Statement by Alliance 1325 (Women for Peace Network- WPN)
The continued peaceful demonstrations and sit-ins by Iraqis in Baghdad and some cities in southern and central Iraq, against influential parties, the political quota system and rampant corruption in most state facilities, in addition to the high rates of unemployment and the absence of social justice. The peaceful protests that started on the first of October were accompanied by a lot of violence, such as the use of live bullets and tear gas, which led to the death of hundreds and the wounding of thousands of demonstrators (which was condemned by the representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert) after following up on all the events taking place.
The use of excessive violence against peaceful protesters was matched by clear government neglect of all the violations that occurred and are happening day after day, at the same time in which the Iraqi government made a number of promises and proposals to implement reforms that were not convincing to the demonstrators because they did not differ from the previous promises of procrastination.
In the midst of all these ongoing events, Iraqi women recorded honorable positions, whether by being in the demonstration squares or by providing logistical and medical support to the demonstrators. As part of their societal responsibilities and their belief in change, for peace and the consolidation of the social justice system.
Some female activists and protestors faced assaults and violations of their rights by peacefully demonstrating and expressing their opinion during the demonstration or because of the demonstration, later on, this is contrary to what is stated in the Iraqi constitution, Article (38).
In addition to attempts to insult and defame women activists, some of them were subjected to kidnappings as a result of providing first aid and services during the demonstrations, whose fate is still unknown. Families and human rights organizations were called upon the reveal the fate of the kidnapped and captured women and appealed to the international community to put pressure and urge the Iraqi government and security services to play their role in Protecting civilians and uncovering groups that carry out ongoing kidnappings. While the security services were satisfied with shy statements that are not encouraging.
The Alliance 1325 (WPN) condemns all violations and inhumane practices that were used in the demonstration and sit-in arenas. And also denounces the kidnappings and threats faced by female activists and protestors, and calls on the responsible authorities to play their role in ensuring the protection and safety of all civilians, and to hold accountable those responsible for all abuses inflicted on the demonstrators and caused the martyrdom of hundreds. Thousands were injured and dozens missing.
The Alliance1325 (WPN) also calls on the legislative, executive and judicial authorities to take urgent measures to prevent the recurrence of these cases and to bring the defaulters to justice, in addition to expediting the adoption of the Violence Protection Act and Protection of Persons from Enforced Disappearance Law. In addition to giving women a greater role and involving them in decision-making positions, especially in the arena of peace and security, in accordance with Security Council Resolution No. 1325 and decisions related to it.
