UN Envoy Urges Progress on Women's Rights Legislation in Iraq

The gathering provided a platform to discuss ongoing efforts and lingering challenges in advancing women’s rights in Iraq.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), convened a meeting with civil society representatives and Women Advisory Groups (WAG) members from Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, alongside Ajay Madiwale, UN Women Country Representative. The gathering provided a platform to discuss ongoing efforts and lingering challenges in advancing women's rights in Iraq.

Participants underscored the pivotal role of civil society in promoting women's empowerment and stressed the urgency of advancing key legislation to safeguard women's rights, such as the Anti-Domestic Violence Law. They emphasized the importance of women's full participation in decision-making processes and highlighted the unique challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities and those from minority groups.

SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert emphasized the imperative of ensuring that pending legislation prioritizes the protection of women and girls. She commended the advocacy efforts of Iraqi women and men in pushing for legislation conducive to the empowerment of women and girls, stressing that legislation related to children should always prioritize the best interests of the child.

Expressing concern over the exclusion of women from decision-making processes, SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert emphasized the need for substantive empowerment beyond symbolic gestures. She reiterated the importance of an active and empowered civil society in driving progress on women's rights.

In closing, SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert affirmed UN Iraq's commitment to supporting the Government of Iraq and civil society in advancing the country's commitments to women's protection and empowerment, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.