Activities
Workshops, field programmes, legal-literacy campaigns, and advocacy initiatives across the Kurdistan Region.
Chairman of the Board Participates in a Meeting of the Directorate of Non-Governmental Organizations
On 15 January 2020, Dr. Ahmed Miran, Chairman of the Board of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, participated in a meeting organized by the Directorate of Non-Governmental Organizations in Sulaymaniyah, with the participation of representatives from a number of civil society organizations. During the meeting, Dr. Miran delivered a legal presentation featuring a comparative analysis of the Law of the Bar Association, the Tax Law, and the Customs Law, highlighting the principal legal aspects as well as the key similarities and differences among these legislative frameworks. He also provided a legal interpretation and analytical overview of Non-Governmental Organizations Law No. (1) of 2011 and its implementing instructions, emphasizing the most significant legal provisions with the aim of promoting a consistent understanding of the legislative framework governing the work of non-governmental organizations. This participation forms part of the ongoing efforts of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy to strengthen legal awareness, enhance the institutional capacities of civil society organizations, and promote the principles of the rule of law.
Organization Representatives Participate in a Training Program on UPR Recommendations
On 22–23 December 2019, Judge Badraddin Barzanji, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, together with Mr. Ali Abdulrahman and Mr. Ismail Mohammed Members of the Organization, participated in a specialized training program dedicated to discussing and reviewing the recommendations issued to Iraq under the Third Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which were adopted in November 2019. The program was organized by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), in cooperation with the Justice Network for Prisoners, and brought together representatives of government institutions, civil society organizations, and a number of experts and specialists in the field of human rights. Over the course of the two-day program, participants engaged in extensive discussions on the content of the UPR recommendations, mechanisms for their implementation, the allocation of institutional responsibilities, and approaches to contributing to the development of the Kurdistan Regional Government's implementation plan. At the conclusion of the program, certificates of participation were awarded to all participants in recognition of their active engagement throughout the training program.
Organization Representatives Participate in a Consultation Session on the Draft Pension and Salary Reform Law in the Kurdistan Region
On 21 December 2019, a delegation from the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, comprising Judge Sayed Badraddin Karim Barzanji, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Mr. Awder Anwar, Director of the Human Resources Department, and Mr. Ali Abdulrahman, Director of the Media Department, participated in a special consultation session. The session, entitled "Consultation on the Draft Law on Pension and Salary Reform in the Kurdistan Region," was organized by PAW Organization and STOP Organization for civil society organizations, with the participation of several Members of the Kurdistan Parliament and a number of legal and public policy experts. The discussions focused on the draft law, examining its legal and financial implications while providing recommendations and proposals aimed at improving the legislative framework and ensuring that the proposed law is consistent with the principles of social justice and sound legislative reform.
First Roundtable Discussion Held as Part of the Project on Assessing the Judiciary System in the Kurdistan Region
With the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy launched a project entitled: "The Current State of the Judiciary in the Kurdistan Region: Existing Challenges and Pathways for Reform." On the morning of 14 December 2019, the Organization held the first roundtable discussion under the project, bringing together university academics, judicial investigators, lawyers, representatives of civil society organizations, and journalists with expertise in the field. The discussion examined Judicial Authority Law No. (23) of 2007 in the Kurdistan Region, focusing on the extent of its compatibility with internationally recognized standards governing judicial independence. Participants also reviewed the relevant constitutional provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Iraq relating to the judiciary and discussed their legal implications. The session concluded with the formulation of a number of professional observations, expert recommendations, and technical comments that will contribute to the preparation of the project's final analytical study. It is worth noting that, in addition to Preparing a comprehensive analytical study on the judiciary, the project includes a series of roundtable discussions involving key influential stakeholders, with the objective of conducting a thorough assessment and developing practical, evidence-based recommendations to support judicial reform and strengthen the independence of the judiciary in the Kurdistan Region.
Organization Representative Participates in the Launch of the Kurdistan Parliament Performance Assessment Report
On 6 November 2019, Mr. Hakar Saeed Salim, Director of the Finance Department at the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, participated, on behalf of the Organization, in an event organized by the PAY Institute for Education and Development to launch the first report on monitoring and assessing the performance of the Kurdistan Parliament during the first legislative term of the first parliamentary year of its fifth parliamentary Trial, covering the period from 6 November 2018 to 31 August 2019. The report was prepared in accordance with internationally recognized standards and indicators for parliamentary performance assessment. It aimed to evaluate the Parliament's overall performance, monitor its legislative and oversight activities, and present findings and practical recommendations to strengthen institutional effectiveness and improve the performance of the parliamentary institution. The participation of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy in such events reflects its ongoing commitment to promoting the rule of law, supporting institutional reform, and contributing to the advancement of democratic institutions and good governance.
