The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) has documented the human rights situation in Iraq during the past five years since the start of the popular movement, including by publishing 35 periodic reports detailing the grave violations taking place in the country. They can be viewed here.
The 35th periodic report covers various types of violations, including gross human rights violations that occurred in Iraq in the past five months, such as numerous killings of bloggers, professionals and journalists, as well as torture, arrests, media freedom violations, and violence against demonstrators. In addition, protests were banned during the Arab Summit held in Baghdad on 17 May 2025.
Prevalence of a Culture of Violence in Society Amid Proliferation of Weapons
The violent incidents documented by GCHR below underscore the need to promote a culture of non-violence in Iraq and to restrict the possession of weapons to the state.
Engineer Dies as a Result of Severe Torture
On the morning of 07 April 2025, engineer Bashir Khalid, 28, was pronounced dead following the torture he was subjected to during his arrest and detention. His health deteriorated, leading to kidney failure and his death.
He was beaten on the morning of 30 March 2025 by Major General Abbas Ali Mohammed, Director of Salaries and Financial Affairs of the Federal Police Forces Command, and his sons during a quarrel between the two parties at the Al-Ayadi residential complex in the Al-Amiriya area of Baghdad, where Major General Mohammed and his family lived. The emergency police then arrested Khalid and detained him at the Hittin neighbourhood police station, beginning a series of serious violations of the basic rules that security forces must follow. This ultimately led to his severe torture, documented by cameras, which led to his death.
On the same day, the Iraqi Engineers Syndicate issued a statement affirming, "The death of Engineer Bashir Khalid as a result of torture is not just a passing incident, but a blatant assault on the dignity of the Iraqi person and a flagrant violation of the human values upon which civilised societies are founded. It must trigger a corrective earthquake for all institutions involved in dealing with citizens.” The statement concluded, "Justice is not a demand; it is a necessity for the integrity of institutions, and the Iraqi Engineers Syndicate will remain a strong voice against injustice and oppression, firmly defending the rights and dignity of engineers.”
In a press conference held on 15 April 2025, the parliamentary committee charged with investigating his death described what happened to him as "murder in the form of criminal complicity,” pointing to the negligence of the security forces.
Member of Parliament Mohammed Al-Khafaji, a member of the investigative committee, stated, "The committee concluded its work on 12 April 2025, after having begun its investigation on the seventh of the same month, pursuant to Parliamentary Order No. (63). However, Parliament was unable to read the report inside the House of Representatives due to the adjournment of yesterday’s and today’s sessions, despite the importance and seriousness of the contents of the 13-page report.”
The committee concluded that, "The victim was subjected to three consecutive attacks: the first in the apartment of Major General Abbas Ali Mohammed, the second in Hall No. (6) of Karkh Central Prison on the night of 30 March, and the third, the most violent, occurred the following morning in the same hall, causing him to lose consciousness and subsequently leading to his death at Karkh Hospital.”
The report confirmed that "the behaviour of a number of security agencies was characterised by negligence or favoritism. It was found that the Hittin Police Station did not record the victim’s testimony regarding the causes of his apparent injuries upon receiving him from the emergency police. The victim was also not detained at the station without legal justification, and was transferred to Karkh Central Prison despite his severe injuries.”
After visiting Yarmouk Hospital, the committee documented a serious violation as the police force accompanying the victim released him from the hospital, contrary to the recommendation of the neurologist, who recommended in his report that the patient be kept under medical observation due to a bleeding head wound that threatened his life.
The report stated that "the Karkh Central Prison guard initially refused to receive the victim out of consideration for his health condition, but the Deputy Commander of Karkh Police insisted on receiving him, which was considered a clear violation of the victim’s rights.”
The committee confirmed that "the detention room where the assault occurred is under constant video and visual surveillance, making it impossible for an assault to have occurred without the knowledge of the security personnel, especially given the pleas received from some inmates to rescue the victim, which went unanswered.”
A video circulated widely on social media shows Khalid being severely beaten in Karkh Central Prison by other inmates. Another video shows him sitting handcuffed inside a cell, pushing hard on the door, while a civilian holding a metal bar attempts to break in and beat him. Khalid asks him, "What do you want? You’re not a policeman.”
