Deputy PM Qubad Talabani chairs special meeting on Violence Against Women and Mental Health
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani today chaired a special meeting with relevant ministries and parties to address the worrying upward trend of violence against women, crime, and mental health crisis in the Kurdistan Region.
During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the need to implement immediate measures to support and protect society’s most vulnerable. He discussed the importance of raising awareness with families and providing guidance toward resources and platforms to address these social issues.
Deputy Prime Minister Talabani called on authorities to prosecute cases of violence against women, and urged for more gender sensitivity and equality training for officers and officials.
As a short-term solution, the Kurdistan Regional Government placed a moratorium on shelters refusing or releasing victims until a consultation with centers to provide legal support, financial resources, and adequate housing is concluded.
The Kurdistan Regional Government tasked the High Council of Women with putting together a comprehensive strategy to tackle the issue of violence against women, and conduct roundtable consultations with ministries and relevant stakeholders to provide recommendations to the government. An advisory board will be formed to guide media and civil society organisations on best practices when dealing with cases of gender-based violence and mental health issues to protect victims.
The Kurdistan Regional Government also asked religious figures to play a role in supporting the fight to end violence against women and tackle the stigma around mental health and gender equality. It highlighted the importance of listening to experts in the fields of psychology and sociology, as well as human rights activists, to help raise awareness in the community and create social networks to support those in need.
The Kurdistan Regional Government will continue to work to provide more resources, protection, and support to victims and their loved ones, and encourage an honest conversation around the issue of mental health and violence against women.
