|
The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO)
is deeply concerned about the recent arrest and detention of four Ahwazi women
with their children, being held in Iranian custody. They are feared
to be prisoners of conscience, due to their family relation with Ahwazi political
activists. UNPO has appealed to the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran;
His Excellency, Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei Leader of the Islamic Republic;
Ayatollah Shahroudi, Head of the Judiciary; and to European and UN human rights
bodies.
Background
On 27 February 2006, Mrs. Sakina Naisi (40) was arrested and
put in Sepidar Prison. She was three months pregnant at the time of arrest.
Her treatment and possible torture eventually led to a forced abortion. On 8
March 2006, Mrs. Masouma Kaabi (28) and her son Aimad (4) were arrested and
imprisoned in Sepidar. On 31 March 2006, Mrs. Hoda Hawashem (24) with her sons
Ahmed (4) and Osameh (2) were arrested and are being held at an unknown location.
Furthermore, Mrs. Soghra Khudayrawi with her son Zeidan (4) were arrested on
an unknown date, and are also being held in Sepidar prison.
By holding these Ahwazi children in custody Iran, as a ratifying
state to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is breaching both Article
19 and Article 37 of the said convention. Additionally, the imprisonment of
the wives and children of political activists without charge is a breach of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights including Articles 3, 5, 9, 10, 18
and 19.
UNPO has called upon the Government of the Islamic Republic
of Iran to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of these women and
children; to ensure their safety, that they are free from torture and ill-treatment
whilst in detention as well as being given immediate access to lawyers of their
own choosing; and urged Iran to adhere to its obligations in accordance with
international Human Rights Standards.
|
