In Iraq on 14 August 2007, more than 400 people were killed and at least 300 injured by four suicide bombers who blew up fuel tanks in villages mostly inhabited by members of the minority Yezidi religious sect. Many children were among the victims.
In recent conflicts 70% of the casualties have been non-combatants - most of them women and children. In conflicts around the world, civilians routinely come under attack from government forces and armed groups, who often commit mass human rights violations against them. The perpetrators are rarely brought to justice.
The majority of these conflicts are internal, often triggered by issues of identity, ethnicity, religion and competition for resources.
In the last year, at least twelve African countries have been affected by armed conflict and violence continues in many parts of the Middle East. In all these regions, civilians suffer human rights abuses.
The loss of homes and livelihoods during armed conflicts intensifies social disintegration and forces many of the people who are displaced to become refugees. Frequently, women, children and elderly people are the worst affected.
Small arms proliferation exacerbates conflict and abuses. Child soldiers, in particular, face grave physical danger and struggle to reintegrate in peacetime society. With a universal and legally binding Arms Trade Treaty yet to be agreed, much remains to be done.