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Moreover, "victims of sexual (and other) violence and trafficking have well-grounded fears of reprisals, social ostracism, rejection or physical violence from their families, and (no) confidence that authorities have the will or capacity to provide the support or protection required." As a result, most abuses aren't reported and those that are meet stiff resistance.
In addition, many religious minorities and other "marginalized communities" have been forced from homes and communities for lack of security and religious extremism. An ongoing unaddressed eight-year long humanitarian crisis exists, exacting an unspeakable toll, including on men and boys.
Free expression and media freedom are also absent because of legislative measures, other restrictive barriers, and a climate making Iraq one of the world's most dangerous countries for journalists. Assailants bomb their bureaus and kill them. Media workers also have to contend with "emboldened Iraqi and Kurdish security forces and their respective image-conscious central and regional political leaders."
As a result, they're harassed, intimidated, threatened, arrested, physically assaulted and killed by security forces attached to government institutions and political parties. Moreover, senior politicians often sue journalists and their publications for unflattering articles or whatever else they dislike.
Widespread use of torture also rages out-of-control, first by America, now mostly transferred to Iraqi authorities, controlling thousands of detainees. Interrogations routinely include torture and abuse to coerce confessions. Dozens of detainees confirm sodomizing, whippings, cigarette burns, as well as fingernails and teeth pulled out and other abusive practices.
Investigations, however, aren't conducted. Confronted with HRW evidence, prime minister Nouri al-Maliki called it fictitious, suspended prison inspections, and US authorities haven't intervened to stop abusive torture and other abuse even after Washington-based advocacy groups, including Refugees International, called on the Obama administration to pressure local officials to "meet (their) responsibilities to (their) own people."
Abuse of marginalized communities is also severe, despite laws in place to protect them. As a result, Iraq's most vulnerable are especially at risk, including minorities, disabled persons, and millions internally displaced, living in squatter slums, under bridges, alongside railroad tracks, and near garbage dumps with no access to essential services.
In addition, armed groups assault minority communities, "decimating Iraq's indigenous populations, and forcing thousands to flee abroad with no plans to return." Local authorities and Washington have done nothing to intervene, and a climate of impunity prevails.
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