Menu
17/11/2004
US army alleged to have breached rules of war in Fallujah
A senior UN official has raised concerns that the US army's handling of the Fallujah assault may have broken rules of war designed to shield civilians and combatants.
Voicing "deep concern" over the safety of civilians in the western Iraqi town, the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, said she was aware of allegations that the US had breached rules set out in the Geneva convention.
Ms Arbour also stressed that all violations of international humanitarian law must be investigated and those responsible for breaches - including deliberate targeting of civilians, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, the killing of injured persons and the use of human shields - should be brought to justice.
The commissioner made her comments following the broadcast of footage showing a US Marine finishing off a wounded Iraqi during the Fallujah fighting. The incident occurred after a Marine unit fired on a mosque thought to house rebel gunmen. After the troops entered the building, a journalist embedded with the soldiers videoed one Marine coming across a wounded man slumped against a wall; a few seconds later the Marine shot the man in the head.
The High Commissioner also raised her concerns about "poor access to humanitarian aid" in Fallujah and about the lack of information regarding the number of civilian casualties.
Ms Arbour called on parties in the fighting to take "every possible precaution" to protect civilians.
Small pockets of resistance notwithstanding, the US military has claimed that it now controls Fallujah after more than a week of intense fighting. It has been reported that around 1,000 insurgents have been killed and a similar number arrested.
(gmcg/sp)
Voicing "deep concern" over the safety of civilians in the western Iraqi town, the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, said she was aware of allegations that the US had breached rules set out in the Geneva convention.
Ms Arbour also stressed that all violations of international humanitarian law must be investigated and those responsible for breaches - including deliberate targeting of civilians, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, the killing of injured persons and the use of human shields - should be brought to justice.
The commissioner made her comments following the broadcast of footage showing a US Marine finishing off a wounded Iraqi during the Fallujah fighting. The incident occurred after a Marine unit fired on a mosque thought to house rebel gunmen. After the troops entered the building, a journalist embedded with the soldiers videoed one Marine coming across a wounded man slumped against a wall; a few seconds later the Marine shot the man in the head.
The High Commissioner also raised her concerns about "poor access to humanitarian aid" in Fallujah and about the lack of information regarding the number of civilian casualties.
Ms Arbour called on parties in the fighting to take "every possible precaution" to protect civilians.
Small pockets of resistance notwithstanding, the US military has claimed that it now controls Fallujah after more than a week of intense fighting. It has been reported that around 1,000 insurgents have been killed and a similar number arrested.
(gmcg/sp)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 December 2006
MoD names Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence has named the Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday as 23-year-old Richard Watson. Marine Watson, of 42 Commando Royal Marines, was part of a patrol in the north of Now Zad in the north of the Helmand province that came under attack from Taliban forces.
MoD names Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan
The Ministry of Defence has named the Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday as 23-year-old Richard Watson. Marine Watson, of 42 Commando Royal Marines, was part of a patrol in the north of Now Zad in the north of the Helmand province that came under attack from Taliban forces.
30 July 2004
Annan condemns murder of Pakistani hostages in Iraq
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has today reiterated his condemnation of all hostage-takings and acts of violence against innocent civilians following the killing of two Pakistanis in Iraq yesterday.
Annan condemns murder of Pakistani hostages in Iraq
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has today reiterated his condemnation of all hostage-takings and acts of violence against innocent civilians following the killing of two Pakistanis in Iraq yesterday.
20 July 2004
UN agencies accuse Sudan of forcibly moving refugees
UN humanitarian agencies have accused the Sudanese government of "increasingly pressuring internally displaced people" (IDPs) within the troubled Darfur region to return to their homes, even though the beleaguered civilians remain afraid of militia attacks and security has still not improved.
UN agencies accuse Sudan of forcibly moving refugees
UN humanitarian agencies have accused the Sudanese government of "increasingly pressuring internally displaced people" (IDPs) within the troubled Darfur region to return to their homes, even though the beleaguered civilians remain afraid of militia attacks and security has still not improved.
10 November 2004
Coalition forces claim control over two-thirds of Fallujah
US forces are now in control of around two-thirds of Fallujah following a third day of fierce street fighting. Marines have encountered pockets of strong resistance but have managed to gain control over several key landmark buildings in the city, including a number of bridges and the mayor's compound.
Coalition forces claim control over two-thirds of Fallujah
US forces are now in control of around two-thirds of Fallujah following a third day of fierce street fighting. Marines have encountered pockets of strong resistance but have managed to gain control over several key landmark buildings in the city, including a number of bridges and the mayor's compound.
09 April 2004
US-backed Fallujah ceasefire breaks down
An attempt by US forces to install a ceasefire in Fallujah – a city ravaged by six days of heavy fighting – appears to have failed. According to reports emerging from the area today the ceasefire, which was due to begin at 12pm local time, broke down within around 90 minutes.
US-backed Fallujah ceasefire breaks down
An attempt by US forces to install a ceasefire in Fallujah – a city ravaged by six days of heavy fighting – appears to have failed. According to reports emerging from the area today the ceasefire, which was due to begin at 12pm local time, broke down within around 90 minutes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