Member of Parliament Hussein Arab said in televised statements that Khalid was arrested without a warrant and beaten by two investigating officers, who then ordered the inmates to beat him.
His colleagues confirmed that he was an example of integrity, competence, and loyalty to the country.
Blogger Murdered
On 31 March 2025, security forces found the body of blogger Shawq Al-Anzi in an apartment in the Al-Adl neighbourhood of Baghdad. She had died from a blow to the head with a sharp object. Press reports were conflicted about the nature of the crime. While some confirmed the arrest of the 22-year-old perpetrator after he fled to Anbar Governorate, said that the motive was robbery, other press reports asserted that there was no evidence of a robbery or theft, but confirmed that it was a murder. They also claimed that the killer was the son of a senior official, who had purchased an apartment for Al-Anzi in the Al-Adl neighbourhood and a Land Cruiser.
Journalist Killed After Fight
On 12 March 2025, journalist Laith Mohammed Redha Kadhim, 37, was killed in the Karrada district of central Baghdad by another man who lived in the same alley. Kadhim asked him not to drive recklessly in a residential alley. The assailant then fought with him and shot him. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died. The assailant was arrested the next day for his crime.
Kadhim worked for the official Iraqi News Agency, affiliated with the Iraqi Media Network. The agency issued a statement mourning him, saying, "He was an example of a loyal and dedicated employee. He possessed high morals and a kind spirit, and was beloved by all his colleagues.”
Dr. Sarah Ammar Al-Aboudi, lecturer at University of Basra, killed
Basra Governorate and all of Iraq were shaken by the horrific crime of the murder of Dr. Sarah Ammar Al-Aboudi, a lecturer at the College of Sport Education at the University of Basra, at the hands of her colleague, Muzahim Al-Tamimi. The murder occurred on the morning of 27 November 2024, in the remote area of Umm Al-Rasas, located between Abu Al-Khaseeb District and Al-Siba Subdistrict. The perpetrator also stole her documents and her personal phone, from which he sent messages to her sister accusing a colleague of blackmail to divert suspicion. Security forces arrested the perpetrator less than twelve hours after the crime.
Surveillance cameras captured the killer confronting the victim getting out of a car and exchanging a heated argument before he suddenly shot her, ending her life instantly.
The perpetrator is the brother of Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani, leading to the spread of various unconfirmed explanations for this heinous murder. Among them is that the doctor had uncovered corruption files against the perpetrator and his sister, the governor’s wife, regarding several projects in the governorate.
Tribal Sheikh in Maysan Governorate killed
On 08 November 2024, Sheikh Fadhel Jalub Hamad Al-Bahdali, a tribal sheikh in Maysan Governorate, died in the hospital after a shooting incident on 16 October 2024, in the Al-Kahla district of Maysan, where he resided. The incident involved a dispute between one of his relatives and another person, although Al-Bahdali was not involved in the dispute.
Unarmed Citizen Attacked with Knife
On 10 May 2025, a security force arrested the sons and brother of Taha Al-Majma’i, a member of the Iraqi parliament representing Diyala Governorate, after they assaulted and stabbed Qasim Al-Sheikh, a young resident of the Gatoun Al-Rahma neighbourhood in Baqubah city, the capital of the governorate. The attack occurred after Al-Sheikh engaged in a discussion with them about the deteriorating public services provided in the area and the projects being implemented by the member of the parliament himself.
Popular Protests held in Various Parts of the Country
Massive popular demonstrations were held in the capital, Baghdad, and several other cities across the country, with demonstrators demanding civil and human rights, improved living conditions, and various other demands.
Mass demonstrations organised by residents resumed in the city district, the Ezzaldin Salim sub-district, and other areas of Basra Governorate. On 02 May 2025, as part of what was dubbed "Friday of Positions or Fall of Masks,” hundreds of citizens demonstrated, demanding the provision of clean drinking water, the elimination of environmental pollution, improved public services, and an end to their marginalisation by the local government. The demonstrators shut down the district’s mayor’s office for a week to implement their demands.
