Activities
Workshops, field programmes, legal-literacy campaigns, and advocacy initiatives across the Kurdistan Region.
First Consultative Meeting Held under the “Combating Corruption to Restore Trust in Iraq” Project
Within the framework of the “Combating Corruption to Restore Trust in Iraq” project, implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy (IOL), with the support of UNDP, is preparing an analytical study entitled “Law and Institutions in Confronting Corruption – An Analytical Study.” The project is being implemented over a period of five months, from 1 July 2022 to 30 November 2022. As part of the project's activities, and with the aim of strengthening the study through broad stakeholder engagement, three consultative meetings will be held to gather the views and recommendations of relevant stakeholders regarding anti-corruption mechanisms in the Kurdistan Region. The first consultative meeting was held on 6 August 2022 in Erbil, with the participation of representatives from a number of governmental and legal institutions, academics, civil society organizations, and media representatives. Participants included representatives of the Integrity Committee of the Kurdistan Parliament, the Integrity Commission, The judges, the Independent Human Rights Commission, the Board of Supreme Audit, the General Directorate of Taxes, the Anti-Money Laundering Unit at the Ministry of Interior, and the Kurdistan Jurists Union. Upon completion of the project, the study will be officially launched and published in printed form during a special conference, where it will be made available to the public and relevant stakeholders with the aim of supporting national dialogue and providing practical recommendations to strengthen anti-corruption efforts and reinforce the rule of law.
Visit and congratulations to the President and Deputy Presidents of the Erbil Court of Appeal
On the morning of 2 August 2022, Dr. Ahmed Miran, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy, together with Peshawa Hossam Al-Din, Deputy Chairman of the Board, and Awder Anwar, Head of Relations of the Organization, visited Judge Fakher Saber Bayez, President of the Erbil Investigation Court, as well as Judge Gailan Khalid Mustafa and Judge Nigar Ahmed Agha, Deputy Presidents of the Court, to congratulate them on assuming their new positions and responsibilities and to wish them continued success in carrying out their duties. In return, the distinguished judges expressed their appreciation to the delegation of the Investigator Organization, emphasizing the importance of the Organization's presence and its constructive role in supporting the rule of law and promoting justice. They also highly commended the Organization's achievements and activities since its establishment. During the meeting, several current issues related to the work of the courts and ways to further improve services provided to citizens were discussed. It was also agreed that the proposals and recommendations presented during the meeting would serve as the foundation for an important project to be developed by the Investigator Organization, which will be submitted to the Presidency of the Erbil Investigation Court upon completion. The participants also discussed the challenges facing judicial investigators, agreeing that there is a shortage in their numbers and that their increasing workload should be duly considered. In this regard, it is expected that, in the near future, a significant number of Assistant Judicial Investigators will be redesignated them title as Judicial Investigators in order to address the shortage of investigators within the investigation courts. It is worth noting that Judge Nigar Ahmed Agha is the first female judge in the Kurdistan Region to assume this senior judicial position, reflecting her professional competence and merit. At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation of the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy once again expressed its sincere appreciation for the warm reception and wished the distinguished judges continued success in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Opening of the Judicial Investigation Office at the Sulaymaniyah Institute of Forensic Medicine
Within the framework of the “Review of Mandatory Forensic Medical Reports” project, and on 25 July 2022, the Judicial Investigation Office at the Sulaymaniyah Institute of Forensic Medicine was officially opened in the presence of Lionel LAFORGUE, Head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Kurdistan; Azhi Amin, Head of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Section at UNFPA; Judge Kamiran Nashaat, Deputy President of the Sulaymaniyah Court of Appeal; Judge Dr. Awat Haji, Investigative Judge at the Sulaymaniyah Security Directorate; Dr. Hersh Salim, Deputy Director General of Sulaymaniyah Health; Dr. Barzan Dartash, Director of the Sulaymaniyah Institute of Forensic Medicine; Dr. Sabah Nasraddin, Director of the Sulaymaniyah Health Directorate; Dr. Shler Faeq, Director of the Maternity Hospital; and Captain Sarkawt Ahmed Mohammed, Director of Media and Public Relations at the Sulaymaniyah Police. The event was also attended by Ali Abdulrahman, Project Manager; Hakar Amedi, Project Coordinator and Coordinator of the work and affairs of the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy in Sulaymaniyah Governorate; Nisar Kamal, Judicial Investigator at the Judicial Investigation Office in Sulaymaniyah; and Yadgar Jalal, Member of the Organization’s Board of Trustees. The opening of the office aims to facilitate and organize