UNFPA denounces attack on directorate protecting women in Iraq
The directorate’s office which came under the attack last night by gunmen
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Iraq condemned on Thursday an armed attack by four gunmen on the office of the Directorate to Combat Violence against Women (DCVAW) in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, last night.
The attack, which was launched at 2:00 am (local time), left no casualties but its motive is still unknown.
“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 reiterated its commitment to supporting the government of Kurdistan, and more specifically its partner DCVAW, in eradicating violence against women in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.