20 January 2024
“No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” European convention on human rights – Article 3
On 18 January 2024, the British parliament approved a controversial bill that would enable the country to deport refugees arriving in the UK to Rwanda. Refugees are people who have fled their countries to avoid conflict, violence, or persecution and have sought refuge in another country. Insecurity, destruction of property and equipment, disruption of essential social services, and widespread breaches of human rights. These refugees often flee their own country via dangerous routes “escaping from danger looking for a safer future”.
The Rwanda asylum plan is an immigration policy proposed by the British government. Anyone who arrives in the UK unlawfully would risk being deported to Rwanda. In other words, people whom the United Kingdom identifies as illegal immigrants or asylum seekers would be relocated to Rwanda to process their asylum and resettlement applications.
This shameful inhumane policy is unlawful; all human beings must be treated in a humane and dignified manner. According to the law, the United Kingdom’s highest court has found that Rwanda is not a safe third country for the government to send asylum seekers. This inhumane Rwanda policy is not supported by the European Court of Human Rights. According to article 33 of the convention relating to the status of refugees: No Contracting State shall expel or return (“refouler”) a refugee in any manner whatsoever to the frontiers of territories where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
The International Federation of Iraqi Refugees – IFIR calls on all freedom loving people, working class, human and refugee rights organisations to keep opposing the UK government’s illegal Rwanda asylum policy.
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In response to the invitation extended by the International Federation of Iraqi Refugees (IFIR), a collective of 39 representatives hailing from various political parties, campaigns, and organizations across 40 nations has convened today. As members of the global community advocating against the ongoing atrocities and genocide inflicted upon the Palestinian people, our assembly, on this day of December 2023, seeks to engage in substantive discussions and exchange of perspectives.
Introduction: The situation unfolding in Gaza transcends the conventional paradigm of warfare; it represents a collective punishment and systematic genocide against the innocent populace, effectively confined within what is now recognized as the world’s largest open-air prison. Orchestrated by the Israeli military and government, with unwavering support from the United States, Britain, and the European Union, this calculated campaign has manifested itself as one of the most egregious and ruthless massacres in human history. The urgency of addressing this humanitarian crisis is underscored by the escalating flames of tragedy that engulf Gaza each passing day.
Our collective endeavours are directed toward redressing historical wounds inflicted upon the Palestinian people: a legacy of injustice, humiliation, occupation, imprisonment, torture, and suppression.
In this pursuit, we, the participants of this panel, align us not only with the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people but also with the imperative of terminating this ongoing tragedy and preventing its recurrence.
The historical Palestinian issue and continuous massacres against Palestinian people must end.
Drawing strength from the global movement defending Palestinian people, and cognizant of the need for independent intervention and political pressure on major powers, governments, and parliamentary entities, we hereby articulate the following demands:
Immediate and sustainable ceasefire, halting the continuous bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
Complete and immediate withdrawal of the Israeli military and forces from Gaza.
Immediate cessation of the economic blockade imposed on the people of Gaza.
Expedited dispatch of essential hospital equipment, medical aid, food, and fuel to Gaza, along with the swift rescue of survivors.
Removal of global censorship in defence of the Palestinian cause.
Immediate and unconditional release of all Palestinian prisoners from Israeli penitentiaries.
Unconditional release of all Israeli hostages.
Immediate evacuation from occupied territories and the safe return of Palestinians to their places of residence and employment.
Immediate demilitarization of the region.
Comprehensive reconstruction efforts in Gaza, supported by international assistance for the return of its inhabitants to their cities, villages, and homes.
Any decision regarding the future of Gaza and Palestine beyond the will of the Palestinian people is unacceptable and has no legitimacy.
This unified declaration underscores our commitment to rectify the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and emphasizes the urgency of global intervention to bring an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
1) Mohammad Alosh
a Member of the politburo of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front
2) Hinada, Seishi
International Coordinator MDS (Movement for Democratic Socialism) Japan
3) Toma HamidMember of central committee in the Worker-Communist Party of Iraq- WPI
4) Barry Weisleder Federal Secretary of Socialist Action / Ligue pour l’Action socialiste in the Canadian state.
