Iraqi death toll hits a record high in Oct. : Around 120 dying every day

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-23-2006 08:42

The monthly death toll of Iraqi civilians hit a record high in October with an average of around 120 people dying every day. This is according to the latest human rights report released by the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq.

Figures suggest that last month's death toll exceeded the previous high recorded in July. It also reports more than two million people have fled their homes since the US-led invasion began three years ago.

A country in chaos. A terrorized population either under siege in neighborhoods split on sectarian lines, or on the move in their hundreds of thousands to escape worsening violence. That was the picture of Iraq depicted in the latest UN human rights report on Wednesday.

The report said deteriorating security and rising poverty are forcing an "unparalleled" population movement more than 400-thousand people are homeless and on the move.

In addition, almost a 100-thousand Iraqis flee every month to neighboring Syria and Jordan. Most of those seeking refuge are doctors, lawyers, teachers and journalists all professionals who, according to the report, are increasingly targets of violence.

The main source of violence has been traced to sectarian aggression, fueled by insurgent attacks and militias as well as criminal groups.

Head of UN Human Rights Office in Baghdad, Gianni Magazzeni said, "The type of violence has also changed in the past few months, I think we have seen a great increase in sectarian violence and activities by not only insurgents and terrorists but also militias and armed groups and criminal gangs that often operate on the margins of security forces as well."

The UN said entire communities have been devastated by the unending conflict, with residents forced to flee to other areas, or even other countries in search of safety.

The report raised questions about sectarian loyalties and the effectiveness of Iraq's security forces. The US-trained force now numbers around 300-thousand troops. US President George W. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki are set to meet next week. Topping their agenda is how the US can speed up its hand-over of security control to Iraqi forces.

Editor:Sun Luying