Mosul: ISIL use of ‘human shields’ underscores need to protect civilians – Zeid
GENEVA (21 October 2016) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein called for the protection of
civilians to be at the forefront of military planning as the Iraqi Government and associated forces attempt to re-take
Mosul, amid reports that fighters from the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, ISIL, are using civilians as
human shields.
“We are gravely worried by reports that ISIL is using civilians in and around Mosul as human shields as the Iraqi forces
advance, keeping civilians close to their offices or places where fighters are located, which may result in civilian
casualties,” said Zeid. “We therefore welcome the public statements by Iraq’s leaders that the utmost efforts will be
made to protect civilians, as required by international humanitarian law.”
The High Commissioner voiced particular concern regarding the women, children and men held captive by ISIL, especially
those from ethnic or religious communities who are at extreme risk. “There is a grave danger that ISIL fighters will not
only use such vulnerable people as human shields but may opt to kill them rather than see them liberated,” he said.
“The killings and abuses committed by ISIL fighters when they captured Mosul in 2014, and the horrors they have
subjected its inhabitants to ever since, should leave us in no doubt as to the risk civilians face as the fighting for
control of Mosul and surrounding areas continues,” said Zeid.
“My Office has verified information regarding several incidents since 17 October where ISIL has forced people to leave
their homes in outlying villages to head to Mosul. We also have reports that ISIL fighters have shot dead civilians who
have tried to rise up against them or who they suspect are disloyal,” he said.
Among the reports received by the UN Human Rights Office is that ISIL forced some 200 families out of Samalia village to
walk to Mosul on 17 October. Also on 17 October, 350 families fled Najafia village in Nimroud Sub-district, towards
Mosul, highlighting ISIL’s apparent policy of preventing civilians from escaping to areas controlled by the Iraqi
security forces. The Office is also examining reports that at least 40 civilians were shot dead by ISIL in one of the
villages outside Mosul.
“We know ISIL has no regard for human life, which is why it is incumbent upon the Iraqi Government to do its utmost to
protect civilians,” Zeid stressed.
“All parties to the conflict are bound by international law to observe in particular the principles of distinction,
proportionality and precaution in attack. All feasible precautions must be taken to avoid and minimize the loss of
civilian life, injury to civilians and damage to civilian objects, including vital infrastructure,” the High
Commissioner said. He urged that, “ISIL fighters who have been be captured or have surrendered should be held
accountable in accordance with the law for any crimes they have committed.”
Zeid stressed that the security screening of civilians leaving areas controlled by ISIL to ensure they are not ISIL
fighters should be carried out only by lawful authorities such as the Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi police.
“Screening should be conducted in safe areas and all civilians who have been cleared must be transferred as soon as
possible to civilian-run and securely located camps for internally displaced people,” Zeid said. “We are urging the
Iraqi authorities to take all possible steps to prevent armed groups operating alongside the Iraqi Security Forces from
any form of revenge attack on civilians fleeing ISIL. This issue remains a serious concern as these groups have
reportedly subjected people fleeing conflict zones, particularly men and boys above 15 years of age, to threats,
intimidation, physical violence, and even abduction and killing,” said Zeid. At the same time, the High Commissioner
noted that no person should be the target of any form of revenge because of their presumed link with ISIL or associated
groups.
“There need to be real checks to identify vulnerable people and to ensure that they can access the humanitarian aid and
care that they need,” the High Commissioner said. "This includes children who, by living in ISIL-controlled areas, may
have been indoctrinated and may be exploited to carry out attacks. It is vital to remember that they are not ISIL
fighters but children,” he said.
“We are also concerned at reports that some civilians have no choice but to flee west – that is further into
ISIL-controlled territory – where Shi’a militia are also believed to be operating,” said Zeid.
ENDS