Activities
Workshops, field programmes, legal-literacy campaigns, and advocacy initiatives across the Kurdistan Region.
Workshop on Institutionalizing the Implementation of Iraq's National Rule of Law Strategy
Within the framework of the "Developing the Rule of Law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region" project, IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with NPA, Norwegian People's Aid, and in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Justice, organized a workshop in Baghdad on 20 April 2026, entitled: "Institutionalizing the Implementation Plan and Mobilizing Financial Support for the National Rule of Law Strategy (2025–2029)." The workshop brought together representatives of relevant governmental institutions and stakeholders. It commenced with opening remarks delivered on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Justice by Deputy Minister Dr. Burhan Muzhir Al-Qaisi, followed by remarks from IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy. The workshop focused on mechanisms for institutionalizing the implementation of Iraq's National Rule of Law Strategy, as well as approaches for securing the financial resources required to implement the initiatives and activities contained in the implementation plan. Participants also discussed the importance of clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of each institution and establishing regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of the strategy. Participants emphasized that achieving meaningful results over the next five years requires all implementation activities to be properly documented and subject to continuous monitoring based on clear performance indicators. The workshop also included extensive discussions on financial planning and project funding mechanisms, during which several practical proposals and potential funding options were presented. The participation of Dr. Ahmed Miran, Director of the MAF Network, representing civil society organizations, added significant value to the workshop through his observations and recommendations on strengthening the role of civil society in implementing the National Rule of Law Strategy and promoting the rule of law throughout Iraq.
Consultative Meeting to Review the Draft Guidelines (Procedures in Criminal Courts) and the Study on Fair Trial Standards and Barriers in the Criminal Courts of the Kurdistan Region
Within the framework of a project supported by the NED, National Endowment for Democracy, the IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy held a consultative meeting in Erbil on 18 April 2026. The meeting brought together 21 judges, public prosecutors, judicial investigators, the Director of the Office of the President of the Judicial Council, the Council's Project Coordinator for this project, a representative of the Independent Human Rights Commission, and members of the Bar Association. The meeting aimed to review the Draft Guide to Procedures in Criminal Courts and discuss the study entitled “Standards and Challenges Facing Fair Trial Proceedings before Criminal Courts in the Kurdistan Region.” During the first session, Retired Judge Rahim Al-Aqili presented the draft Guide to Procedures before Criminal Courts. This was followed by an extensive discussion during which participants provided comments, observations, and recommendations aimed at improving and enriching the draft. Following that, legal researcher Azad Abdulqadir Waladbagi presented the study on the standards and challenges affecting fair trial proceedings before criminal courts in the Kurdistan Region, highlighting its key findings and recommendations. The participants further enriched the consultative meeting through their professional legal observations and constructive recommendations. It is worth noting that similar consultative meetings will also be held in Sulaymaniyah and Duhok to broaden the consultation process and incorporate the views of judicial and legal stakeholders before finalizing the project's outputs.
Training Course Held to Strengthen Lawyers' Capacity in Defending the Rights of Ethnic and Religious Components and Minorities
The IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with Christian Aid (CAP), with the support of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria (ELKB) organized a one-day training in 12 April 2026, course entitled “Building the Capacity of Lawyers in Defending the Rights of Ethnic and Religious Components and Minorities” in Erbil. The training formed part of the Organization's 2025 project activities, which included a series of legal awareness and dialogue initiatives that resulted in the development of a number of legal recommendations aimed at amending the Law on the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic and Religious Components and Minorities. The course brought together a number of lawyers and was delivered by Judge Goran Barzanji, with the objective of strengthening lawyers' legal knowledge and professional capacity in defending the rights of communities and minorities, in accordance with relevant legal standards. This activity is part of the ongoing efforts of the IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, to promote the rule of law, strengthen justice, support peaceful coexistence, and protect the rights of all communities and minorities in the Kurdistan Region.
