On 28 September 2025, a judicial forum was held in Baghdad under the title “The Role of Judicial Authority Components in Strengthening the Rule of Law and Consolidating Justice.”
The forum was held under the supervision of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq, in partnership with the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy (IOL) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Within the framework of the project «Building Peace and Stability in Iraq» (BPSI) with financial support from UKAID. The forum aimed to promote dialogue and exchange experiences on the role of the judiciary in strengthening the rule of law and consolidating justice. It brought together a wide range of judges and representatives of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq and the Judicial Council of the Kurdistan Region.
The first day of the forum featured a number of opening remarks, including remarks by the President of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq, as well as statements and messages from IRC and the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy (IOL). The remarks highlighted the importance of strengthening judicial institutions and advancing the rule of law.
As part of the forum’s discussions, two panel sessions were held. The first panel focused on judicial authority initiatives within the framework of the National Strategy for Strengthening the Rule of Law (2025–2029) and provided an opportunity for dialogue and an exchange of views among participants.
The second panel focused on constitutional authority in Iraq and the role of relevant institutions in strengthening the rule of law. In this context, representatives of the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq and the State Council presented their respective perspectives on the topics under discussion and participated in the ensuing dialogue.
On the second day of the forum, the third thematic session was presented, focusing on the role of military justice in consolidating justice. The session featured an extensive discussion on the challenges and procedures related to the functioning of military courts.
The fourth thematic session focused on the role of the legal profession and the press in supporting the rule of law. The discussions emphasized the important role of lawyers and media professionals in consolidating justice and strengthening public confidence in judicial institutions.
The forum represents an important step towards developing a dedicated sub-implementation plan for the judicial authority, which will constitute a key component of the National Implementation Plan for the Rule of Law Strategy in Iraq (2025–2029).
On 2 July 2025, the National Strategy for Strengthening the Rule of Law and Consolidating Justice in the Republic of Iraq was officially launched. In this context, the forum represents an important milestone in advancing the role of the judicial authority within broader national efforts to strengthen justice.