge of any other individual or social rights, for reason of belief or non-belief in a particular religion or denomination.
2- Any form of compulsory religious and ideological teaching and any compulsion or practice or non-practice of religious rituals and customs is forbidden. The right of all religions and denominations to teach, proselytize, and freely perform their rituals and traditions, and the respect and security of all places belonging to them, are guaranteed.
3- Jurisdiction of judicial authorities is not based upon their religious or ideological stance, and laws not formulated within the legislative institution of the land will have no official sanction or validity.
Together with the abrogation of the rules of qesas (talion), hudud (amputation, stoning, executions, chastisements etc.), ta'zirat (detentions, chastisements etc.) and diyat (religious, penalties) imposed by Khomeini's inhuman regime, and with the dissolution of the so-called revolutionary courts and prosecutors' offices as well the shari'a courts (religious courts) which are included in the immediate tasks of the Provisional Government, judicial process including criminal investigation and settlement of all claims and trials will take place within the single judicial order of the Republic, on the basis of universally recognized legal principles and in accordance with the law.
4- Religious, denominational and ideological inquisitions by government authorities and public institutions associated with government are prohibited in any form.
This declaration, comprising an introduction and four articles, was unanimously approved at the session of November 12, 1985, of the National Council of Resistance.
Plan for Freedoms and Rights of Iranian Women Monday, 13 June 2005 Adopted: April 1987
As with other council ratifications for the post-Khomeini era the declaration specifies the future Provisional Government's plan of action regarding the rights and liberties of women. The articles of the declaration are as follows:
1- The right to elect and be elected in all elections, and the right to suffrage in all referendums.
2- The right to employment and free selection of profession, and the right to hold any public or government position, office of profession, including the presidency or judgeship in all judicial institutions.
3- The right to free political and social activity, social intercourse and travel without the permission of another person.
4- The right to freely choose clothing and covering.
5- The right to use, without discrimination, all instructional, educational, athletic, and artistic resources; and the right to participate in all athletic competitions and artistic activities.
6- Recognition of women's associations and support for their voluptuary formation throughout the country; consideration of special privileges in various social, administrative, cultural, and particularly educational fields in order to abolish inequality and the dual oppression of women.
7- Equal pay for equal work; prohibition of discrimination in hiring and during employment; equal access to various privileges such as vacations, retirement benefits, and disability compensations; enjoyment of child and marital benefits and unemployment insurance; the right to salary and special accommodations during pregnancy, childbirth, and care of infants.
8- Absolute freedom in choice of spouse and marriage, which can take place only with the attainment of legal age is prohibited; in family life, any form of compulsion or coercion of the wife is prohibited.
9- Equal right to divorce; divorce must be processed by a qualified judicial court; women and men are equal in presenting grounds for divorce; child custody and support as well as financial settlements will be determined by the verdict for divorce.
10- Support for widowed and divorced women and for children in their custody; care will be provided through the National Social Welfare System.
11- Elimination of legal inequalities with regard to testimony, guardianship, custody and inheritance.
12- Polygamy is prohibited; under special circumstances, the law would specify the appropriate arrangements.
13- Prohibition of all forms of sexual exploitation of women on any pretext, and abrogation of all customs, laws, and provisions authorizing the father, mother, parent, guardian, or another to bestow a girl or a woman, on the pretext of marriage or other, for sexual gratification or exploitation.
The above declaration was unanimously ratified and signed on April 17, 1987, by all member-organizations and personalities of the National Council of Resistance.
Plan for Autonomy of Iranian Kurdistan Monday, 13 June 2005 Adopted: November 1983
The National Council of Resistance of Iran announces the present plan for securing the autonomy of Iranian Kurdistan in order to secure and strengthen as much as possible the popular sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the national consolidation and unity of the country, and in view of the just struggles of the people of Kurdistan for the provision of democracy in Iran and autonomy in Kurdistan and in order to overcome the double oppression of the oppressed Kurdish nationality.