The First Practical Step towards Implementing the National Rule of Law Strategy
As part of the “Building Peace and Security in Iraq” project, the Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with the Ministry of Justice of Iraq, in coordination with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and with financial support from UKaid, conducted a workshop for members and representatives of the Ministry of Justice in Baghdad on 11 and 12 December 2025.During the workshop, facilitated by International Expert Mohammed Tameemi, the “Ministry of Justice Implementation Plan” for 2025–2029 was developed. Participants focused on mechanisms for implementing the plan, identifying the necessary requirements and resources, and establishing assessment criteria to ensure that the proposed steps are practical and implementable, and fully aligned with the National Strategy for Strengthening the Rule of Law and the roadmap for the next five years.This activity represents the first practical step towards initiating the implementation of the Ministry of Justice’s responsibilities and initiatives within the framework of the strategy. The outcomes of the workshop provide a solid foundation for the next stages and will contribute to enabling the other ministries participating in the strategy to move forward with the implementation of their respective practical steps.In this way, this step marks an important milestone in facilitating the transition from the development and formulation of the strategy to its practical implementation phase, contributing to the building of a more stable state grounded in the rule of law.
Publication of Two New Reports to Strengthen the Rule of Law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region
As part of the ongoing work and activities under the “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Iraq” project, implemented by the Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL) in partnership with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and the Maff Network, with financial support from the European Union (EU), a conference was held on 10 December 2025 to announce two new reports.The conference was attended by a large number of experts, representatives of government institutions, civil society organizations, and international and local organizations.First: “Report on Standards and Best Practices for Fair Trial in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region – 2025”This report highlights key international standards for fair trial used to ensure the conduct of a fair trial. It also reviews best practices applied globally and outlines ways to adapt and apply these practices in line with the context of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.Second: “Second Monitoring Report on the State of the Rule of Law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region – 2025”This report builds on the First Monitoring Report on the State of the Rule of Law, published in 2024, and highlights the key developments and challenges facing the rule of law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Capacity-Building Course for Lawyers on Defending the Rights of Components and Minorities
On 28 and 29 November 2025, with the participation of a number of lawyers from Duhok, a two-day training course entitled “Building Lawyers’ Capacity to Defend the Rights of Components and Minorities” was conducted under the supervision of the Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL) and in coordination with the Kurdistan Bar Association.During the course, Judges Badraddin Barzanji and Rahim Aqili, serving as trainers, presented a number of important legal topics related to defending the rights of components and minorities. They also explained key legal aspects relevant to the subject and highlighted the legal points that lawyers should focus on and give particular attention to when defending the rights and interests of these components.Throughout the two-day course, participating lawyers actively engaged in the discussions and exchanged views and observations with the trainers on the topics covered. Participants also shared their relevant experiences and knowledge, contributing to enriching the discussions and strengthening the practical dimension of the course.
Capacity-Building Workshop for the Human Rights Department at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers
As part of the Strengthening the Rule of Law Project, implemented by the Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), a capacity-building workshop was conducted for the Human Rights Department at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.The main objective of the workshop was to develop the capacities of the administrative structure and staff of the Human Rights Department and strengthen the department’s role in supporting and contributing to the implementation of the National Strategy for Strengthening the Rule of Law.Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in dialogue, constructive interaction, and the exchange of experiences and knowledge on a range of topics related to institutional work, human rights, and the principles of the rule of law.The workshop represented a step towards developing the institutional and human capacities of the department and strengthening the institution’s readiness to play a more effective role in implementing and achieving the objectives of the National Strategy for Strengthening the Rule of Law.
Deputy Minister of Justice of the Federal Government visits the office of Investigator Organization in Erbil
On the afternoon of 24 October 2025, Dr. Burhan Mazhar Al-Qaisi, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Federal Government, accompanied by a delegation, visited the Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL) office in Erbil, where he met with the organization’s Chair and members of its Board of Directors.The discussions focused on the Rule of Law Strategy (2025–2029), which was officially launched in Baghdad in July 2025. During the meeting, the latest stages of preparing the National Implementation Plan for the Rule of Law Strategy, as well as the ongoing process of developing the plan, were discussed.At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed on a number of important points related to the preparation of the plan, with further details to be officially announced in the coming period.The Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL) is the initiator and implementing organization of the project, which is financially supported by Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA). IOL is also a member of the National Team established pursuant to Diwani Order No. (70), dated 10 October 2024, issued by the Council of Ministers of Iraq.
