The Hana Human Rights Organization warned of a critical humanitarian situation and widespread psychological trauma affecting children living in refugee camps in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq following continued missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The organization said these actions constitute a direct violation of international obligations concerning the protection of children and civilians.
According to the statement, missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran targeting residential areas and camps housing families of Kurdish political activists and parties in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, particularly in Sulaymaniyah Province, have intensified significantly in recent years, especially since the beginning of the “12-Day War.” The statement noted that these attacks have placed the lives and safety of civilians, particularly children, under unprecedented threat.
Hana explained that beyond the human casualties and extensive material damage caused by the strikes, the attacks have left deep and long-term psychological scars on children. The organization indicated that many children are suffering from chronic anxiety, constant fear, night terrors, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), while living in a continuous state of insecurity and fear has deprived them of psychological safety and stability.
The statement pointed out that, according to gathered information and field observations, a large number of children in the camps have been forced into internal displacement after fleeing their homes due to the attacks. Hana added that this instability, coupled with damaged educational infrastructure, limited access to schools, and the absence of specialized psychological support services, has severely disrupted children’s education.
Hana stressed that many children are now being deprived of their fundamental right to education, threatening their educational, social, and psychological future. The organization further noted that the conditions facing children in these areas — including ongoing insecurity, psychological instability, military threats, and forced displacement — are in direct contradiction with the basic principles of human rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The statement emphasized that these actions violate children’s rights to life, security, physical and mental health, and the right to grow up in a safe environment free from violence.
Hana also underscored that targeting civilian residential areas and spreading fear among children represent serious violations of international human rights law and the fundamental principles of International Humanitarian Law, particularly the principle of distinction between military and civilian targets and the protection of civilians during armed conflict.
The organization called on international bodies, including UNICEF, UN Special Rapporteurs, and child rights advocacy organizations, to provide an immediate and effective response. Hana urged international stakeholders to take practical measures to stop the attacks and ensure the safety, security, and well-being of refugee children in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
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