SULAIMANIYAH, IRAQ – A report by the Kurdistan Free Women’s Movement (RJAK) revealed that at least 64 women were murdered in Iraqi Kurdistan during the first nine months of 2023. This marks a significant increase from the 75 recorded femicides in the previous year. The report also highlighted a 33% rise in violence against women since 2016, with the majority of cases occurring within families.
According to the RJAK, the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Iraqi Kurdistan does not keep specific records on femicides, leaving activist networks to collect their own data. The report also raised concerns that many of the perpetrators are members of the KDP, and highlighted the lack of accountability within the judiciary, which they believe leads to perpetrators being cleared.
One RJAK member, Gulizar Evîn, pointed out that a significant portion of femicides are recorded as suicides, masking the true extent of gender-based violence in the region. She also emphasized that policies implemented by the conservative-traditional KDP create an environment where both families and clans feel empowered to commit acts of violence against women. This, in turn, leads to a lack of trust in official bodies and a reluctance to seek help.
Despite the existence of a law that recognizes honor killings as first-degree murder, and the government establishment of four women’s shelters, the region has not seen significant improvement. The BBC reported that women still face challenges in accessing these shelters, as they require a police order for transfer, which can be difficult to obtain. There is only one independent shelter in the region, operated by the women’s NGO Asuda.
In conclusion, the report by the Kurdistan Free Women’s Movement (RJAK) sheds light on the alarming increase in femicides in Iraqi Kurdistan. It also highlights the lack of accountability within the judiciary and the challenges women face in seeking help and accessing shelters. These findings underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to address gender-based violence and ensure the safety and protection of women in the region.