Humanitarian tragedy in Camp Ashraf in Iraq

Dear President Obama,

The current situation in Camp Ashraf in Iraq and the possibility of another humanitarian tragedy require the US to take swift action.

The protection of Camp Ashraf and its 3,400 residents has been under the responsibility of Iraqi authorities since 2009. However, on April 8th, 2011, some 2,500 Iraqi forces penetrated the Camp by using violent means which lead to the killing of 36 residents and caused injury to 346 others.

Several governments including the United Kingdom, Norway as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, subsequently condemned the operation. Mrs. Pillay in a statement emphasized, "there must be an independent inquiry".

Today, it is clear that a similar incident may occur at any time, especially following the Iraqi MP- Maliki announcement that Camp Ashraf will be closed by the end of the year at any price.

A speedy relocation of residents from Camp Ashraf to other locations in Iraq, as planned by Iraqi authorities, will lead to massive bloodbath, which will be US primary responsibility.

The European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Iraq has proposed a plan which has been underway by the Foreign affairs Committee but needs ample time to be effective.

I and my of my friends have started a campaign that will not end till we are reassured by you, Mr. President, that as you suggested many times during you election campaign, you side with Human Rights and those who defend it. This is a humanitarian situation what will rig the promise you had made is not fulfilled.

We therefore ask you Mr. President to:

Compel the Iraqi Maliki to extend his self claimed deadline on the camp and allow the natural process of registration of the residents take place by the UNHCR; and provide the means for the UN to arrange the installation of the Blue helmets needed to provide temporary protection for the UN teams at work in the Camp.

With respect to all values in our fatherland

signed

Mahmood Shargi