Amnesty International and UN concerned about Iraqi human rights abuses

In Amnesty International’s annual human rights report published this week, there is concern over “grave human rights violations” of the U.S.-led coalition forces and the Iraqi government. These violations include detention without trial, torture (actions far more widespread than the reports of abuses in Abu Grab prison), unlawful violence resulting in non-combatant civilian deaths, and the implementation of the death penalty.
Armed militant groups were also discussed in the report, citing numerous examples of murder, abduction, and indiscriminate bombings effecting security forces, “collaborators,” and civilians.
To read the Amnesty International Report on Iraq, click here.
Sectarian violence and continued abuses of human rights by both armed insurgents and the U.S.-backed government have UN officials concerned about the ability of the Iraqi people to build a viable government. The UN reports that “ordinary people” bear the brunt of the violence, but elected officials, judges, lawyers, doctors, educators, and other government-associated personnel are being targeted by anti-government violence. Additionally, the peace-keeping operations by the coalition military and government forces have led to the loss of many civilian lives and the destruction of private property. The violence is especially harsh on women, children, and the elderly, and there are signs of increased domestic violence and other violence against women.
For more on the UN efforts in Iraq, click here.