Iraq: UN envoy calls for collective action to end bloodshed

The top United Nations official in Iraq today called on political, religious and civil leaders to work together with security forces to halt the surge in violence, following a deadly attack in the northern part of the country.

“It is their responsibility to ensure that pilgrims can practice their religious duties, that school children can attend their classes, that journalists can exercise their professional duties, and that ordinary citizens can live a normal life, in an environment free of fear and violence,” Special Representative of the Secretary-General Nickolay Mladenov said in a statement.

Earlier today, apparent suicide bombers targeted a school and a police station in the northern part of the country killing dozens, including children.

Nearly 1,000 Iraqis were killed and more than 2,000 wounded in acts of terrorism and violence last month, according to the UN Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), which Mr. Mladenov heads.

According to these figures released last Tuesday, Baghdad was the worst-affected governorate, with 1,429 civilian casualties, followed by Ninewa, Diyala, Salahuddin and Anbar.

Kirkuk, Erbil, Babil, Wasit, Dhi-Qar and Basra also reported double-digit casualty figures.