This plan is capable of being effected within the framework of the program of the National Council of Resistance and the Provisional Government of the Democratic Islamic Republic of Iran and the Immediate Tasks of the provisional Government , and has been specifically drawn up and ratified on the basis of Article 3 of the Immediate Tasks of the Provisional Government, that the anti-popular war waged against the people of Kurdistan must be brought to an end by declaring autonomy for Kurdistan within the framework of Iran's territorial integrity, (and) attempts must be made to eliminate the consequences of this war. The plan shall guide the future actions of the Provisional Government over the autonomy of Iranian Kurdistan. The arrangements and manner of execution of the present plan shall be specified by the Provisional Government of the Democratic Islamic Republic of Iran. The Provisional Government is bound to make the necessary efforts to fulfill this plan.
1- The autonomous region encompasses all of Iranian Kurdistan. The geographical domain of this region shall be determined by reference to the general vote of the people in the region occupied by the Kurds.
2- The legislative organ in the internal affairs of the autonomous region is the Supreme Council of Kurdistan, the members of which shall be elected through free elections with a general, direct, equal and secret ballot.
The general laws of the Republic are binding in the autonomous region. The ratification made by the Supreme Council of Kurdistan must not violate the general laws of the Republic.
3- The administration of all affairs of the autonomous region of Kurdistan, a part from the affairs cited below that are recognized to be within the authority of the Central Government, falls within the authority of the organs of autonomy.
The determination of the highest organs of running these affairs and for monitoring their activities is the responsibility of the supreme Council of Kurdistan.
4- The maintenance of internal security in the autonomous region is the responsibility of the organs of autonomy, which shall organize an appropriate force for this task with observance of Article 2 of the present plan.
5- Affairs related to foreign policy and foreign relations, national security of the Republic and national defense (consisting of protection of the borders, preservation of territorial integrity and unity of the Republic) are within the authority of the Central Government. The Armed Forces in the autonomous region, as in other parts of Iran, do not have the right to intervene in internal security affairs.
6- Affairs related to foreign trade and Customs, determination of the monetary and financial system of the country, execution of the duties related to the Central bank, drafting of the general budget and economic programs that are of national importance or that require considerable investments, are within the authority of the Central Government.
Administration of other economic affairs of the autonomous region fall within the authority of the organs of autonomy.
Exploitation of natural resources and general assets of the country that are of national importance is within the authority of the Central Government and shall take place to the benefit of the entire population of Iran. In the autonomous region of Kurdistan, the organs of autonomy shall assist the central Government to exploit these resources and assets.
7- The Kurdish tongue is the official language for teaching and internal correspondence in the autonomous region, and the right to learn in the Kurdish language is officially recognized for all inhabitants of the region. The Farsi tongue is the official language in the autonomous region as in other region of Iran, and shall be taught in schools alongside the Kurdish language. The Kurdistan autonomous region's administration shall correspond with the capital, with other regions, as well as with the departments attached to the Central Government that are in the autonomous region, in Farsi. All non-Kurdish inhabitants in autonomous Kurdistan are free to practice their own culture and have the right to receive education in their own language.
8- All rights and freedoms stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international covenants related to it, such as the freedom of belief and expression, freedom of the press, freedom of the formation and activity of political parties and organizations, trade, workers and rural unions and councils, democratic associations, freedom to choose occupation and place of residence, and freedom of religion shall be guaranteed in Kurdistan as in other parts of Iran. All inhabitants of Kurdistan, be they women or men, shall enjoy equal social, economic, political and cultural rights, as in other regions of Iran, without any form of sexual, tribal, ethnic or religious discrimination.
9- There is a single judicial system in the Republic and in the autonomous region the courts will deal with claims in accordance with laws of the Republic and also laws passed by the Supreme Council of Kurdistan. The security forces of autonomous Kurdistan, like the security forces of other parts of the country, will act as the bailiffs of the judicial Ministry and are bound to implement the verdicts, orders and arrangements of the courts and judicial authorities.
10- The organs of autonomy are bound to refrain from interfering in the affairs recognized to be within the special authority of the Central Government, and are obliged to assist the Central Government to carry out its duties in the region. In the same manner, the Central Government and its executive organs of autonomy to carry out their duties.
11- The Central Government, in carrying out its duties in securing the rapid progress and development of the backward regions of the country, is charged to allocate a greater share of public revenues to overcome the backwardness of the autonomous region of Kurdistan.
