OHCHR MENA and UNAMI HRO host virtual event to mark International Women’s Day

Arab Region, 23-24 March 2021 – The role of women human rights defenders, and female leadership in the fight against COVID-19 was at the centre of discussions at a virtual event to mark International Women’s Day, organized by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, with participation of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq’s Human Rights Office (UNAMI HRO).

The two-day event brought together 29 participants from across the Arab region who shared their experiences and perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 on the protection and promotion of women’s rights, the work of women human rights defenders, and women across the region. UNAMI HRO highlighted both the vital role of Iraqi women in the fight against COVID-19 as members of the health care sector, public sphere and at home, and also the need to criminalize domestic violence.

Throughout the pandemic, in collaboration with young female Iraqi artists and volunteers, UNAMI HRO conducted a campaign using graphic illustrations, murals, posters and postcards disseminated in person and on social media to highlight the adverse human rights impact of COVID-19 and the need to follow instructions of health authorities.

COVID-19 and its consequences, including increased isolation and marginalization, has focused attention on the pandemic of domestic violence in Iraq and the need for survivors to be protected by law. In 2020, more domestic violence cases were reported to the Family Protection Unit of the Iraqi Police than in 2019. In order to encourage the ongoing debate in Iraq on criminalizing domestic violence, formalising an effective support system for survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable for crimes committed inside the home, UNAMI HRO launched the short film Breaking the Silence.