Speech by Head of UNAMI Human Rights Office, Rupert White, for Iraqi Women's Day

Thank you for the opportunity to be with you here today for this important event to mark the National Day of Iraqi Women. 

Today, we recognize the invaluable contributions of Iraqi women to this country’s progress and development. We also acknowledge and celebrate those women and girls who, by demanding their rights, have sought to make Iraq more just, more prosperous, and more resilient. 

Iraq has taken many important steps towards expanding opportunities for women and girls, notably through the implementation of the National Strategy for Iraqi Women and the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. 

Building on these achievements, UNAMI looks forward to supporting Iraq’s efforts to achieve women’s equal participation across all economic, social and cultural spheres, to strengthen women’s political representation in the upcoming Council of Representatives elections, and ensure that women across the country fully enjoy their human rights.

Unfortunately, challenges persist and many women and girls in Iraq continue to face obstacles to fully accessing their rights, including discriminatory laws, impunity for domestic violence, and unequal access to social, economic, and political opportunities.

Women’s Rights are not merely abstract ideas. The international human rights standards that Iraq has committed to uphold to prevent discrimination against women provides a vital normative framework that protects against abuses, violations and other harms, ensuring everyone, everywhere can live in dignity and respect.  

Upholding, and promoting women’s rights isn’t only about addressing present injustices, it’s about encouraging all of us to join together to create a fairer and more equal future.   

I would like to take this opportunity to express thanks to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights for hosting this important event. Their commitment to human rights continues to be instrumental in advancing the agenda for women’s rights in Iraq.

As we celebrate today, let us also reaffirm our commitment to accelerating progress—ensuring that every woman and girl in Iraq has equal opportunities and creating a society where all women can live free from fear, oppression, and inequality.

The United Nations stands firmly with Iraq, and with Iraqi women, in achieving these goals. Together, we will build a future where women are not only part of the conversation but are leading it—shaping Iraq’s future for generations to come.

Thank you.