Daesh Uses Sexual Violence as Terror Tactics in Iraq - UN

The Daesh militant group uses sexual violence as a tactic of terrorism in Iraq, the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura, said in a statement.

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) – Bangura and the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jan Kubis, have expressed their solidarity with the victims of sexual violence related to conflicts, who have been targeted by Daesh, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

"As we celebrate the first International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we confront a new reality, where sexual violence is used not only as a tactic of war, but also as a tactic of terrorism. The United Nations is steadfast and committed to live up to its sacred duty to prevent conflict-related sexual violence and provide care for the survivors," the statement published on the UN website Sunday quoted Bangura as saying.

The Daesh, outlawed in a range of countries including Russia and the United States, has seized vast areas in Iraq and Syria since 2014, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. The group is notorious for its human rights atrocities and brutal tactics, such as public beheadings and the stoning of women.