U.S. Consul General Sutphin Visits a Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) shelter for women in Sulaimaniyah

January 9, 2013

U.S. Consul General Paul Sutphin visited one of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) shelters for women at risk of or who have been victims of domestic violence today in Sulaimaniyah. He and Consulate General staff met with shelter Director Kazal Abdullah Raheem. He commended the KRG’s efforts to protect victims of domestic abuse and provide new opportunities for women in need.

Consul General Sutphin noted that Iraq is moving in the right direction with regard to women’s rights, but more can be done. He highlighted the 2011 passage of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s law combating domestic violence (Law No.8 of 2011) as one of the most progressive laws of its type in the region. While passing such landmark legislation is an example of real progress, he said, the implementation of all facets of the law is critical.

Sutphin stated, “The U.S. Government remains strongly committed to supporting women’s rights, and our programs in Iraq have underscored that commitment.”

He also quoted U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as stating, “Respecting the human rights of women and girls - this is the unfinished business of the 21st century. It is just foolish to try and build a strong economy or a stable democracy while treating half the population as second-class citizens at best, as some other species at worst.” Consul General Sutphin concluded by saying, “No woman or girl should have to live in fear of violence of any kind, including violence within her family.”

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Access to Justice program support a number of non-governmental organizations in Iraqi Kurdistan and throughout Iraq in their efforts to provide legal services, protection, and assistance to victims of domestic violence.

For more information please contact the Consulate General’s Press Office at 07704431653.