GENEVA - December 22 - The Nobel Peace Laureate International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) expressed serious concern today about the raid on and forced closure by Iranian authorities of two Tehran-based non-governmental organizations run by Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi. The Center for Participation in Clearing Mined Areas helps mine victims in Iran, and the Defenders of Human Rights Center reports on human rights violations in Iran, defends political prisoners and supports their families. The ICBL asks for a reopening of the two offices as soon as possible and for the protection of the activists who selflessly dedicate themselves to assisting the most vulnerable. 

On 21 December 2008, uniformed and plainclothed agents raided the offices, filmed the premises, made an inventory, and forced the members to leave before indefinitely shutting down the offices, reported Narges Mohammadi, the Defenders of Human Rights Center's spokesperson, cited today in a Human Rights Watch press release. Dr. Ebadi was briefly taken into custody. No explanations were given for the raid, which was conducted without warrant.

"Mine clearance and assistance to mine victims are essential to building safer communities. Attacks on and forced disruptions of the life-saving work of victim assistance organizations is highly disturbing," said Sylvie Brigot, Executive Director of the ICBL. "The work carried out by Dr. Ebadi's organizations benefits the Iranian population and should be safeguarded. We call on the Iranian authorities to ensure these organizations are able to freely conduct their humanitarian work," she added.

Landmines and explosive remnants of war are a deadly threat in Iran, affecting particularly the provinces of Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, Khuzestan, Kermanshah and Ilam in the west and southwest of the country. According to the ICBL's Landmine Monitor Report 2008, there are no credible estimates of the area of contamination. Iran has not acceded to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty.