Human Rights trainings in Iraq

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) held two workshops on human rights. The first was a Training of Trainers for 20 Iraqi police officers from the Ministry of Interior (6-8 March) while the second trained 40 new law enforcement officers on human rights compliant practices during counter-terrorism operations (9-10 March). The workshops focused on international human rights law, the application of human rights to law enforcement (notably during arrest, detention, and interview), compliance with international standards relating to counter-terrorism, and promotion of international human rights standards in the Iraqi context. 

They included content tailored to the national legal framework as well as practical cases discussed in groups, which participants found especially relevant to their work. 

The trainings also provided a unique opportunity for law enforcement officers and the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights to exchange views. The Commission members explained their mandate and provided guidance. 

The workshops were organized as part of a UNOCT-OHCHR joint capacity building project for Iraqi Law Enforcement in response to a specific request from senior Iraqi Government officials.