Understand
Death threats and isolation: The cost of fighting sexual violence in Iraq
Overview
Female activists and survivors in Iraq face severe risks, including death threats, social isolation, and institutional failure when reporting sexual violence and harassment. Activists like Sarah Jassim use social media to document abuse due to a lack of protective laws and systemic barriers, while prominent figures have been killed. A UN committee highlights that violence against women is widespread and under-reported, exacerbated by discriminatory laws and a societal tendency to blame victims.
Key points
- Iraqi women's rights activist Sarah Jassim faces death threats and acid attack threats for posting videos documenting street harassment on social media.
- Activists argue that Iraq lacks specific penal code legislation criminalising harassment and gender-based violence, leaving victims with little legal recourse.
- A UN committee report in May highlighted that violence against women in Iraq is widespread and under-reported, urging the repeal of discriminatory laws.
- Prominent women's rights advocate Yanar Mohammed was murdered outside her Baghdad home by armed men, following years of extremist threats.
- Victims report feeling failed by police and justice systems, with some police officers reportedly lacking authority to act or dismissing harassment complaints.
- An Interior Ministry spokesman stated that police received about 300 sexual violence reports this year, acknowledging that many cases go unreported due to social customs and traditions.