“The Iraqi government must admit to operating in a complex environment, including amid a stalled government formation process,” he said. Accountability Update in Iraqco-published by the United Nations Assistance Mission there (UNAMI) and the United Nations human rights office, OHCHR.
“However, continued impunity for the murder, disappearance, kidnapping and torture of activists undermines the authority of State institutions.”
Vote
From May 1, 2021 to May 15, this year, the report noted an increase in politically motivated violence in the pre- and post-election period.
The authors explain that last October, early parliamentary elections took place amid an “unprecedented wave of nationwide protests in 2019”, marked by violence and violence. excesses, kidnappings and intentional homicides that resulted in hundreds of deaths, and thousands of injuries.
According to the latest news reports, the largest party to emerge after the vote, led by Shi’ite religious leader Muqtada al-Sadr, is still unable to form a new coalition government.
Limited progress
The Update emphasized that although some progress has been made, particularly on victim compensation, accountability remains limited.
From May 1, 2021 to April 30, UNAMI and OHCHR recorded convictions related to four cases involving violence perpetrated by “armed elements”.
And although the Government-established Truth Search Committee is active, it has not released any investigative findings or made public information about its work.
The report found that Iraqi authorities had taken only “limited steps” to investigate the extrajudicial killings and injuries of protesters, critics and activists, saying “More needs to be done to identify, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of such crimes, including those responsible for ordering and planning them.”
“UNAMI/OHHCR remains extremely concerned about the continued limited progress toward accountability for crimes committed against protesters, critics and activists.“The report said.
And many people who have suffered intimidation and violence have failed to find accountability.
Meanwhile, as civic space remains limited and dissenters risk retaliation by armed elements, an atmosphere of retribution for human rights abuses has resulted. development, with a “cold effect” on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Recommendations
The Update recommends the Government of Iraq to conduct prompt, independent and reliable investigations into all allegations of human rights violations and abuses against protesters, activists, journalists and critics .
It must also do more to ensure that victims have access to effective remedies, such as judicial and administrative processes that meet their needs.
Victims must also be informed of the scope, timing and course of their proceedings and case handling.
And Governments should support victims throughout the legal process, taking measures to minimize their inconvenience, protect their privacy and ensure their safety – as well as that of their families. and witnesses on their behalf – from being threatened.
Global support
The international community also has a certain role to play.
The report advocates for funding and capacity building programs for the police and the judiciary, which should include structured surveillance.
This is intended to ensure that entities comply with international human rights law standards for investigation, prosecution and victim rights, particularly in relation to crimes against protesters, activists and reviewer, and provide support when needed.
