The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) urged on Wednesday the Iraqi authorities to end violence against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as COVID-19 restriction measures increase the risk of violence against the vulnerable people.
The UNAMI call came as the world marks the 16 Days of Activism against GBV, which starts on Nov. 25, while the coronavirus pandemic requires governments to enact life-saving public health and restriction measures, which increases the risk of violence and loss of life for Iraqi women and children, especially those with disabilities, a UNAMI statement said.
“We urge the government and parliament of Iraq to end GBV, to hold perpetrators accountable, to create protective spaces and environments where survivors of GBV feel safe and empowered and can thrive,” the statement said.
The GBV Information Management System (GBVIMS) said that it has recorded a marked rise in the number of reported incidents of violence in 2020 in Iraq, the statement said.
(XINHUA)