Closing ceremony of specialized training courses to improve impact, effectiveness, and gender sensitivity to the Community Police in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to receive

The two 4-days specialized courses are aimed at enhancing the capacity of 55 police officers of the KRG Community Police Directorate with a focus on the interaction between the community and law enforcement personnel through policing strategies and practices based on human rights standards, with a particular focus on gender sensitivity and awareness.

General Abdullah Khaylani, General Police Director of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq concluded by lauding the ongoing support by the Government of Japan in strengthening the capacities of the Community Police Directorate. He noted, “Sensitizing community police about human rights and gender will not just enable them to undertake their duties more effectively but it will also develop a culture of mutual trust, respect and confidence amongst the communities and the police which is critical to peace and security”.

Relaying message of His Excellency Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Mr. Daisuke Tsukazaki, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Iraq acknowledged the role of the KRG Community Police “for tackling those challenges at the forefront and making great efforts around the clock to keep the peace and order in the community.” He also added, “It is my great pleasure that Japan supports the activities of the Community Police for IDPs and the host community through this project, which also includes the rehabilitation and construction of the community police centers, the provision of office facilities and tools, in addition to police vehicles and motorcycles. I hope that this project contributes to improving the comprehensive capacity of the Community Police.” The Government of Japan has pledged to continue its support to Iraq to address the IDP crisis in 2017 and 2018.

Ms. Roueida El Hage, Head of the Regional Human Rights Office in Kurdistan Region, reiterated the importance of this training and said, “To serve the community efficiently, the Community Police must have human rights standards firmly incorporated into rules governing its operations. Officers, in their daily work, should respect and protect human dignity, and maintain and uphold the human rights of all persons”.

Acknowledging the role of the Human Rights Office and the experts involved in these trainings, Mr. Usman Akram, UNOPS Head of Programme, indicated that, ‘this training is part of a broader initiative funded by the Government and the people of Japan to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As the implementing partner, UNOPS is constructing and refurbishing community police centres in 30 locations across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, supplying necessary equipment including computers, radios, 4x4 vehicles, motorcycles, among other items.”

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