Children Affected by Violence 


Children in Iraq are highly vulnerable to abuse and violence.

Children are highly vulnerable to abuse and violence across Iraq both as a result of war and conflict, and in their homes, communities, and schools. Violence is pervasive in their daily lives and children often cannot access protection, medical and mental health services, that they require. SEED works to address trauma experienced by children, increase access to services and strengthen child protections in Kurdistan.

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Over 80% of children in Iraq experience violence at home and in school. (UNICEF Iraq)

Connected Safely

Connected Safely is a practical toolkit designed to support organizations working with caregivers and young people to strengthen online safety awareness and prevention efforts. Through interactive, community-based approaches, the toolkit helps families build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to recognize risks, make safer decisions, and know where to seek support.

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Judicial Briefer: The Protected Status of Childhood and Implications for Judicial Practice in Cases of Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Access to the internet and digital technologies has increased risks to children worldwide. In Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, where legal frameworks have struggled to keep pace with evolving harms, children subjected to online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA) may face inadequate protections and inconsistent justice outcomes.

This brief introduces the protected status of childhood — enshrined in international conventions and national law — and examines its implications for judicial practice. By consolidating key principles of child-friendly justice, it aims to strengthen the interpretation and application of law in OCSEA cases.

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Child-Friendly Communication in Cases of Online Violence

In Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, online violence presents heightened and complex risks due to social stigma, limited legal frameworks, and the potential for severe offline consequences. Survivors, particularly women, girls, and children, may face not only digital harm but also social exclusion, family retaliation, or honor-based violence. In this context, how cases are handled directly impacts survivor safety and protection outcomes.

This practitioner’s guide is designed for case managers, frontline responders, and protection actors within GBV and child protection systems. It provides practical, field-oriented guidance to support safe, coordinated, and effective responses to online violence cases.

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Child-Friendly Communication in Cases of Online Violence

Online violence against children (<18) refers to a range of harmful acts that are committed, facilitated, or amplified through digital technologies, including grooming, sexual exploitation, coercion, blackmail, online harassment, and the non-consensual sharing of images.

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Supporting the Recovery and Reintegration of Former Child Soldiers

Children are one of the most vulnerable groups affected by conflict and thousands were exposed to extreme violence in captivity. However, they also possess great resilience and, when given the chance, the potential to heal.
Addressing the needs of children who have survived the ISIS conflict and returned to their communities in the KRI or other parts of Iraq is crucial; failure to provide required services places them at heightened risk of further harm towards themselves and others.

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