United Nations Radio

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has welcomed the release of members of the people's Mujahedeen Organization of Iran (PMOI), by the Iraqi government.

Iraq

The 36 members of the exiled Iranian opposition group were detained when Iraqi security forces took control of Camp Ashraf in July. Eleven people were killed and dozens wounded during the operation in Camp Ashraf, which is home to some 3,400 members of the PMOI.

Rupert Colville, Spokesperson for the High Commissioner, says the fundamental rights of the Camp's occupants should be respected, including their right not to be forcibly returned to Iran where there was a risk of torture.

"We are urging the Government of Iraq to do its utmost to ensure that Camp Ashraf's population's rights were guaranteed in future while the search for a solution continued at both national and international levels."

The UN Human Rights Agency believes it is important that a long-term solution be found for the residents of Camp Ashraf, either inside Iraq or elsewhere. The agency acknowledges that the past history of several members of this group is a complicating factor, but believes that the status quo is not tenable.

Along with the UN Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), which has been very active in this case, the UN watchdog will continue to monitor the situation over the coming months.

Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations Radio
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