A/HRC/30/66
verified reports that ISIL had planted explosives in homes when retreating from territory,
killing civilians when they returned.
25.
ISIL also continued to destroy places of religious and cultural significance, which
ISIL considers to be un-Islamic, including mosques, churches, ancient sites, shrines, tombs
and graves. ISIL loots the sites before destroying them.
26.
UNAMI/OHCHR also received allegations that pro-government forces had
destroyed civilian property. On 1 April, UNAMI received reports that militias had looted
and burned more than 200 civilian homes and 300 shops in Tikrit, Salah al-Din
Governorate in the first 48 hours of the liberation of the city. The Prime Minister
established a committee to investigate the events. The committee issued a statement noting
that 67 homes and 85 shops were burned down in Tikrit at the beginning of April. UNAMI
met with tribal and community representatives from Tikrit to discuss these reports, as well
as the alleged targeting of civilians by militia forces. The means of creating conditions for
the safe, dignified and voluntary return of displaced persons to their homes were also
discussed.
B.
1.
Groups in focus
Women
27.
The 2005 Constitution provides for fundamental women’s rights, including equal
treatment before the law. UNAMI/OHCHR nonetheless observed that Iraqi women
continued to face violence, discrimination and unequal treatment. Cases of domestic
violence are believed to go largely unreported and unpunished, and victims remain largely
unprotected. The lack of comprehensive official statistics on domestic violence prevents a
full understanding and the formulation of a proper response to such cases.
28.
Strengthening the legal protection framework against gender-based violence
continues to be a priority. The draft family protection law, the text of which substantively
fails to meet the State’s obligations under international law, has been pending before the
Council of Representatives. The draft shelter policy for victims of domestic violence also
remained under review. The Criminal Code No. 111 of 1969 continues to permit “honour”
as a lawful defence in crimes alleging violence against women and family members,
although it is reported that many hundreds of women die from honour killings each year.
UNAMI/OHCHR also received credible reports of women being trafficked inside Iraq.
Women remain underrepresented in public life.
29.
The family protection units of the Iraqi police, aimed at providing protection to
victims of domestic violence, are underresourced and understaffed, and remain inaccessible
to most victims; consequently, women who are the victims of domestic and other forms of
gender-based violence still have nowhere to seek sanctuary or to claim their legal rights.
Those who seek protection are often housed in women’s prisons and detention centres.
30.
In the Kurdistan region of Iraq, the full realization of women’s rights continues to be
hindered by a number of factors, including deep-rooted patriarchal norms, legislative gaps
and a culture of silence. The participation of women in political life remains limited. The
Government of the Kurdistan region of Iraq has, however, introduced a number of
legislative, institutional and policy reforms aimed at addressing violence against women
and other forms of discrimination.
31.
The ability of women to enjoy a full range of human rights has deteriorated
considerably with the ongoing armed conflict. ISIL, in particular, continues to perpetrate
gross violations of women’s rights. It has imposed strict codes of behaviour, including
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