Iraq: Statement by the Spokesperson on the adoption of discriminatory legislation

The European Union is concerned by the adoption of legislation in Iraq foreseeing imprisonment of 10 to 15 years for people engaging in consensual same-sex relations.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Iraq ratified in 1971, stipulates that laws shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground.

The EU calls on the Iraqi legislators to respect Iraq's international human rights obligations and to effectively implement Article 14 of the Iraqi Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on origin, religion, belonging to minorities and for other reasons.

The EU will continue to take action globally to prevent and denounce all forms of discrimination while advocating for diversity, equality and inclusiveness as core principles of just societies.