Activities
Workshops, field programmes, legal-literacy campaigns, and advocacy initiatives across the Kurdistan Region.
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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.
Two-Day Training Course for Educational Counselors on Reducing Early Marriage
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 the UK Government – UK-Aid, organized a two-day training course for educational counselors on 26–27 February 2025, under the title “Awareness Training Course to Strengthen the Legal, Social, and Psychological Knowledge of Educational Counselors,” with the aim of reducing the phenomenon of early marriage. Educational counselors play an important and direct role in raising awareness among school students. Therefore, the training placed particular emphasis on strengthening their capacities in the legal, social, and psychological fields. The course was delivered over two days by experienced trainers Payraw Anwar and M. Youssef Othman, and addressed relevant topics in these fields. At the conclusion of the course, certificates of participation were distributed to all participants.
Conducting a Two-Day Training Course for Educational Counselors on Reducing Early Marriage
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 the UK Government – Department for International Development (UK-Aid), conducted a two-day training course for educational counselors on 11–12 February 2025, entitled “Awareness Training Course to Strengthen the Legal, Social, and Psychological Knowledge of Educational Counselors.” The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of educational counselors, enabling them to play a more effective role in raising students’ awareness and contributing to efforts to reduce early marriage. Educational counselors have an important and direct role in awareness-raising and protecting students. The course was delivered by two experienced trainers, Payraw Anwar and M. Youssef Othman, and covered a range of relevant legal, social, and psychological topics over the two days. At the conclusion of the training, certificates of participation were distributed to all participants.
Legal Awareness Session Held for Students of Niga Girls’ High School
Within the framework of the “Reducing Early Marriage” project, the Investigator Organization for supporting role 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 of Niga Girls’ High School on 3 February 2025, in coordination with the Ministry of Education – Erbil General Directorate of Education. The session aimed to raise students’ legal awareness of issues related to early marriage, and similar sessions will continue in the future in a number of schools across the Kurdistan Region.
IOL Organizes Two-Day Training on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325
The Investigator Organization for the Rule of Law (IOL) organized a two-day training on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The training was held in Erbil on 3–4 February 2025, with the participation of 20 female politicians and civil society activists. It aimed to familiarize participants with the government’s National Action Plan on women, peace and security, while strengthening their advocacy skills for promoting and defending women’s rights. This activity is part of the Women and Peace Project, in partnership with Women for Women International (WFWI) and with financial support from the United Kingdom International Support Fund (UKISF).
Conducting a Legal Awareness Session for Students of Hawler Girls' High 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 of Hawler Girls' High School on 2 February 2025. The session was conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Education – Erbil General Directorate of Education, with the aim of strengthening students’ legal and social awareness and increasing their understanding of the risks and consequences of early marriage. The session forms part of the Organization’s ongoing activities to reduce the phenomenon of early marriage, with similar awareness sessions planned to continue in a larger number of schools across the Kurdistan Region in the future.
Conducting a Two-Day Training Course on “Effective Political Speech Preparation for Women”
The Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy (IOL) conducted a two-day training course on “Effective Political Speech Preparation for Women” on 29–30 January 2025 in Sulaymaniyah. The training was organized within the framework of the project “Empowering Women in Leadership Positions and Decision-Making.” The training provided participants with in-depth knowledge and insights aimed at strengthening the capacities of female activists and politicians in speech preparation, speech delivery techniques, voice control, and body language during public speaking. These efforts aim to strengthen women’s roles and influence in leadership and decision-making centers. This activity was 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 Nanakali 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 Nanakali Girls’ Secondary School on 29 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 additional schools across the Kurdistan Region in the future.
Conducting an Awareness Training Course to Strengthen the Legal, Social, and Psychological Knowledge of Educational Counselors
Within the framework of the Early Marriage Reduction Project, on 28–29 January 2025, the Investigator Organization for Supporting Role of Law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with financial support from the British Government – Department for International Development (UK-Aid), conducted a two-day training course for educational counselors under the title “Awareness Training Course to Strengthen the Legal, Social, and Psychological Knowledge of Educational Counselors.” The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of educational counselors in order to contribute to reducing the phenomenon of early marriage. Given the important and direct role educational counselors play in raising awareness among school students, developing their capacities in this area is of particular importance. The course was delivered over two days by the experienced trainers Payraw Anwar and M. Youssef Othman, and covered a range of relevant legal, social, and psychological topics. At the conclusion of the course, certificates of participation were distributed to all participants.