UN condemns human rights violations by IS militants in Iraq
UN condemns human rights violations by IS militants in Iraq
8-25-14
GENEVA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) — Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, on Monday condemned “the appalling, widespread and systematic deprivation of human rights in Iraq” by Islamic State militants, also known as ISIL.
She warned violations, such as killings, forced conversions, abductions, trafficking, would amount to crimes against humanity.
“Grave, horrific human rights violations are being committed daily by ISIL and associated armed groups. They are systematically targeting men, women and children based on their ethnic, religious or sectarian affiliation,” said Pillay.
She highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to individuals displaced by the conflict and those besieged in ISIL-controlled areas, urging the international community to work with Iraqi authorities to prevent a humanitarian and human rights tragedy.
“All parties to the conflict in Iraq have the responsibility not to target civilians or civilian objects, to take all feasible precautions to spare civilians from the effects of hostilities, and to respect, protect and meet the basic humanitarian needs of the civilian population,” Pillay said.
Pillay appealed to the international community to ensure that the perpetrators of these vicious crimes do not enjoy impunity, saying they must be held accountable.
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