Activities
Workshops, field programmes, legal-literacy campaigns, and advocacy initiatives across the Kurdistan Region.
Investigator Organization Organizes a Two-Day Training on Preparing Effective Political Speeches for Women
The Investigator Organization for Supporting Role of Law and Democracy (IOL) conducted a two-day training on “Preparing Effective Political Speeches for Women” on 20–21 January 2025 in Erbil. The activity was part of the “Supporting Women in Leadership and Decision-Making Centers” project. The training provided participants with in-depth insights aimed at strengthening the capacities of female activists and politicians in speech preparation, public speaking techniques, voice modulation, and the use of body language during speeches. The initiative aims to strengthen women’s voices and participation in leadership and decision-making centers. This activity is 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).
IOL Organizes a Validation Workshop to Review the Shadow Report on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)
The Investigator Organization for Supporting Role of Law and Democracy (IOL) organized a validation workshop to review the points included in the shadow report on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), focusing on Section 2 (Preventive Measures) and Section 5 (Asset Recovery). The workshop was held on 18 January 2025 at the Van Royal Hotel in Erbil. The workshop brought together a diverse group of decision-makers and representatives of relevant government sectors, as well as academics and legal experts, representatives of local and international non-governmental organizations, a UNAMI representative, representatives of the Kurdistan Bar Association, members of provincial councils, journalists, and experts in various fields related to the subject. The workshop focused on reviewing the points included in the UNCAC report and discussing issues related to preventive measures and asset recovery. A number of recommendations were also presented, based on the legal and constitutional context of the Federal Government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants’ comments and observations were collected, with emphasis placed on the importance of continued communication and cooperation to further improve the report and add additional recommendations and information where necessary.
The Role of Forensic Medicine in Investigating Sexual Violence Crimes
As part of the “Providing Legal Services to Survivors of Sexual Violence Crimes” 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 United Kingdom Government (UK Aid), organized a specialized two-day training course in Erbil on 17–18 January 2025, entitled “The Role of Forensic Medicine in Investigating Sexual Violence Crimes.” The training brought together 20 judicial investigators, assistant judicial investigators, and lawyers, with the aim of strengthening their legal and technical knowledge in investigating sexual violence crimes and enhancing their capacity to deal with forensic medical evidence. The course was delivered by Dr. Barzan Mohammed Ali Faraj, Director of the Forensic Medicine Institute in Sulaymaniyah. The sessions covered the history and development of forensic medicine in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the essential role of forensic medicine in investigating sexual violence crimes, methods of collecting forensic medical evidence, and the documentation and assessment of physical injuries in accordance with legal and scientific standards to support criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.
IOL Conducts a Two-Day Training on “Advocacy for Women’s Issues”
As part of the “Supporting Women's Participation in Leadership and Decision-Making Positions” project, the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL) organized a two-day training course entitled “Advocacy for Women’s Issues” on 13–14 January 2025. The training was implemented in partnership with Women for Women International (WFWI) and with financial support from the United Kingdom International Security Fund (UKISF). It targeted women activists and women engaged in public and political life, with the objective of strengthening their advocacy skills and enhancing their role in influencing public policies and decision-making processes. Throughout the two-day program, participants explored the concepts, principles, and practical techniques of advocacy, while examining the most pressing issues affecting women that require organized advocacy efforts at both the national and local levels. Interactive discussions and practical exercises enabled participants to develop a deeper understanding of effective advocacy strategies and mechanisms for influencing public institutions. This activity forms part of the broader Women and Peace project, through which IOL, in cooperation with Women for Women International (WFWI) and with the support of the United Kingdom International Security Fund (UKISF), continues to implement initiatives aimed at strengthening women's leadership, expanding their participation in decision-making, and promoting gender-responsive public policies.
Conference to Announce Two Studies on the Rule of Law and the Participation of Women and Youth in Decision-Making Positions
Within the framework of the “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region” project, implemented by the IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with NPA, Norwegian People's Aid, a conference was held in Baghdad to launch two studies entitled: • “Iraq and the Rule of Law Indicators – Possible Opportunities” • “The Legal Framework for the Right of Women and Youth to Participate in Decision-Making Positions (Professional Syndicates and Unions as a Case Study)” The conference was attended by the Deputy Minister of Justice of Iraq, who delivered the Ministry's official remarks, in addition to representatives of ministries and institutions concerned with the rule of law, members and Members and advisors of the Iraqi parliament, representatives of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq and the Judicial Council of the Kurdistan Region, as well as a number of civil society organizations from across Iraq. Following the presentation of the two studies, participants engaged in an extensive discussion on their key findings and recommendations, with the aim of supporting efforts to strengthen the rule of law and enhance the participation of women and youth in decision-making positions in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Conducting the Eighth Legal and Psychological Awareness Session for High School Students at Mahmood Zamdar High School
As part of the ongoing activities implemented by IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with the UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund, with financial support from the AICS, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, and in coordination with the Ministry of Education, under the project “Reducing Early Child Marriage in the Kurdistan Region,” the eighth legal and psychological awareness session was conducted for high school students at Mahmood Zamdar High School. The session was held on 13 December 2023 and aimed to strengthen students' legal and social awareness, increase their understanding of the risks and negative consequences of early child marriage, and support ongoing efforts to reduce this phenomenon in the Kurdistan Region.
