UN Sees Worsening Human Rights Situation in Iraq

From KurdMedia.com

In its bimonthly report for March/April 2006, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) stated its “serious concern at the scale of death and injuries in Iraq caused by ongoing violence.” It continues that “while ordinary civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence in the country, the targeting of politicians, members of the public administrations, and academics is increasing.” Not only are the attacks on these individuals that is alarming, UNAMI states, but the attack on their family members of intended targets is “particularly disturbing.” Ashraf Qazi, Iraq’s Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary – General, noted that “political violence resulting in the slaughter or civilians is an act of terror that is unacceptable whatever the cause.” There must be “increased efforts by the new government of Iraq, political parties, and religious, tribal, and civil society leaders to bridge the sectarian divide in the country,” he said.

The UNAMI report also describes conditions in Iraqi prisons and expresses “concerns over freedom of expression in the Kurdish region.”

The UNAMI report concludes that “the conflict negatively impacts on the situation of women, children, and the elderly, severely affecting their access to basic services and undermining their living standards.” Additionally, “the extent of honor crimes, domestic violence, killings and kidnappings are cause for deep concern.”

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