Amnesty International has accused authorities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I) of neglecting their duty to hold perpetrators of domestic violence accountable, according to a new report released on Wednesday. Titled “Daunting and Dire: Impunity and Underfunded Institutions Undermine Protection of Women and Girls from Domestic Violence in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,” the report highlights critical deficiencies despite legislative efforts to address domestic violence.

Amnesty International’s findings reveal systemic barriers that hinder survivors from accessing essential protection and justice. Aya Majzoub, Amnesty’s deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, stated, “Survivors of domestic violence in the Kurdistan region of Iraq face failures at every turn.”

Based on interviews with 57 individuals, including survivors, government officials, and NGO workers, the report sheds light on the dire situation faced by women and girls in KR-I. Though official reports indicate alarming numbers of violence-related deaths, underreporting and systemic barriers likely obscure the true extent. According to the report, at least 30 women were killed in the region in 2023, with 44 fatalities reported the previous year.

Amnesty pointed out that state prosecutors rarely pursue cases against abusers. Instead, women and girls must file complaints themselves, often facing reprisals to drop charges. In Iraqi Kurdistan, despite a 2011 law criminalizing domestic violence, the offense remains a misdemeanor with a maximum three-year prison term. Amnesty urged abolishing the mandatory reconciliation process before trial and criticized judges for bias favoring abusers and prioritizing family unity over women’s safety.

The report underscores that while KR-I boasts progressive legal frameworks, implementation remains insufficient, with little tangible impact on the ground. Amnesty International called on authorities to urgently address impunity by ensuring effective investigations that prioritize survivor well-being. Key recommendations include eliminating mandatory reconciliation processes, increasing funding for support institutions, and improving living conditions in shelters.

In May, Amnesty International called on authorities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to halt assaults on press freedom.