work procedures, expedite the processing of citizens’ affairs, and enhance access to swift and effective justice. furthermore, the “Review of Mandatory Forensic Medical Reports” project, implemented by the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with financial support from the Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP) over a period of four months, included the provision of all necessary requirements for the Judicial Investigation Offices at the Institutes of Forensic Medicine in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok. Within the framework of this project, and in cooperation with the Judicial Council, the Courts of Appeal in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok, the Ministry of Health, and the directorates of the Institutes of Forensic Medicine in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok, the Investigator Organization successfully implemented this initiative. The outcome of the project included facilitating the organization of examination forms for suspects in murder cases or Suspicious Deaths, as well as examinations conducted in cases of sexual violence, to be carried out within the framework of these offices. It is worth noting that, pursuant to Kurdistan Region Judicial Council Decision No. (881), issued on 28 March 2022, the establishment and activation of these offices in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok were approved. Furthermore, from now on, requests related to deceased-person examination forms and examination records concerning sexual assault (rape) cases shall fall under the responsibility and jurisdiction of the Judicial Investigation Offices, while police stations shall receive their reports directly from these offices.
Visit of a Delegation from the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy to the Director General of the Diwan of the Ministry of Interior
A delegation from the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy, headed by Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Amin Abdulrahman, Chairman of the Organization’s Board of Directors, and comprising Peshawa Husamaddin, Deputy Chairman of the Board; Hakar Saeed, Financial Officer; and Awdir Anwar, the Organization’s Relations Officer, visited Dr. Hemn Merany Director General of the Diwan of the Ministry of Interior. The visit was aimed at extending congratulations to Dr. Hemn Merany on the occasion of assuming his duties as Director General of the Diwan of the Ministry of Interior. During the meeting, a number of important issues and areas were discussed that require serious attention and work in the coming period. Among the key topics was cooperation on a number of current and important projects that can contribute to serving the needs of Kurdish society. It is worth noting that Dr. Hemn Merany listened to the proposals and views presented, and the meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss mutual understanding and dialogue regarding the issues under consideration. The meeting concluded with discussions on reform, development, and strengthening the work and capacities of police and judicial institutions, with the aim of further enhancing their performance and capabilities and improving the services they provide to society.
Opening of the Judicial Investigation Office at the Erbil Forensic Medical Institute
On the morning of Thursday, July 7, 2022, and within the framework of the “Review of Mandatory Forensic Medical Reports” project, the Judicial Investigation Office at the Erbil Forensic Medical Institute was officially inaugurated.The event was attended by Mr. Gaylan Khalid Mustafa, Vice President of the Erbil Appellate Court; Mr. Lionel Laforgue, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Kurdistan; Ms. Azhy Amin, Head of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Unit at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Dr. Yasin Karim, Director of the Erbil Forensic Medical Institute; and the Project Manager, Mr. Ali Abdulrahman.The organization was also represented at the event by Judicial Investigator Kamarān Nashaat, Member of the Board of Trustees; Hakar Saeed Salim, Administrative and Financial Officer; and Awdeer Anwar, Head of Relations.During an official ceremony, the Judicial Investigation Office at the Erbil Forensic Medical Institute was inaugurated with the aim of expediting and streamlining work procedures, facilitating access to services for the public, and strengthening access to swift and effective justice.Furthermore the “Review of Mandatory Forensic Medical Reports” project, implemented by the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with financial support from the European Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP) over a period of four months, included the establishment and provision of all necessary requirements for Judicial Investigation Offices at the Forensic Medical Institutes in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok.The Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy successfully implemented this initiative in cooperation with the Judicial Council, the Appellate Courts of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok, the Ministry of Health, and the directorates of the Forensic Medical Institutes in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok.Henceforth, requests related to the deceased examination form and examination reports concerning sexual assault (rape) cases will fall under the responsibility of these Judicial Investigation Offices. Police stations will also receive their reports directly from these offices.
