Ashraf City – human rights and regime change

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has also spoken out strongly against the attacks.

It is time the Australian Government took some action.

I have twice written to Kevin Rudd as Minister for Foreign Affairs to take action on this matter, specifically asking that he call for:

• The immediate withdrawal of Iraqi forces from the vicinity of the refugee camp in Ashraf; and

• The introduction 2 UN observers protected by 50 UN troops.

Similar calls have been made by colleagues in the ALP. The US has consistently said it would provide the troops if there is a UN call for this to happen.

In light of recent events I believe it is also necessary for a representative to the UN Security Council to be appointed to investigate the attack of 8 April 2011 and bring the perpetrators to justice in an international tribunal.

These would be preliminary step in the development of a long-term solution to the refugee crisis in Ashraf City.

Despite these requests and the clear need to protect the 3,400 refugees in Ashraf, including two Australian citizens there has been no response from our Government. It is time for our Government to act to protect our citizens and to protect the vulnerable refugees in Ashraf.