Activities
Workshops, field programmes, legal-literacy campaigns, and advocacy initiatives across the Kurdistan Region.
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Continued Efforts Toward the Implementation of the National Rule of Law Strategy
As part of ongoing efforts to advance toward a new and more effective phase in the implementation of the National Rule of Law Strategy, the NORAD Project Team at the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy (IOL), accompanied by Ms. Shilan Arif, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Kurdistan Region and Second Deputy Chair of the National Team, held two significant and constructive meetings in Baghdad on 17 June 2026. The meetings were conducted with Dr. Burhan Mazhar Al-Qaisi, Deputy Minister of Federal Justice and First Deputy Chair of the National Team, and Dr. Khalid Shwani, Minister of Justice of Iraq and Head of the National Team. The discussions focused extensively on the latest developments concerning the implementation plan of the National Rule of Law Strategy. Participants reviewed the progress achieved to date and examined key milestones reached in the process of developing and operationalizing the strategy’s implementation framework. The meetings also addressed forthcoming steps and mechanisms for coordination with relevant ministries and governmental institutions, with the objective of advancing the preparation, monitoring, and implementation of sector-specific ministerial action plans and facilitating the transition from planning to effective execution. Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining strong coordination and cooperation among all relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient implementation, translate strategic priorities into practical actions, and achieve the intended objectives of the National Rule of Law Strategy. These meetings form part of broader and ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening the rule of law and reinforcing the institutional foundations necessary for advancing justice and sustainable legal development in Iraq led by NORAD Project Team at the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy (IOL).
Preparation of Institutional Implementation Plans for the National Strategy to Strengthen the Rule of Law in Iraq (2025–2029)
Within the framework of the "Strengthening the Rule of Law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region" project, the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) and in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Justice, organized a two-day workshop in Sulaymaniyah on 20–21 May 2026 to discuss the preparation of institutional implementation plans for the National Strategy to Strengthen the Rule of Law in Iraq (2025–2029). The workshop brought together representatives from a number of federal government institutions, including the Ministry of Interior, Supreme Judicial Council, General Secretariat of the Council of Representatives, Ministry of Youth, Commission of Integrity, Iraqi Media Network, Ministry of Defense, National Security Advisory within the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The workshop focused on the practical mechanisms for developing institutional implementation plans for the National Strategy and on strengthening coordination among government institutions to ensure the effective implementation of its objectives. During the first day, participants reviewed the general framework of the National Strategy and its implementation plan. The implementation plan prepared by the Federal Ministry of Justice was presented by the Ministry's specialized committee, followed by discussions on the distribution of responsibilities among the relevant ministries and institutions to ensure effective implementation throughout the coming years. On the second day, participants presented and discussed the implementation plans prepared by each institution following a series of thematic group discussions. The workshop concluded by emphasizing that sustained coordination and institutional cooperation among all relevant ministries and public institutions are essential for the successful implementation of the National Strategy (2025–2029). These efforts aim to strengthen the rule of law, improve institutional performance, and enhance the quality of public services provided to citizens throughout Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Second Consultative Meeting Held to Review the Draft Criminal Courts Procedures Guide
Within the framework of the project supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a consultative meeting was held in Duhok on 16 May 2026. The meeting brought together 18 judges and public prosecutors, in addition to advisors from the Judicial Council, the Director of the Office of the President of the Judicial Council, and the Council's Project Coordinator. The meeting was dedicated to reviewing the Draft Criminal Courts Procedures Guide. The meeting commenced with opening remarks by Judge and Public Prosecutor Badraddin Karim Barzanji, President of the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the initiative in strengthening judicial procedures. This was followed by remarks from Judge Hussein Saleh Ibrahim, representative of the Presidency of the Duhok Court of Appeal, who commended the Organization's efforts in preparing and organizing the consultative meeting. Judge and Public Prosecutor Majid Mohammed Ahmed, Deputy Head of the Duhok Public Prosecution Office, also delivered remarks highlighting the significance of the project and its contribution to improving the efficiency of the justice system. During the meeting, Retired Judge Rahim Al-Aqili presented the draft Criminal Courts Procedures Guide, followed by an extensive discussion in which participants shared their comments, observations, and recommendations to further improve and enrich the draft. It is worth noting that the same consultative meeting will also be held in Sulaymaniyah Governorate to continue reviewing the draft and benefit from the observations of legal and judicial experts.
A National Initiative to Secure Iraq's Inclusion in the Global Rule of Law Index
On 21 April 2026, in Baghdad, and within the framework of the "Strengthening the Rule of Law in Iraq" project, the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), organized a specialized workshop with the participation of senior representatives from the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Supreme Judicial Council, and the Kurdistan Region Judicial Council. Representatives of the World Justice Project (WJP) also participated virtually. The workshop focused on discussing the practical steps required to secure Iraq's inclusion in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index. During the workshop, participants received a comprehensive presentation on the methodology of the Index and the legal, institutional, and administrative requirements that Iraq must fulfill. This created an opportunity for in-depth discussions on the opportunities and challenges associated with Iraq's accession to this internationally recognized index. The workshop concluded with a number of important recommendations emphasizing the need to implement international standards and maintain effective coordination among the relevant institutions. Participants also stressed the importance of developing a national roadmap to strengthen the foundations of the rule of law and fulfill the requirements for Iraq's inclusion in international rule of law indices, thereby enhancing the country's international standing and reputation.
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.