12- The people of the autonomous region of Kurdistan, like the rest of their compatriots throughout Iran, will participate in running the affairs of the country through legal channels and without any form of discrimination.
Nationwide Uprising News
Iran: Corpse of a disappeared young man handed to his family after 36 days by authorities
Friday, 04 September 2009
Nationwide uprising – Statement 158
NCRI – The Social Headquarters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) inside the country has announced the names and details of another 4 detainees of the recent nationwide uprising.
NCRI - Families of the detainees gathered in front of Evin Prison and Judiciary offices of the mullahs’ regime on Saturday and demanded their children be released.
Nationwide uprising – Statement 155
Nationwide uprising – Statement 154http://www.david-kilgour.com/mp/Ugandan%20IDP%20Camps%20&%20Children.htm
Africa's longest running war
1.7 million displaced, 1,000 dying every week
The war in northern Uganda is Africa's longest running war. For more than 20 years the Acholi people of northern Uganda have not known peace but have seen the security, economy and morality of their homelands erode year after year. At the end of 2003, Jan Egeland, the United Nations undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told the BBC: "I cannot find any other part of the world that is having an emergency on the scale of Uganda that is getting so little international attention."
The war began largely as one of a series of uprisings against President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's National Resistance Movement (NRM) and followed in a long series of attempts to seize power by force in Uganda. Since the late 1980's the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), professing a spiritual war against the Ugandan government, seem to have lost any real political aspirations and has preyed upon civilians.
The LRA's principal means of recruiting its forces has been the abduction of children; about 90% of the recruits are children. The LRA is composed of about 3,000 abducted children controlled by a core group of 150-200 officers led by Joseph Kony, about whom little is known with certainty, although he apparently guides the LRA with a kind of apocalyptic mysticism grounded in the Bible. Under Kony's command, LRA forces have been responsible for tens of thousands of rapes, assaults and killings of unarmed civilians. An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 children have been abducted over the years and forced to witness and commit atrocities during the conflict.
Children in an internally displaced persons’ camp, about 240 km north of Kampala, in northern Uganda.
More than 1.7 million northerners have been displaced by the war and live in harsh and often desperate conditions in camps for the internally displaced (IDP). Many of those living in camps were forcibly moved into these camps by the Ugandan army (Ugandan People's Defense Force, UPDF), on the grounds that the displacement was militarily necessary to combat the LRA and to help distinguish civilians from fighters. In certain districts, up to 95% of the population is internally displaced.
Camp conditions have led to acute malnutrition in children and the near-total destruction of social networks, culture and norms. More than 300,000 children under the age of five suffer from malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea and preventable diseases. 1,000 people are dying every week because of this war. Many women and girls are forced to trade sex for basic necessities, obviously contributing to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, the camps are far from secure, in spite of the odd UPDF soldier on guard and the presence of local militias organized for protection.
Whether the conflict ends tomorrow or lingers into the coming years, it is certain that the livelihood, culture and future of the northerners have suffered indescribable damage. The rebuilding process cannot begin too soon; supporting the development of young Acholi leaders and professionals constitutes an essential investment in the future of the region, whatever the political prospects of the region.
The housing situation in an internally displaced persons’ camp.
These people are in desperate need of your help. They need food, clothing and adequate shelter.
Recommended actions to help stop the crisis in N. Uganda
Source : http://www.ugandacan.org/holiday.php
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Introduce and adopt a Security Council resolution dealing with the crisis in northern Uganda.
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Call for tripartite talks between Sudan, Uganda, and DRC to coordinate an effective response to the LRA's presence in the region.
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Expand the mandates of MONUC and UNMIS to cooperate with the ICC in arresting LRA leaders.
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Call on the government of Sudan to end its support for the LRA and to pursue joint military operations with Ugandan and SPLA forces.
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Call on the Ugandan government to hold accountable its armed forces who commit human rights abuses.
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Support the sending of a senior U.N. envoy to contribute to resolution of the conflict and to report regularly to the Security Council on the humanitarian and human rights situation in northern Uganda.
