Displaced Women in Iraq: No Shelter but the Streets

The plight of displaced women in Iraq presents a painful reality shaped by economic and social factors, forcing many to seek refuge in the streets. This situation is met with evident neglect from relevant state institutions.

Human Rights Violations

Human rights advocates highlight that displaced women are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by terrorist groups. They face numerous violations within state-run facilities, including deprivation of education and psychological support. Such conditions have driven some to consider suicide as a means of escaping their harsh realities.

Overcrowded Streets

Rights activist Raqiya Al-Khazali emphasizes the urgent need for the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to address the issue of shelters for displaced women. She argues that effective management of this issue could mitigate begging, homelessness, and other social problems. Al-Khazali describes homelessness as an unseemly phenomenon that reflects a lack of respect for human rights enshrined in the Iraqi Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

She advocates for placing displaced women in safe, state-protected shelters that provide adequate living conditions, noting that there are approximately two million homeless individuals in Iraqi streets. Al-Khazali urges the government to create job opportunities for youth to combat unemployment, a significant factor contributing to homelessness.

Legal Framework and Its Shortcomings

The Juvenile Law No. 76 of 1983 defines a "displaced person" as any individual under 15 found without a guardian, engaging in acts like begging or taking up menial jobs. Al-Khazali criticizes this law for being outdated and ineffective in addressing the current crisis, as it has not been updated since 1983 and lacks practical solutions.

Assault on Women's Rights

Activist Sabreen Al-Sarai asserts that the rise in violence against women and girls is primarily due to the absence of laws that criminalize such acts effectively. She points to a fierce assault on women's rights by certain factions within the executive and legislative branches, using outdated customs and extremist religious rhetoric to undermine women’s roles, reducing them to mere objects.

Al-Sarai calls for the establishment of shelters for women and survivors of violence, as many face daily threats in a society where such violence has become normalized. She notes alarming cases of women being killed due to domestic violence or social issues, emphasizing the need for civil society organizations to advocate for women’s rights and provide safe havens.

The Impact of War

Fadel Al-Gharawi, head of the Strategic Center for Human Rights, stresses the importance of addressing the needs of displaced women, who require special care due to the violations they face, including loss of caregivers and housing. He insists that shelters must uphold human rights principles and provide adequate services, allowing residents to leave and encouraging education and family reunification.

Proposed Solutions

Establishment of Safe Shelters: The government should create dedicated shelters for displaced women and children, ensuring they are safe, supportive, and conducive to rehabilitation.

Legal Reforms: Updating existing laws to effectively address the needs of displaced individuals and protect their rights is crucial. This includes implementing mechanisms to prevent exploitation and violence against women.

Psychosocial Support: Providing mental health services and counseling for displaced women can help address trauma and promote healing.

Job Creation Initiatives: The government should implement programs aimed at creating job opportunities for youth and displaced individuals, reducing reliance on begging and enhancing economic stability.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the rights of displaced individuals and the importance of social support can foster community engagement and reduce stigma.

Collaboration with NGOs: Partnering with non-governmental organizations can enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at supporting displaced individuals, particularly women.

Monitoring and Accountability: Establishing independent oversight bodies to monitor the treatment of displaced individuals in shelters and ensure their rights are respected is essential.

Conclusion

The situation of displaced women in Iraq requires urgent attention and action grounded in human rights principles. By prioritizing their protection and providing necessary services, the Iraqi government, alongside civil society, can work towards restoring dignity and improving the lives of these vulnerable individuals. Addressing their needs is not only a humanitarian obligation but also a critical step toward achieving social stability and justice in Iraq.