Iraq: UN human rights experts gravely concerned about ongoing human rights violations and humanitarian situation

GENEVA (1 September 2014) – UN human rights experts on Monday expressed grave concern over the current situation in Iraq which has rapidly escalated into both a human rights and a humanitarian emergency.

"We are extremely alarmed at the extent and nature of human rights violations taking place in Iraq and the heavy human cost," said Chaloka Beyani, the Chairperson of the Coordination Committee of the UN Special Procedures. "We are also gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation and the lasting impact of the current crisis on all human rights – civil, cultural, economic, political and social."

Reports, including from the UN, strongly indicate that gross and widespread human rights violations are being perpetrated in areas under the control of the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and associated groups. Verified reports detail that ‘ISIL’ is systematically hunting members of ethnic and religious groups and giving them the ultimatum to “convert or die”. The threat by ISIL to populations, including Christian, Yezidi, Shabak, Shi’a, Turkmen and others is clear and immediate. Credible reports and videos posted on social media, including by ISIL members themselves, have shown beheadings, crucifixions and evidence of mass intentional killings of civilians and members of Iraqi armed forces.

"The Yezidi population forced to flee Sinjar in Northern Iraq is a stark example of the threat posed to communities," said Beyani. “Thousands of men, women and children were left exposed to violence, hunger and dehydration in a mountainous region where they took refuge from ISIL. While thousands were helped to relative safety by Kurdish, Iraqi and other forces, they have found only an uncertain refuge.”

While exact figures are difficult to collect, Beyani referred to reports of women having been executed. UNAMI has reported that more than 2000 women and children have been abducted and are being held in various locations. The actual figures could be much higher.

Beyani also stressed that the right to freedom of religion and belief is under attack through the attempted conversion, killing or expulsion of non-Sunni religious communities by ISIL. Moreover, credible reports indicate that ISIL is actively destroying structures of cultural or religious significance.

"While the protection of non-Sunni communities against violent persecution by ISIL is essential, we must also recall that those Sunni populations that now fall under the de facto control of ISIL are also victims of its illegitimate and ruthless authority and their lives, rights and freedoms must also be protected," said Beyani.
Information received also suggests that the Iraqi security forces (ISF) have been involved in several grave violations of the right to life in the context of recent events, including shelling of civilian areas causing multiple deaths and injury and the killing of detainees.

Beyani stressed that all actors must abide by international law and must be held accountable for crimes committed.

Beyani called on UN Member States to share the burden of the grave humanitarian situation in Iraq. Commending the ongoing work on the ground, he stressed the need for full and rapid access to humanitarian aid, including through the establishment of humanitarian corridors where necessary.

"Whether there is one individual or family exposed to danger or thousands, every effort must be made to protect them and to provide safe haven," Beyani said, adding that where possible, civilians at risk should be escorted out of danger to safe locations.

“The principle of the Responsibility to Protect populations at risk of atrocity crimes falls both on the Iraqi Government and the international community.”

Beyani further emphasized that any operations by national or international actors on the ground must be conducted in full compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law and that all measures must be taken to avoid putting civilians at risk of death or injury.

"Following the tragic experiences of past atrocities against civilians, the UN has developed indicators and warning mechanisms designed to warn States and the International community of gross human rights violations, impending mass atrocities or genocide," Beyani said. "We add our voices to those who have said that atrocities by ISIL ongoing in Iraq appear to amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity and reveal a risk of genocide".

ENDS

For the full statement, please visit: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=14982&LangID=E