UN MISSION IN IRAQ EXPRESSES CONCERN AT DETERIORATING HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN COUNTRY

Baghdad, 22 November 2006. UNAMI expresses concern that “violence reached alarming levels in many parts of the country particularly affecting, the right to life and personal integrity”. In its latest report on the human rights situation in Iraq for the months of September and October 2006, UNAMI reports that 7,054 civilians were violently killed, with no less than 4,984 in Baghdad alone, most of them as a result of gunshot wounds. Compared to the number of 6,599 killed in July and August reported by HRO previously, it is evident that violence continued to claim an increasing number of victims.

The document states that terrorist acts and sectarian strife, including revenge killings, fuelled by insurgent, militia and criminal activities are the main source of violence in the country, adversely affecting the displacement of individuals and entire communities. The report notes that the civilian population continues to be victimized by terrorist acts, roadside bombs, drive-by shootings, kidnappings, police abuse, crime, military operations and cross fire between rival gangs, or between insurgents and police and MNF-I. Equally disconcerting are allegations of criminal and militia infiltration into the police. The document warns that the inability of law enforcement agencies and the justice system to protect the population of Iraq increases the ability of the militias and criminal gangs operate with growing impunity.

During the period under review, the report points out that freedom of expression continued to be undermined, minorities continued to be adversely and directly affected, women’s conditions continued to deteriorate, the targeting of professionals, such as journalists, teachers, professors, lawyers, doctors and other intellectuals, political, tribal and religious leaders, Governments officials and members of the security forces continued unabated and that violence is impacting education, preventing many schools and universities from opening. According to the report, the deteriorating situation in the country, coupled with increasing poverty, has generated unparalleled movements of IDPs in search of safety within and outside the country. In addition, the document indicates that the total number of detainees in Iraq as of 31 October stood at 29,256 (13,571 of which are in MNF I facilities), noting a decrease from 35,543 at the end of August.

The report also recognizes the efforts of the Government, especially the Ministry of Human Rights, for the development of a national system based on human rights and the rule of law noting important legislation under discussion by the Council of Representatives with regard to setting up an independent national human rights commission, as foreseen by the Iraqi Constitution. The report welcomes the preparation of the International Compact with Iraq as an important development. The objective of the Compact is to facilitate reconstruction and development while upholding human rights, the rule of law, and overcoming the challenges of today and legacy of the recent and distant past.
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