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Parliamentary question - P-004387/2016Parliamentary question
P-004387/2016

VP/HR — Human rights violations and 50 000 hostages in Fallujah

Question for written answer P-004387-16
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Ilhan Kyuchyuk (ALDE)

In 2014, Fallujah was the first Iraqi city to fall to Daesh. For more than two years its citizens have been living in a world full of prohibitions and regulations, with ‘good’ conduct opposed to ‘bad’ conduct on the basis of strict Sharia law. Under the brutal rule of Daesh the people of Fallujah have been living in endless fear and violence, with cruel public punishments, torture and public executions. Unfortunately, the life of civilians is now becoming even worse, with the siege and ongoing offensive launched by Iraqi forces and Shia militias against the Daesh‐ held city. According to various sources, Islamic State is holding 50 000 civilians in the centre of the city as hostages and human shields. Those who refuse to fight for the jihadists or to be moved to the city centre are being executed. Meanwhile, Iraqi forces are conducting an indiscriminate bombardment of Fallujah, killing large numbers of civilians and forcing a huge exodus of thousands of desperate citizens from the besieged city. Civilians trapped in the middle of the battle are risking their lives to escape the city.

1. What actions will the VP/HR take to protect the lives of the 50 000 hostages in the centre of Fallujah?

2. Could the VP/HR ensure the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance to civilians in Fallujah?