Commitments without Context

What’s at Stake?

This policy brief examines Canada’s commitments to the Iraq Stabilization Program, including “Canada’s Strategy for Iraq” (2016-2022) and “Operation IMPACT” (2014 to March 31, 2025). The analysis reveals a gap in addressing the harm and violence inflicted by Western forces during the Iraq War (2003-2011), and identifying persistent issues of conflict-related sexual violence from that period. The brief critiques Canadian strategies used during the Iraq War and the American occupation, emphasizing historical factors that intensified both armed and gender-based violence and severely affected Iraqi women and girls. It highlights the occupation's long-term impacts, including instability, elevated risks of violence, and war crimes, drawing on a historical and developmental perspective for critical context. Positioned within the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) framework, it emphasizes the need to contextualize geopolitical decisions to understand Iraq’s present conditions.

It evaluates protective measures for Iraqi women and girls, assessing efforts by local and international stakeholders, including Canada, and examines limitations in these commitments in light of historical realities. Additional key documents analyzed include Global Affairs Canada (GAC) reports and the Iraqi Commission for Human Rights’ report to the United Nations in Geneva. Further, the brief explores the structural causes behind sexual violence, proposing solutions aligned with the WPS framework. Additionally, the brief explores the drivers of sexual violence, identifying both structural causes and potential solutions within the WPS framework. Strategies will be offered for improving Canada’s role in strengthening security and resilience for women and girls in Iraq by highlighting the need for a longer historical account of conflict-related violence and gender inequality to ensure lasting and impactful solutions.

To test how women and girls in Iraq were most affected, researcher Patricia Reaney (from ReliefWeb, OCHA) provides statistical analysis that supports this policy brief.

Research Approach

The research approach for this study involved analyzing information from two official Government of Canada websites associated with the Stabilization Program in Iraq, which provide details on Canada’s aid and assistance initiatives. Additionally, the study references data collected by Patricia Reaney in ReliefWeb, an analysis by the Iraqi Commission for Human Rights submitted to the Human Rights Council that examines American war crimes in Iraq, and a United Nations Security Council Meeting Coverage report that investigates patterns of sexual violence against Iraqi women and girls perpetrated by Western forces.

The Government of Canada’s “Canada’s Strategy for Iraq” addressed the devastation in areas terrorized by ISIS / Daesh, an extremist organization that, while claiming religious legitimacy, has conducted widespread attacks on local communities. As the policy explains, “Daesh destroyed large areas of the country and left millions of Iraqis internally displaced. Many civilians remain displaced and there are significant economic, social, humanitarian, and governance-related challenges following the successful military campaign against Daesh,” (Government of Canada, 2021).

Canada’s “Operation IMPACT” report, which outlines a whole-of-government strategy for the Middle East, with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) mission focused on building the military capabilities of Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon to foster conditions for their long-term stability. According to the Government of Canada, Operation IMPACT works in conjunction with agencies such as Global Affairs Canada to counter ISIS and Daesh influence in Iraq and advance global security efforts (Government of Canada, 2023).

According to Relief Web, “American and Iraqi public health experts have calculated that about 655,000 Iraqis have died as a result of the March 2003 U.S.-led invasion and subsequent violence, far above previous estimates.” These fatalities were largely attributed to U.S. bombardments, with most victims reported to be women and children (OCHA, 2006).

Key Findings

The key findings highlight that, while Canada has made efforts toward peace and security, a broader discussion is necessary regarding the significant number of Iraqi civilian deaths, which examines the extreme human cost of the American-led war and occupation.

Some of the most severe war crimes in Iraq were committed by American occupation forces, with bombings and attacks exacerbating violence against women and girls. While civilian casualties are often considered an unavoidable aspect of war, steps like issuing advance evacuation orders can help reduce harm. In this case, however, the killing of Iraqi civilians was not only tolerated but, within certain military circles, even celebrated, with sexualized language and normalized violence.

The Government of Canada’s “Canada’s Strategy for Iraq” committed over $4 billion from 2016 to 2022, targeting the crises in Iraq.

