UNHCR condems violence against fleeing Iraqis

(Vatican Radio)  The office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) says it has received reports that suggest a violent clampdown on people attempting to flee areas controlled by the so-called Islamic State in Iraq, particularly through the Hamrin mountain chain in the northeast of the country.

Listen to Peter Kenny's report:

The UN rights office has condemned the actions of the extremist group. It said there have also been an increasing number of civilian casualties across Iraq due to car bombs and other uses of improvised explosive devices.

An increasing number of people have been attempting to escape, taking a very difficult journey from through the Hamrin mountains and onto Tikrit, Al-Alam and Kirkuk trying to escape the group that targets Christians and many Muslims it does not seeing fitting into its ideological scheme.

UNHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said: "ISIL gunmen have also begun to set ambushes for people fleeing and ISIL snipers have reportedly attacked and killed those caught. In one incident, three taxi drivers were reportedly summarily executed between 10 and 12 July in Shirqat, purportedly for assisting residents in making the passage through Hamrin. There are also reports that many other families were abducted by ISIL en route to Tikrit and Al-Alam.  ISIL continued to viciously target those perceived to be opposed to its ideology and rule, with despicable violence."

Shamdasani said that on 20 July, ISIL reportedly publicly killed an Imam in western Mosul following a decision by a self-appointed so-called court. The Imam was abducted allegedly for having criticised ISIL.

She said any intentional direct attack against civilians is considered a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The UN rights office said all parties must ensure that civilians are protected, that they have unhindered access to medical facilities and humanitarian assistance, and that they are able to leave areas affected by violence – safely and with dignity.