5) Jamal Mohsin Member of the politburo of the Worker-Communist Party of Kurdistan
6) Fuad Abdullahi Member of the Central Committee of the Workers -Communist Party Hekmatist (official Line).
7) Pubudu Jayagoda CC member and the educational Secretary of Frontline Socialist Party (based in Sri Lanka).
8) Sawsan Salim Director of Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation -KMEWO
9) Diana Nammi Executive Director of Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation-IKWRO.
10) Karen Johnson Public and Commercial Services Union- PCS activist.
11) Dominic Parsons UNITE Union activist.
12) Dashty Jamal General Secretary of International Federation of Iraqi Refugees IFIR.
13 December2023 IFIR Press release
Yesterday the UK Parliament passed shameful Rwanda Bill
Rishi Sunak UK prime minister succeeded in forcing his inhumane Rwanda policy through the UK Parliament. Despite the Rwanda policy being successfully challenged in the Supreme Court and being against international law. This policy is not supported by the European court of human rights who are against it and managed to prevent previous UK flights to Rwanda.
IFIR condemns this policy, we will continue to challenge and fight this inhumane policy which discriminates against refugees fleeing war. With the support of the working class, refugee rights organisations and freedom loving people we will continue to fight and challenge this discriminatory policy.
Dashty Jamal IFIR Secretary says it was sad and shameful. However, it was expected because conservatives have a majority in parliament and Rishi Sunak pushed some of his party members to support his inhumane bill. This also shows that large numbers of the MPs in parliament don’t represent majority of the people in the UK and are the same people supporting wars around the world. I ask all freedom loving people, working class, human and refugee rights organisations to continue to fight and challenge this shameful policy.
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The panel aims to address the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the Palestinian issue on World Human Rights Day organised by the International Federation of Iraqi Refugees via Zoom on Saturday 16/12/2023.
Time: 16 December 2023 4-pm-7pm (UK GMT)
Link to meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87812664619?pwd=NWxMYUtMczVxNmVKdGZEQmk4MzMvQT09
Meeting ID: 878 1266 4619
Passcode: 423652
Confirmed speakers:
1) Muhammad Alloush
A poet and writer, a member of the politburo and foreign relation Secretary in the of Palestinian Popular Struggle Front
2) Hinada, Seishi
International Coordinator MDS (Movement for Democratic Socialism)
Japan
3) Toma Hamid
Member of central committee in the Worker-Communist Party of Iraq- WPI
4) Barry Weisleder
Chair of the NDP Socialist Caucus, co-editor of Turn Left magazine, Secretary of Socialist Action -Canada. Involved in labour unionism, independent working class political action, and revolutionary socialist politics.
5) Jamal Mohsin
Member of the politburo of the Worker-Communist Party of Kurdistan
6) Fuad Abdullahi
Member of the Central Committee of the Workers -Communist Party Hekmatist (official Line).
7) Pubudu Jayagoda CC member and the educational Secretary of Frontline Socialist Party (based in Sri Lanka)
For more information please contact: 07804891082 or 07720291516
15 November
Today the Supreme Court looked at the Home Office Appeal regarding whether it was legal to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. After reviewing the Home Office documents and many documents from UNHCR and refugee rights organisations. The Court Ruled it was unlawful to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
The International Federation of Iraqi Refugees (IFIR) and an International Organisation of Iranian Refugees held a picket outside the Supreme Court with the slogans Rwanda Policy must be stopped, Asylum Rights are Human Rights, Hands off refugees, and Rishi Sunak shame on you.
Dashty Jamal General Secretary of IFIR said `this is brilliant news from the Spring Court this is a victory for all Human Rights and Refugee Rights Organisations. To not let Human rights be violated. It is shameful that the UK Government has spent a staggering £140 million on this court case so far. I can think of so many better ways that money could have been spent. Processing claims quicker, safer housing for asylum seekers and refugees.
