Iraq Human Rights
Human Rights Concerns
The human rights situation in Iraq remains dire, with sectarian violence causing the majority of abuses. Bombings and suicide attacks are all too common occurrences. Violations by armed groups are marked by disregard for civilian lives and the basic rules of international humanitarian law. The catastrophic security situation has led to mass movement of civilians, resulting in almost 2 million refugees fleeing to neighboring countries and over 2 million internally displaced persons. Reports of torture, ill-treatment and lack of judicial process at the hands of Iraqi authorities continue. Adequate safeguards against torture and ill-treatment are not in place in Multinational Force detention facilities, and thousands continue to be held without charge or trial.
Amnesty International Statement on Beating of Shoe-throwing Iraqi Journalist
Amnesty International Statement on Exiles Living in Camp Ashraf
Amnesty International has written directly to the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki about recent developments relating to the more than 3,000 Iranian exiles currently living in Camp Ashraf, northeast of Baghdad, who Iraqi officials have said should leave the country. The Iranians are members or supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI).
For the full statement, click here.
Iraq: Hope and fear: Human rights in the Kurdistan region of Iraq
Security forces in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region operate outside the rule of law and regularly abuse their authority, according to a new Amnesty International report.
During a fact-finding mission to the Kurdistan Region in 2008, Amnesty International researchers found many cases of people arrested and arbitrarily detained by Asayish (security) officials, including some who were tortured and others who were forcibly disappeared and whose fate and whereabouts remain unknown.
Amnesty International has called on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to hold those responsible for human rights violations to account. For the full April 2009 report and recommendations, click here. (pdf file)
In Iraqi Kurdistan there has been an increase in arrests and other action against journalists, who have been detained, beaten and harassed by security agencies. One journalist was murdered in suspicious circumstances. » More actions
Latest News
At least 62 killed in Baghdad market bombingJune 25, 2009
Iraq: Amnesty International strongly condemns recent spate of civilian killings
June 23, 2009
Iraq: Amnesty International calls for an independent investigation into the assassination of Dr Hareth al-'Ubaidi
June 16, 2009
Twelve people executed in Iraq
May 07, 2009
Prime Minister of Kurdistan Region of Iraq commits to human rights
April 23, 2009
Further US torture revelations highlight need for independent commission of inquiry
April 23, 2009