Conducting the Seventh Legal and Psychological Awareness Session for High School Students at Chwar Chra High School
As part of the ongoing activities implemented by IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with the UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund, with financial support from the AICS, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, and in coordination with the Ministry of Education, under the project “Reducing Early Child Marriage in the Kurdistan Region,” the seventh legal and psychological awareness session was conducted for high school students at Chwar Chra High School. The session was held on 12 December 2023 and aimed to strengthen students' legal and social awareness, increase their understanding of the risks and negative consequences of early child marriage, and support ongoing efforts to reduce this phenomenon in the Kurdistan Region. It is worth noting that the school administration and teaching staff expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in recognition of its efforts and activities in serving the community and promoting legal awareness.
Training Course on Rule of Law Indicators, Human Rights Protection Mechanisms, and Shadow Report Writing
On 9–10 December 2023, the IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with NPA, Norwegian People's Aid, conducted a two-day training course in Erbil for 16 members of the MAF Justice Network, within the framework of the project “Strengthening the Rule of Law and Reducing Inequality in Iraq.” The training covered key topics including rule of law indicators, mechanisms for the protection of human rights, and methodologies for preparing and writing Shadow Reports, with the aim of strengthening the participants’ capacities in monitoring, documentation, and reporting on human rights and rule of law issues.
Conducting a Legal and Psychological Awareness Session for High School Students at Chinar High School
As part of the ongoing activities implemented by IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with the UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund, with financial support from the AICS, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, and in coordination with the Ministry of Education, under the project “Reducing Early Child Marriage in the Kurdistan Region,” a legal and psychological awareness session was conducted for high school students at Chinar High School. The session was held on 6 December 2023 and aimed to strengthen students' legal and social awareness, increase their understanding of the risks and negative consequences of early child marriage, and support ongoing efforts to reduce this phenomenon in the Kurdistan Region.
Conducting a Legal and Psychological Awareness Session for High School Students at Ahmadi Khani School
As part of the ongoing activities implemented by IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with the UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund, with financial support from the AICS, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, and in coordination with the Ministry of Education, under the project “Reducing Early Child Marriage in the Kurdistan Region,” a legal and psychological awareness session was conducted for high school students at Ahmadi Khani School. The session was held on 3 December 2023 and aimed to enhance students' legal and social awareness, increase their understanding of the risks and negative consequences of early child marriage, and support ongoing efforts to reduce this phenomenon in the Kurdistan Region.
Conducting a Legal and Psychological Awareness Session for Students of Sharstani Girls High School as Part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
As part of the continued activities of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and within the framework of the “Reducing Early Child Marriage in the Kurdistan Region” project, IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with the UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund, with financial support from the AICS, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo), and in coordination with the Ministry of Education, organized a series of legal and psychological awareness sessions for secondary school students across Erbil Governorate. Within this framework, a one-day awareness session was held on 30 November 2023 for the students of Sharstani Girls High School. The session aimed to raise awareness of the legal, social, and psychological consequences of early marriage, strengthen students' understanding of their legal rights and the importance of continuing their education, and contribute to reducing the prevalence of child marriage in the Kurdistan Region.
Conducting a Two-Day Training Course on Fair Trial Monitoring
Within the framework of the “Promoting the Right to Fair Trial, Improving Detention Conditions, and Eliminating Torture” project, the IOL, Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy, in partnership with the NPA, Norwegian People's Aid, and the PAO, Public Aid Organization, with financial support from the European Union (EU), organized a two-day training course on 28–29 November 2023 for 21 lawyers representing all governorates of Iraq. The training focused on fair trial monitoring mechanisms in accordance with Iraqi legislation and applicable judicial procedures, with the aim of strengthening the capacities of lawyers to monitor criminal proceedings and promote compliance with national and international fair trial standards. The course was delivered by Dr. Rizgar Jarjis Abdullah, who presented specialized sessions on the constitutional foundations of the right to a fair trial, the provisions of the Iraqi Criminal Procedure Code, and the relevant international human rights standards governing fair trial guarantees.