12 civil society organizations issued a joint statement condemning the tragic murder of Dr. Sana Kamal and her family were released by a doctor.
* We express our deep sadness and fear over the brutal murder of Dr. Sana Kamal and Dr. Sanaria Kamal, Sabahat Zahir and Kamal Koyi last weekend.
* This heinous act of violence committed by the husband of Dr. Sana concluded that after years of abuse, she needed immediate attention.
* Feminicide is a blatant violation of human rights and has become a widespread problem that does not seem to leave our society.
* In 2024, (40) cases of murder of women were recorded in the Kurdistan Region and this year so far 15 women have been killed, eight of them were killed with weapons.
*This tragedy is a reminder that violence can affect anyone – regardless of education, occupation, social status or religion.
* We appeal to government institutions, religious and social leaders and all sectors of society to:
* Bringing justice to all victims of feminicide through the trial of the perpetrators of violence according to the law, including the case of Dr. Sana.
* Strengthening legal protections and their implementation in the public justice system for women in order to protect their rights and access to justice without fear or shame.
* Involve men and boys in efforts to eradicate violence against women and emphasize that masculinity is never linked to domination, coercion and violence.
* Ensure women's participation in the development of policies and services directly related to addressing women's needs and promoting accountability in the judicial system.
Here is the text of the statement:
Joint Statement
On the tragic murder of Dr. Sana Kamal and her family
Together, the following organizations express our deep sorrows and fear over the brutal murder of Dr. Sana Kamal and Dr. Sanaria Kamal, Sabahat Zahir and Kamal Koyi last weekend. This heinous act of violence committed by the husband of Dr. Sana concluded that after years of abuse, she needed immediate attention.
Feminicide is a blatant violation of human rights and has become a widespread problem that does not seem to leave our society. In 2024, 40 cases of murder of women were recorded in the Kurdistan Region. In fact, there are no public data available on cases of feminicide and these cases are often not reported.
No woman should live in danger of violence or murder. Forced marriage, coercion and restrictions on a woman's right to leave an abusive spouse are different forms of social class violence that pave the way for such heinous crimes.
This tragedy is a reminder that violence can affect anyone – regardless of education, occupation, social status or religion. Dr. Sana was a well-educated, resourceful, and religious woman, yet she faced years of abuse and murder. Violence based on social type has no boundaries and is rooted in harmful social behaviors.
We appeal to government institutions, religious and social leaders and all sectors of society to:
Bringing justice to all victims of feminicide by prosecuting the perpetrators of violence according to the law, including the case of Dr. Sana.
Strengthening legal protections and their implementation in the public justice system for women in order to protect their rights and access to justice without fear or shame.
Invest in protection mechanisms by expanding access to shelters, legal assistance and psychological support for women experiencing violence.
Increase family and other supports for survivors of domestic violence in order to prevent the escalation of violence.
Involve men and boys in efforts to eradicate violence against women and emphasize that masculinity is never linked to domination, coercion and violence.
Ensure women's participation in the development of policies and services directly related to addressing women's needs and promoting accountability in the judicial system.
Ensure responsible media coverage that condemns socially based violence, holds perpetrators accountable to the law, and does not normalize or justify violence through the use of language that It reduces the guilt or places the blame on the victim. No media outlet should allow a murderer to defend or justify his crimes.
This murder is not an isolated incident, but part of a larger cycle of violence against women that needs to be addressed immediately. Dr. Sana faced domestic violence throughout her marriage. When domestic violence against women goes unresolved and when women's safety and rights are not protected, it escalates into murder.
We can prevent feminicide. It is not an isolated case and not a surprise; Rather, it is the culmination of a gathering of violence. Family, friends, community, religious leaders and the government have a duty to prevent such crimes. Who among us does not defend or justify this heinous crime?
We stand with all women who face threats to their safety and reaffirm our commitment to a world in which no woman is forced to remain in an abusive relationship Violence does not divide any family, justice is done quickly and there is no amnesty for feminicide.
The following organizations are committed to joint and unified action to prevent feminicide in Kurdistan, hold perpetrators accountable, and work to build healthy families and safe societies:
Seed Organization
Asuda Organization for Combating Violence against Women
Ema Organization for Human Development
Amazha Organization for Human Development
Masala Organization for Human Resource Development
Kurdistan Women's Union
Kurdistan Women's Union
INMA Organization for Human Development
Move Center for Human Rights Issues
Women's Empowerment Organization
Metro Center for Press Freedom
Alliance Network 19 for Freedom of Expression