29 November 2018; Baghdad, Iraq - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Iraq condemns the cowardly attack on the office of the Directorate to Combat Violence against Women (DCVAW) in Sulaymaniyah on 29 November by four gunmen using heavy weaponry.

While no casualties were reported, this remains a concern for UNFPA as Women Support Offices should continue to be a haven where women can find refuge from violence and abuse.

“We regret that such attacks happen, especially during the 16 Days of Activism to Combat Violence against Women, when the whole world, including the Government of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is calling to put an end to abuse and violence against women. We all have the responsibility to protect women and girls, especially survivors of gender-based violence,” said Dr Oluremi Sogunro, UNFPA Representative to Iraq.

“We call upon the Regional Government of Kurdistan to complete the investigation and arrest the perpetrators to give women back the sense of security they seek,” he added.

Throughout the year, three other attacks occurred against DCVAW’s offices in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. The attacks took place while survivors were being transferred to safe locations.

UNFPA reiterates its commitment to support the Government of Kurdistan, and more specifically its partner, the General Directorate of Combatting Violence against Women (GDCVAW), in eradicating violence against women in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

*******

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

For more information or media inquiries please contact: Salwa Moussa, Communications Specialist, smoussa@unfpa.org