Defend Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers
IFIR - 02.04.2003 16:15
Sign petition defending Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers. To sign, go to  http://www.petitiononline.com/IFIR/petition.html.
With the start of the USA-led war against Iraq on Thursday 20 March, we have been witnessing the unfolding of a human tragedy. Everyone knows that the first victims of this war are and will be the innocent people of Iraq. Many are becoming displaced and will be forced to flee. It is estimated that the war will result in one and a half to two million refugees and 3 million displaced persons. But where will they go to? Countries neighbouring Iraq, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, have closed their borders. Also Western countries with the support of the UNHCR are freezing Iraqi asylum applications in order to facilitate deportations once the bombings have stopped. The UNHCR, which has the direct responsibility of protection and providing assistance, has not prepared itself for the unfolding disaster.
Defending the lives and rights of those fleeing this war is the task of the anti-war movement and progressive people everywhere. The only hope of the people of Iraq and Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers is the worldwide protest and the pressure exerted by millions. This force and movement must demand the following:
1. Stop the war and slaughter of the Iraqi people immediately.
2. Open all borders to Iraqi refugees. Closing of borders by any government is a crime. No group or government can prevent the movement of refugees.
3. Recognise the right to asylum for all Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers.
4. Stop all deportations to Iraq and the region.
5. Provide necessary food, shelter, health care and sanitation to Iraqis, refugees and internally displaced via non-governmental agencies.
6. Transfer 100,000 refugees in Iraq, including Iranians, to safe places.
The International Federation of Iranian Refugees (IFIR) calls on groups and individuals to defend Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers and demand the above. IFIR has set up an Emergency Unit on Iraqi Refugees headed by Farshad Hoseini. For more information on the Unit, contact Farshad Hoseini, +31 613940534,  farshadhoseini@yahoo.com.
* Sign petition defending Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers. To sign, go to http://www.petitiononline.com/IFIR/petition.html.
 E-Mail: www.hambastegi.org  Website: http://ifir@ukonline.co.uk
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