SRSG Kubiš Strongly Condemns ‘Outrageous’ Bombings, Calls on Iraqis to Unite to Prevent ISIL from Stoking Sectarianism

The SRSG expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the Government and people of Iraq, and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

“These outrageous attacks in Muqdadiya against the funeral, the bombing in Abu Ghraib and at a market in Sadr City as well as places of worship in the last few days which claimed scores of lives and injured many others have one goal: to undermine Iraqi unity,” Mr. Kubiš said.

“Iraqis from all components of society have suffered tremendously from acts of terror committed by ISIL. Nothing can justify such savagery. ISIL’s goal is to weaken the country’s unity by fanning the flames of sectarianism. Together, just as the people of Iraq have teamed up and are making significant advances in combatting ISIL across many areas of the country, Iraqis must deny the terrorists space for achieving their objective to undermine the unity of Iraq and its people,” Mr. Kubiš said.

Mr. Kubiš added: “The UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, condemned the recent atrocities and expressed concern that these cowardly acts aim to undermine Iraqi unity. He has appealed to Iraqis to reject such attempts at fear-mongering. I join him in calling on the Government of Iraq to make sure that the perpetrators of these crimes are swiftly brought to justice.”

The Secretary-General also reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to support Iraq in its work to promote national dialogue and reconciliation.

Mr. Kubiš lamented the continuing loss of life, particularly among civilians, as a result of the violence in Iraq. “This conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on the population,” he said after the release on 01 March 2016 of casualty figures showing a total of 670 Iraqis were killed and 1,290 injured in February. The figures, which were verified by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), included a total of 410 civilians killed and 1,050 injured.