Strengthening Civil Society and the Rule of Law in Iraq as a Peacebuilding Tool
In Iraq, the response to human rights violations often remains lacklustre due to the lack of resources and capacity of the governmental offices. However, the civil society, especially CSOs (Civil Society Organisation), can move towards fostering respect and compliance to human rights with the right capacity, understanding, and tools. Supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, funded by IFA (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen), this project provides in its first phase training for CSOs in Erbil and for ICPs (Iraqi Community Police) and prison staff in Baghdad, aimed at human rights promotion and application, as well as capacity-building. Furthermore, the project also hosts a roundtable discussion between key ICP and prison staff members in Baghdad which allows to host a forum where obstacles to justice and rule of law are identified and addressed during training. In the second phase of the project we have provided essential training to lawyers, CSOs, academics and journalists regarding the reporting and documenting of human rights violations to international bodies. During this we had the opportunity of meeting with the UNCED (United Nations Committee for Enforced Disappearences) during their visit in Iraq and discussing the current situation in the country.
