A recent report by Kurdistan Region's Judicial Council has unveiled a concerning surge in divorce rates across the region, with Erbil province emerging as the frontrunner in registering divorce cases. The report underscores the challenges facing relationships in the area, while also highlighting the steadfast commitment to marital bonds observed in Sulaymaniyah province.

According to statistics revealed by the Kurdistan Region's Judicial Council, Erbil province has witnessed a pronounced increase in divorce rates, indicating underlying difficulties in relationships within the province. Conversely, Sulaymaniyah province has shown a remarkable dedication to marital unions, boasting the highest number of marriages registered over the past decade.

The data further reveals that age disparity and spousal infidelity have emerged as prominent factors contributing to the dissolution of marriages in the region. From 2014 to 2023, the number of divorces surged from 18% to 27% compared to the registration of marriage contracts, highlighting a concerning trend in marital instability.

Over the course of the past decade, an impressive 472,581 marriages were registered in the courts of the Kurdistan Region. Of these, 446,234 cases were directly registered in the courts, with an additional 26,347 cases processed externally. This equates to an average of 47,258 marriages annually, translating to 3,938 marriages monthly, and 129 daily.

Erbil province accounted for 17,543 marriages, with Sulaymaniyah registering 20,407 marriages, Duhok recording 12,499 marriages, and Garmian witnessing 2,618 marriages over the past decade.

However, amidst the celebration of unions, a staggering 96,440 families saw their bonds dissolved, reflecting the profound impact of marital discord on households across the Kurdistan Region. Erbil province recorded the highest divorce rate with 5,857 divorces, followed by Sulaymaniyah province with 5,438 divorces, Duhok province with 2,164 divorces, and Garmian area with 853 divorces.

Efforts to address and support marital stability remain imperative in the Kurdistan Region, as communities endeavor to navigate the complexities of relationships and family dynamics in the modern era.

The report by the Kurdistan Region's Judicial Council sheds light on the evolving landscape of marriages and divorces in the region, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to promote and sustain healthy relationships. As Erbil province grapples with escalating divorce rates, proactive measures aimed at addressing underlying issues and providing support to couples become paramount in safeguarding familial harmony and stability.