In its resolution 688 (1991), which is recalled in resolution 1441 (2002), the Security Council demanded that Iraq "immediately end" the "repression of the Iraqi civilian population" and allow access by humanitarian organizations to all those in need of assistance. Since 1993, the UN General Assembly and Commission on Human Rights have repeatedly requested the deployment of human rights monitors throughout Iraq, within a broad set of measures aimed at strengthening the protection of human rights in the country.
Human rights concerns in Iraq
The human rights situation in Iraq remains grave. Amnesty International continues to campaign against systematic and widespread human rights violations including suppression of freedom of expression and association; extrajudicial killings, "disappearances", torture, arbitrary arrests, unfair trials and the use of the death penalty and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments. Victims have included officers suspected of plotting against the government and other suspected political opponents; their relatives, as well as relatives of opponents residing abroad; and members of religious and ethnic groups, particularly Kurds and Shi'a Muslims.