Activities
Workshops, field programmes, legal-literacy campaigns, and advocacy initiatives across the Kurdistan Region.
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Legal Awareness Training Course Held for Students of Sarwaran High School for Boys
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 training course on 28 January 2025 for students of Sarwaran High School for Boys, in coordination with the Ministry of Education – Erbil General Directorate of Education. These training courses will continue in the future in a number of schools across the Kurdistan Region.
Training Course on Advocacy for Women’s Issues
On 27–28 January 2025, the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL) conducted a two-day training course in Sulaymaniyah entitled “Advocacy for Women’s Issues.” The training was organized within the framework of the “Supporting Women in Leadership and Decision-Making Centers” project, with the aim of strengthening the capacities of women activists and politicians in advocacy and the use of effective strategies and techniques. During the training, participants gained an in-depth understanding of different types of advocacy and related strategies. The sessions also addressed a number of pressing global and local issues that require effective advocacy and engagement. Part of the training focused on strengthening participants’ abilities to identify objectives, develop advocacy strategies, and use appropriate approaches to communicate their voices and demands. The training was implemented as 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).
Legal Awareness Training Course Held for Students of Shox 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 training course on 26 January 2025 for students of Shox Girls’ High School, in coordination with the Ministry of Education – Erbil General Directorate of Education. The training was part of the efforts of the Investigator Organization for supporting role of law and Democracy (IOL) to raise legal and social awareness and prevent early marriage. Similar training courses will continue to be conducted in a number of schools across the Kurdistan Region in the future.
Conducting a Specialized Workshop on the Role of Forensic Medicine in Sexual Violence Crimes
On 24–25 January 2025, within the framework of the project “Providing Legal Services to Survivors of Sexual Assault Crimes,” the Investigator Organization for Supporting the Rule of Law and Democracy، in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with financial support from the Government of the United Kingdom (UK Aid), conducted a two-day workshop in Erbil. The workshop was attended by 20 judges and public prosecutors, under the title “The Role of Forensic Medicine in Investigating Sexual Violence Crimes.” The workshop sessions and topics were delivered by Dr. Barzan Mohammed Ali Faraj, Director of the Sulaymaniyah Institute of Forensic Medicine. The workshop addressed the history of forensic medicine in Iraq and Kurdistan, the role of forensic medicine in investigating sexual violence crimes, methods of collecting medical evidence in such cases, as well as types of physical injuries and bodily harm. The workshop represented a step toward strengthening the knowledge and capacity of judges and public prosecutors in using forensic medical information and evidence in the investigation and trial of sexual violence crimes.
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.
Celebrating the International Day of Peace and Discussing the Alternative Sentencing Law
The Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), as part of the activities of the Prisoners’ Justice Network (JNP) and with the support of Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), organized a special evening session titled “International Day of Peace and the Future of the Alternative Sentencing Law” to mark the International Day of Peace, observed annually on 21 September.The event was held as part of the organization’s annual tradition of commemorating the International Day of Peace. As part of the event, a collection of artworks created by talented individuals was displayed, expressing the values of peace and human rights. This year, the organization also placed particular emphasis on an important and timely issue: the draft Alternative Sentencing Law, prepared by the Prisoners’ Justice Network (JNP).This part of the event aimed to increase awareness of the Alternative Sentencing Law, build broader support for the issue, and enrich the provisions of the draft law, so that the draft can be finalized and presented to members of Parliament following the Kurdistan parliamentary elections, with the aim of advancing the legislative process toward its adoption as law.At the beginning of the session, Mr. Pishwa Hussamaddin, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of IOL, delivered a welcoming speech, highlighting the importance of the occasion and the topics of the session. This was followed by the reading of a statement by the President of the Erbil Appellate Court, delivered by Judge Nader Abdulaziz Herki, President of Erbil Criminal Court/1, reaffirming the support of the President of the Erbil Appellate Court for the project.Next, Mr. Falah Mustafa, Head of the Non-Governmental Organizations Department, delivered the department’s statement, emphasizing the important role of organizations and joint initiatives and expressing appreciation to IOL for its efforts and activities. Mr. Shwan Saber, President of the Prisoners’ Justice Network (JNP), then presented a historical overview of the origins of the alternative sentencing concept and its key positive aspects. Subsequently, Dr. Dler Saber, Adviser to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, presented the contents of the draft Alternative Sentencing Law, after which participants were given the opportunity to share their comments and views.The event was attended by a large number of legal experts, judges, parliamentary advisers, representatives of the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region, university professors, judicial investigators, lawyers, senior police officers, representatives of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), representatives of correctional institutions in the Kurdistan Region, representatives of civil society organizations, and journalists.
Legal Training Course for School Principals and Assistant Principals
On 16 and 17 September 2024, as part of the “Reducing Early Marriage” project, the Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with financial support from the Government of the United Kingdom – UK Aid, and in the presence of Ms. Deeman Hurmzyar, UNFPA Representative, conducted a two-day training course for principals and Assistant principals of intermediate and preparatory schools in Erbil Governorate.The training was entitled “Legal Training to Strengthen the Legal, Social, and Psychological Knowledge of Principals and Deputy Principals of Intermediate and Preparatory Schools in Erbil Governorate on Reducing Early Marriage.” These school leaders play an important and direct role in raising awareness among students and their parents about the risks and impacts of early marriage.During the two-day training, Payraw Anwar and Mr. Youssef Othman, as trainers, presented a range of relevant legal, social, and psychological topics, while participants actively engaged in discussions and constructive interaction.At the end of the training, certificates of participation were distributed to all participants.
Legal Training Course for Educational Counselors Held in Sulaymaniyah
As part of the Reducing the Phenomenon of Early Marriage project, from 9–10 September 2024, the Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with financial support from the Government of the United Kingdom – UK Aid, organized a two-day legal training course for educational counselors in Sulaymaniyah.The training was held under the title “Legal Training to Strengthen the Legal, Social, and Psychological Knowledge of Educational Counselors in Sulaymaniyah on Reducing the Phenomenon of Early Marriage.” The training emphasized the important and direct role of educational counselors in raising awareness among school students and strengthening their knowledge of the risks and impacts of early marriage.The training was delivered by two experienced trainers, Dr. Asos Namiq and Dr. Bakhtyar Kamal Talabany. At the conclusion of the course, certificates of participation were presented to the participants.
Training Course for Judicial Investigators and Police Officers Held in Erbil
From 31 August to 1 September 2024, as part of the “Provision of Legal Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault” project, the Investigator Organization for Supporting Rule of Law and Democracy (IOL), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with financial support from the Government of the United Kingdom – UK Aid, conducted a two-day training course for 15 judicial investigators and police investigation officers in Erbil, under the title “The Role of Forensic Medicine in Investigating Sexual Violence Crimes.”The training was delivered by Prof. Dr. Yassin Karim Amin, Director of the Forensic Medicine Institute in Erbil. During the training, emphasis was placed on the history of forensic medicine in Iraq and Kurdistan, the role of forensic medicine in investigating sexual violence crimes, methods of collecting medical evidence in such cases, as well as types of physical injuries and wounds.