Statement from Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) Human Rights Office

December 28, 2012 at 7:53 pm | Posted in Turkmens | Leave a comment
Tags: ITF Human Rights Office statement, List of HR violations against Turkmens in 2012

The Iraqi Turkmen Front Human Rights Office has recently issued a statement saying that Turkmens who were victims of oppression, forced displacement, assimilation and assassinations since the creation of the Iraqi State continue to be targeted in today’s Iraq.

After the regime change in 2003, the Turkmens, who represent Iraq’s third main ethnic community, had hoped that Iraq would enjoy a new era of democracy and respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, unfortunately this has not been the case.  Turkmen civilians continue to be targeted in today’s Iraq,  their neighbourhoods are destroyed by car bombs and explosive devices that inflict a heavy human toll. Turkmens do not have armed militias and they are therefore very vulnerable.

Turkmen politicians, personalities and scientists are victims of kidnappings, threats and assassinations, which clearly indicates that there  is a plan to wipe out Turkmen presence, history and identity in Iraq.

Turkmens have asked the Iraqi authorities to take the necessary measures to protect Turkmen inhabited areas in the north of Iraq to prevent further killings and threats, but to no avail.

In its statement, the ITF Human Rights Office appeals to civil society organizations, the United Nations Organization and the international community to put pressure on the Iraqi government  demanding that it urgently takes the necessary measures to protect the Turkmens and put an end to the violations of Turkmens’ human rights in Iraq.

The Iraqi Turkmen Front Human Rights Office has issued the following list of crimes committed against Turkmens in Iraq in 2012:

Total number of Turkmen citizens who were murdered during 2012: 46

Total number of Turkmen citizens who were kidnapped during 2012: 12

Total number of Turkmen citizens who were martyred as a result of bombings in 2012: 61

Total number of Turkmen citizens who were injured as a result of bombings in 2012: 329

Total number of Turkmen citizens who were injured as a result of the use of sharp object in 2012: 4

Total number of Turkmen citizens who were injured by gunfire in 2012: 4

Number of Turkmen citizens who were injured as a result of the use of chemicals in 2012: 1

Total number of Turkmen citizens whose homes were destroyed completely as a result of bombings in 2012 : 41

Total number of Turkmen citizens whose homes were partly damaged as a result of bombings and shootings during 2012: 45

Total number of Turkmen citizens whose cars were entirely damaged as a result of the bombings in 2012: 5

Total number of Turkmen citizens whose cars were partly damaged as a result of the bombings in 2012: 32

Number of Turkmen institutions affected by the bombings and arson during 2012: 2