28.05.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Developments in levels of violence and human rights issues in 2007 ("Annual Report 2008") [ID 23516]

"Thousands of civilians, including children, were killed or injured amid continuing sectarian and other violence. All sides involved in the fighting committed gross human rights violations, some of which amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Many civilians died as a result of bomb attacks by groups opposed to the Iraqi government and the US-led Multinational Force (MNF), while others were victims of sectarian killings by Shi’a and Sunni armed groups. Hundreds of people were abducted, tortured and murdered, with their bodies left in the street or found by their families at morgues. The increasingly sectarian nature of the violence caused hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes, swelling the growing numbers of Iraqi refugees in Syria, Jordan and other states to 2 million and increasing the number of those internally displaced within Iraq to more than 2 million. This added to the growing humanitarian crisis. Iraqi security forces also committed gross human rights violations, including unlawful killings, rape and other torture, and arbitrary arrests and detentions. The MNF killed civilians and held more than 25,000 detainees without charge or trial, including some who had been held for several years. Civilians were also killed by guards employed by private military and security companies who had immunity against prosecution in Iraq until October. The death penalty was used extensively and 33 people were executed, some after grossly unfair trials."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Significant human rights problems in 2007 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23620]

"During the year the following significant human rights problems were reported: a pervasive climate of violence; misappropriation of official authority by sectarian, criminal and extremist groups; arbitrary deprivation of life; disappearances; torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; impunity; poor conditions in pretrial detention and prison facilities; denial of fair public trials; delays in resolving property restitution claims; immature judicial institutions lacking capacity; arbitrary arrest and detention; arbitrary interference with privacy and home; other abuses in internal conflicts; limitations on freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and association due to sectarianism and extremist threats and violence; restrictions on religious freedom; restrictions on freedom of movement; large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees; lack of protection of refugees and stateless persons; lack of transparency and widespread, severe corruption at all levels of government; constraints on international organizations and nongovernmental organizations' (NGOs) investigations of alleged violations of human rights; discrimination against and societal abuses of women, ethnic, and religious minorities; human trafficking; societal discrimination and violence against individuals based on sexual orientation; and limited exercise of labor rights."

Document(s): Open document

08.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Current situation in Iraq ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-seekers") [ID 22458]

"The present situation in Central and Southern Iraq1 is characterized by pervasive extreme violence, serious violations of human rights and a general lack of law and order. There have been some positive political developments in the country, including the Iraqi Government’s stated commitment to reconciliation, but these have not translated into increased physical and material security for its citizens. Individuals are regularly subject to violence due to their actual or perceived religious, ethnic, or political backgrounds and/or views by various actors. There are consistent reports of abuse and torture by insurgent groups, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Shi’ite militias. The armed conflict between the Multi-National Forces (MNF)/ISF and the Sunni-led insurgency has resulted in civilian deaths, destruction ofproperty and displacement.

State protection from those perpetrating acts of violence is generally not available. The dismantling and slow reconstitution of Iraqi security forces, who are themselves the target of continuous attacks, have left a security vacuum in the country. Acts of violence are thus increasingly committed in a climate of impunity. Weak law enforcement and judicial structures, and the reported involvement of law enforcement in human rights abuses, further aggravate this situation.

The overall security situation in the three Northern Governorates of Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Dahuk, while less precarious than the situation in Central and Southern Iraq, remains tense and unpredictable. Disputes over the status of “arabized” areas, possible spill-over of violence from other parts of the country and the presence of militant groups in the area all threaten to destabilize the region."

Document(s): Open document

08.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Main Groups Practicing Violence ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-seekers") [ID 22459]

Main groups practising violence:
Insurgent Groups
Iraqi Security Forces and Shi'ite Militias
Criminal Groups
Kurdish Armed Forces
Family, Community and Tribe

Document(s): Open document

08.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

The Security Gap and Undermined State Institutions ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-seekers") [ID 22460]

"The dismantling of the former Iraqi army and security forces, the slow training of Iraq’s new security forces and the high level of corruption and lack of equipment, resulted in a security “gap” that the current authorities have been unable to fill. Members of the ISF are themselves the target of insurgency attacks. The Ministry of Interior forces are reported to have been infiltrated by members of various armed groups, and their loyalty to the central Government has been questionable. In addition, the country suffers from high unemployment and corruption, chronic fuel, electricity and water shortages, and serious shortcomings in health and educational services, creating the potential for major social unrest. [Sec.II/A/pp.25]"

Document(s): Open document