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: Latest Killing of Civilians in Bombing a 'War Crime'

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the killing of at least 155 people, mostly civilians, in twin suicide bomb attacks in Baghdad on Sunday. The attacks were carried out almost simultaneously in central Baghdad. A truck bomb was exploded near the ministries of justice and municipalities, just before 10:30am local time. Minutes later a second attack, a car bomb, exploded just outside the Baghdad Governorate building.

For more information, click here.

Take Action: Fear of Torture/Medical Concerns for Thirty-six Iranian Nationals

Thirty-six Iranians detained in Iraq are being held at a police station. Iraqi security forces detained the Iranians when they forcibly seized control of Camp Ashraf. Most are reported to have been beaten and tortured after their arrest and at least seven need urgent medical care. They are said to be on hunger strike in protest against their detention and treatment.

To take action, click here. (pdf file)

Iraq: US detainees at risk as they are transferred to Iraqi custody

Hundreds of detainees held by the US military in Iraq are being put at risk of execution, torture or other ill treatment as they are transferred to Iraqi custody under an agreement made without safeguards.

The detainees are being transferred under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), signed by former President George W Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, which came into force on 1 January 2009. Under the agreement, US troops will withdraw from Iraq by the end of 2011. Some detainees in US custody have been sentenced to death after unfair trials and are likely to be executed if they are handed over to the Iraqi authorities.

To take action, click here.

Call on Congress to demand prosecution of abusive contractors
Over three years ago, the Justice Department (DOJ) required that all cases of detainee abuse by private military and security contractors be handled by one US Attorney’s Office. As of today, that office has declined to prosecute almost all of the cases referred to it, with little explanation. Urge your representatives in Congress to pressure the DOJ to prosecute human rights violations committed by private military and security contractors. » More actions

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