Analysis / Iraq
Civil and political rights in Iraq under the scrutiny of the Human Rights Committee
On March 7-8, 2022, the UN Human Rights Committee examined Iraq’s sixth periodic report to assess the human rights situation in the country. The Committee monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Iraq ratified in 1971. In their Concluding Observations, adopted following the review of Iraq, the UN experts raised, among others, the issue of enforced disappearance and torture, accountability efforts for ISIL’s crimes, the use of the death penalty and the attacks on the rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
Opinion Piece: Protection for Victims of Enforced Disappearance in Iraq?
On November 23, 2010, Iraq became the twentieth State to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED). Yet more than a decade after signing this landmark convention, Iraq continues to have one of the highest numbers of forcibly disappeared persons worldwide. The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on August 30 gives rise to the question of why.
Iraq's draft cybercrime law puts free speech in grave danger
Articles contained in the draft could be used to stifle criticism of politicians, government officials and other public figures
UN Committee issues roadmap to address endemic practice of enforced disappearance in Iraq
On November 25, 2020, the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) issued its Observations on the additional information submitted by Iraq under article 29 (4) of the Convention on Enforced Disappearances (ICPPED), ratified in 2010.
Iraq’s new draft Law on Combating Cybercrimes still contains problematic provisions restricting fundamental freedoms
On Monday November 23, 2020, Iraq’s parliament completed the second reading of a new draft Law on Combating Cybercrimes.
One year on, dozens of disappeared Iraqi protestors remain missing
On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the Iraqi protests, MENA Rights Group urges the authorities to clarify the fate and whereabouts of dozens of peaceful protesters who are still forcibly disappeared.
Iraqi authorities must implement accepted UPR recommendations
Following the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Iraq in November 2019, Iraq notified the Human Rights Council (HRC) of the recommendations it wishes to implement in the upcoming years. During the adoption of the UPR outcome, which took place on March 12, Iraq accepted most of the recommendations including on issues related to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. However, recommendations relating to the ratification of additional human rights treaties, discrimination against women, LGBT rights, and the application of the death penalty were merely noted.
Iraqi draft laws on torture and enforced disappearances fall short of international human rights standards
Inadequate legislation pending before Iraq’s Council of Representatives
Iraq’s human rights record examined by UN Member States amid crackdown against demonstrations
During its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on November 11, Iraq received nearly 300 recommendations from 111 states on issues including torture, enforced disappearances, and the application of the death penalty. States also used this opportunity to address the restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly in view of the recent human rights violations that have been committed by security forces since the beginning of anti-government demonstrations on October 1.
Iraq must halt reintroduction of controversial draft laws harmful to fundamental freedoms
Two draft laws currently pending before Iraq’s Council of Representatives risk further restricting fundamental freedoms in the country, MENA Rights Group says in appeal to UN Special Rapporteurs.