Iraq: UN report documents human rights violations of increasingly sectarian nature

BAGHDAD/GENEVA – 23 February 2015 – A UN report released Monday documents widespread human rights violations of an increasingly sectarian nature in Iraq, as well as a deterioration of the rule of law in large parts of the country.
The report, produced jointly by the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, covers the period from 11 September to 10 December 2014.
The report details violations of international humanitarian and international human rights law reportedly committed by the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and affiliated armed groups including failures to abide by the principles of distinction and proportionality in the conduct of military operations.
“Armed groups claiming to be affiliated to or supporting the Government also perpetrated targeted killings, abductions of civilians, and other abuses,” the report says.
Militias and other armed groups – some of which appear to be operating outside of Government control according to reports – are active in several governorates, particularly in Diyala and Salah-al-Din. Allegations of human rights abuses by these militias have been received, including summary executions and abductions, according to the report.
At least 11,602 civilians have been killed and 21,766 wounded from the beginning of January until 10 December 2014. Between 1 June and 10 December 2014, when the conflict spread from Anbar to other areas of Iraq, at least 7, 801 civilians were killed and 12,451 wounded.
“Iraqi leaders need to move immediately and implement the Government’s agenda of national unity and reconciliation in order to put an end to the heinous crimes committed by ISIL, and ensure that all armed groups are under state control,” Mr. Mladenov added.
The report also notes that the number of civilians who have died from the secondary effects of violence, including the lack of access to food, water or medical care, remains unknown.