Anbar: A delegation from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), alongside representatives from the German Foreign Ministry, visited the Women’s Protection Center in Anbar Governorate to assess its progress and reinforce international support for women and girls facing violence.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the delegation included Anka Feldhausen, Director of the Crisis Prevention and Stabilization Division at the German Foreign Ministry. Feldhausen emphasized Germany’s ongoing commitment to supporting women’s rights and stabilization efforts in Iraq. She stated, “Women are half of every society and are indispensable for social cohesion and security issues. We are proud to be part of projects in Iraq that directly benefit women and local communities.”

UNFPA Representative in Iraq, Hind Jalal, also highlighted the shared commitment with the German government towards providing safe spaces and development opportunities for women in Iraq. She noted their efforts to establish a legal framework and the reliance on local authorities’ support to ensure the sustainability of these essential services.

UNFPA, in collaboration with the Iraqi government, local authorities, and international donors, primarily the German and French governments, supports several women’s protection centers in governorates including Anbar, Kirkuk, Nineveh, and Baghdad. These centers offer protection services, psychosocial support, and legal assistance to thousands of women and girls each year.

The organization praised the local authorities in Anbar for donating the land for the center and their valuable partnership. UNFPA affirmed its commitment to continue mobilizing resources and enhancing staff capacity to ensure the delivery of optimal services.