UN strongly condemns attack on Iranian exiles camp in Iraq

The United Nations has strongly condemned the attack that occurred Thursday evening on a camp located near Baghdad International Airport that houses over 2,100 Iranian exiles and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

The attack on Camp Hurriya (Camp Liberty) left at least 26 residents dead and many more wounded, and also reportedly caused casualties among the Iraqi Security Forces in the vicinity of the camp, according to a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

“The Secretary-General calls on the Government of Iraq to promptly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. There can be no impunity for such attacks. He reminds the Government of Iraq of its responsibility to provide for the safety and security of the Camp's residents.”

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) also urged the Government “to do its utmost” to abide by its commitments in providing adequate security for the residents of the camp and to launch an independent investigation into the killings.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) noted that the authorities have evacuated the injured to Baghdad hospitals, adding that the full extent of the casualties and damage to the camp is still being ascertained.

“This is a most deplorable act, and I am greatly concerned at the harm that has been inflicted on those living at Camp Liberty,” said High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres.

“Every effort must continue to be made for the injured and to identify and bring to account those responsible.”

The residents of Camp Hurriya, many of whom are members of a group known as the People’s Mojahedeen of Iran, are staying there while UNHCR carries out a process to determine their refugee status, and resettle them outside of the country, in line with an agreement signed in December 2011 between the UN and the Iraqi Government.