Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned Iraq’s new amendment to the Personal Status Law, saying it discriminates against women and makes them “second-class citizens.”
The law, amended in January, lets people choose between religious or civil laws for marriage, divorce, and inheritance. It allows men to apply Shiite religious codes to their marriages without their wives’ consent.
Under this new code, husbands can divorce without informing their wives and automatically gain custody of children over age seven.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, warn that the amendment could weaken protections for women, legalize unregistered or child marriages, and undermine women’s rights.
HRW called for the law to be repealed immediately to protect women’s equality and dignity.

Abba Father, bring justice for the women of Iraq who face unfair laws. Let your truth break chains of inequality and restore dignity to all. Amen (The Holy Bible, Micah 6:8).

Lord, strengthen Iraqi women to stand firm in faith and courage, trusting You to defend their rights and their children’s future (The Holy Bible, Psalm 46:5).

News Source : Iraqi News

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