After the War: Report of the KHRP Fact-Finding Mission to Iraqi Kurdistan

This report provides the findings of a KHRP fact-finding mission undertaken to examine the past, present and future human rights situation of the Kurdish population in Iraqi Kurdistan. With a broad remit, this fact-finding mission aimed to collect evidence relating to the political, social and security situation in Iraq since the end of Saddam Hussein's regime, and to review the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the future of the Oil-for-Food Programme, the state of the economy, women's issues, and current human rights awareness.

The report provides a brief historical and political account of the Kurds, from the end of the World War 1 to the aftermath of the 1990 Gulf War. It then assesses the current humanitarian situation and the subsequent NGO activities in the region. The circumstances of Iraq's IDPs were assessed by visits to the UN-HABITAT Housing Project, Takiyeh Camp, Anfal resettlement complex and Chamchamal. Issues such as the legacy of the Anfal campaign and the responsibilities of the occupying power under international law are analysed.

Finally, this fact finding report offers recommendations to the United Nations, the Kurdish regional authorities and to the occupying powers. These are based on both preliminary research undertaken in London, and on the findings of the fact-finding mission in Iraqi Kurdistan. (ISBN No. 1 900175 66 5)