Diplomats in Iraq are voicing concern over the rise in domestic abuse following the imposition of self-isolation measures put in place to stop the transmission of coronavirus.
Since the US-led invasion in 2003, women’s rights groups in Iraq have campaigned for a legislation on domestic violence.
The Iraqi constitution expressly prohibits “all forms of violence and abuse in the family” although the country's laws allow husbands to "discipline" their wives.
Human rights groups in Iraq reported a surge in abuse killings and rape since the lockdown was imposed last month.
The case of Malak Al Zubadi, 20, who was allegedly set on fire and abused by her husband, a police officer in the holy city of Najaf, has this week brought to light the necessity for Iraq to adopt a law that criminalises domestic violence.
“We are very sad about the case of Malak Al Zubaidi and hope the investigation is concluded as quickly as possible,” Stephen Hickey, the British Ambassador to Iraq, said.
“This is a strong reminder that domestic violence, whether it is psychological or physical abuse, is a problem that pervades the world,” Mr Hickey said on Twitter.
The United Kingdom is also facing many challenges regarding this issue, especially during the outbreak of coronavirus, the ambassador said.
Since 2015, the Iraqi Parliament has reviewed a draft anti-domestic violence law that some members oppose over concerns that it might counter Islamic principles.
The US-led invasion triggered a religious insurgency and sectarian conflicts.
Religious extremists filled a vacuum of lawlessness, imposing conservative policies that were particularly intolerant of women’s rights.
This meant that women's groups have had little success in securing legal rights.
Various United Nations agencies urged Iraq's parliament on Thursday to approve a law against domestic violence.
The UN said this was partly due to an “increased household tensions as a result of the confinement due to the Covid-19 pandemic”.
“Such crimes raise the alarm for the urgency to endorse the Anti-Domestic Violence Law in Iraq,” the UN’s office in Iraq said in a statement on Thursday, referring to a draft law awaiting passage by legislators.
Mr Hickey welcomed the UN’s call to the Iraqi government to "prioritise the protection of women and children and criminalise domestic violence".
“Violence is by no means acceptable,” he said.
Mr Hickey said the UK has allocated two million pounds to support domestic violence services.
The European Union Ambassador to Iraq, Martin Huth, reiterated Mr Hickey’s calls by saying that rise in cases is “of deep concern”.
“This highlights the urgency of finalising and adopting a law on Domestic Violence,” Mr Huth said on Twitter.
by Mina Aldroubi
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