http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level.php?cat=Security&loid=8.0.254930938&par=0IRAQ: WOMEN AND CHILDREN SUFFER ABUSE, SAYS UN REPORT
New York, 19 Jan. (AKI) - The rights of women, children, detainees and religious leaders are being seriously violated in Iraq, according to a new UN report. The bi-monthly assessment of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq - covering the period from 1 November to 31 December 2005 - says terrorism, lawlessness, kidnapping and targeted killings continue to wreak havoc on civilians in Iraq.
“Scores of children have been killed in indiscriminate bombings or as victims of indirect gunfire”, the report says, estimating that women and children make up around twenty percent of deaths.
It also points out that children have been involved in suicide or other attacks against the security forces or the United States-led coalition troops.
Killings by armed groups that target civilians, religious leaders and mosques with the clear intent to undermine community relations have increased, the report says, recommending that: “Political and community leaders should continue to work towards countering such practices and improving community relations.”