The Head of Mission met with the Chairman and members of the Board of Commissioners of the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR).The IHCHR is a semi-public body and designated “watchdog” on the application of human rights in Iraq. The IHCHR was created by the passage of Law No. 53 of 2008 to establish an independent commission for human rights in Iraq.

Given the current civil unrest in Iraq, the IHCHR observes and investigates human rights abuses by security forces and demonstrators via monitoring teams which are placed throughout Iraq.

On its social media channels, the IHCHR continuously calls upon security forces to apply the criteria of safe engagement and refrain from using live ammunition. The organisation pushes also the authorities to investigate and refer individuals who have committed human rights violations for prosecution.

The IHCHR continuously expresses its support for the population’s right to hold peaceful demonstrations and the legitimate demands of the protesters. It calls upon all demonstrators to abide by the general principles of peaceful assembly and to not assault security forces or damage public property.  

Building up of strong partnerships within the engagement of security sector reform is a strategic priority for EUAM Iraq.  EUAM Iraq’s leadership is looking forward to a future fruitful relationship with the IHCHR. Both entities agreed to meet on a regular basis to explore further cooperation.