By Shane Bentley
PARRAMATTA — The International Federation of Iraqi Refugees has launched a campaign to protest against the rejection of applications for asylum from Iraqi Kurds by European governments. These governments claim that Iraqi Kurdistan is safe, which makes Iraqis and Kurds ineligible for asylum.
The federation disputes the governments' claims. Saddam Hussein's army still launches attacks in northern Iraq and hundreds of oppositionists were captured or killed when the Iraqi army attacked the city of Arbil in October 1996.
Much of the area is controlled by the Kurdish nationalist parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. Thousands have been killed in the civil war between these groups. Both the KDP and PUK continue to persecute, imprison and assassinate opposition leaders.
Islamic groups supported by Iran and Saudi Arabia have bombed cultural centres and cinemas, ordered fatwa (death sentences) against political opponents and murdered many activists from the workers' and communist movements.
Last November, the Turkish government invaded northern Iraq with 30000 troops. The Iranian military has also bombed the area many times in an attempt to kill members of the Iranian opposition.
The conditions in northern Iraq have forced thousands of people to flee. Many of them are waiting for asylum in refugee camps in Germany, Holland, Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland. Some now suffer psychological problems, while others have committed suicide after waiting in vain for asylum.
The federation strongly condemns these European countries' statement that Iraq is safe and is asking for support in its campaign for asylum rights for Iraqi Kurds. You can help by faxing letters of protests to the embassies of Germany (02) 6270 1951, the Netherlands (02) 6273 3206, Denmark (02) 6273 3864, Sweden (02) 6270 2755, Switzerland (02) 6273 3428 and the European Commission (02) 9273 4445 in Canberra. Please send copies to the federation by fax to (02) 9687 9990 or by e-mail to <ammer@tig.com.au>.