One of the protest leaders, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issawi, said in press statements, "The district’s residents have been demonstrating for a long time, demanding the provision of the most basic necessities of life: clean water that would save them from the pollution disaster that has left them with nothing but malignant diseases, contaminated water, and barren agricultural lands destroyed by oil wells.” He added, "We find no one listening to us from either the local or central government.”
On 01 May 2025, dozens of residents of the Al-Aziziyah district, in Wasit Governorate, organised a sit-in in front of the district’s municipality, demanding that they be granted housing plots in the district. During their sit-in, they confirmed that the number of eligible residents had reached approximately 7,000, who had been waiting for more than ten years for a just solution to their problem. They called on the local and central governments to take the necessary measures to include them in the distribution of housing plots.
Demonstration Held to Preserve Archaeological Site
On 25 April 2025, residents of the Kufa district, part of Najaf Governorate, organised a mass demonstration, attended by dozens of citizens, who declared that they rejected the use of the archaeological lands of Tell Al-Sayyagh for investment. The area, which spans approximately 75 acres, dates back to the golden age of Kufa between the 7th and 8th centuries. This site, which is located in the heart of the modern-day city of Kufa, is one of the last sites from that era that has remained untouched to date.
Aqil Al-Kharifawi, head of the Popular Committee for the Protection of Antiquities and Heritage in Iraq, a non-governmental organisation working to preserve Tell Al-Sayyagh, said in a press statement, "The site bears witness to the existence and establishment of ancient Kufa, and it shows the layout of the old city, including buildings for the goldsmiths, silversmiths, and money changers who came from the neighbouring Kingdom of Al-Hirah.” He added, "The majority of them were Christians, and without Tell Al-Sayyagh, we do not have any remaining sites to confirm this.”
Peaceful Vigil Held on 4th Anniversary of the Assassination of Civil Society Activist
On 09 May 2025, a peaceful vigil was held in the city of Karbala to mark the fourth anniversary of the assassination of civil society activist Ihab Jawad Al-Wazni. Participants demanded that the perpetrators who contributed to his assassination be brought to justice. Activists from the governorates of Baghdad, Najaf, Babil and Muthanna participated in the vigil (main photo).
On 08 May 2021, Al-Wazni, head of the Karbala Coordination Committee for the Civil Movement, was assassinated in front of his home in Karbala by an unknown gunman on a motorcycle.
5th Anniversary of the Al-Sadrain Square Massacre in Najaf Governorate
On 05 February 2025, families of the victims and a number of citizens in Najaf Governorate commemorated the fifth anniversary of the massacre in Al-Sadrain Square, which resulted in the deaths of seven young protesters and the injury of many others. This massacre occurred following an attack by armed groups on the protest tents. They demanded that the perpetrators be identified, brought to a fair trial, and that the victims’ families be compensated.
Demonstrations by Educational and Teaching Staff
Baghdad and several Governorates, including Dhi Qar, Muthanna and Diyala, witnessed massive demonstrations by educational and teaching staff, demanding a fair salary scale and the fulfilment of their other demands.
Demonstrators Injured in Dhi Qar Governorate
On 08 April 2025, a demonstration organised by educational and teaching staff in Nasiriyah was suppressed by riot police, resulting in the injury of several demonstrators, including Zainab Kharibet (photo on left), who has worked for 25 years of continuous service in the education sector.
Educational and teaching personnel are demanding the adoption of a fair salary scale through a vote in the House of Representatives, inclusion of the law in the state’s general budget, and amendments to the provisions of Law No. 8 of 2018 on the Protection of Teachers, Instructors, Supervisors and Educational Counsellors.
On the same day, educational and teaching personnel in Muthanna Governorate held a mass demonstration to demand their rights, including salary increases and the allocation of residential plots.
In Diyala Governorate, hundreds of educational and teaching personnel also demonstrated in front of the governorate’s Education Directorate, demanding their legitimate rights.
