UN official urges Iraqi gov't to protect all Iraqis

GENEVA, Sept 1 (KUNA) -- UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Flavia Pansieri said on Monday that the Iraqi government should assume its responsibility for protecting its own people regardless of their affiliations.
"Even though this conflict has severely reduced the Iraqi Government's control over large parts of its territory, the Government continues to bear primary responsibility for the protection of all persons on its territory, and must endeavour to implement its obligations," Pansieri said in a special session held on Iraq at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) premises here Monday.
She added that all parties to the ongoing armed conflict are obligated to abide by international humanitarian law, which governs the conduct of conflicts, and international human rights law, which applies during times of war and peace.
"All parties must also take all feasible precautions, in areas under their effective control, to spare civilians from the effects of hostilities, and to respect, protect and meet the basic needs of civilian populations. Moreover, I must forcefully remind all parties that they are obligated to treat members of armed forces who have laid down their arms, or who are hors de combat, humanely." She also urged the international community to act to protect helpless Iraqis.
"The international community must intensify its efforts to protect all Iraqis, including ethnic and religious communities and those who are particularly vulnerable. The international community and the Government of Iraq must exert all efforts to ensure that any individuals who have participated in, or supported, the commission of these crimes are held accountable in accordance with the law." Pansieri expressed UNHCHR's concern over the deteriorating situations in Iraq which has been experiencing escalating unrest and violence over the pats months after the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and armed factions affiliated seized major areas in north of Iran.
She highlighted some of the crimes committed by the ISIL against non-Muslims, who have been forcibly asked to convert to Islam, and displacement of Christians in addition to killing people in that Arab country.
She confirmed that there is a disastrous effect on victims especially children.
Meanwhile, Iraq called on the UNHRC to work with it on protecting civilians and the displaced and reconstructing infrastructure.
Addressing the UNHRC special session, Iraqi Minister of Human Rights Mohammad Shiaa Al-Sudani said that his country works seriously to form a new national government that includes all parties.
Iraq abides by principles of human rights and strives to defeat terrorism, he added.
Iraqi official pointed out that his country has been experiencing an ISIL's danger which targets the state's unity and stability, stressing ISIL violence exceeded all forms of other terrorist organizations.
He expressed Iraq's trust that the UNHRC would play a distinguished role in supporting Iraqi government and people, including all segments, to defeat terrorism. (end) ta.hm