Lives at risk: The perpetual struggles of LGBTIQ people in Iraq
Despite the fact that being LGBTIQ is not expressly criminalized under Iraqi laws, Iraq is still considered to be one of the most dangerous countries for LGBTIQ people. Inherent and fundamental human rights are threatened in almost every aspect of their lives. In this report, we look at the role of media and the work of LGBTIQ rights organizations in shaping the public’s opinion about LGBTIQ people.
Executive Summary
Lives at risk: The perpetual struggles of LGBTIQ people in Iraq encompasses the most up-to-date account of human rights situations of LGBTIQ persons in Iraq and identifies the needs, challenges, and opportunities for advancing the human rights of queer Iraqis. The report is based on interviews with ten LGBTIQ activists and organizations, and literature review on published reports, articles, and visual media. In Iraq, human rights enjoyment including freedom of expression, gender equality, and the right to life is constantly undermined by the Iraqi authorities and affiliated armed groups. LGBTIQ Iraqis have been targeted for systematic killing. Politicians and leaders have negative perceptions towards LGBTIQ movement and farmed it as “attacking” the Iraqi society’s values and religious teachings.
LGBTIQ organizations have been facing threats from religious and conservative groups, and most of the organizations are operating underground to provide safe houses, medical services, awareness raising, public education, and human rights training. Some organizations are more active with international advocacy and lobbying with regular submission of reports to different U.N. bodies such as the Human Rights Council and the Human Rights Committee. These organizations produced publicly available resources such as guides, videos, reports, and articles aiming to advance the movement.
Despite a suppressive environment, the number of LGBTIQ activists and organizations is increasing due to the strong demand for support of the local community, along with leading efforts of international organizations. The visibility of LGBTIQ organizations is increased through media coverage and more community members are starting to get involved with them. A number of media personnel started more queer-friendly language and hosting LGBTIQ activists. There is an urgent need to put an end to the systematic killing campaigns against LGBTIQ Iraqis and recognition of the right to life by Iraqi government domestically. The advocacy to end the systematic killing against LGBTIQ is one of the priority areas of LGBTIQ organizations, in addition to safe health services including STI treatment. Another priority is the amendment of the shelter law which currently does not allow civil society organizations in Iraq to provide safe housing for victims in need. Even though there are existing laws protecting Iraqis violence, LGBTIQ Iraqis are often not protected by law enforcement. Lack of awareness about LGBTIQ people and negative portrayal of LGBTIQ people in media are the other key challenges for LGBTIQ organizations to protect the rights of LGBTIQ persons in Iraq.