Organization Delegation Participates in the 1325 Alliance Meeting and Holds Official Meetings in Baghdad
On 27–28 September 2019, a delegation from the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy participated in the 1325 Alliance Meeting in Baghdad, organized with the support of Heartland Alliance. The meeting focused on developing the Alliance's strategic framework for the coming years and strengthening its role in supporting the implementation of Iraq's National Action Plan.On the sidelines of the meeting, the delegation held a official meeting with Mr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi, Director General of the Department of Civil Society Organizations in the Federal Government. Discussions focused on strengthening future cooperation between the relevant institutions in the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Region, facilitating registration and harmonization procedures, and promoting continued coordination through future joint meetings.During the visit, the delegation of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy also visited the Iraqi Association of Judicial Investigators, where they were received by Mr. Adli Mohammed, President of the Association, together with members of its executive body.The meeting focused on activating future cooperation under the existing Memorandum of Understanding, supporting the judiciary, advancing judicial investigation systems, and promoting issues related to the professional development and interests of judicial investigators.
Seminar on "Human Rights Protection Mechanisms"
On the evening of 24 September 2019, the Human Rights Committee of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy organized a seminar entitled "Human Rights Protection Mechanisms."The seminar was delivered by Ms. Tavga Omar Rashid, Director General at the Human Rights Commission, as well as a trainer and human rights advocate.The event was attended by a distinguished group of judicial investigators, lawyers, university professors, and civil society and human rights activists.The seminar featured an open and interactive discussion on key human rights issues, with particular emphasis on the principal national and international mechanisms for the protection of human rights. Participants exchanged views and professional experiences, contributing to a constructive dialogue and promoting greater legal awareness of human rights protection frameworks.
Conducting an Open Legal Dialogue on Women's Rights
The Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in cooperation with the Euro-Med Rights, and as part of the Madad for Women Project, organized an open legal dialogue attended by a distinguished group of judges, public prosecutors, judicial investigators, and lawyers.The dialogue addressed a number of legal issues relating to women's rights, with particular emphasis on international conventions concerning the protection of women's rights. It also examined the Domestic Violence Law, highlighting a number of legal gaps and challenges associated with its current provisions.During the first session, Dr. Ahmed Miran, President of the Board of Directors of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, delivered a presentation on the legal framework governing women's rights under international law and Iraqi legislation.The second session was presented by Judge Rahim Aqeili, who discussed the legal status and role of women within Iraqi legislation and the laws of the Kurdistan Region, while highlighting key legal issues related to the subject.This dialogue forms part of a series of activities implemented by the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy to promote legal awareness, strengthen human rights principles, and support the protection and advancement of women's rights.
Organization Delegation Visits the Kurdistan Region Human Rights Commission
On the afternoon of 20 August 2019, a delegation from the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, comprising members of the Human Rights Committee, visited Dr. Karmanj Othman, Advisor to the Kurdistan Region Human Rights Commission.The delegation included:Ms. Vian ShekhaMr. Ismail Mohammed AminMr. Muthanna MahmoudDuring the meeting, discussions focused on the human rights situation in the Kurdistan Region and the wider region. Both sides also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional relations and expanding cooperation between the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy and the Kurdistan Region Human Rights Commission in the coming period.The visit concluded in a positive atmosphere, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to maintaining close coordination and enhancing joint cooperation in pursuit of their shared objectives.
Joint Meeting to Review the Annual Action Plan
On Monday, 4 February 2019, a joint meeting was held at the office of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy in Erbil, bringing together the Human Rights Committee, members of the Executive Board, and the Organization's Board of Trustees to review the draft Annual Action Plan prepared by the Committee.During the meeting, participants discussed the plan's key priorities, strategic objectives, and implementation framework in preparation for its submission to the Executive Council for review and approval.The draft plan was prepared by the following committee members:Committee Chair: Mr. Muthanna QanuniCommittee Member: Mr. Luqman KhoshnawCommittee Member: Mr. Ismail Mohammed AminThe meeting was conducted in a constructive and collaborative atmosphere, At the conclusion of the session, the final draft of the Annual Action Plan was endorsed for submission to the Executive Council of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy for formal approval.
Delegation Visit to Duhok Office
On Saturday, 12 January 2019, a delegation from the organization conducted an official visit to its Duhok office.The delegation consisted of Dr. Ahmad Miran, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Judge Badruddin Barzanji, Chair of the Advisory Board; and Ms. Hekar Saeed, Board Member.The delegation was warmly received by Mr. Hikmat Ahmed, Head of the Duhok Office, along with the office staff.During the meeting, discussions focused on the organization’s activities and ongoing work, as well as the changes implemented following the update of the internal bylaws in 2018.Both parties also discussed the mechanisms for implementing new changes within the Duhok office, aiming to enhance administrative procedures, institutional performance, and service delivery.The meeting concluded after approximately two hours of discussions and exchange of views, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and coordination between sides in a cordial and constructive atmosphere.