Developments in Iraq

The information below is based on the 2009 report of the Secretary General to the Security Council (A/63/785-S/2009/158) issued on 26 March 2009. More information is available in the report.

While the human rights situation in Iraq remained serious in 2008, the country has witnessed gradual stabilization and security improvements, with a lower number of violent, high-visibility, high-casualty attacks by non-State armed groups and criminal gangs. The capabilities of groups such as Al-Qaida in Iraq have diminished considerably over the past several months. However, Al-Qaida in Iraq is now suspected of training children to become fighters or insurgents, after video footage of such training sessions was discovered during a raid by United States soldiers on a hideout in Khan Bani Saad, north-east of Baghdad, in February 2008.

There are particular concerns about non-State armed groups allegedly using children to support operations such as transporting improvised explosive devices, acting as lookouts for other armed actors and as suicide bombers. The case of a 15-year-old girl, would-be suicide bomber, made international headlines when she was arrested by Ba'qubah police on 24 August 2008, still wearing an explosive vest.

While there are no reports of children in the new Iraqi Army, there are disturbing reports of children being recruited into the ranks of the Awakening Councils. The recent decision by the Iraqi Government to integrate the Awakening Councils into the Iraqi Army may alleviate these concerns. United Nations partners have documented 472 children who have been recruited and used by local militias in disputed areas.

Killing and maiming due to armed violence remained a continuing occurrence although at decreased levels in Iraq, and children were among the victims of suicide attacks. Civilians, including children, were unintentionally injured or killed by multinational force (MNF-I) air strikes, military ground operations or during checkpoint confrontations. There have been incidents of children being killed by employees of private military and security companies. Five indictments were handed down against Blackwater team members in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for manslaughter. A sixth Blackwater member has already pleaded guilty to one count each of manslaughter, attempted manslaughter and aiding and abetting.

As of December 2008, there were 838 children in conflict with the law under custody of the Government of Iraq. Some children have been detained or imprisoned for conflict-related reasons such as alleged participation in insurgent activities or other forms of association with armed groups. Some of the children have been in pre-trial detention for more than one year. Children continue to face the threat of sexual and physical abuse by Iraqi police and prison guards, particularly upon arrest and during the early stages of investigations. Detained children have also been allegedly subjected to threats and ill-treatment by investigators with the aim of obtaining a confession. The Government of Iraq has made serious commitments to improve the conditions of children in detention. UNICEF and UNAMI human rights advocacy to apply the Amnesty Law of February 2008 contributed to the release of 750 children detained in Iraqi facilities without trial or formal charges.

Children's access to education has been compromised by insecurity and population movement due to insecurity in 2007 and 2008. The UNESCO National Education Support Strategy from Iraq released in April 2008 estimates that 2 million children of primary school age do not attend school largely because of the security situation.

Parties responsible for recruitment and use of children

Al-Qaida: this party has also been responsible for the killing and maiming of children in the reporting period

Press Releases by the Special Representative: