UN accuses IS of 'staggering array' of human rights abuses in Iraq

The UN has accused the Islamic State (IS) of committing serious human rights abuses in Iraq.

According to the BBC, the UN says that "a staggering array" of human rights abuses has been committed by IS militants and associated armed groups over a nine week period in Iraq.

Iraqi security forces and their associates have also been accused of human rights violations.

The UN report says that abuses committed by the extremist group and its associates have an "apparent systematic and widespread character".

It also accuses the IS jihadists of tormenting religious and ethnic communities and of sexual abuse against women and girls.

The report further says that violations by the IS includes attacks directly targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, executions and other targeted killings of civilians, abductions, rape and other forms of sexual and physical violence.

Rights violations committed by the Iraqi security forces and affiliated armed groups have also been detailed in the report.