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Proceeding contribution from David Amess (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 26 April 2011. It occurred during Adjournment debate on Camp Ashraf.


Camp Ashraf

I agree with my hon. Friend, but I would go further. I am most disappointed with the American Government's role in the matter. I am puzzled about a number of aspects, which I shall mention shortly. None the less, I agree with my hon. Friend. I emphasise that the Ashraf residents have resided in the camp for 25 years. They have turned a desert patch into a small town using their own resources and money. The receipts for all their expenses still exist. I turn to the Iraqi Government's position. Iraqi officials claimed that only three residents were killed and that no live ammunition was used during the attack. However, I refer the House to the numerous footages posted on the YouTube website and aired by international television stations, which clearly show Iraqi forces indiscriminately shooting at and running over unarmed residents. In a statement condemning the attack, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights confirmed that, of those killed,"““Most were shot, and some appear to have been crushed to death, presumably by vehicles.””" Simply put, an unarmed civilian population was slaughtered. I shall give my hon. Friend the Minister photographic evidence showing those who were injured in that disgraceful attack. The Law Society's human rights committee confirmed in a statement condemning the attack that, in footage of it, Iraqi security forces were seen opening fire on unarmed residents, while others were ploughed down by heavy military vehicles. The US State Department said in a statement on 8 April that"““this crisis and the loss of life was initiated by the Government of Iraq and the Iraqi military””." That is all well and good, but what is it doing about it? Why was no assistance given by the hospitals, which could have tended the injured? I remind the House that, when the Iraqi Government took over protection of the camp in January 2009, US officials publicly announced that Iraq had given a written assurance to treat the residents humanely and in accordance with Iraq's constitution, laws and international obligations. I have evidence of people being killed or injured, but what are the US Government doing about it?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
527 c46-7WH 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
Subjects
Crimes against humanity Human rights Iraq Violence Iran
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk