A report released Tuesday by human rights group Amnesty International narrates the story of 42 women and girls, belonging to Iraq’s Yazidi minority, abducted by armed group Islamic State (IS).
The report, titled Escape from Hell, sheds light on the methods of torture used by the militants on their victims, including rape and other forms of sexual violence.
“Up to 300 of those abducted, mostly women and children, have managed to escape IS captivity, while the majority continue to be held in various locations in Iraq and in parts of Syria controlled by the IS.”
Some of the crimes committed by IS militants included the use of rape as a weapon in attacks and forced conversion to Islam. These constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the rights group.
“A small proportion of those abducted have managed to escape IS captivity, many after having been subjected to acts of unspeakable brutality. But the survivors interviewed by Amnesty International are not receiving the help and support they desperately need,” concluded the report.
The report recommended that “survivors of sexual violence should be proactively sought out and provided with adequate and timely medical care and support services”. It added that it should also be ensured that global and international agencies offering these services are accessible to survivors in a timely manner.
