Press Release: Concern over the Rising Rate of Femicide in the Kurdistan Region and Disputed Areas

Erbil – April 2026

 

The Peace and Freedom Organization (PFO) has released a new report raising alarm over the unprecedented rise in the killing of women in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the disputed areas, where numerous cases have been documented up until mid-April 2026.

 

The report indicates that these crimes are not isolated incidents, but rather reflect a deep structural crisis linked to legal gaps, weak enforcement of justice, and the persistence of harmful social norms. The analysis further highlights a dangerous escalation in the rate of violence within a short period of time.

 

Concerning Geographic Distribution:
Sulaymaniyah Governorate recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Erbil and then Kirkuk, with additional cases reported in Duhok, indicating that the phenomenon is widespread across the region.

 

Structural Causes and Ongoing Impunity:
The report identifies several key factors driving this crisis, including:

 

  • The prioritization of tribal settlements (sulh) over formal judicial and legal processes.

  • Political interference that obstructs the accountability of perpetrators.

  • Restrictions on publishing crime data and statistics, which limits transparency and public awareness of these crimes.

Calls for Urgent Action:
The Peace and Freedom Organization calls for immediate steps to address this alarming escalation, including:

 

  • Strict enforcement of the Domestic Violence Law No. 8 of 2011 without discrimination across all areas of the Kurdistan Region.

  • Preventing tribal norms and traditions from influencing judicial processes and courts.

  • Lifting restrictions and "red lines" on media and organizations regarding the responsible publication of data and statistics related to femicide.

  • Strengthening protection mechanisms, such as shelters and emergency hotlines for women at risk.

The organization emphasizes that the continuation of this situation constitutes a serious violation of human rights and poses a threat to the safety of society as a whole. It calls on the government, relevant institutions, and the international community to take urgent and coordinated action to end these violations against women's rights and human rights in general.

 

Click here to read the full report