Kurdistan Observer

Council of Ministers Unanimously Agrees to Forward Proposed Legislation Upholding Women’s Rights to the Iraqi Kurdistan National Assembly

At a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, discussion focused on women’s issues. “Although we live in the 21st century and our social life here has improved considerably, unfortunately, still a culture of violating basic human rights prevails especially towards women who make up half of the society. Kurdish society, customs and traditions as well as our religion should not be allowed to be used as an excuse to perpetrate gross violations of human rights.”

Ministers reviewed some of the practices that require attention:

* Forcing marriages, affecting both sexes but more often women
* Exchanging of women between families for marriage purposes,
* Promising very young boys and girls to other families for future marriages
* Allowing marriages between much older men and younger women
* Honour killing.
* Revenge killings or blood feuds

Mr. Barzani thanked the community religious leaders for speaking out against these practices and encouraged them to continue speaking out especially during Friday prayers. He also emphasized the important role of the media, cultural organizations, women’s organizations, and political parties for making the general public more aware of these social problems. He also urged the men of the community to stand up for the rights of their mothers, sisters, wives and daughters.

The Council decided to endorse proposed legislative changes based on recommendations from a Parliamentary Committee. The proposed legislative changes will be put before the Iraqi Kurdistan National Assembly for a vote.

The proposed legislative changes will safeguard women’s rights and prohibit the above-mentioned activities that should have no place in a modern society.