Terrorist attacks and communal violence in Iraq killed a total of 613 civilians in the first three months of 2012, the United Nations reported Tuesday.
The UN special envoy for Iraq, Martin Kobler, told the UN Security Council in New York that human rights violations and heightened communal tensions caused by political instability had resulted in random attacks on civilians and pilgrims, dpa reported.
Kobler said 1,835 civilians were injured in those attacks during the January-March period, but said the figures were slightly less than during the same period in 2011. He said attacks had taken place in streets, markets and mosques throughout the country.
"Iraqi women continue to face widespread instances of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and so-called honour killings," Kobler said.
Violence against minorities such as Christians, Shabaks, Sabean Mandaean and Yazidis had also been reported and was "unacceptable," Kobler said.
"The UN mission in Iraq is able to provide support to the Iraqi authorities in protecting Iraq's ethnic and religious communities, and promoting their rights in accordance with the constitution, including fair representation in (the) political system," Kobler said.