UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kate Gilmore urged [press release] Iraq on Monday to take concrete steps to plan for “the day after” the defeat of the Islamic State (IS). The statements come after a week-long visit to Iraq that included the cities of Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and the Shariya camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Dohuk. She called on all the leaders of Iraq to demonstrate a commitment to peace, equality and the rule of law. The senior UN official also emphasized [UN News Centre report] that military challenges in some parts of the country do not “justify or excuse the absence of the rule of law in the broader Iraq.” She maintained the need for an end to arbitrary detention, respect for due process, the prohibition of torture and judicial independence as “indispensable” foundations of stability. Gilmore called on the international community to aid Iraq in its humanitarian needs, the building of infrastructure and towards national reconciliation.

Iraq has faced significant challenges in recent years with providing basic infrastructure and a stable government. Last week protestors came together in Baghdad to demand [JURIST report] a new government amid the third parliament session cancelled that week as officials discuss political reforms. Earlier this month Human Rights Watch called [JURIST report] on Iraqi forces to allow aid such as food and medicine into Fallujah as the armed siege is producing acute shortages. Last month US Secretary of State John Kerry declared [JURIST report] that IS is “responsible for genocide” against groups in areas under its control, including Yazidis, Christians and Shia Muslims.