Conducting the First Training Course on the “International Protocol on the Investigation of Sexual Crimes in Conflict-Related Situations”

Within the framework of the “Review of Mandatory Forensic Medical Reports” project, and in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with the support of the Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP), the first training course on the “International Protocol on the Investigation of Sexual Crimes in Conflict-Related Situations” was conducted in Duhok on 24 and 25 May 2022.
The course was attended by participants from relevant institutions and entities, including judicial investigators affiliated with the Judicial Council, lawyers affiliated with the Bar Association, doctors and healthcare employees affiliated with the Ministry of Health, and investigative officers affiliated with the Ministry of Interior.
The two-day course was continuous, with the sessions delivered by trainer Dr. Ahmed Miran, PhD in International Crimes.
On the first day, the course addressed topics related to the philosophy of war, international crimes, sexual crimes, and responsibility for international crimes.
On the second day, the sessions examined the concept of sexual violence and the basic definitions of sexual crimes, as well as the use of the International Protocol in investigating such crimes and collecting relevant evidence and information.
As part of the course, Dr. Tamara Ablahad Saka, a forensic physician at the Duhok Directorate of Forensic Medicine, delivered a one-hour presentation on the examination and handling of cases related to investigations into sexual crimes that are referred by the courts to the Duhok Directorate of Forensic Medicine.
The participants subsequently took part in practical training through a number of applied activities and group work aimed at enhancing their understanding and practical application of the International Protocol on the Investigation of Sexual Crimes. The participants then provided detailed explanations of their understanding of the topics addressed through the activities.
Furthermore, the same course was conducted in Sulaymaniyah on 10 and 11 May 2022, and a similar course for the same group is scheduled to be held in Erbil during June 2022.