original text

FGM in Iraq

Northern Iraq - Human rights organisation WADI estimates that 60 % of women in Iraq are subjected to FGM. Rates are particularly high in northern Iraq and especially in rural and remote areas. The journalist Azeez Mahmoud, who works with WADI to raise awareness about FGM in northern Iraq argues that “the practice pre-dates Islam, yet is defended as a cultural and religious tradition”. Mahmoud clearly states that FGM constitutes “physical violence against women” that “leaves life-long psychological scars”.