In the wake of Doski’s murder, Yeksani and other human rights organizations have called on the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to investigate the murder and bring the perpetrator to justice. We have also called on these governments to take steps to protect LGBT+ individuals and ensure that they have access to justice and essential services.

However, despite these calls, the KRG and the Iraqi government have failed to take meaningful action to address the ongoing discrimination and violence faced by LGBT+ individuals in the region. Local organizations that provide services to LGBT+ people have also faced intimidation and harassment, with some having their licenses revoked by the government.

On this anniversary of Doski’s murder, Yeksani calls on the KRG, the Iraqi government, and the international community to take urgent action to ensure justice for Doski and all other survivors of queerphobic violence and victims of hate crimes.

We also call on these actors to take steps to protect and support the LGBT+ community in Iraq and Kurdistan, including by ensuring that they have access to essential services and can live their lives free from discrimination and violence.

This call is supported by the following organizations:

IraQueer, 6Rang, LesMigras, Gladt, Keskesor, Pelkezerine, Helem, Article 19, Mawjoudin, AllOut, Queer Maghreb Coalition, ILGA World, and ILGA Asia, and over 25,000 individuals worldwide.