Geneva - In a statement to the 34th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, COJEP International (Council for Equality, Justice and Peace) and the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor condemned the human rights violations committed by the Iraqi forces and their affiliated militias during their campaign to retake Mosul.

 

 

Delivered by Euro-Med Monitor researcher Laura Biscaglia, the statement reminded member countries that control of terrorist groups never justifies violation of civilians' basic human rights—such as freedom of movement and family unification—or punishment without due process. In the country’s El-Dien Governorate, Iraqi forces forcibly displaced 125 families and destroyed many of their houses, charging them with affiliation with ISIS—an accusation most denied. This pattern has repeated in every city wrested from ISIS control.

 

The two organizations warned that such “vigilante justice” is a crime against humanity. COJEP and Euro-Med Monitor called on the Human Rights Council and its member states to monitor the human rights situation in Iraq by appointing a special rapporteur. Meanwhile, Iraqi authorities must hold to account all those involved and fulfill their responsibilities under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.