4.The cases of Imad Amara and Faisal Al-Tamimi were included in the report on cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights(see A/HRC/33/19, para.24). The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders also expressed concern about the allegations of arrest and ill-treatment of both cases in his observations on communications report (see A/HRC/34/52/Add.1, para.676) in retaliation for their legitimate human rights work at the Al Wissam Humanitarian Assembly, especially since these acts might be in reprisal for their cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights.

28.In the 2016 report of the Secretary-General (see A/HRC/33/19, para. 24), it was noted that on 13 April 2016, three special procedures mandate holders raised concerns over allegations of reprisals against Mr. Imad Amara and Mr. Faisal al-Tamimi, of Al Wissam Humanitarian Assembly, an NGO that documents cases of enforced disappearances in Iraq and submits them to the United Nations human rights mechanisms (see A/HRC/33/32, IRQ 1/2016). On 6 March 2016, Iraqimilitary forces stopped and searched Mr. Amara and Mr. Al-Tamimi’s car while the two men were on their way to meet families of disappeared persons. Both men were informed that a warrant had been issued for their arrest, before being handcuffed, blindfolded and taken to an unknown location. Mr. Amara and Mr. Al -Tamimi were severely beaten, insulted and threatened while being interrogated about their work for around two hours, before being released. The special procedures also raised concerns over reports that other employees of Al Wissam had previously been subjected to intimidation and reprisals relating to the submission of cases to the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, and some had left the country out of fear for their security. 29. On 10 April 2018, three special procedures mandate holders raised allegations of death threats and attempted killing against Mr. Al Tamimi and Mr. Al Roumy in what appears to be direct retaliation for their legitimate human rights work against enforced disappearances in Iraq and for urging the State to join the International Criminal Court (IRQ 2/2018).While recognising the independent judicial character of the International Criminal Court, the Court is regarded as a related organization in the United Nations System. Themen were threatened after attending a preparation meeting for a conference aimed at calling on Iraq to join the Court, following which three cars stopped next to them and one of the men inside made the following threat “Iyad and Faisal, either your life or theconference.” On 5 February 2018, two days after the conference, both individuals were approached by a car near the Sheikh Maruf Square in Baghdad. One of the persons in the car opened fire on them and shot five times. Mr. Al Tamimi was injured and was brought to the Medical City Hospital in Baghdad, where he received medical treatment. On 4 March 2018, both Mr. Al Roumy and Mr. Al Tamimi received threats through Facebook messages.At the time of writingno response has been received.

The situation of Mr. Imad Amara of Al Wissam Humanitarian Assembly was included in the 2016 (A/HRC/33/19, para. 24), 2017 (A/HRC/36/31, Annex II, para. 4), and 2018 (A/HRC/39/41, Annex II, para. 28) reports of the Secretary-General in relation to his arbitrary arrest, interrogation and ill-treatment for his and others’ documentation of cases of enforced disappearances and submission of information to the UN human rights mechanisms. In May 2019, it was reported that Mr. Amara was continually prevented from carrying out his peaceful human rights work. He and two other Al Wissam Humanitarian Assembly volunteers were arrested by plain-clothes officers during a peaceful demonstration against corruption in Tahrir Square in Baghdad. The officers handcuffed and blindfolded them before taking them to an unknown location. The three men were then insulted, severely beaten and questioned about their involvement with Al Wissam Humanitarian Assembly. They were released a few hours later after being forced to sign the pledge. It is reported that Mr. Amara faces serious risks to suffer further reprisals should he resume his activities.

74. During the reporting period, it was reported to OHCHR that, as a result of the ongoing threats and intimidation, Mr. Imad Amara left his work at Al Wissam and cut off all communication with his colleagues.