Coalition 188 blasts ‘dangerous amendments’ to Personal Status Law in statement marking International Women’s Day

BAGHDAD — Coalition 188, a women’s rights pressure group, criticized recent amendments to Iraq’s Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959 as a rollback of hard-fought gains in women’s rights, attributing the changes to “dubious political deals.”

In a statement marking International Women’s Day, the coalition warned that Iraqi women face “extremely complex and difficult conditions.” The group contended that rather than bolstering legal protections, lawmakers enacted changes that undermine a key achievement of the nation’s feminist movement.

“From the outset, Coalition 188 and all defenders of women’s rights have faced systematic smear and intimidation campaigns,” the statement read. It pledged to pursue further legal, public, and diplomatic efforts—including appealing to international organizations—to safeguard women’s rights. “Defending women is not a choice but a national and moral duty that cannot be abandoned,” the group said.

The contentious amendments were part of a package of three laws passed by the Iraqi Parliament on Jan. 21 after months of political gridlock among Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish factions. One of the most debated measures allows individuals to resolve issues such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance through either religious authorities or civil courts. Critics warn that the changes could erode protections established under the 1959 law, with earlier drafts even suggesting a reduction in the legal age of marriage.

Full statement from Coalition 188:

Women around the world celebrate their International Day in March, recalling with pride their achievements, struggles, and leading roles across political, social, cultural, and scientific fields. Meanwhile, Iraqi women face extremely complex and difficult conditions under a political system structured along sectarian and ethnic lines.

Instead of strengthening laws that protect their rights, we have witnessed the passage of dangerous amendments to Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959, one of the most important achievements of the Iraqi feminist movement. Today, this law has become the victim of dubious political deals aimed at turning back the clock.

From the outset, the Coalition 188 and all defenders of women’s rights have faced systematic smear and intimidation campaigns. However, the alliance has continued to lead legal, public, and diplomatic efforts, taking the case to international organizations based on international agreements, in direct confrontation with attempts to suppress freedom of expression and undermine the democratic values enshrined in the Iraqi constitution.

The public opposition to these amendments was not merely a show of support for the Coalition 188 —it remains an integral part of this struggle. Defending women’s rights is not an individual responsibility but a societal cause that cannot be abandoned.

The attack on the Personal Status Law is an extension of the discrimination women face, including high rates of domestic violence, continued political and economic marginalization, and persistent social restrictions. Meanwhile, patriarchal rhetoric continues to diminish their role, and laws are used to legitimize oppression rather than combat it. This reality reflects the collapse of civil and social justice, making the end of this injustice dependent on a fundamental shift in governance and administration.

Therefore, the Coalition 188, along with all genuine civil forces, reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of women and children in Iraq through:

📌 Continuing legal, political, and social pressure to restore the Personal Status Law in its original form and develop it for greater fairness and justice.

📌 Calling on the Federal Court to review appeals and annul amendments and laws that contradict the constitution and international agreements.

📌 Urging the international community and human rights organizations to intervene in protecting Iraqi women from violence, marginalization, and unjust legislation that conflicts with Iraq’s commitments under international treaties.

The Coalition 188 views March 8 as a symbol of women’s ongoing struggle against regressive forces and asserts that defending women is not a choice but a national and moral duty that cannot be abandoned. Women’s rights are not a favor granted by anyone.

We salute all women on this day, especially those who have fought and continue to fight for the rights of future generations. We will continue the struggle until Iraqi women achieve their full rights and contribute to building a fairer and more just society.