Yanar Mohammed, a renowned advocate for women's rights in Iraq and recipient of the Rafto Prize in 2016, was tragically assassinated outside her residence in Baghdad at the age of 66. Her work advocating for women's rights under perilous conditions garnered her significant respect and recognition, emphasizing her unyielding commitment to gender equality in a challenging societal context. News of her death was confirmed by the Rafto Foundation, which expressed deep shock and sorrow over the incident.

The Rafto Foundation's program manager, Jostein Hole Kobbeltvedt, highlighted Mohammed's extraordinary courage and integrity, stating that her relentless fight for equality served as an inspiration to human rights advocates worldwide. Mohammed's work with the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq has been instrumental in confronting gender inequality and fostering rights for women in the region. The organization has also publicly announced her assassination, grieving the loss of a vital leader in the movement for women's rights.

The Rafto Foundation is actively investigating the details surrounding Mohammed's assassination, indicative of the ongoing struggles faced by women's rights defenders in Iraq. This tragic event raises significant concerns regarding the safety of activists and the dire need for protection and support for those championing human rights in hostile environments. The implications of her loss are profound, with calls for international attention to the perilous conditions under which female advocates operate in Iraq and similar areas.