Asuda
Asuda for Combating Violence against Women is a women's rights NGO operating in Iraqi Kurdistan. The term "Asuda" means: "providing comfort". Focus. Asuda provides protection and support to victims of gender-based violence in Kurdistan (Iraq) as well as to women who have been forced to leave Iraqi Kurdistan regardless of their ethnicity and religion. Asuda is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-affiliated organization based in Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan. Asuda is a member of NGOs Coordination Committee for Iraq (NCCI). Background. Asuda states that violence against women, notably honor killings, is a key social problem in Iraqi  Kurdistan. Despite efforts from wider society to end the killings, the rate of violence is increasing. Respect for women and women's rights continue to be a controversial and sensitive issue. Honor killings are accepted within certain regional 'tribal' or customary laws. Activities. Asuda undertakes: Accomplishments. In 2000, Asuda opened the first women's shelter in the Kurdish region. Since then, Asuda has played an important role in lobbying the Iraqi Kurdistan government to place priority on women's rights. Today, Asuda continues to provide shelter, information, legal aid and mediation to women in need. Financial disclosure. Asuda is reliant  on grants and donations from local, national, regional and international donors and organizations. These organizations include various agencies and programs of the United Nations, the European Union and governments worldwide. Asuda has received many grants from key international and regional organizations, embassies and ministries of foreign affairs of European Union and the United States. Controversy. Due to controversy about Asuda's work and some negative local community perception, Asuda has come under several direct and indirect threats and attacks. The most serious attack to date on Asuda occurred on May 11, 2008, when unknown gunmen opened fire on Asuda's  main office in Sulaymaniyah, seriously injuring a woman inside.