A top UN official in Iraq on Thursday (Jan 30), urged politicians to break the political deadlock, and “press ahead with substantial reforms” as she warned that the ongoing anti-government protests only results in rising casualties and fuels further demonstrations.
UN Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, laments that “at least 467 protesters have been killed and over 9,000 injured since 1 October”, and that continuing loss of young lives and the daily bloodshed are intolerable.
A recent increase in the use of live ammunition by security forces, shootings by unidentified gunmen at protesters and “the continued targeted killing of demonstrators and human rights defenders, are alarming”, said Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
She added it was “imperative” that Iraqi authorities protect the rights of peaceful protesters and ensure that use of force complies with international standards: “Equally important is full accountability: the perpetrators of unlawful killings and attacks must be brought to justice”.
The UNAMI Human Rights Office has been closely monitoring the human rights situation surrounding the demonstrations.
Since the protests over rising unemployment, years of corruption and failing public services began last October, UNAMI has issued three reports documenting human rights violations for the period October 01 to December 09, and presented recommendations to the authorities.
It has recorded at least 19 demonstrators killed and over 400 injured by security forces in Baghdad, Basra, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Diwaniya, Karbala and Wassit, since January 17.
Preliminary information points to the use of live ammunition and the impact of tear gas canisters as the chief cause of death, while additional injuries occurred as a result of security forces beating demonstrators with sticks.
Moreover, most violence used by security forces occurred in the context of attempts to clear roadblocks or disperse demonstrators.
Also, targeted killings by unidentified forces continue against demonstrators and activists.
Since October 01, there have been at least 28 incidents in which persons associated with demonstrations, either as participants, journalists covering the protests, or prominent activists, have been targeted by armed men or improvised explosive devices, resulting in 18 deaths and the injury of at least 13 others, including the targeted killing of two reporters for the Dijlah Television network.
UNAMI also continues to track and monitor reports of physical attacks against demonstrators, including stabbings, demonstrators and activists gone missing, and incidents of threat and intimidation.
Stressing the futility of violence in responding to the protests, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert said that all efforts should instead focus on how to fully implement reforms and initiate a constructive dialogue to tackle the country’s problems.
“It is high time to restore confidence by setting aside partisanship, acting in the interest of the country and its people”, she concluded. “Hard work and goodwill gestures will resonate with the people, and will be met in kind, strengthening the country’s resilience as it seeks to emerge stronger from this crisis”. (Source: UN News)