Civilians suffer staggering violence in Iraqi conflict

The UN says violence suffered by civilians in Iraq "remains staggering", with at least 18,800 killed between January 1, 2014 and  October 31, 2015. Some 3.2 million people have also been displaced internally over the same period, according to a new report.

The UN accuses so-called Islamic State of systematic and widespread violence, including holding some 3,500 mainly women and children as slaves.

Alleged abuses by troops, militiamen and Kurdish forces were also recorded.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein said the report "starkly illustrates that Iraqi refugees are attempting to escape when they flee to Europe and other regions. This is the horror they face in their homelands".

The report, by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, is based on interviews with the displaced and direct testimony from victims, survivors or witnesses of rights abuses.

It says the figures of 18,802 civilians killed and 36,245 wounded between January 1, 2014 and October 31, 2015 could be much higher.

In particular, the figures from the conflict-torn western province of Anbar, much of which is held by IS, might not fully reflect the situation.

About half of the deaths were recorded in Baghdad province and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were the deadliest tactic used against civilians.