REPORT and RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN « CAMP LIBERTY » (IRAQ)
By: Ad Melkert, former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-‐General for Iraq, January 2015
Note of reference
After having served as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-‐General for Iraq (July 2009-‐September 2011) I have naturally continued to feel intensely involved with the fate and future of the people of Iraq. I am frequently asked to comment on political, economic, social and humanitarian developments and to contribute to policy debate and recommendations.
Among the many issues of concern the arbitrary detention1 of the asylum seekers2 in « Camp Liberty » stands out as a humanitarian urgency: intractable on the surface yet relatively solvable if political will and humanitarian compassion would prevail over political calculation and passivity.
As the end of the year 2014 is nearing the political environment in the region has changed dramatically following the incursion of « Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant » extremists into vast areas of Syria and Iraq. Concurrently the Iraqi parliamentary elections and subsequent changes of Prime Minister, President and Speaker positions have created potential openings for new initiative. Both factors are relevant for the prospects of the « Camp Liberty » residents. On the one hand there is serious concern for mass slaughter in the Camp if ISIL would have the chance to get even closer to Baghdad than they are to date; or by Shi’a militia who have publicly declared allegiance to Iran and are directed by Iran’s Quds Force. On the other hand the reconstruction of national dialogue and cooperation after the polarized years under Maliki should create space for humanitarian initiative and constructive international cooperation.
Against this backdrop and on the basis of many conversations with key people involved inside and outside Iraq I have considered various aspects of the current pressing situation and have elaborated recommendations for action that might help to turn around a lose-‐lose status quo into a win-‐win humanitarian breakthrough.
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