Educational and Teaching Staff Make Unified Demands
In a letter published on its website on 06 April 2025, addressed to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the Iraqi Teachers’ Union included the unified demands of educational cadres, including the establishment of residential neighbourhoods for educational and teaching personnel, a 100% increase in professional allocations, an increase in geographic location allocations, the payment of transportation fees to educational supervisors, the disbursement of financial support to facilitate the work of school administrations, and the appointment of permanent contract workers.
The same website published news on 08 April 2025, about the Council of Ministers, during a session held that same day, issuing a package of decisions related to educational and teaching staff and Ministry of Education employees. The decision was attended by the head of the Iraqi Teachers’ Union, Uday Hatem Al-Issawi. These included: Proceeding with the procedures for distributing plots of land to educational and teaching staff in Baghdad and the governorates; forming a higher committee to implement the letter from the Prime Minister’s Office/Higher Coordination Commission between the governorates, which included the Prime Minister’s approval to establish residential neighbourhoods for educational and teaching staff and Ministry of Education employees in Baghdad and the governorates, with the involvement of the Teachers Union in Baghdad and the Governorates; and the Ministry of Finance disbursing transportation fees to educational supervisors.
Sinjar Residents Demand Inclusion of the Issue of Kidnapped and Missing Persons on the Arab Summit Agenda
On 09 May 2025, the families of the Yazidi genocide victims who gathered in Sinjar District, Nineveh Governorate, issued a statement addressed to the Arab Summit scheduled to be held in Baghdad on 17 May 2025. The statement’s introduction reads, "We, the families of the victims and abductees of the genocide committed against the Yazidis, gathered today in Sinuni subdistrict – the place from which more than 90,000 Yazidi men, women and children were abducted – address this statement to the Arab leaders participating in the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad, to the Iraqi government, and to the human rights bodies.”
Amidst the presence of "reliable information indicating the presence of a number of kidnapped men and women inside Syrian territory,” the statement read, "we call for the inclusion of the issue of the kidnapped Yazidis on the agenda of the Arab Summit, and for the Iraqi government to submit an official request to the Syrian authorities for serious and transparent cooperation on this humanitarian issue.”
Case Dropped Against Yazidi Civil Society Activist
On 07 May 2025, Yazidi civil society activist Murad Ismael posted the following on his Facebook page: "I thank the Iraqi judiciary for cancelling the arrest warrant against me and dropping the case filed against me by the Ministry of Migration and Displacement. The judiciary found that my post did not constitute a legal violation, but rather expressed my opinion, and opinion is a right guaranteed by Iraqi law and the constitution.” He added, "We will continue to express our people’s issues without fear of anyone, while at the same time preserving human dignity, whoever and whoever it may be, and speaking the truth even if it costs us dearly.”
He had written on the same page on 09 April 2025, that, "The Minister of Migration and Displacement, Evan Faeq Yakoob Jabro, filed a lawsuit against me for my previous writings, accusing me of defamation, and a Mosul court issued an arrest warrant against me before I was even given the opportunity to appear in court.”
Ismail uses his Facebook page to express his opinions on daily affairs affecting citizens, especially Yazidi citizens, and is considered a free voice defending Yazidis both at home and abroad.
Civil Society Activists in Dhi Qar Governorate Arbitrarily Arrested
Reliable local sources confirmed to GCHR that security forces in Dhi Qar Governorate have compiled a list of names of prominent civil society activists and protesters, with the aim of targeting them with malicious charges. and imprisoning them. This is what actually happened, as many of them were imprisoned for their peaceful activities, expressing their opinions publicly on social media, and defending the rights of the people of their governorate to a free and dignified life.
On 07 May 2025, a security force in the Suq Al-Shuyukh district of Dhi Qar Governorate arrested civil society activist Murtada Al-Iraqi from his home and detained him at the town’s police station. The arrest is related to Al-Iraqi’s volunteer work to support citizens and his ongoing calls for good public services in his area. He was released on bail on 11 May 2025, by an investigative judge.
On 24 November 2024, civil society activist Duaa Al-Asadi (photo on left) was arrested and taken from the hospital where she works in Nasiriyah. Al-Asadi was arrested for a social media post questioning the governor’s absence. She was charged with inciting demonstrations. On 26 November 2024, she was released on bail.
