Amnesty International has raised significant concerns about the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s (KR-I) handling of domestic violence, as detailed in its recent report titled “Daunting and Dire: Impunity and Underfunded Institutions Undermine Protection of Women and Girls from Domestic Violence in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq”. The report reveals systematic barriers that prevent survivors from obtaining necessary protection and justice.
The findings are based on interviews with 57 individuals, including survivors, government officials, and NGO workers. Aya Majzoub, Amnesty International’s deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, stated, “Survivors of domestic violence in the Kurdistan region of Iraq face failures at every turn.”
Despite legislative efforts, such as the 2011 law criminalizing domestic violence, the offense remains classified as a misdemeanor, carrying a maximum prison term of three years. Furthermore, state prosecutors are rarely proactive in pursuing cases, leaving the onus on survivors to initiate complaints, often facing reprisals to drop charges. Official reports highlight alarming rates of violence-related deaths, but underreporting and systemic barriers likely hide the full extent.
Amnesty International has recommended abolishing mandatory reconciliation processes before trials and criticized the judiciary for bias favoring abusers and prioritizing family unity over women’s safety. The report calls for increased funding for support institutions and better living conditions in shelters to ensure that legal frameworks translate into tangible improvements for survivors.
For further details on this report, you can read the complete article on JURIST here.