Dialogue and Review of the Law on the Protection of the Rights of Components in the Kurdistan Region
As part of the project “Review of the Law on the Protection of the Rights of Components No. (5) of 2015,” enacted by the Kurdistan Parliament, the Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with the Christian Aid Program (CAP), organized a dialogue session on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, to review the aforementioned law. The session was held at the Hyksos Hotel in Ainkawa District, Erbil.The session aimed to discuss and review the Law on the Protection of the Rights of Components, identify areas requiring amendment, and develop legal and institutional frameworks to safeguard the rights of components. It brought together a wide range of relevant stakeholders from governmental and judicial institutions, Parliament, and civil society.Participants included Dr. Muna Yaqo, President of the Independent Human Rights Commission, and Floren Gorgis, Head of the Department of Ethnic and Religious Components at the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region, as well as members and advisers of the Kurdistan Parliament representing different components. The session also brought together representatives of the Judicial Council and the Ainkawa Preliminary Court, a representative of the Public Prosecution, lawyers and representatives of the Kurdistan Bar Association, the Director General of Yazidi Affairs, the Director General of Christian Affairs, and the Director General of Coexistence at the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, a representative of the Ainkawa District Administration, and representatives of non-governmental organizations. Mr. Emmanuel, Director of CAP, also participated in the session.The discussions were chaired by Judge Badradin Barzanji and concluded with a set of recommendations and proposals for amending the law. These recommendations and proposed amendments will be submitted to the Kurdistan Parliament once the parliamentary committees are formed and parliamentary sessions resume, with the aim of strengthening the legal framework for protecting and safeguarding the rights of components.
Advancing the Institutional Development of the Maff Network through a Six-Year Strategy
As part of the “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region” project, the Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), organized a two-day open dialogue workshop for the heads of member organizations of the Maff Network in Sulaymaniyah on 2–3 October 2025. The workshop aimed to review and further develop the Network’s strategy, organizational structure, internal regulations, and work plan.On the first day of the workshop, discussions focused on key issues related to the internal functioning of the Maff Network, including developing the strategic plan, strengthening planning capacities, establishing coordination and networking mechanisms, enhancing communication skills, and managing campaigns, with the aim of increasing impact and promoting more effective participation in decision-making processes.On the second day, following a review of the discussions and outcomes of the first day, the draft Maff Network Management Strategy for 2025–2030 was presented, followed by discussions on the Network’s future directions and plans. At the conclusion of the workshop, the strategy underwent further review and revision and was subsequently approved by the member organizations of the Maff Network.This step forms part of the ongoing efforts of the Organization and its partners to strengthen the institutional capacities of civil society organizations and enhance their ability to play more effective roles in advancing justice and the rule of law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
The Role of Judicial Authority Components in Strengthening the Rule of Law and Consolidating Justice
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.
Launch of the Executive Plan for the National Rule of Law Strategy (2025–2029)
As part of the concluding stage of the second phase of the “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region” project, the IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with NPA, Norwegian People's Aid, held a consultative meeting of the National Rule of Law Team in Baghdad.The meeting was chaired by Dr. Khalid Shwani, Head of the National Team and Minister of Justice of Iraq, with the participation of the Team’s two deputies, Dr. Burhan Mzher Al-Qaisi and Ms. Shilan Arif, together with members of the National Team.The meeting focused on reviewing the Executive Plan for the National Strategy for Strengthening the Rule of Law and Consolidating Justice (2025–2029), which is expected to enter into implementation in the coming period through dedicated subsidiary implementation plans for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.The discussion highlighted key components of the implementation plan, including clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders, establishing clear timelines for completing each initiative, and adopting monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective and successful implementation of the strategy.The meeting represents an important step toward strengthening the rule of law, consolidating justice and transparency, and ensuring coordination and cooperation among relevant institutions and stakeholders in implementing the National Strategy across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.