Activities
Workshops, field programmes, legal-literacy campaigns, and advocacy initiatives across the Kurdistan Region.
A New Step Towards Strengthening the Rule of Law, towards a Stronger Report on Monitoring the State of the Rule of Law in Iraq
From 8–10 September 2025, within the framework of the “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Iraq” project, IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with NPA Norwegian People's Aid, organized a three-day Training of Trainers (TOT) for representatives of member organizations of the MAFF Network for Justice and Democratic Development in Erbil.The primary objective of the training was to strengthen participants’ knowledge and capacities in rule of law monitoring and the preparation of the Annual Rule of Law Monitoring Report in Iraq, through a structured, research-based, and evidence-informed approach.Over the three-day training, participants received guidance on a range of key topics, including writing techniques, research methodologies, approaches to data collection and analysis, and principles for drafting and preparing monitoring reports. The training aimed to enhance participants’ institutional and technical capacities, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the process of monitoring and documenting the state of the rule of law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.This initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts of Investigator Organization and its partners to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations, enhance rule of law monitoring, and support processes of justice, transparency, and the consolidation of the rule of law in Iraq.
Third and Final Workshop within the Framework of the “Internal and Interfaith Dialogue” Project
On September 6, 2025, within the framework of the “Internal and Interfaith Dialogue” project in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in cooperation with MEMECS and with the support of KAICIID, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, organized its third and final workshop entitled “Empowering Youth to Enhance Community Resilience: Building a Cohesive Society in the Kurdistan Region through Interfaith Dialogue and Crisis Response” in Duhok.The workshop brought together a group of young people from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, with a primary focus on strengthening their roles and capacities in promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, and social cohesion.The workshop explored the importance of interfaith dialogue and intercultural understanding as key tools for strengthening social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, as well as for addressing crises in a thoughtful and informed manner.The workshop also provided a platform for critical thinking, dialogue, and group work, with the aim of strengthening young people’s capacities and empowering them to become effective and genuine agents of social change within multi-religious and multicultural communities.
Specialized Training for Civil Society Activists in Anbar Governorate
To enhance legal awareness and knowledge and strengthen the capacities of civil society activists, IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in cooperation with NPA, Norwegian People's Aid, conducted a specialized training on September 3, 2025, as part of the organization’s ongoing series of activities.The training focused on legal and constitutional rights during the investigation and trial stages, aiming to enhance participants’ knowledge and awareness of legal and constitutional rights within the judicial process.This activity forms part of the ongoing efforts of IOL to strengthen legal awareness and build the capacities of civil society activists in protecting and advocating for legal and constitutional rights.
Implementation Plan for the National Strategy to Strengthen the Rule of Law and Promote Justice (2025–2029)
As part of the “Strengthening the Rule of Law” project, the, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with the Norwegian organization NPA, held a consultative session with the Kurdistan Region National Team to review the Implementation Plan for the National Strategy to Strengthen the Rule of Law and Promote Justice (2025–2029). The session focused on reviewing the details of the implementation plan, in preparation for the strategy to enter its implementation phase in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the coming period, based on dedicated implementation plans for Iraq and the Region. The discussion particularly focused on defining the roles and responsibilities of the relevant stakeholders, establishing a clear timeline for implementing each initiative, and identifying monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of the strategy and measure progress in carrying out its provisions.
Specialized Media Training Workshop in Erbil to Strengthen the Rule of Law in Iraq
As part of efforts to strengthen the principles of transparency and accountability, and in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and with the support of UKaid, IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, organized a specialized media training workshop in Erbil under the “Building Peace and Stability in Iraq” project. The workshop was held under the title: “The Role of Media Institutions in Promoting the Rule of Law in Light of Iraqi Laws and Legislation and the Rule of Law Strategy for 2025–2029.” The workshop brought together a group of journalists, media professionals, and civil society activists from different parts of Iraq. It focused on highlighting the role of the media as the “fourth estate” and as a key partner in advancing the successful implementation of the Rule of Law Strategy for 2025–2029, particularly in promoting transparency, combating corruption, and supporting national reforms. Unlike conventional training approaches, the workshop’s agenda combined theoretical learning with practical application, creating an engaging and participatory learning environment while enabling journalists to apply legal provisions and principles in their journalistic work. This approach aimed to strengthen the impact of media and promote constructive and purposeful journalism. The workshop also featured opening and closing remarks by the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Investigator Organization, as well as remarks by the Regional Representative of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) as the partner organization. Both sides emphasized the central role of the media in advancing justice, strengthening the rule of law, and contributing to peacebuilding in Iraq. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants were tasked with preparing field reports and research papers as a practical application of the knowledge and skills gained during the sessions. The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates of participation to the attendees.
