CPTnet
30 July 2011
IRAQ URGENT ACTION: Ask Iranian Ambassador, United Nations
to halt Iranian bombings, incursions into Northern Iraq
Artillery shelling, helicopter strafing, and rocket attacks initiated a month
ago by Iran in the mountainous regions of its border with Iraq have 
steadily
intensified over the past two weeks. Four civilians are dead, twelve
injured, and more than 800 families have been displaced from their village
homes. These attacks not only violate international law and combat zone
limitations but also destroy Kurdish communal life and harvests from recently
planted fields and gardens.
Informed reports indicate that more than 15,000 additional Iranian soldiers
have arrived along with about 200 officers from the Turkish army to further
escalate this campaign. The Iranian military has erected military outposts
inside Iraqi territory to provide surveillance and targeting information, and
Iranian tanks have moved to within striking range of villages.
This conflicted mountainous region has been the home of the Kurdish people for
more than 5000 years. The villagers inherited their way of life from
their ancestors, a way of life that should be protected and passed along to the
children who will follow them.
Opposition is growing to this assault by Iran. The CPT
Iraq team urges its constituency to join its voice with many others to condemn
this tragedy and prevent further disruption and damage and death.
Please contact the Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations and send an
annotated copy of your protest to the United Nations Human Rights Council:
Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations
2 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
iran@un.int
UN Human Rights Council
2 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
civilsociety@ohchr.org
(Sample communication)
The assaults by Iran in the mountainous regions of their border with Iraq is
destroying lives, property, and community. I condemn these brutal actions against the Kurdish people and the human family. Please use the influence of your office to end this senseless disruption.
Sincerely,
