18 JULY 2017, BAGHDAD, IRAQ – The Iraqi Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNFPA, launched the online version of its Clinical Management of Rape (CMR) protocol. The protocol aims to strengthen services offered to survivors of sexual violence in conflict areas and to create an enabling environment for access to quality, confidential and comprehensive life-saving clinical services to survivors for sexual violence.  With the endorsement of the CMR protocol, the Ministry of Health (MoH) says it is “committed to leading the implementation process of the protocol” including training all concerned health providers along the same standards.

Mr. Ramanathan Balakrishnan, UNFPA Representative said “The protocol is the first of its kind in Iraq and is a testament to the commitment of the government of Iraq in taking the issue of sexual violence seriously. The protocol standardises the medical approach to the treatment of sexual assault survivors and is a critical element of survivor support services”

The protocol was developed in close collaboration with UNFPA, and in consultation with other UN sister agencies (WHO, UNICEF), Government Ministries, and GBV sub-cluster, child protection sub-cluster and the health cluster.

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, delivers a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every child birth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

For more information or media inquiries please contact:
Sahand Mohammed; Programme Associate; samohammed@unfpa.org