ILGA World condemns killing of Yanar Mohammed as cruel intimidation against those working for freedom and equality
- On Monday 2 March 2026, murderers took the life of Yanar Mohammed, a prominent Iraqi woman human rights defender and feminist
- ILGA World condemns the killing as a heinous act of violence and an intimidation against those working for freedom and equality
- Early on, Yanar Mohammed recognised the inclusion of all women and LGBTIacronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people. Although this is not the acronym available to describe people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics, it is the most commonly used in United Nations spaces and advocacy. More communities as fundamental to achieve democracy
This is a joint statement by ILGA World and ILGA Asia
Geneva, 5 March 2026 – The murder of Yanar Mohammed, a prominent Iraqi woman human rights defender and feminist, is a heinous act of violence and a cruel intimidation towards those creating more freedom and equality for everyone, ILGA World said today.
Feminist, LGBTI, and pro-democracy groups across the world are mourning her death and are joining forces to call on Iraqi authorities to conduct an immediate, thorough, and impartial investigation into the killing.
Yanar Mohammad was the co-founder and director of the Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) ), a national women’s organisation rebuilding Iraq on the foundations of secular democracy and human rights. For many years, the organisation has protected women facing gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, trafficking, and so-called ‘honour killings.’ Under Yanar Mohammad’s leadership, OWFI established a network of safe houses across Iraqi cities, protecting and supporting hundreds of women.
Her work also extended to other marginalised people in the country — including Afro-Iraqis, Turkmen, and Yazidi families displaced during the war, as well as LGBTI people.
Early on, Yanar Mohammad recognised the common patriarchal root of hatred against women and LGBTI people, and considered the inclusion of all women and LGBTI communities as fundamental to achieving democracy in Iraq. Throughout her life, she put her entire self in the service of creating a fairer world for everyone, realising that justice begins with human rights defenders defending it.
Julia Ehrt, Executive director of ILGA World
For many years, Yanar Mohammed conducted her work at great risk for her safety. Throughout her activism, she faced death threats, and yet she remained defiant in the face of ISIS and other armed groups. Tragically, on Monday 2 March 2026, two unidentified gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on her as she stood outside her northern Baghdad home. Yanar Mohammed died a few hours later in a hospital as a consequence of the gunshot wounds.
According to FrontLineDefenders, Yanar Mohammed had returned to Iraq from Canada just a few days prior to her assassination. Questions about whether somebody was potentially monitoring her movements and surveilling her remain open. Following her death, other OWFI members also reportedly received threats aimed at silencing their voices and their work.
“Today, feminist and LGBTI communities are mourning Yanar Mohammed together,” concludes Ehrt. “And, together, we demand justice and vow to honour her legacy.”
Yanar Mohammed dedicated her life to defending women and other communities facing violence, exclusion, and displacement in Iraq. She did so with extraordinary courage, clarity, and a steadfast commitment to dignity and justice, despite the grave risks she faced. Her killing is a devastating loss to feminist and human rights movements in Iraq and far beyond. We mourn her deeply, stand in solidarity with her colleagues and community, and call for a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation, full accountability for those responsible, and protection for those who continue her work.
Henry Koh, Executive Director, ILGA Asia