Capacity-Building Workshop for Members of the MAFF Network
On 28–29 July 2025, IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with IRC and with financial support from UKaid, organized a two-day capacity-building workshop for members of the MAFF Network for Justice and Democratic Development in Erbil. The workshop was conducted as part of the “Building Peace and Stability in Iraq (BPSI)” project, with the aim of strengthening the capacities of member organizations and enhancing their effective role in supporting the Rule of Law Strategy in Iraq for 2025–2029. The workshop brought together 15 participants, including heads and members of civil society organizations that are part of the network. It focused on strengthening participants’ capacities and equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to enable them to play a more effective role as partners in advancing legal reforms, safeguarding judicial independence, and engaging in monitoring and advocacy efforts on issues related to the rule of law.
Second Workshop on “Empowering Youth and Building a Cohesive Society in the Kurdistan Region”
On July 26, 2025, as part of the project “Internal and Interfaith Dialogue in the Kurdistan Region/Iraq,” the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL) and MEMECS, in partnership with and with the support of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), organized the second workshop in Sulaymaniyah under the title: “Empowering Youth to Enhance Community Resilience: Building a Cohesive Society in the Kurdistan Region through Interfaith Dialogue and Crisis Response.” The workshop brought together a group of young people from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds within the community. Throughout the workshop, the importance of interfaith dialogue and intercultural understanding was discussed as two key tools for strengthening social cohesion and responding to crises with wisdom and awareness. The workshop also provided an appropriate space for critical thinking and group work, with the aim of strengthening young people’s capacities and enhancing their role as active participants and genuine agents of change within multi-religious and multicultural communities. The workshop also served as an important platform for listening, connecting, and building a sustainable network among young people who believe in peace, inclusive leadership, cooperation, and community resilience.
First Workshop on “Youth Empowerment and Building a Cohesive Society in the Kurdistan Region”
On 25 June 2025, within the framework of the project “Intra- and Interfaith Dialogue in the Kurdistan Region/Iraq,” the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL) and MEMECS, in partnership with and with the support of KAICIID, organized the first workshop in Erbil entitled: “Empowering Youth to Advance Community Resilience: Building a Cohesive Society in the Kurdistan Region through Interfaith Dialogue and Crisis Response.” The workshop brought together young people from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds. During the workshop, participants discussed the importance of interfaith dialogue and intercultural understanding as key tools for strengthening social cohesion and responding to crises with awareness and sound judgment. The workshop also provided a space for critical thinking and group work, aimed at strengthening young people's capacities and developing their role as active participants and genuine agents of change in multi-faith and multicultural societies. Furthermore, the workshop served as an important platform for listening, connecting, and building a sustainable network among young people who believe in peace, inclusive leadership, cooperation, and community resilience.
Conference on Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law in Correctional Institutions in Iraq: Prospects and Challenges
As part of its continued efforts to support the principles of justice and strengthen the rule of law, the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy played an active and prominent role in organizing the conference “Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law in Correctional Institutions in Iraq: Prospects and Challenges.” The conference was jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice of Iraq and Koya University and was held on 21–22 May 2025 at Koya University. The conference brought together representatives of the Iraqi federal government and official institutions in the Kurdistan Region, alongside a wide range of legal experts, judges, university professors, civil society representatives, and stakeholders working in the fields of justice and correctional reform. This broad participation reflected the importance and sensitivity of the issues addressed during the conference. The conference primarily focused on advancing criminal justice and strengthening the rule of law within Iraq’s correctional institutions, recognizing these as fundamental pillars for achieving genuine justice, safeguarding human dignity, and improving the criminal justice system. The Investigator Organization f played a prominent role in the success of this national event, particularly through early planning and preparation and the exchange of ideas and perspectives with partners during the preceding months. The conference featured a number of academic and legal research papers presented by scholars and university professors specializing in law. These presentations were followed by dialogue and discussion sessions addressing the principal challenges facing prisons and the correctional system in Iraq, as well as ways to develop the system in accordance with international legal and human rights standards. The discussions identified a number of fundamental and practical challenges facing Iraq’s correctional system, including: • Inadequate infrastructure, equipment, and essential resources in correctional institutions; • The need for training and capacity development for personnel working in the judicial and correctional sectors; • The absence of effective mechanisms for rehabilitating inmates and preparing them for reintegration into society following release. At the same time, the conference