How Muslim countries Protect Sex Predators
In many parts of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the issue of gender-based violence (GBV), including sexual violence, is rampant, with many perpetrators escaping justice due to societal, legal, and governmental failings. Despite some legal reforms in the region, women and girls remain vulnerable to systemic discrimination, cultural stigmas, and weak enforcement of laws meant to protect them. The result is that large numbers of rape cases and other forms of violence go unpunished, leaving victims without justice and emboldening perpetrators.
A Region Struggling with Justice
Countries like Iraq, Syria, and Jordan have long struggled to provide justice for victims of sexual violence. Laws in some MENA countries historically allowed rapists to avoid prosecution by marrying their victims, a practice aimed at preserving the victim’s "honor" but which, in reality, perpetuates abuse. Although Jordan repealed this law in 2017, similar provisions remain in place in other parts of the region, and enforcement is often inconsistent or weak【33†source】【43†source】.
In other countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, rape victims face immense barriers to reporting assaults due to fear of being charged with adultery or other crimes. Women who cannot provide the required level of proof—such as testimony from four male witnesses—risk facing harsh penalties, including lashes or imprisonment【33†source】【36†source】. This fear of reprisal discourages many from seeking justice, allowing perpetrators to escape unpunished.
The Impact of Gender-Based Violence in MENA
Gender-based violence remains widespread across the MENA region. In countries like Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt, domestic violence and sexual assault rates have surged, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified the vulnerabilities of women confined at home. Reports from women’s rights organizations indicate that many women and girls are subject to daily violence in the home or on the streets, with little recourse for legal protection【43†source】【42†source】.
In Algeria alone, at least 39 cases of murder or intentional assault leading to death were recorded during the pandemic lockdowns, with women’s groups warning that the actual number is likely much higher【43†source】. Similarly, in Morocco, the total annual cost of violence against women—including physical and sexual violence—was estimated to be over $308 million【42†source】.
Legal Loopholes and Limited Reforms
Some countries have made modest strides toward improving legal protections for women. Tunisia, for instance, enacted a landmark law in 2017 aimed at protecting women from all forms of gender-based violence. However, these legislative gains are often undermined by weak implementation and the continued influence of patriarchal norms that prioritize family honor over justice for survivors【43†source】.
In other areas, women who report sexual violence face serious risks. In Libya, women and girls are routinely targeted for sexual violence, physical assault, and even assassination, particularly by militias and armed groups. The fear of being detained or punished themselves often silences victims, preventing them from accessing legal or medical assistance【43†source】.
Cultural Stigmas and a Lack of Enforcement
Despite these reforms, the broader cultural and legal environment in much of the Middle East continues to restrict women’s ability to seek justice for sexual violence. In countries like Saudi Arabia, women who report rape can still face criminal charges themselves, especially if they are perceived as having broken social norms around modesty or gender interaction【36†source】.
Less than 40% of women who experience gender-based violence in the MENA region seek help of any kind, and fewer than 10% report their assaults to the police. Many victims turn to family members or friends for support rather than seeking formal legal avenues, further limiting their ability to pursue justice【42†source】. In these countries, the social stigma attached to victims of sexual assault often outweighs the potential benefits of legal recourse, which remains largely inaccessible.
International and Local Calls for Change
International human rights organizations continue to pressure MENA governments to reform their laws and prioritize the protection of women and girls. Activists call for comprehensive changes, including stricter enforcement of anti-violence laws, improved resources for survivors, and efforts to dismantle the patriarchal structures that allow violence to persist.
“Authorities must ensure that survivors can safely access justice and that perpetrators are held accountable,” said Heba Morayef, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for MENA【43†source】. The battle for legal reform is ongoing, and while there have been some victories, there is still a long way to go in ensuring that the rights of women are protected across the region.
For many survivors of gender-based violence in the Middle East, justice remains elusive. The cultural, legal, and institutional barriers that persist across much of the region leave victims in limbo, uncertain if their attackers will ever be held accountable.