Yanar Mohammed, a prominent Iraqi women’s rights activist, has been killed in Baghdad after being shot by unidentified gunmen outside her home on 2 March 2026. She was 66 years old.
Mohammed had recently returned from Canada, where she had been living and working for many years, to continue her activism in Iraq. Her visit included participation in discussions related to women affected by violence, including Ezidi girls who survived ISIS captivity.
Over decades, Mohammed became known for her work defending vulnerable women in Iraq. She co-founded the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq and helped establish a network of shelters providing protection to women facing trafficking, abuse, and so-called “honour” violence. Her work often placed her at significant personal risk, and she had previously spoken about the dangers activists face in Iraq.
Born in Iraq, Mohammed later moved to Canada, where she expanded her advocacy by supporting refugee and immigrant women while raising awareness internationally about the conditions faced by women in Iraq. Following the 2003 invasion, she returned to Iraq to continue her work on the ground.
Her killing has sparked reactions among activists and human rights organizations, highlighting once again the risks faced by those working to defend women’s rights in Iraq.
Mohammed’s work intersected with issues affecting the Ezidi people, particularly in relation to survivors of ISIS violence. While not an Ezidi figure, her advocacy contributed to broader efforts addressing the consequences of the genocide and the protection of women in post-conflict Iraq.
Her death underscores the ongoing dangers faced by activists in the region and the continued challenges in securing protection and justice for vulnerable groups.
