Upholding Human Rights and Rule of Law: Addressing the Proliferation of Weapons and Violence in Iraq

A published report talked about the issue of the growing phenomenon of violence and crime in Iraq, while revealing the most prominent reasons behind its spread over the past years.

There are several reasons behind the spread of weapons in Iraq, including the wars and security events that the country has experienced over the past decades, and despite the government taking steps to limit the phenomenon, the results are not satisfactory.

It is difficult to reach a number that limits the number of weapons that Iraqis possess within what is described as "loose weapons", but unofficial reports confirm that the number exceeds 15 million weapons, between light, medium and heavy, which explains the repeated random use of these weapons.

Observers believe that the main reason for the spread of loose weapons is due to the inability to impose the law on everyone.

A political researcher says, "There is no clear definition of loose weapons in Iraq, and this weapon has not been limited to a specific circle to define it, because it has been associated with influential parties since the establishment of the regime that has been in place since the occupation of the country in 2003, and it is difficult to limit an unspecified matter, and there is no party capable of implementing this."

He added, "There is what is called (the resistance weapon), and this weapon is sometimes official under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Authority, and sometimes unofficial under the name (the Islamic Resistance), and many armed factions have entered under the government umbrella. There is also (the tribal weapon), and this type emerged during the government of Nouri al-Maliki (2006-2014) and is responsible for what is called (tribal conflicts), especially in the southern and middle Euphrates regions, where tribes fight with heavy and medium weapons, and there is another type of weapon, which is the individual weapon, and this is found in most homes, and some of them include individuals belonging to armed factions, security services, or tribal groups." He points out that "one type of loose weapons is the weapon of groups spread in Iraq, whether on the border with Syria, or in the northern regions of the country, and linked to neighboring countries, such as the Kurdistan Workers' Party organization, and the decision to remove their weapons is not in the hands of the Iraqi authorities, but is linked to international interests, and it is impossible for a government that represents political and regional interests to contain what is called loose weapons, since these weapons are used in a large part of the interests of the parties that form the government and support it, and the government fears opening internal fronts that it is unable to control, and it also does not want to lose external parties whose loss may cost the overthrow of the entire government."

During the month of May, at least 40 Iraqis were killed in various criminal crimes, or during tribal and social problems, and what they all had in common was the presence of a weapon in the possession of the perpetrators that fits the description of "loose weapons."

In his government program, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani pledged to end the phenomenon of loose weapons outside the scope of official and legitimate institutions. A security source said, "What Al-Sudani wants cannot be easily implemented because it faces many obstacles."

The security source, who requested anonymity because he is not allowed to speak to the media, added, "The arms market in Iraq is difficult to control, and anyone can buy a weapon at any time. Some of those who work in selling weapons belong to official bodies, such as the Popular Mobilization Forces, and it is difficult to hold them accountable, and this requires a political decision before the security decision."

In turn, an Iraqi doctor said that ending the phenomenon of the spread of weapons in Iraq is "a fantasy," explaining that successive governments have talked about this matter, but none of them have done anything of real benefit, despite the fact that "loose weapons threaten everyone, even doctors are threatened with death while practicing their work inside hospitals, and there are a number of doctors who have left the country after being threatened by gunmen, and others have been killed, and there are doctors who have been forced to pay money to maintain their safety, all because of the death of a patient who the doctor had nothing to do to save. Iraq faces complex security challenges, and loose weapons are among the most prominent causes of them."

Military and security experts confirm that the proliferation of weapons has major repercussions.

A retired brigadier general says, "Among the most prominent reasons for the proliferation of loose weapons are the lack of security and stability, administrative corruption, and political and social tensions," and warns that "the proliferation of weapons increases the state of chaos and increases levels of violence in the country."

The security expert cites the tribal conflicts that recur in the southern governorates, some of which last for several days, during which the conflicting gunmen resort to using light and medium weapons, sometimes even throwing rocket-propelled grenades. He confirms that "the proliferation of weapons is behind the increase in crime rates, as when individuals have easy access to weapons, they will use them for illegal purposes, in addition to escalating sectarian and political tensions."

He stresses the need to confront loose weapons "seriously," by "strengthening security capabilities, strengthening international efforts to combat smuggling and illegal arms trafficking, in addition to developing an educational curriculum to raise awareness in society about the importance of rejecting violence and the development that results from this for individuals and the country."

From a Human Rights and Rule of Law perspective, the issue of escalating violence and crime in Iraq, exacerbated by the proliferation of weapons, underscores critical challenges that threaten the safety and well-being of the population. The root causes of this phenomenon, including past conflicts and security events, have led to the widespread availability of weapons, with estimates exceeding 15 million, contributing to a culture of violence and lawlessness.

The inability to enforce existing laws and regulations has allowed for the unchecked possession and use of weapons, perpetuating a cycle of insecurity and conflict. The presence of various types of weapons, including those associated with influential parties and armed factions, further complicates efforts to address this issue effectively. The lack of clear definitions and accountability mechanisms exacerbates the challenge of controlling loose weapons and curbing their harmful impact on society.

Despite government initiatives to address the proliferation of weapons, significant obstacles persist, such as the complex arms market and the involvement of official bodies in weapon sales. The failure to effectively tackle this issue not only jeopardizes public safety but also undermines the rule of law and the protection of human rights for all individuals in Iraq.

To address this pressing issue, comprehensive solutions are needed. Strengthening security measures, enhancing international cooperation to combat arms smuggling, and promoting awareness through education are essential steps in confronting the proliferation of weapons. By prioritizing security capabilities, cracking down on illegal arms trafficking, and fostering a culture of non-violence through education, Iraq can work towards a safer and more stable future for its citizens.

It is imperative for the government to take decisive action in implementing strategies that prioritize the protection of human rights, uphold the rule of law, and promote peace and security for all individuals in Iraq. Only through concerted efforts and a commitment to addressing the root causes of violence can the country move towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.