put forward a number of future-oriented proposals and measures that could provide a basis for improving Iraq’s correctional system, including: • Strengthening cooperation and partnership between official institutions and civil society organizations; • Adopting correctional methodologies and procedures based on respect for human rights; • Establishing a coordinated and unified legal and implementation framework for the correctional system across Iraq. The conference was attended by senior government officials, including Dr. Burhan Mazhar Al-Qaisi, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Federal Government of Iraq, and Ms. Shilan Arif Hama, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Kurdistan Regional Government, alongside a number of other prominent figures. At the conclusion of the conference, certificates and plaques of appreciation were presented to supporting and partner institutions in recognition of their contributions to the success of the event. In this context, Mr. Peshawa Hussamaddin, Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, received the Organization’s commemorative plaque from the President of Koya University, who expressed his appreciation for the Organization’s active contribution and valuable efforts in making this national conference a success. The conference was not merely an academic and scholarly event; it also represented a practical step toward advancing discussions on criminal justice and correctional reform in Iraq. Its outcomes and recommendations can provide a foundation for future legal and institutional reform efforts and for further strengthening the rule of law in the country.
Iraq and the Kurdistan Region Moves Closer to the Final Stage of Adopting the Rule of Law Strategy
In an important step toward strengthening the rule of law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and following the completion of the review of the draft National Rule of Law Strategy, the Iraqi National Team held a meeting on 21 May 2025 at the Iraqi Ministry of Justice in Baghdad, with the participation of members of the National Team and its Deputy Chair. In the same context, the Kurdistan Region National Team held a meeting on 25 May 2025 at the Ministry of Justice, in the presence of the Minister of Justice of the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Firsat Ahmed, the two Deputy Chairs of the National Team, Dr. Burhan Al-Qaisi and Ms. Shilan Arif, and representatives of the Ministries of Justice of the federal government and the Kurdistan Region. The Minister of Justice emphasized the importance of the Strategy in strengthening the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law. He also stressed that developing a clear and effective implementation plan for the Strategy is a critical step toward translating its provisions into practical measures. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Amin Miran, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy (IOL) and a member of the National Team, together with the other members of the National Team, signed the official record approving the Strategy. The record was then formally submitted, through the Deputy Chair of the National Team, to the Chair of the National Team for referral to the Council of Ministers for final approval. Notably, the Investigator Organization has worked continuously for more than two years, in close partnership with Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), to contribute to the development of this Strategy, which aims to strengthen the rule of law across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and promote justice and equality for all citizens.
Strengthening Women's Position in Leadership and Decision-Making
As part of efforts to advance the status and participation of women, the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy implemented a strategic project over the past three months entitled “Strengthening Women's Position in Leadership and Decision-Making.” The project was implemented in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah and included a series of training courses addressing key topics, including: • Advocacy for women's issues • Developing women's capacities in political discourse • Deepening understanding of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security A group of capable and courageous women participated in these training courses and went on to implement a number of innovative initiatives inspired by their own ideas and proposals. Among the most notable initiatives were: • Using art, including theatre and visual arts, as a tool for amplifying women's voices • Organizing a specialized seminar on ways and approaches to combating violence against women • Analyzing the impact of media on the image and position of women in society • Conducting open discussions and surveys on early marriage and its devastating consequences • Organizing a panel discussion and seminar on protection from online harassment in the digital world • Advocating for amendments to the Personal Status Law to prevent child marriage at the age of nine On International Women's Day, 8 March, the Organization held an important conference with the participation of a number of relevant stakeholders. The conference served as a platform for developing a set of practical recommendations proposed by women to address issues requiring new policies and plans. These efforts are part of the “Women and Peace” project, implemented in partnership with Women for Women International (WFWI) and with financial support from the United Kingdom International Support Fund (UKISF).
Legal Awareness Session Held for Students at Khabat Girls’ Secondary School
Within the framework of the “Reducing Early Marriage” project, the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with financial support from UK-Aid, conducted a legal awareness session for students at Khabat Girls’ High School on 30 January 2025, in coordination with the Ministry of Education – Erbil General Directorate of Education. The session aimed to raise students’ legal and social awareness of the risks of early marriage, and similar activities will continue in more schools across the Kurdistan Region in the future.