Al-Asadi can be considered one of the free and courageous voices in Nasiriyah. Despite working as a paramedic in a hospital, she was a strong participant in the popular October movement and is one of its symbols.
On the same day, civil society activist Saif Ali (photo on right) was arrested after posting a video on social media documenting the local government’s removal of an amusement park in Nasiriyah, a popular outlet for its residents. He was released on bail of 25 Iraqi dinars on 01 December 2024 after seven days of detention. On 02 March 2025, he was arrested again for ten days and released on a bail of 25 Iraqi dinars.
He has been repeatedly targeted, including his first arrest mentioned above by the Counter-Terrorism Directorate in Dhi Qar Governorate without a warrant. During his second arrest, his home was raided and his family intimidated, also without a warrant. On 10 June 2024, he was sentenced by the Nasiriyah Misdemeanour Court to a suspended six months in prison on the charge of allegedly sabotaging election campaign materials. This stems from his advocacy for the rights of his governorate’s citizens to exemplary public services, his criticism of the local government, and his opposition to rampant corruption.
On 04 February 2025, civil society activist and English language teacher Rabha Qasim Al-Sarifi (photo in the middle) was arrested in Nasiriyah and detained at the Dhi Qar Governorate Intelligence Department from 1:00 PM until midnight. She was released on bail of 10 million Iraqi dinars after a massive solidarity campaign. Her arrest stems from her social media posts about loose weapons and the perpetrators who killed young people in the October popular movement.
On 02 December 2024, the Central Investigation Court in Baghdad decided to release on bail all detained civil society activists and demonstrators from Dhi Qar Governorate.
Among those released were: Dhi Qar civil society activists Sheikh Amer Al-Khafaji, arrested on 12 November 2024, Hassan Hadi, arrested on 25 October 2024, Naseer Bassem, arrested on 17 October 2024, Ali Mahdi Ajeel, arrested on 15 October 2024, and Karar Al-Zirjawi, arrested on 13 October 2024. They were arrested by the Ministry of Interior’s Intelligence Agency and all were charged with inciting protests, except for Ajeel, who was charged with insulting a security agency in an audio recording.
Various Activists Targeted and Freedom of Expression Restricted
The government and other influential actors continue to adopt a pattern of systematic repression against various segments of society, aimed at silencing others and stifling freedom of expression, as evidenced by the examples below documented by GCHR.
Political Researcher Threatened and Incitement Campaign Launched Against Him
On 05 May 2025, political researcher Urs Al-Hamad posted on his Facebook page details of an attempted kidnapping by Member of Parliament Mustafa Sanad and his bodyguards while he was on Al-Ahd TV, where he was reportedly participating in the programme "After Tomorrow.”
GCHR has reviewed a document signed by Al-Hamad in which he filed a complaint against Sanad, accusing him of storming the channel’s building with his armed bodyguards and issuing explicit and public threats against him in front of those present. Sanad also launched an incitement campaign threatening Al-Hamad’s personal reputation and safety, which constitutes an abuse of his parliamentary immunity and a contradiction of his duties.
Talk Show Suspended
On 04 May 2025, the Communications and Media Commission issued an order suspending the program "Al-Haqq Yuqal” (The Truth Is Told), presented by Adnan Al-Taie of UTV satellite channel, for seven days due to the views expressed during the episode broadcast on 30 April 2025. In televised statements, Al-Taie described the decision as subjective, unprofessional, and unfair.
Al-Haqq Yuqal is a daily political talk show dedicated to discussing issues related to Iraqi affairs.
Journalist Qais Hassan Fined
On 19 December 2024, the Karkh Court fined writer and journalist Qais Hassan 5 million Iraqi dinars in moral compensation and rejected the request for an increase in the amount related to the complaint filed against him.
On 16 July 2024, former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi filed a lawsuit against Hassan, demanding compensation of 250 million dinars, equivalent to about $175,000, accusing him of insulting him.
