UNHCR's ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSING THE ...

harassment and death threats if they fail to do so. In general, single women and womenheaded
households are at increased risk of harm.
In the Region of Kurdistan, while “honour killings” are considered crimes under local law,
they continue to occur in high numbers, often concealed as accidents, suicides or suicide
attempts. Forced or early marriages are of concern and female genital mutilation (FGM) is
prevalent in some areas.
� Sexual Orientation: Iraq’s lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community
has historically been subject to attacks in Iraq. Since the fall of the previous regime,
however, with the rise of strict Islamic values that are often enforced through extra-legal
means, violence against the LGBT community has increased. Killings are often conducted
in especially brutal manners, with burnings and mutilations reported. “Honour killings” of
gay family members have also been reported. Those who commit acts of violence against
homosexuals and others often do so with impunity, with the police reportedly themselves
blackmailing, torturing or sexually abusing homosexuals in their custody.
� Persons Accused of Un-Islamic Behaviour: As with women and homosexuals, others
who are perceived as not complying with strict Islamic values and traditions have been
subjected to discrimination, threats, kidnappings, mutilations and killings. Those who have
been victimized include women who fail to dress appropriately, drive cars or work outside
the home; men who shave their beards, wear shorts or have long hair; students who sing,
dance or mingle with the other sex; homosexuals and those believed to have HIV/AIDS;
barbers, for shaving beards or giving Western-style haircuts; male doctors for treating
female patients; owners of alcohol, CD and DVD shops; and owners of shops that sell
musical instruments or what is considered “inappropriate” clothing.
3. Arab Refugees
While this paper addresses the international protection needs of Iraq asylum-seekers, note is
also made of the particular needs of Arab refugees in Iraq who have since become
displaced by the current violence. In particular, there are increasing reports of refugees of
Sunni Arab origin, for example Palestinians, Syrians and Iranians (Ahwazis), being targeted
due to their perceived affiliation with the former regime and the ongoing Sunni-led
insurgency. Shi’ite-dominated ISF and militias have been identified as the main
perpetrators of attacks against these refugees. In general, many refugees do not hold valid
documentation, limiting their freedom of movement, access to services and putting them at
risk of detention and possibly refoulement. As such, in adjudicating the refugee claims of
individuals who were previously refugees in Iraq, it should be noted that the current
situation in Iraq is such that “effective protection” in the country is generally unavailable.
C. Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-Seekers
1. Overall Approach
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