Violence & Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity in Iraq

This report, submitted by IraQueer, MADRE, and Outright International, addresses urgent areas of concern related to the status of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Iraq. Violence and discrimination against LGBT individuals in Iraq continue to flourish, and victims are guaranteed virtually no protection or redress. The Government has failed in its obligations to promote and protect the human rights of those who face violence and discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Faced with the ever-present possibility of discrimination, extreme violence, torture and murder, being perceived as LGBT in Iraq places one in immediate danger. The state-sanctioned culture of anti-LGBT discrimination permeates Iraq’s institutions and society. Perpetrators of egregious anti-LGBT human rights violations include victims’ family members, militia fighters, religious militants from various groups and government officials. Members of the security forces and police are, at best, non-responsive to human rights violations committed on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and, at worst, active participants in them. People in Iraq can count on virtually no protection or recourse for anti-LGBT violence and discrimination.