“We decided to write this report after being advised by several experts in the region. During regional meetings, we saw that very little information was documented about the issue of trafficking and prostitution”, Rachel Eapen Paul, Regional Programme Manager for the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), said in her opening remarks for the launch.
”However, it was clear that this topic is extremely difficult and sensitive. We hope our contribution will add to the knowledge on this issue, in addition to violence against women in Iraq in general”, Paul added.
The report was put together by several experts and advisors in the region. Through a consultation process with 6 organisations in Iraq, qualitative interviews were conducted within the country. Several of the contributors also attended the opening, and commented on the report.
“Trafficking is a tricky term to define, and is often subject to misinterpretations. The main feature is exploitation, not necessarily migration. There is no doubt that the invasion in 2003 contributed to an increase in this kind of exploitation, and highlighting the realities of trafficking in Iraq is key to influence policymakers. That is why a report like this is so important”, Dr. Janice Raymond, board member of the Coalition against Trafficking in Women said in her speech during the launch.
The report is a part of the NCA’s Church Aid Civil Society and Human Rights Programme, which is funded by the Norwegian ministry of Foreign Affairs.