Petition calls for KRG Parliament to fully implement law against domestic violence

On Thursday, June 21, 2012, a petition that calls for full implementation of Law No. 8: the Law Against Domestic Violence in Kurdistan will be presented to the Parliament spokesperson of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Erbil.

The Campaign for Lobbying for the Implementation of Law No. 8: the Law Against Domestic Violence in Kurdistan will present the petition, host a press conference, and deliver a copy of the petition to several KRG government official offices.

PETITION

Implementation of Law No. 8: the Law Against Domestic Violence in Kurdistan on the First Anniversary of the Law’s Passage

 Submitted to:

• Parliament of Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG)
• KRG Prime Minister
• KRG Judicial Council
• KRG Prosecution

On June 21, 2011, Law No. 8: the Law Against Domestic Violence in Kurdistan (KRG) was passed. This was a major step forward in the pursuit of eradicating domestic violence in the KRG.

On the first anniversary of the passing of the law, however, we must share our observation that the law has not been fully implemented.

This petition advocates for full implementation of Law No. 8: the Law Against Domestic Violence in Kurdistan (NR. 8 2011). We recognize and thank the KRG Parliament for signing this law. The Kurdistan Region and Iraq in general can be proud of this law. It is a major step forward for this society to recognize and face domestic violence as a crime.

At the same time, we are calling for government and judicial leaders to once again pay attention to this law. In theory, the KRG has a law against domestic violence. In practice, however, it has not been implemented within the past year.

We believe that now is the time to revisit NR. 8 2011 and address several important points so that we can work together to implement the law.

Of particular concern is the lack of implementation of the following phrases or articles of NR. 8 2011:

1. Not Implemented

First phrase of article NR. 3 by the Judicial Council, which states:

• Establishment of a special court in Suleymaniyah, Erbil and Duhok provinces.
• Each province will have its own judge experienced with the law.

2. Not Implemented

Fourth phrase of article NR. 3, which states:

• Compensation will be given to victims of domestic violence. The compensation is given for victims’ social treatment so that they are able to live successfully in the society.

3. Not Implemented

Fourth phrase of article NR. 3 by Ministry of Interior, which states:

• Women police officers will be educated and trained in the law and made available at police stations so that female victims feel comfortable when reporting domestic violence under the law.

4. Not Implemented

Article NR. 5 of the law, which states:

• Social help from civil works should be made available to help solve the problems of families. If they are unable to assist, they will refer the families to another special court.

5. Not Implemented

• Article NR. 3 of the law by Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, which states:

A shelter to protect women from domestic violence will be established. We view this as a vital point in the law so that women have a safe haven from those who might harm them.

Moreover, we ask that the following also occur:

The KRG ministry responsible for Law No. 8: the Law Against Domestic Violence in Kurdistan should provide clear instructions on how to implement the law. With this ministry’s support, the law can be effective. This is particularly true because the law now states for the first time that FGM is a crime in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Unfortunately, there is neither a move toward implementation of this article in the law, nor is there a serious plan to address this gross violation of women and children’s rights by the KRG Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, or Ministry of Interior.

With this petition, we call on the Kurdish government to demand that all ministries responsible for implementing the law do so immediately.

The importance of this law cannot be underestimated, and it is an opportunity for the KRG to demonstrate that the region is taking a very positive, important, and modern step forward with this law. The role of the government is critical in following up on the plans of the KRG ministries. We also demand that the Judicial Council accelerate creation of the special court as part of implementation of this law.

It is our duty, as the non-governmental organizations of this region as well as the media and citizens of this society who participate on this campaign and collaborate to approve this legal force. At the end it is for safety and stability in the society’s daily life.

Issued by the Campaign for Lobbying for the Implementation of Law No. 8: the Law Against Domestic Violence in Kurdistan – A group of 40 organizations, institutions, and activists in Kurdistan Region of Iraq