URGENT INTERNATIONAL APPEAL: SAVE LIVES BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE
Every Political Refugee Has the Right to Live in Safety
The Save Iranian Refugees Campaign issues this urgent appeal to the United Nations (UNHCR, OHCHR, Human Rights Council), the European Union, the Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), international trade unions, and human rights organisations worldwide.
THE CRISIS
Hundreds of Iranian political refugees in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are in imminent danger. Fleeing systematic persecution, torture, and the threat of execution in Iran, they now face an environment of growing insecurity. The Islamic Republic of Iran has intensified pressure on the KRG to remove or hand over these individuals. Any forced return (refoulement) would expose them to arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and execution.
VULNERABILITY
Today, women, young people, and families face the greatest risks, enduring poverty, discrimination, and social hostility.
We refuse to witness another tragedy like Ghazal’s. A 16-year-old member of an Iranian Kurdish opposition movement, Ghazal died after being denied timely medical care in an atmosphere shaped by political fear.
OUR URGENT DEMANDS:
1. Stop Deportations: Prevent any extradition or forced return to Iran.
2. Guarantee Safety: Ensure the immediate protection of all refugees in the KRI.
3. Emergency Resettlement: Call on UNHCR to establish an emergency pathway for those at immediate risk.
4. Protect the Vulnerable: Provide immediate support for women and children.
5. International Monitoring: Deploy independent human rights monitoring mechanisms.
6. Public Guarantee: Demand the KRG publicly commit to the principle of non-refoulement.
JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
We invite trade unions, political parties, and people of conscience to endorse this appeal. Support us by signing this statement, and sharing and contacting your governments.
