The Coalition of Women Parliamentarians from Arab Countries to Combat Violence Against Women valued the Iraqi government’s decision to adopt the 19th of June as a national day to Eliminate Sexual Violence in Times of Conflict. This came in recognition of the status of the Iraqi woman, the great sacrifices she made, and the belief of the state and all of its institutions in empowering women, reintegrating them into society, and then treating them from the psychological effects, shocks, and consequences of the terrible violations, acts of violence, and atrocities committed by Daesh terrorist groups.

The Coalition condemns all acts of violence against Arab women in general and Iraqi women in particular, especially in areas that witness conflicts, and thus witness an increase in violence against women, particularly sexual violence. It dose not only have a very negative social, psychological and economic impact on women, but also on the family and the community structure. The Coalition asserts that sexual violence not only may include women but it may also include children, persons with disabilities and the minors.

Sexual violence in particular remains difficult to reveal by the victims because of the social effects that may affect the reputation of women and their families and pursue them throughout their lives. From this rostrum, the Coalition calls on Arab governments to take decisive, urgent, and necessary measures to limit the use of women and family as weapons in wars and armed conflicts. Arab traditions and norms have always respected the sanctity of the family, so how comes the family sanctity is violated in countries that have long been the cradle of religions and civilizations?