Did you know that 21% of suicide cases in Iraq over the past three years involved children and adolescents?

This bold research report, issued by the Ministry of Planning, puts its finger on the open wound of childhood realities in Iraq. It is not just a set of numbers; it is a wake-up call that reveals how domestic violence, economic pressures, and untreated mental disorders (such as depression and autism) can turn into ticking time bombs that threaten our children’s lives.

Through a rigorous analysis of more than 1,184 suicide cases and the documentation of thousands of incidents of violence against children (physical, psychological, and economic), the report exposes the hidden link between poverty, family disintegration, and a child’s decision to end their life.

The report answers critical questions: Why do certain governorates top the list? What forms of violence are most destructive to children’s mental health? And how can we save what can still be saved?

When reviewing the report’s indicators, we find essential intersections with our fieldwork areas, compelling all of us to redirect our focus toward the most vulnerable groups:

Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment:
The report confirms that “economic violence” is among the most prominent violations against children, particularly boys aged 11–18. It clearly links poverty and unemployment to increased psychological pressure that can lead to suicide. This reinforces our conviction at Al-Rakeeza that economic empowerment projects for families are not merely income improvements, but protective shields that safeguard children from early labor and deadly psychological stress.

Education:
The report indicates that academic failure is one of the recorded motives behind child suicide, and that the school environment plays a decisive role in mental health. Therefore, our educational programs aim not only at academic achievement, but at making schools safe spaces that detect behavioral disorders early and address them before it is too late.

Relief and Psychosocial Support:
The report reveals that the effects of war and displacement remain etched in children’s memories, generating fear and insecurity. This underscores the importance of integrating psychosocial support as an inseparable component of our relief campaigns, especially in post-conflict areas, to heal what wars have damaged in young minds.

Training and Development:
The report recommends training professionals and raising community awareness about the risks of mental disorders. At Al-Rakeeza, we view this recommendation as a call to intensify our training programs for parents and educators, empowering them to recognize warning signs and respond with informed care.

We invite researchers, stakeholders, and decision-makers to download the full report and review these vital data, so we can work together to build an environment that protects the future of Iraq—its children.