On International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM Wadi is urgenging more efforts to end Female Genital Multiliation in Iraqi-Kurdistan, Iraq and the Middle East
Echoing the world-wide voices for combating Female Gentital Mutilation on the Day of Zero Tolerance with FGM looks very different this year in Iraq and Kurdistan Region. The heavy clouds of passing the amendments to the personal status law in Iraq and legalizing child marriage imposes a huge threat to the safety of women and girls and further increases violations of human rights in Iraq.
Shedding lights on the fact that even in present time Iraq still has no law for combating domestic violence or any laws that prohibits FGM in the country. Hence, creating a more encouraging environment for such heinous acts to prevail. The aftermath of such law passing influences and inflects even more threats in the Kurdistan Region where by law the act of FGM, Child marriage and many more acts are banned through the law No.8 of 2011 of Combating domestic violence. Further reducing the impacts of this law in the region and its possible extension if amended.
Efforts to end FGM must continue
More than ever women and girls in Iraq are in need of international support and aid, the efforts must continue to combat FGM in Iraq. Local and international civil society organizations are doing their best to further raise these issues to international platforms such as the European Union, Human Rights Watch and in Geneva. And more so the need to focus on child rights and combating FGM which is highlighted in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Iraq’s draft reports.
FGM remains an ongoing silent battle that thousands of women and girls fight in Iraq without any counseling, medical or psychological assistance. Our partners continue to work consistently on combating FGM in the Kurdistan and Iraq despite the lack of funds. They keep on providing psychosocial support and legal awareness to combat this phenomenon.
Activities on 6. February in Iraq
On the 6th of February this year, Wadi and its local partners are holding several activities ranging from round table meetings with activities and stakeholders in regards to violation of children’s rights, FGM, Child marriage to various awareness videos, podcasts and articles along with various interviews on national and international platforms which further sheds lights on the importance on combating FGM on social media and spreading awareness
Although the numbers have significantly reduced due to the constant efforts of our partners and the civil society, the fight is far from over. FGM is a lifelong violation with long and short-effects. Consequently, what happens to women & girls who are cut, how they live their lives and what kind of assistance they need. These issues stay relevant in the humanitarian world and Wadi and its partners are committed to serve and provide assistance in the best way possible.
Suleymaniah, 02/05/2025
Wadi 
