According to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR), there are currently 64 missing activists who have been kidnapped by unknown groups since anti-government demonstrations began on October 1.

Dr Ali al-Bayati, who works with IHCHR, said that the Iraqi government has a responsibility to “expose the perpetrators and those responsible for the kidnappings in the security forces’ area of control”.

“Iraq is part of the agreement to protect people from enforced disappearance since 2009, so it has to adhere to the terms of the agreement and conduct professional and judicial investigations on the issue and hold the perpetrators accountable,” he said.

“Otherwise, failurec to act will open the door for international bodies and UN committees to intervene.”

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