CPTnet
November 27, 2003
IRAQ: CPT distributes leaflets to coalition forces asking them to respect
human rights

Wednesday and Thursday, 26 and 27 November 2003, the Christian
Peacemaker Team (CPT) in Iraq will distribute human rights leaflets to
Coalition soldiers in the Adhumiyah and Karrada districts of Baghdad. CPT
Iraq members will hand leaflets to soldiers at military bases, checkpoints
and patrols throughout these areas.

The leaflets, printed in both English and Arabic, encourage Coalition
soldiers to abide by international human rights law in their interactions
with Iraqi citizens. The leaflets cite passages of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Conventions, and the Coalition
Provisional Authority office for Human Rights and Transitional Justice.

Over the past several months, CPT Iraq has documented numerous human
rights violations of Iraqi citizens at the hands of Coalition Forces.
Most of these violations have taken place during house
raids, detentions, and at security checkpoints.

In addition to the harm done to Iraqi citizens, CPT Iraq is also concerned
that these injustices lead to Iraqi frustration and anger which in turn
fuel support for armed attacks against Coalition soldiers. The leaflet
asks soldiers to consider both the legal and safety consequences which can
result from their actions.

In the days and weeks to follow, CPT Iraq members will continue this
leafleting campaign in other districts of Baghdad as well as other
locations throughout Iraq.