ISIL using civilians as human shields in fighting against Iraqi troops: UN official

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Friday that fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, are using civilians as human shields.

According to the information released Friday by the UN Human Rights Office, ISIL forced some 200 families out of Samalia village to walk to Mosul on October 17 and on the same day, 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 said it is also examining reports that at least 40 civilians were shot dead by ISIL in one of the villages outside Mosul.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a written statement that his office had verified information regarding several incidents since October 17 where ISIL has forced people to leave their homes in outlying villages to head to Mosul.

He added that they also had reports that ISIL fighters have shot dead civilians who have tried to rise up against them or who they suspect are disloyal.

Calling 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, the UN official highlighted that he was gravely worried by reports that ISIL is using civilians in and around Mosul as human shields as the Iraqi forces advance.

He 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. Endit