Freedom-loving and peace activists!
Human rights and humanitarian organizations!
After the Palestinian Hamas Movement and Qassam battalions’ military forces launched a surprise air, land, and sea attack on Israeli territories on the 7th of October, under the name of Al-Aqsa Storm resulted in the killing, wounding, and kidnapping of several soldiers and tens of civilians, Israeli government has launched a military operation dabbed Iron Sword against the Palestinian people in the name of revenge against Hamas. In violation of all human principles, it has laid tight economic and military blockade on Gaza. Its army is engaged in mass killing and destruction in Gaza using military jets, helicopters and rockets where thousands of women, children and elderlies have already lost their lives, thousands of people have been displaced and hundreds more trapped under military fire. Thus, Netanyahu government is committing atrocities and creating a humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The innocent workers and toilers of Israel and Palestinian whose lives and security have been endangered for years, are victims of both backward and murderous parties. Therefore, the situation requires a quick reaction from the freedom-loving and civilized people of the world. This situation requires an urgent action by the freedom-loving and civilized people of the world. To confront this situation and its catastrophic consequences, libertarians, human rights organizations, working class, socialist and progressive people must come to the fore to stop Israel’s violations and the destructive military campaign which has been launched with the US and Western countries’ support. People in Gaza need our urgent support and solidarity.
In this regard, International Federation of Iraqi Refugees is calling on the freedom-loving and civilized people of the world to act immediately to stop this war and prevent its consequences by demanding:
1-Immediate stop of the war and bombardment of the civilians’ homes of both sides.
2. Stop the occupation, ethnic cleansing, and mass punishment of the Palestinian people.
3. Immediate lifting of the economic blockade on the Gaza Strip and allowing the United Nations and human rights organizations to come to the rescue of the wounded and displaced people.
4. Stop the US and other countries military mobilization in the region and stop any military and technical assistance to both sides of the war.
5. Immediate release of both parties’ prisoners of war.
International Federation of Iraqi Refugees -IFIR
13/10/2023
IFIR Press Release
8 August 2023
Racist and inhumane housing accommodation for refugees on Bibby Stockholm boat in Portland!Yesterday, the first group of refugees arrived on the boat Bibby Stockholm, as ministers pushed on with the plans, despite a raft of opposition in Portland, Dorset, on Monday, despite local opposition and repeated delays with hundreds more set to be moved to the 222-cabin barge in the coming days.
The Home Office said it plans to move 3,000 people to the barge and military sites by the autumn, and its attempts to convert two former RAF bases and an ex-prison into asylum accommodation are subject to an ongoing legal challenge yet to be heard by the High Court. The governments excuse for the use of the barge and former military bases to house asylum seekers will reduce the cost of hotel bills. Several asylum seekers did not board the barge because their transfers were “cancelled” by lawyers. According to one refugee charity the Home Office is also reportedly considers reviving plans to fly people who arrive by unauthorised means 4,000 miles away to Ascension Island. That’s despite an internal government document which states that many could be infected if there was an outbreak of diseases such as diphtheria on board. Similar diseases, including tuberculosis, scurvy and scabies, have already broken out at RAF Wethersfield in Braintree, Essex. And a man died in Manston processing centre in Kent after contracting diphtheria.The United Kingdom’s decision in Parliament last month to enact a new law granting authorities the power to deport individuals arriving on its shores by boat has raised profound concerns among human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and freedom loving people alike. This regressive and punitive measure not only contradicts humanitarian and international law norms, but also jeopardises the safety and dignity of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge and avoids the UK’s international commitments under the UN Refugee Convention.
Dashty Jamal, Secretary of IFIR, said “accommodating refugees on ships such as Bibby Stockholm is a cruel and inhuman decision. The only way to stop problems with migration is by establishing a borderless world where people have equal rights in a peaceful and creative environment”. Dashty also said “Refugees are being forced to leave their homes and countries and claim asylum in other countries. All human rights campaigners should demand an end to the criminalization and persecution of refugees and asylum seekers.”
