UNHCR's ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSING THE ...
UNHCR's ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSING THE ...
UNHCR's ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSING THE ...
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in the goals and tactics of the different groups forming the insurgency, the expulsion of the<br />
MNF from Iraq and the undermining of the new political structures in the country are<br />
evidently common objectives. There are reports that members of the insurgency have<br />
infiltrated parts of the ISF and carried out attacks in this capacity. The insurgency is mainly<br />
active in the “Sunni triangle”, as well as in mixed areas of the Governorates of Diyala,<br />
Babel and Kirkuk.<br />
Iraqi Security Forces and Shi’ite Militias<br />
Much of the Shi’ite generated violence in Iraq has been attributed to two rival Shi’ite<br />
militias, the Badr Organization and the Mehdi Army. Shi’ite militia members have<br />
increasingly entered the ISF, such as the Facilities Protection Services (FPS) and the<br />
Special Commando Units / Iraqi National Police, and have reportedly conducted<br />
kidnappings, torture and summary executions of mainly Sunni Arabs. There have also been<br />
increasing reports of abuse and torture of government-held detainees, especially in<br />
detention facilities operated by the Ministry of Interior.<br />
Criminal Groups<br />
Criminal gangs have taken full advantage of the collapse of law and order in Iraq, engaging<br />
in various illegal activities such as kidnappings and killings. These acts are often<br />
influenced, if not directed, by those responsible for the sectarian or political violence that<br />
surrounds them. For example, victims are often targeted because of their sect (e.g.,<br />
kidnappings for sale to sectarian groups), (perceived) role in public life and/or perceived<br />
lack of State or tribal protection. Gangs increasingly operate in collusion with, or as<br />
members of, the ISF. Given this situation, a well-founded fear of harm based on one of the<br />
grounds of the 1951 Convention will often be present.<br />
Kurdish Armed Forces<br />
The Kurdish parties and their armed forces (Peshmerga) have been blamed for acts of<br />
violence committed in areas under their control against (perceived) political opponents,<br />
(perceived) Islamists, and members of ethnic/religious minorities.<br />
Family, Community, Tribe<br />
Acts of violence, most notably “honour killings”, are frequently committed throughout the<br />
country by members of the victim’s family, community or tribe.<br />
2. Main Groups at Risk<br />
Religious Groups<br />
The sectarian violence in Iraq has placed both Muslims and non-Muslims at risk of harm.<br />
With regard to Muslims, Sunni-Shi’ite violence is the most prevalent. Sunni armed groups<br />
have targeted Shi’ite dominated ISF bases and recruitment centers, Shi’ite religious sites<br />
10