Shafaq News
Wrapped in a thin, worn blanket and
left outside the gate of Kirkuk University, a newborn faced his first hours of
life in silence—exposed, fragile, and alone. Discovered by passersby, the
infant, later named Abdullah, was rushed to the hospital for care.
In Iraq, children like him are
referred to as “kareem al-nasab” (“children of unknown or disputed
parentage”)—a term used for those born out of wedlock, through illicit
relationships, or abandoned by their parents.
Government data from 2025 showed
that orphanages across the country, excluding the Kurdistan Region, house
approximately 75,000 children, a number that included both orphans and kareem
al-nasab.
After being discovered, Abdullah was
transferred to Kirkuk Children’s Hospital, where he remains under continuous
medical supervision. A hospital source, speaking to Shafaq news, on condition
of anonymity, confirmed that the infant is in relatively good health and has
undergone all necessary examinations.
“Healthcare staff rotate daily to
provide care, ensuring warmth and calm after the trauma he endured,” the source
added, noting that legal procedures began immediately after his discovery and
that officials are now coordinating adoption procedures in line with Iraqi law.
Beyond the Blanket
Abdullah’s story has drawn
widespread sympathy, exposing the hidden struggles of children born into
marginal circumstances and the difficult choices some parents feel forced to
make.
The case has also stirred concern on
social media over the recurring issue of child abandonment. One citizen wrote,
“This child is innocent of the sins of adults… Abdullah today belongs to all of
Kirkuk.”
Another remarked, “Every day we hear
about abandoned children… authorities need to act to end this phenomenon.”
Yet, giving the child the name
Abdullah—“Servant of God” in Arabic—has been widely regarded as an important
step in granting him a temporary identity, offering a small measure of
stability amid uncertainty.
The trend shows little sign of
slowing. A senior security official in Kirkuk informed Shafaq News that
Abdullah’s case is the fourth this year, following incidents in which newborns
were left in public places, some only a day or two old.
“Efforts are underway to identify
the mothers and provide care for the infants, but limited social awareness
continues to complicate the process,” the official noted.
Over the past two years, Kirkuk has
also witnessed similar episodes: a newborn abandoned in a landfill in the Qarah
Hangiri area, a three-day-old infant discovered inside a mosque in the village
of Ilangagi in the north of the province, and two children left by their mother
at Kirkuk Hospital after no shelters accepted children under five.
Experts emphasize that such cases
are rarely isolated. Social researcher Abdul Rahman Ali pointed out that
abandoning newborns often stems from severe social and economic pressures
rather than deliberate choice.
“Many mothers feel compelled to
leave their children due to poverty, fear of social stigma, or insufficient
psychological support,” he explained, urging broader support programs for
women, the creation of well-equipped shelters, and simpler adoption procedures
to secure a dignified life for abandoned children.
Society’s Burden
Despite legal protections under
Article 383 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which criminalizes leaving a child in
isolation or exposing them to danger or hunger, child abandonment remains
widespread across Iraq.
The human toll of abandonment is
profound. Pediatric psychologist Dr. Laila Hussein warned that children left
alone at an early age can experience lasting emotional trauma and attachment
difficulties.
“Prompt intervention is crucial to
safeguard their well-being and foster healthy development,” she emphasized.
Yet legal protections often fall
short. Lawyer Mohammad Al-Ali explained that adoption is allowed only for
families who meet strict criteria, including social stability, psychological
readiness, a clean criminal record, and the absence of biological children.
The process begins with a six-month
provisional period under social worker supervision before permanent custody can
be granted. However, beyond these formal requirements, cultural and religious
traditions, he added, discourage adoption, limiting its prevalence across the
country.
Where government support is lacking,
non-governmental organizations step in to fill the gap. Iraq has 22 official
shelters and 345 NGOs providing assistance nationwide, despite limited
resources.
Written and edited by Shafaq News
staff.