For further information, please contact:
If you wish to donate, please contact:
- Concerned Parents Association
Postal Address: P.O Box 815, Lira, Uganda
Tel: +256-(0)473-20503
Fax: +256-(0)473-20503
Email: cpalira@imul.com
- Unicef
Postal Address: P.O. Box 7047, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256-41-234-591
Fax: +256-41-235-660
Email: kampala@unicef.org
Fire is a common occurrence in these camps and a major threat to people's security and quality of life. (Photo by Dave Greene)
The aftermath of the fire. (Photo by Dave Greene)
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The Darfur Crisis An estimated 400,000 people have already perished directly or indirectly as result of persistent raids by the Janjaweed militia; and over two million now face massive human rights abuses.
In his analysis of September 7th, American academic Eric Reeves notes that there are presently “over 3.2 million ‘conflict-affected persons,’ … current excess mortality in Darfur exceeds 6,000 human beings per month,” and that “without vastly increased international resources, including NATO military personnel, genocide by attrition will continue indefinitely in Darfur”.
"Nothing could burden future operations by the AU Peace and Security Commission more onerously than such a legacy." Useful Links |
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Advocacy Organizations Save Darfur Canada http://www.sdcanada.org/ The Save Darfur Coalition http://www.savedarfur.org/ Genocide Intervention Fund http://www.genocideinterventionfund.org/ Physicians for Human Rights http://physiciansforhumanrights.org/research/sudan/ Amnesty International: The Darfur Crisis http://www.amnesty.org/ Sudan Inter-Agency Reference Group (SIARG) http://activism.ca/wiki/Project_Sudan STAND Canada: Students Taking Action Now: Darfur http://www.standcanada.org/ CASTS: Canadians Against Slavery and Torture in Sudan http://www.geocities.com/castsudan News & Analysis On the Sudan & Darfur Human Rights Watch Backgrounder: Darfur http://www.humanrightswatch.org/backgrounder/africa/sudan/2004/3.htm International Crisis Group: Darfur Reports http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3060&l=1 Sudanreeves.org' http://www.sudanreeves.org/ |
A Central Bank audit has uncovered evidence of fraud and mismanagement which implicates some leading politicians and their business partners
http://www.africa-confidential.com/article/id/3205/After-the-boom,-a-purge
http://www.africa-confidential.com/news
SUDAN | UNITED STATES
An American road to Khartoum
The road to Sudan is littered with the United States' special envoys and the most criticised, Scott Gration, is determined not to join the list of those who failed to persuade the Sudan government to make peace. He may find it easier to convince the rebels. Article Tags: http://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/3211/A-return-ticket-for-security-chief-Salah-Gosh In the eyes of Western intelligence agencies, Salah Gosh was an important figure to cultivate. He was, according to British, French and United States officials, a source of valuable intelligence about terrorist cells planning to attack Western targets. This Western view of Gosh was based partly on his role as liaison officer to Usama bin Laden when the Al Qaida leader lived in Khartoum in the early 1990s and more generally because of his active role in Islamist politics in Sudan and the region (AC Vol 50 No 13). http://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/3217/The-commissioners-of-the-TJRC On 3 August, the government swore in nine commissioners for its Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, including six Kenyans and three foreigners.
http://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/3212/An-American-road-to-Khartoum
United States, Scott Gration, Ethiopia, Bahar Idriss Abu Garda, Abdel Wahed Mohamed el Nur, Abdullah Yahya, Ahmed Abdel Shafi'e, Sharif Harir, Khamis Abdullah Abakr, Abdel Wahed, Khalil Ibrahim Mohamed, Omer Hassan, El Beshir, Ghazi Salah el Din Atabani, Salah Abdullah 'Gosh', Africa Confidential
SUDAN
A return ticket for security chief Salah Gosh
The 13 August move of Lieutenant General Salah Abdullah Mohamed 'Gosh' from Director of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) to Presidential Security Advisor comes at a critical time for the National Congress Party (aka National Islamic Front) regime. President Omer el Beshir is fending off arrest for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court and the party's leading tacticians are determined to secure total victory in national elections and a referendum on the future of the South, both due in the next two years.
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