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UN: 34,000 Iraqis killed in 2006 UN marks soaring Iraq death toll
(20 minutes later)
More than 34,000 civilians were killed in violence in Iraq during 2006, a UN human rights official has said.More than 34,000 civilians were killed in violence in Iraq during 2006, a UN human rights official has said.
The envoy to Iraq, Gianni Magazzeni, said 34,452 civilians were killed and more than 36,000 hurt during the year.The envoy to Iraq, Gianni Magazzeni, said 34,452 civilians were killed and more than 36,000 hurt during the year.
The figure is nearly three times higher than calculations previously made on the basis of Iraqi interior ministry statistics for 2006.The figure is nearly three times higher than calculations previously made on the basis of Iraqi interior ministry statistics for 2006.
Accurate figures are difficult to acquire, and previous UN estimates have been disputed by Baghdad. Accurate figures are difficult to acquire, and previous UN estimates have been rejected outright by Baghdad.
Mr Magazzeni said his figures were compiled from data collected from the Health Ministry, hospitals and other agencies. Mr Magazzeni said his figures were compiled from data collected by the Health Ministry, hospitals, mortuaries and other agencies.
There are no comparable numbers for 2005, but correspondents say the upward trend is clear and supported by evidence from the ground. The BBC's Andrew North in Baghdad says no-one knows the true figure for how many Iraqis are dying in the conflict, but the regular UN reports are seen as one guide.
Iraqi officials have yet to respond to this latest report, but they described a UN estimate of 3,700 civilian deaths in October alone as grossly exaggerated.
Sectarian clashes
Nonetheless observers say the upward trend is clear and supported by evidence from the ground.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS DURING 2006 Civilian deaths reach new high of 12,320, Iraqi government says, UN puts toll at 34,452More than 800 US troops killedViolence at record levels, with 140 reported attacks dailyThousands of Iraqis leaving the country each week Iraq violence, in figures Quick guide: Violence in Iraq
Every morning police collect dozens of bodies from the streets of Baghdad.Every morning police collect dozens of bodies from the streets of Baghdad.
Most of those killed are victims of sectarian violence between the minority Sunni and majority Shia Muslims.Most of those killed are victims of sectarian violence between the minority Sunni and majority Shia Muslims.
There are fears violence will only intensify as a result of the circumstances surrounding the execution of Saddam Hussein and his aides, who were from the Sunni community.There are fears violence will only intensify as a result of the circumstances surrounding the execution of Saddam Hussein and his aides, who were from the Sunni community.
The taunting of Saddam in his final moments and the decapitation of his brother-in-law during an apparent accident in the hanging process have drawn intense international criticism. The taunting of Saddam in his final moments and the decapitation of his brother-in-law during an apparent accident in the hanging process has drawn intense international criticism.