The complaint is related to a post written by Hassan on his Facebook page on 30 June 2024, in which he stated that, "The worst people in thought and behaviour ruled Iraq after 2003;” and added, "I do not exclude any of them at all… and Al-Kadhimi surpassed them all.” The post disappeared after this lawsuit was filed.
Civil Society Activist Arrested in Karbala Governorate
On 17 December 2024, civil society activist Hussein Sabri was arrested for his opposition to a security campaign to ban tuk-tuks in the city centre of Karbala. He received an official report based on a lawsuit filed against him. He went to the police station and was arrested under Article 213 of the Iraqi Penal Code No. 11 of 1969, which deals with incitement to disobey the law.
At the time, Sabri was the director of the Karbala branch of the Tuk-Tuk Drivers’ Union. The accusation was based on his appearance in a video clip with two other individuals, expressing his opposition to the security campaign aimed at banning tuk-tuks from the city centre. This campaign was launched by the Karbala Traffic Police Department.
He was released the next day on bail of 5 million Iraqi dinars.
Sabri participated in all protests organised in Karbala, including the popular movement in October 2019, which led to his continued targeting. He also uses his Facebook account to oppose corruption and express his views on public affairs in the country. However, in a post on 15 April 2025, he announced his full-time dedication to construction work after selling his tuk-tuk due to a ban on its operation in the city centre. He explained that his fear of being targeted had led to his unemployment for three years following his participation in the October 2019 movement, and that he had decided not to demonstrate or participate in any political activity.
Journalist Assaulted
On 19 November 2024, three individuals belonging to an armed faction surrounded the vehicle in which Jamal Al-Badrani, a journalist and director of the Al-Sharqiya satellite channel’s office in Nineveh Governorate, was traveling. They severely beat him, causing him to sustain several head injuries that required hospital treatment. Surveillance cameras documented the assault, which suggests it is possible to identify the perpetrators who assaulted him.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Supreme Judicial Council stated, "The Nineveh Investigation Court, under the presidency of the Nineveh Court of Appeal, has opened an investigation into the assault on the director of Al-Sharqiya TV’s office in the governorate.” The statement also confirmed that, "One of the accused has been identified. The procedures are still ongoing by the competent investigative judge and are being directly monitored by the Supreme Judicial Council.”
Prime Minister Sues Media Professionals for their Opinions
In a country that ranks last in freedom of expression and press freedom, journalists and media professionals find themselves in an unhealthy environment that denies independent voices. This is evident in the increasing number of lawsuits filed against them in Iraqi courts, some of which have been initiated by the Iraqi Prime Minister himself, as we see in the two cases documented below.
On 26 December 2024, journalist Zainab Rabie posted the following on her Facebook page: "Today, I received notification of a lawsuit filed against me by Mr. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, in his official and personal capacities, due to my opinions and criticisms! I do not know who advised him to file this complaint, but I affirm my adherence to my opinions and will continue to escalate them regarding issues related to the restriction of freedoms and rights, violations of the constitution, leaks, corruption, failure, and mismanagement witnessed by Al-Sudani’s government and office. We affirm our great confidence in the fairness of the Iraqi judiciary despite the practices of oppression and arbitrariness.”
She attached to her post a copy of the document issued by the Third Karkh Investigation Court on the same day, requesting her to appear before the court within three days to be investigated regarding the contents of the complaint filed by the Prime Minister regarding her personal opinions that she published on her Facebook page.
Rabie has been working as a broadcaster and presenter on Al-Sharqiya satellite channel since November 2020. She uses her Facebook page to share her often sarcastic views on government policies. On 08 April 2025, she wrote on her page, "A government that loves oppression, smoke bombs, and the humiliation of its people… with our educational personnel in their just demand, and against the oppressive authority.”
On 26 December 2024, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s office decided to drop all lawsuits it had previously filed against some journalists. This decision was made during a meeting with a number of media professionals and in view of the approaching Eid Al-Fitr holiday.
On the evening of New Year’s Day 2025, security forces arrested Ali Al-Khayal, a broadcaster and presenter on Al-Baghdadia satellite channel, from his home in the Bob al-Sham area of Baghdad. The arrest was based on an oral order from the investigative judge, who accused him of insulting the Iraqi government, based on a complaint filed against him by the Prime Minister. Although he used harsh language when addressing the Prime Minister on an episode of his programme "We Are the Authority,” this did not justify his humiliating arrest at home in front of his family. He was released on bail on 06 January 2025.