Canada implemented five key strategic objectives to address gender-based violence and to support Iraq. These objectives focus on providing gender-responsive, needs-based humanitarian assistance to crisis-affected populations, as well as addressing the root causes of conflict and radicalization by supporting improved governance with an increased role for women. Additionally, Canada aims to consolidate gains from the counter-Daesh military campaign by stabilizing areas liberated from Daesh and to train and build the capacity of Iraqi security forces. Lastly, Canada supports Iraq’s unity, stability, diversity, and democracy through diplomatic engagement and advocacy.

"The occupation troops have resorted to excessive force, indiscriminate killing and collective punishment of the population. They have besieged entire towns, storming into them, instilling fear and horror among residents and destroying their homes," (IRAQI-CHR, 2010).

Canada’s development initiatives focus on enhancing the capacity of Iraqi institutions, fostering inclusive governance, and promoting women’s roles in reconciliation, decision-making, and equitable employment (Government of Canada, 2021). This objective supports greater awareness and prevention of gender-based violence targeting women and girls. In 2019, Canada supported the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh, and earlier, in 2017, rested up to 1,200 survivors of Daesh violence, including Yazidi women and girls (Government of Canada, 2021). To date, Canada has welcomed over 1,400 Daesh survivors, with more than 85% being Yazidis. Surveys conducted in post-invasion Iraq revealed a sharp increase in acute malnutrition, nearly doubling from 4% to almost 8% since before the war.

There are long-term impacts of food insecurity and malnutrition in Iraq. The American occupation severely impacted pregnant women as well, with deteriorating living conditions contributing to adverse health outcomes (IRAQI-CHR, 2010). Additionally, the occupation placed an overwhelming burden on Iraqi women, as more men detained, forcing women to shoulder full responsibility for their families. This instability also contributed to the rise of armed groups in southern Iraq, where men inside or outside the Iraqi Armed Forces carried weapons and guns for self-defence.

Iraq was one of the first Arab countries to create a national plan to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

The Iraqi government had launched a national strategy for women covering from 2023-2030, which includes establishing domestic-violence shelters and adopting a zero-tolerance policy that excludes perpetrators or pardons them of sexual violence (United Nations, 2023).

Additionally, the government has begun compensating Yazidi victims of sexual violence and is activating a referral system in collaboration with ten organizations providing psychosocial services. These initiatives represent crucial steps toward supporting victims of sexual violence, whether from ISIS or American war crimes, and ensuring accountability and recovery for affected individuals.

Policy Insights

The American invasion of Iraq and its role in conflict-related sexual violence

The lasting generational impact of conflict-related sexual violence fosters an environment of trauma and fear. Young children raised in these conditions often carry their trauma into adulthood, and as parents, they pass these feelings and experiences onto the next generation. Even today, the continued American presence in Iraq serves as a reminder of a war that is far from forgotten.

A historical examination of the American occupation of Iraq

To address the impacts on stability, food insecurity, and the enduring trauma from conflict-related sexual violence, a broader lens with historical analysis is required. Key reports on Canada’s role in supporting Iraq provide insights into Canada’s goals and priorities; however, they fall short of addressing the historical realities shaping contemporary challenges, especially concerning sexual violence and its lasting effects. Analyzing the historical context of the American-led invasion and occupation of Iraq is therefore essential.

Rethinking Canada's support for stabilization efforts in Iraq

Rethinking Canada’s commitments to stabilization efforts in Iraq requires supporting the implementation of Iraq’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). If Canada seeks to improve the livelihoods of Iraqi communities and provide safety, particularly for women and girls affected by conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), it must work within the framework of Iraq’s NAP rather than imposing external perspectives, which may inadvertently harm Iraqi communities.

Sexual violence: A taboo topic within Iraqi culture

Implementing additional legislation and frameworks focused on supporting survivors of gender-based violence could encourage more openness. Establishing protections and support systems could also foster a cultural shift, allowing survivors to seek justice and healing without feeling compelled to hide their experiences.

Western forces must take accountability for war crimes in Iraq

Although Canada has invested heavily in aiding Iraq to support peace and stability efforts, including backing the American-led invasion, there is a lack of discussion surrounding the war crimes committed by Western forces. This includes sexual violence and the intensification of armed conflicts, in which both Canada and the United States played significant roles. Taking accountability for these actions is essential for fostering transparency and providing a sense of closure to women and girls who were victims of this violence.