UN Report cites deaths, mass displacement in Iraq since IS Control: Tuesday, 19 January 2016 a United Nations report details the impact on civilians in Iraq from 1 May 2015 to 31 October 2015 in the conflict in Iraq with IS. According to the report, at least 3,855 civilians were killed, and 7056 wounded. Another 3.2 million people have been internally displaced since January 2014. According to the UN the actual figures could be much higher than those documented, and over half of the deaths took place in Baghdad. The report states that “[d]uring the reporting period, ISIL killed and abducted scores of civilians, often in a targeted manner.” In a press release, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Ján Kubiš said “ISIL continues to kill, maim and displace Iraqi civilians in the thousands and [continues] to cause untold suffering.” The report is based largely on testimony obtained directly from the victims, survivors, witnesses, or internally displaced people. (United Nations News Centre)
DRC Justice Minister announces plan to prosecute Katanga domestically: According to DRC Justice Minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba the DRC has plans to prosecute ex militia leader Germain Katanga after Katanga completes his sentence imposed by the ICC, which is scheduled to end on Monday, 25 January 2016. Justice Minister Mwamba said that Katanga was implicated “in other cases just as serious” as the one he was convicted for by the ICC. Mwamba referenced a case concerning Katanga’s alleged role in the killing of nine peacekeepers in 2005 in the Ituri region, and a case under the authority of military prosecutors which reportedly involves “contacts” that Katanga “continues to have with other officers who are being prosecuted.” Mwamba stated that Katanga would get a “fair” trial and have access to lawyers to defend himself. (Yahoo! News)
Humanitarian aid envoys access Syrian towns; UN reveals plans for additional assistance: Tuesday 19 January 2016, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced that overnight deliveries reached the Syrian towns of Madaya, Zabadani, Kefraya and Foah and OCHA is planning on delivering more assistance. Jens Laerke, OCHA spokesperson described the situation as “extremely grave” and “catastrophic”, noting that it was believed that 5 people died of starvation since 11 January, when the first aid convoy arrived. Mr. Laerke also stated that in the city of Deir al-Zour, which is under siege by ISIL, there are 200,000 people in the western part of the town that aid organizations do not have unhindered access to. Hilal Elver, a UN human rights expert called for “[a]n immediate and unconditional humanitarian pause in hostilities…to allow humanitarian aid and food to reach everyone in Syria.” (UN News Centre)
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