Envoy hails Iraqi human rights commission

BAGHDAD, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The U.N. special envoy to Iraq welcomed a decision by the Iraqi Parliament to adopt a constitutionally mandated independent commission for human rights.

Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Staffan de Mistura praised the passage of the law as "a milestone in the protection of human rights in Iraq," the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq said in a statement.

The SRSG hailed the creation of the new commission as an advancement in civil rights as well as a significant contribution to political development in Iraq.

He called on Iraqi lawmakers and the central government in Baghdad to guarantee "the prompt establishment of a strong, credible and independent commission that from the outset becomes an institution responsive to the needs of the Iraqi citizens, especially those of vulnerable groups such as children, women and minorities."

Iraqi lawmakers passed the measure in a weekend session following several months of negotiation.