Statement of Support for the Rights of Kurdish Iranian Activists and Political Refugees in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region
The Platform of Kurdish Human Rights Monitoring in Iran, which includes Hengaw and five other organizations, condemns the forced relocation of certain Kurdish political parties in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as the recent extradition of a Kurdish political refugee to Iran. The platform expresses serious concern over these actions, calling for the protection and safeguarding of refugees’ rights and adherence to international human rights principles.
The full text of the statement is as follows:
September 7, 2024
We, the undersigned organizations of this statement, express our deep concern about the alarming and dangerous situation of political refugees, members of Kurdish Iranian political parties, and their families residing in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. These individuals have recently been forcibly and under pressure relocated from their homes in Zergwez, near the city of Sulaymaniyah, to a camp in the Sourdash district, within the federal region of Iraqi Kurdistan.
This relocation, which follows a security agreement between the governments of Iraq and Iran, raises serious concerns about the protection of their fundamental rights as civilians and political refugees.
We reaffirm that these refugees and their families, in accordance with international law, especially the Geneva Convention relating to the status of refugees, have the right to protection, a dignified life, and respect for their personal integrity.
We strongly condemn the handover of Behzad Khosravi, a Kurdish refugee and member of a Kurdish party, to Iranian authorities by the security services of Sulaymaniyah. We also express our concern for his well-being.
The situation of Kurdish Iranian refugees and political activists in the Kurdistan region requires urgent intervention. It is imperative not only to protect their rights but also to ensure that they are not used as pawns in political games or regional security agreements.
As a platform of non-governmental organizations monitoring Kurdish human rights in Iran, we urgently call upon the Iraqi government, the authorities of the Kurdistan region, and the relevant stakeholders to:
Ensure the safety and protection of all civilians, especially women and children, displaced to the Sourdash camp. It is crucial that their basic rights are respected and safeguarded in this new camp.
Provide international protection to members of Kurdish Iranian political parties and their families, as political refugees, against any threats to their physical or psychological safety. We urge the authorities to respect their status as political refugees and to ensure that they are not endangered due to security agreements.
Urge all relevant parties, particularly the security agencies of the Kurdistan region, to treat these refugees responsibly and to respect their human rights and dignity.
We reaffirm our support for the civilian population and Kurdish political refugees who have been forced to seek refuge in the Kurdistan region due to pressure from Iran. We will continue to closely monitor the situation of those displaced in the Sourdash camp and maintain communication with international organizations.
Platform of Civil Organizations for Monitoring Kurdish Human Rights in Iran, composed of:
Hengaw Organization for Human Rights
Hana Human Rights Organization
WorldKurd Organisation
Center of Reporters for Human Rights in Iranian Kurdistan
Centre Zagros pour les Droits de l’Homme (NGO in consultative status ECOSOC)
