IOL — Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy

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Institutionalizing Judicial Cooperation and Accountability Frameworks for the Rule of Law

Visit of the Investigator Organization for the Rule of Law to the Independent Administration of Soran

The Investigator Organization for supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL) continues its ongoing efforts to promote the rule of law and democratic governance, particularly in relation to its advocacy for the new establishment of a Criminal Court in the Kurdistan Region. Within the framework of a project supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the organization conducted an official visit to the Independent Administration of Soran, where a formal meeting was held with Mr. Hagurd Sheikh Najib, Head of the Independent Administration of Soran, and the Deputy Head of the Administration. During the meeting, in-depth discussions were held regarding the necessity and importance of establishing a Criminal Court within the Soran Independent Administration. Both emphasized the critical importance of this step and the need for strong legal and institutional support to ensure its implementation. As part of the visit, the delegation also visited the Soran Primary Court. In this context, the Independent Administration of Soran formally requested relevant data concerning criminal cases that were referred to the Criminal Court of Erbil in 2025. This visit forms part of the organization’s continuous advocacy efforts and builds upon previous engagements conducted in several other regions, including Halabja Governorate and the Zakho Independent Administration, all aimed at strengthening justice and developing judicial institutions.

Soran Jun 2026

Institutionalizing Judicial Cooperation and Accountability Frameworks for the Rule of Law

Third Consultative Session on the Draft Guide to Procedures in Criminal Courts Held in Sulaymaniyah

Within the framework of the project supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the third consultative meeting on the draft “Guide to Procedures in Criminal Courts” was held in Sulaymaniyah on 20 June 2026. The meeting brought together 16 judges and public prosecutors, in addition to advisors of the Judicial Council, representatives and officials from the Office of the President of the Judicial Council, and the project coordinator within the Judicial Council. At the outset of the meeting, Judge Badraddin Karim Barzanji, President of the Investigator Organization for the Rule of Law, delivered opening remarks in which he welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening judicial performance and enhancing the efficiency of procedures applied within criminal courts. Subsequently, Judge Kamaran Rasul Saeed, representative of the Sulaymaniyah Court of Appeal, delivered the court’s remarks and expressed appreciation to the Investigator Organization for the Rule of Law for organizing and facilitating the consultative meeting. Public Prosecutor Farooq Qadir Ahmed, representing the Public Prosecution Directorate in Sulaymaniyah, also addressed the participants and highlighted the significance of the initiative in advancing procedural practices and improving the effectiveness of criminal court operations. During the meeting, the draft “Guide to Procedures in Criminal Courts” was presented by retired Judge Rahim Aqeeli. Participants then reviewed the draft and provided observations, comments, and recommendations aimed at enriching its content, ensuring its practical applicability, and enhancing its effectiveness within the criminal justice system.

Sulaymaniyah Jun 2026

Project Title: Enhancing Rule of Law in Iraq and KRI

Preparation of Institutional Implementation Plans for the National Strategy to Strengthen the Rule of Law in Iraq (2025–2029)

Within the framework of the "Strengthening the Rule of Law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region" project, the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) and in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Justice, organized a two-day workshop in Sulaymaniyah on 20–21 May 2026 to discuss the preparation of institutional implementation plans for the National Strategy to Strengthen the Rule of Law in Iraq (2025–2029). The workshop brought together representatives from a number of federal government institutions, including the Ministry of Interior, Supreme Judicial Council, General Secretariat of the Council of Representatives, Ministry of Youth, Commission of Integrity, Iraqi Media Network, Ministry of Defense, National Security Advisory within the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The workshop focused on the practical mechanisms for developing institutional implementation plans for the National Strategy and on strengthening coordination among government institutions to ensure the effective implementation of its objectives. During the first day, participants reviewed the general framework of the National Strategy and its implementation plan. The implementation plan prepared by the Federal Ministry of Justice was presented by the Ministry's specialized committee, followed by discussions on the distribution of responsibilities among the relevant ministries and institutions to ensure effective implementation throughout the coming years. On the second day, participants presented and discussed the implementation plans prepared by each institution following a series of thematic group discussions. The workshop concluded by emphasizing that sustained coordination and institutional cooperation among all relevant ministries and public institutions are essential for the successful implementation of the National Strategy (2025–2029). These efforts aim to strengthen the rule of law, improve institutional performance, and enhance the quality of public services provided to citizens throughout Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Sulaymaniyah May 2026 – May 2026

Knowledge & Research