Workshop Held on Preserving Freedom of Expression
On 19 April 2025, the Renewal Organisation for Community Development, in cooperation with the Tishreen Organisation for Human Rights, organised a workshop titled "Preserving Freedom of Expression in Iraq.” The workshop brought together a group of civil society activists, journalists, academics, and lawyers, as well as several members of Parliament. Participants discussed the state of freedom of expression in the country, ongoing violations of free expression, and ways to protect citizens’ public freedoms.
The workshop resulted in several recommendations, most notably a call to amend laws and legislation to guarantee freedom of the press and protect journalists and activists from prosecution; to activate Article 38 of the Iraqi Constitution and ensure its effective implementation, free from narrow political interpretations; and to launch domestic and international pressure and awareness campaigns to support freedom of expression in Iraq.
Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights Remains without a Board of Commissioners
The Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) has been without a Board of Commissioners since the Iraqi Parliament ended the second session of the Board of Commissioners in August 2021 after its legal term had expired. Since then, the Parliament has failed to appoint a new Board of Commissioners due to the lack of political consensus, according to some observers, while other observers attribute this to the attempt by some ruling political forces to punish the Commission for documenting the serious violations that occurred during the October popular movement in 2019, and issuing numerous reports and statements on the number of victims of the popular protests, in addition to speaking with an independent voice from the government and its serious call for respect for human rights.
On 13 September 2023, the Iraqi Council of Ministers assigned the Minister of Justice, Dr. Khaled Shawani, to be its acting commissioner, in clear contradiction to the text of Article 2 of the Commission Law, which states that it "enjoys a legal personality and has financial and administrative independence. Its headquarters shall be in Baghdad, and it shall be affiliated with the Parliament and shall be accountable to it.”
On 06 November 2024, the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office issued a decision appointing Saad Mazloum Al-Abdali as an advisor to the IHCHR, in a new decision that violates its law, undermines its independence, and paves the way for gradually turning it into a tool in the hands of the government.
The absence of a Board of Commissioners has led to the IHCHR facing a legal vacuum, and its work is currently limited to spreading and promoting a culture of human rights, as its law has assigned the basic tasks, including monitoring, documenting, issuing reports, and accepting complaints about human rights violations, to the Board of Commissioners only.
The website of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) indicates that the IHCHR enjoys classification A on 23 April 2025, the date of the Alliance’s last data update, which is the highest classification available, meaning that it is fully compliant with the Paris Principles for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. However, its classification may be reduced to classification B due to the absence of a Board of Commissioners and the current government control over its capabilities.
It was formed in 2012, in accordance with Law 53 of 2008 after the dissolution of the Ministry of Human Rights, in accordance with Article 102 of the Iraqi Constitution of 2005, which stipulates that it is an independent body subject to the oversight of the Parliament.
Peaceful Demonstrations Prohibited During the Arab Summit
On 10 May 2025, the Ministry of Interior issued a statement on its Facebook page, confirming that during the Arab Summit "no demonstration will be held, regardless of the reasons, whether for services or otherwise. There will be no permit for demonstrations, and any attempt to do so will be in violation of the law. Instructions have been issued to arrest anyone attempting to demonstrate from May 11 until May 20.”
This undoubtedly contradicts the essence of the Iraqi Constitution and the text of Article 38, which does not prohibit the organization of peaceful demonstrations during official meetings.
Amendment to the Personal Status Law Approved
On 21 January 2021, the Iraqi Parliament approved the amendment to the Personal Status Law and the Real Estate Restitution and General Amnesty Laws after the political parties agreed to pass them all together in a single vote.
The Personal Status Amendment Law came into effect on 17 February 2025, the date of its publication in the Official Iraqi Gazette. In recent months, this law has faced widespread opposition from civil society organizations and a broad segment of Iraqi women and girls, citing its violation of their rights.
source/GCHR