UNITED NATIONS: “Cold-blooded” mass execution in Iraq in recent days by insurgent groups was condemned by the United Nations human rights chief on Tuesday and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged that the perpetrators of the crimes be brought to justice.

Mr Ban also called upon Iraqi leaders to prevent sectarian reprisals.

Navi Pillay, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that UN staff and other sources on the ground reported the executions of hundreds of Iraqis following last week’s capture of Mosul and other population centres by forces allied with the Islamic State of Iraq and Al Sham (ISIS), including disarmed soldiers as well as religious leaders and other civilians.

“Based on corroborated reports from a number of sources, it appears that hundreds of non-combatant men were summarily executed over the past five days, including surrendered or captured soldiers, military conscripts, police and others associated with the government,” said Ms Pillay.

In a statement released on Monday night, Mr Ban’s spokesperson said the reports of mass summary executions “are deeply disturbing and underscore the urgency of bringing the perpetrators of such crimes to justice”.

He added: “The secretary-general warns against sectarian rhetoric that could further exacerbate the conflict and carry grave implications for the entire region. In this regard, he welcomes the important clarification statement on the need for Iraqi unity of His Eminence Sayed Ali Al-Sistani, who represents a deeply influential voice of wisdom and reason.”

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2014