The First Legal Awareness Training Course for Religious Leaders in Erbil
Within the framework of the “Preventing Child Marriage Under the Age of 18” project, implemented by the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with the support of the Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP), the first legal awareness training course for 30 religious leaders was conducted in Erbil on 6 July 2022. The training was attended by Tayib Zrar Sherwani, Director General of the Erbil Directorate of Endowments and Religious Affairs; Dr. Omar Hassan Mro, Member of the Executive Office of the Kurdistan Islamic Scholars Union; as well as Lionel LAFORGUE, Azhi Amin, and Sana Karwan, representatives of UNFPA. At the opening session, Awder Anwar Karim, Project Manager, presented an overview of the project’s objectives, content, and implementation framework. This was followed by opening remarks from Tayib Zrar Sherwani on behalf of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, after which Dr. Omar Hassan Mro, representing the Kurdistan Islamic Scholars Union, delivered his remarks. During the main session, Judge Badraddin Barzinji, Public Prosecutor, delivered the legal training, covering key legislative frameworks, including the Penal Law, the Domestic Violence Law, Premarital Blood Testing, the Personal Status Law, and the Law on Preventing the Misuse of Communication Devices. The course concluded with an interactive discussion among participants, during which comments, observations, and recommendations were presented and received.
Visit by Dr. Ursina Wirz-Kuhn, UNICEF Consultant and Former Public Prosecutor in Sweden, to the Headquarters of the Investigator Organization
On July 5, 2022, Dr. Ursina Wirz-Kuhn, a UNICEF consultant and former public prosecutor in Sweden, visited the headquarters of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, where she was received by Dr. Ahmed Miran, President of the Board of Directors; Judge Badraddin Barzinji, President of the Board of Trustees; and Mr. Ali Abdulrahman, Head of Projects. During the meeting, Dr. Ursina explained, in her capacity as a UNICEF consultant, that she was preparing a study on issues concerning children and juveniles in the Kurdistan Region. In this context, she raised a number of questions regarding the amended Juvenile Welfare Law No. (76) of 1983 and other applicable laws in the Region. The questions focused particularly on the judicial proceedings concerning juveniles, from the investigation stage through to the competent juvenile courts and the stages of review and appeal. The meeting also addressed the obstacles and challenges facing juveniles in accessing justice. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy provided the necessary legal clarifications and responses to the questions raised by Dr. Ursina.
Consultative Session to Review the Draft Guidelines for the Forensic Medicine Law
On 30 June 2022, within the framework of the “Review of Mandatory Forensic Medical Reports” project, implemented by the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy (IOL) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with the support of the European Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP), a consultative session was held to review the draft guidelines for Forensic Medicine Law No. (16) of 2001 in the Kurdistan Region, prepared by our organization. The session was attended by forensic medicine specialists and experts from the forensic medicine institutes and directorates in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja, as well as representatives of forensic medicine departments in the independent administrations of Garmian, Raparin, and Soran, in addition to legal experts from the legal departments of the Ministry of Health and the General Directorate of Erbil Health. At the beginning of the session, Mr. Ali Abdulrahman, Project Manager, delivered a brief presentation on the implementation of the project over a period of four months and addressed the main challenges and obstacles encountered by the project team during implementation, as well as the mechanisms adopted to address them. Subsequently, retired Judge Rahim Al-Aqili presented an overview of the content of the draft guidelines. Participants were then given the opportunity to present their comments and recommendations on the draft guidelines. Their specialized observations and proposals contributed to further enriching the draft. The session was attended by a number of forensic medicine specialists and representatives from different areas, including Dr. Yasin Karim Amin, Director of the Forensic Medicine Institute in Erbil; Dr. Bakhtiar Rashid Qadir, Deputy Director of the Forensic Medicine Institute in Sulaymaniyah; Dr. Tamara Ablahad Hanna, Representative of the Forensic Medicine Institute in Duhok; as well as representatives of forensic medicine in Raparin, Halabja, Garmian, and Soran. The session also included forensic medicine experts from outside the main cities, namely Dr. Kamil Haidar Kakahama, Representative of Forensic Medicine in Raparin; Dr. Bahroz Mohammed Hussein, Representative of Forensic Medicine in Halabja; Dr. Hassan Abdullah Ahmed, Representative of Forensic Medicine in Garmian; and Dr. Sattar Salim Hassan, Director of Forensic Medicine in Soran; in addition to Dr. Jamila Salih Hamad Amin and Dr. Dilman Azad Khoshnaw, as specialists in the field of forensic medicine. At the conclusion of the session, following nearly four hours of discussion and exchange of views, the various perspectives and recommendations were brought together to facilitate the finalization of the draft guidelines in a more precise and professional manner.
World Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Mr. Muthanna Mahmoud, representing the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, participated in a special event marking the World Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The event was organized by the Office of the Coordinator for International Recommendations, in cooperation with Heartland Alliance and in partnership with the Democracy & Human Rights Development Center (DHRD), and was held at the Erbil International Hotel. The event was attended by Ms. Danielle Bell, Head of the Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), alongside representatives of governmental, judicial, and parliamentary institutions, as well as representatives of civil society organizations. The event featured a constructive and comprehensive dialogue on the crime of torture, the importance of ensuring accountability for such crimes in the Kurdistan Region, and the need to work towards reparations and compensation for victims of torture.
Conducting the Third and Final 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, in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with the support of the European Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP), and in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1888, adopted on 19 June 2010, the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy conducted the third and final training course on the “International Protocol on the Investigation of Sexual Crimes in Conflict-Related Situations” in Erbil on 18 and 19 June 2022. The course brought together judicial investigators affiliated with the Judicial Council, lawyers affiliated with the Bar Association, doctors and healthcare professionals from the Ministry of Health, and investigative officers from the Ministry of Interior. The two-day course was held at the Dedeman Hotel. At the beginning of the course, Mr. Ali Abdulrahman, Project Manager, provided a brief overview of the stages of project implementation. This was followed by training sessions delivered by Dr. Ahmed Miran, PhD in International Crimes. On the first day, the sessions addressed topics related to the philosophy of war, international crimes, sexual crimes, and responsibility for international crimes. The second day focused on the concept and definitions of sexual violence, the main forms of sexual crimes, as well as the use of the International Protocol in investigating such crimes and collecting relevant evidence and information. The participants were subsequently divided into four groups to carry out a group activity. Each group was assigned a section of the International Protocol on the Investigation of Sexual Crimes in Conflict-Related Situations. The groups worked for 45 minutes to identify the key points in their assigned sections and record their findings on presentation sheets. At the conclusion of the activity, group representatives presented their findings and understanding of the assigned sections in detail to the participants. Certificates of participation were distributed at the end of the training course. Furthermore, the same training course had previously been conducted in Sulaymaniyah on 10–11 May 2022 and in Duhok on 24–25 May 2022 for similar professional and institutional groups.
Conducting a Consultative Session on the Project to Prevent Marriage Under the Age of 18
Within the framework of the “Preventing Marriage Under the Age of 18” project, the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership and cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with the support of the Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP), organized a consultative session on 14 June 2022, with the participation of a number of relevant stakeholders. During the session, Mr. Awdir Anwar, the Project Officer, presented detailed statistics prepared by the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy on the total number of marriage contracts registered in personal status courts in the Kurdistan Region during 2021, including cases involving marriages of persons under the age of 18 that were concluded with judicial authorization. Subsequently, Judge Badraddin Barzanji, the Organization’s Advisor, presented a detailed legal comparison of personal status laws in a number of neighboring and Arab countries concerning the minimum age prescribed for marriage. He also presented the proposed draft amendments to the Personal Status Law concerning provisions related to permitting marriage under the age of 18, which had been prepared by the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy. At the conclusion of the session, the floor was opened for discussion and participation. A large number of participants actively contributed by presenting their observations and views. The various opinions and perspectives were duly taken into consideration and contributed to further enriching and developing the project.
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.