Iraq pledges social reforms as death toll rises to over 100

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP

The Iraqi cabinet unveiled a series of social reforms in response to sweeping anti-government rallies that have left nearly 100 people dead.

In the decree, Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's cabinet has included 17 planned reforms, construction of 100,000 new housing units, increased welfare stipends for needy families and boost benefits for unemployed. 

With more than 4,000 wounded and the deaths mounting, the United Nations on Saturday urged an end to the violence.