People who believe in human rights and want to build a free and equal society should stand up to this barbarism to end human misery. All humans are members of a human society, yet capitalism nations and political institutions have tagged people with identities that only serve to divide them.
Carralyn Parkes, the Labour Mayor of Portland town councillor, has condemned the conditions on the barge being used to house asylum seekers in her local port. She told Sky News. “It’s awful to think that this government, in the twenty-first century, would even consider housing some of the world’s most vulnerable people on a barge in Portland Port,” These victims, who are being placed on the Bibby Stockholm, have endured unspeakable trauma. They require stability and assurance that they are safe. The UK should implement a more effective and humane asylum system that assists people to integrating into the UK community and living in dignity.
The International Federation of Iraqi Refugees (IFIR) calls on all refugee and human rights organisations, trade unions, and people who value freedom to collaborate to develop comprehensive and sympathetic solutions to stop the government from putting refugees on boats where they lack the proper level of freedom to live adequately and sustainably.
We believe that ending this tragedy needs the abolition of capitalism, a system that leaves billions of people in a state of insecurity, starvation, poverty, and conflict.
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Dashty Jamal
Secretary
International Federation of Iraqi Refugees-IFIR
Tel:07856032991 Fax:08712664391
22July2023 IFIR press release
The United Kingdom’s decision in Parliament last week to enact a new law granting authorities the power to deport individuals arriving on its shores by boat has raised profound concerns among human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and freedom loving people alike. This regressive and punitive measure not only violates the principles of compassion and international law but also jeopardizes the safety and dignity of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge and protection.
Signed off by King Charles, the new immigration bill which has been brought into enable the UK Government to forcibly remove asylum seekers arriving via unauthorized small boats, stands in stark contradiction to the UK’s long-standing commitment to upholding human rights and providing sanctuary to those fleeing persecution and violence. The following key points highlight the alarming ramifications of this decision:
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Violation of International Law: The United Kingdom is a signatory to various international treaties, including the Refugee Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which unequivocally assert the right to seek asylum from persecution. By adopting this law, the UK risks violating its obligations under international law and undermining its reputation as a champion of human rights.
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Failure to Assess Individual Circumstances: The new policy disregards the unique circumstances of each asylum seeker, denying them access to a fair and thorough asylum process. This approach neglects the reasons compelling individuals to undertake perilous journeys in search of safety and protection.
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Risk to Safety and Human Lives: Forced returns of asylum seekers without proper assessment expose them to potential harm, including the risk of persecution, torture, and even death in their home countries. It is crucial to ensure that decisions regarding deportations are made with utmost care and consideration of the individuals’ well-being.
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Erosion of Global Cooperation: The UK’s adoption of such a punitive immigration approach could strain diplomatic relations and cooperation with other countries, impacting broader efforts to address the global refugee crisis effectively.
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Impact on Asylum System: The implementation of this law may overwhelm the already burdened asylum system, leading to further delays and inefficiencies in processing genuine refugee claims.
As advocates for human rights and social justice, we strongly urge the UK government to reconsider and repeal this ill-advised law.
Dashty Jamal Secretary of IFIR said “ we implore the authorities to prioritize humane, dignified, and legal avenues for individuals seeking asylum, ensuring fair and impartial assessments of their claims. These refugees come from war-torn countries such as Iraq, Iran and Syria to escape the immense suffering and poverty they have experienced and live a life where they are free to be citizens of a country without fears that they can die at any moment. This barbaric immigration policy not only puts refugees’ lives at risk but also restricts their right to a better life.
International federation of Iraqi refugees-FIR call upon all refugee, human rights organisations, trade unions and freedom loving people to work collaboratively to develop comprehensive and compassionate solutions to address the challenges posed by irregular migration and asylum-seeking.
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