UN Radio Details Looming Human Catastrophe in Iraq
Special Rapporteur on Torture is Against Use of "Moderate Physical Pressure"
The Special Rapporteur on Torture says he is against the use of torture to extract confessions in cases of terrorism.
Theo Van Boven says there is a new debate on this issue launched in the United States and elsewhere. He is concerned
that there is not enough public pressure against this practice:
"Now, since terrorism is seen by many states as enemy number one, there is tendency to be on human rights issues and on
torture related issues, to be more flexible to justify under certain circumstances, the use of at least moderate
physical pressure."
Mr. Van Boven stresses that there is absolute prohibition of torture and inhumane and cruel punishment.
Hospital Compound outside Baghdad is Badly Damaged
A hospital compound on the outskirts of Baghdad has been badly damaged. The World Health Organization has not identified
those responsible for damaging the compound, which includes a maternity hospital, a surgical hospital and the
headquarters of the Iraq Red Crescent Society. WHO spokeswoman, Fadela Chaib says no casualties were reported since the
buildings had been evacuated recently:
"However, outside the hospital 27 people were injured and three people died. This is the fourth confirmed report of
damage to medical facilities during this conflict."
Measles Outbreak Reported in the North of Iraq
There are reports of a measles outbreak in a village in the north of Iraq. The World Health Organization and the UN
Children's Fund are now considering measures, including an emergency vaccination campaign, to contain the highly
infectious disease. Here again is WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib:
"The outbreak was clinically confirmed. At least 20 children between the ages of 6 and 15 are currently affected by the
outbreak."
Condition of Iraqi Child Injured by Landmine Remains Critical
The United Nations Children's Fund says the condition of one of the boys who was injured while playing with a landmine
in northern Iraq last week remains critical. The two brothers and their male cousin are suffering from severe injuries
and burns. UNICEF spokesman in Amman, Jordan, Geoffrey Keele says the boys are victims of a lethal legacy of a previous
war in Iraq:
"The older of the two brothers, whose age is six years old, has had to have both his hands amputated. He is suffering a
severe facial injury and chest burns. He is currently in intensive care and being treated at the Dohouk emergency
hospital."
UNICEF is deeply concerned about the impact of the war on children and women in Iraq.