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.

Statement of Larry Cox, Executive Director, Amnesty International USA on the execution of Saddam Hussein

[The execution of Saddam Hussein by hanging was carried out on December 30, 2006 in Baghdad.]

"Amnesty International has long documented the massive human rights abuses carried out under Saddam Hussein's rule. The organization has consistently called for Hussein to be held accountable through fair trial proceedings, and strongly contests that his execution symbolizes justice served.

"The rushed execution of Saddam Hussein is simply wrong. It signifies justice denied for countless victims who endured unspeakable suffering during his regime, and now have been denied their right to see justice served. It is a failed opportunity to establish the rule of law in Iraq, and raises concerns that egregious flaws during Hussein's trial proceedings will now set a strong precedent against a fair and independent judiciary. It will doubtless have a devastating impact on other related trials, as the key witness who could most compellingly shed light on the chain of command will have been silenced. Finally, Amnesty International opposes the death penalty, regardless of method, in all cases, and regards it as the ultimate, irreversible human rights abuse.

"Amnesty International is concerned that Hussein's execution may inflame already volatile sectarian divisions, and urges all parties to protect the human rights of civilians in Iraq."

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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