FGM in Kirkuk

Falah Muradkhan

New research in Kirkuk suggests Iraq is one of the countries in the world still practising the outlawed custom of female circumcision (Female Genital Mutilation). The pratice was prohibited by law in Kurdistan last year.

However the findings of the FGM research in Kirkuk, which was done by WADI and released this month (June 13), are considered representative of the situation throughout the Kurdistan region (KRG).

Kirkuk is often referred to as ‘The Smaller Iraq’ as it reflects all the different factions and tensions whether economic, social or political. The survey revealed that of 1,212 girls over 14 years of age, 38% had been circumcised.

Amongst Kurds 65.4% of girls had been circumcised while the figures for Arabs totalled 25.7% and Turkmens 12.3%.

The division on religious grounds were: Kakiyies 42.9%, Sunnis 40.9% and Shias 23.4%.

The research showed no circumcision among Christians, Chaldeans, Assyrians or Armenians. The latest research is considered extremely valuable because of its extensive data and statistics as well as the reasons given by people for carrying out FGM.

The report’s findings are good evidence of the existence and continued practice of FGM even though attempts are made to hide the issue.Speaking about genital organs is also considered taboo in Iraq.

Although there are some doubts about the complete accuracy of the research (its authors say) it should be praised as a big step in Kirkuk. They say the fact that Iraq is shown to be in the list of FGM countries deserves urgent attention and solutions by the Parliament and Government.