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Erbil, Iraq, November 14, 2024 —  The ̽����ѡ (̽����ѡ), in partnership with the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) has taken an important step to strengthen the promotion of human rights protections across the country. Between November 12–14, 2024, senior officials from governorates across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region gathered in Erbil for training designed to enhance communication skills and public engagement.

Funded by the Government of Iraq (GOI) and supported by the ̽����ѡ’s FCDO-funded Building Peace and Stability in Iraq (BPSI) program, the training taught IHCHR’s media team practical skills, such as how to write impactful stories, connect with audiences, and share important human rights messages. These efforts are essential for building trust with the public and ensuring transparency in human rights work.

Mr. Jabar Al-Dulaimi, IHCHR representative in Erbil, said,“This interactive training experience has been a valuable opportunity. Our media officers have acquired essential skills in news writing, press reporting, and photography, aligning with our policy to promote human rights. The training provided by the ̽����ѡ is one of the key objectives pursued by the IHCHR in cooperation and partnership with international organizations concerned with human rights issues, in the fields of awareness, training, and capacity building."

This initiative follows the completion of an assessment conducted by the ̽����ѡ in 2023, which identified key areas to enhance IHCHR’s impact. Endorsed by Minister of Justice Dr. Khalid Shiwani, the assessment's recommendations are now driving changes to strengthen human rights protections, improve public outreach and media capabilities, and enhance the complaint and feedback systems of IHCHR. The ̽����ѡ is also providing technical support to establish legal aid centers under Iraq’s new Legal Aid Law, which will offer free legal services to those who cannot afford them. These efforts align with the ̽����ѡ’s broader goal of fostering a strong, state-led system for protecting human rights.

Idrees Hayat, ̽����ѡ’s Senior Governance & Rights Coordinator in Iraq, commented,“Our two-year partnership with IHCHR has led to the successful completion of the ̽����ѡ assessment, the endorsement of its recommendations, and the allocation of resources by the Ministry of Justice. This partnership reflects the GOI's commitment to meaningful reform, strengthening national human rights institutions, and advancing a sustainable rule of law framework."

Paolo Lubrano, ̽����ѡ Iraq Country Director, emphasized the broader impact, “We are grateful to Minister Dr. Khalid Shiwani for not only endorsing the recommendations from ̽����ѡ's assessment, but also for committing resources to their implementation. Conducting this training is a pivotal first step in enhancing the capabilities of the IHCHR’s media department and establishing a foundation for sustainable reform.”

Through these coordinated efforts, the ̽����ѡ and IHCHR are working toward shared goals that reflect Iraq’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and meaningful progress. These initiatives pave the way for a future where Iraqi citizens can access reliable justice and support services, advancing the GOI’s vision for sustainable development and reform in Iraq.