Human Rights Training to Strengthen Capacity of Kurdistan Region's High Committee

Erbil, Iraq - 10 March 2016 - The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Human Rights Office (HRO) in Kurdistan Region conducted a specialised training course on “International Human Rights Mechanisms of Protection” for members of the High Committee to Evaluate and Respond to International Reports.

The training focused on strengthening the skills of 18 members and the Secretariat of the High Committee, representatives of various governmental departments, including Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in addition to representatives of the Judicial Council, the Integrity Commission, Erbil Governor’s Office, and security entities and Peshmerga.

This event comes as an important step in future activities aiming at empowering the technical and substantive role of the High Committee in Kurdistan Region.

The course included practical exercises based on the various experiences of international experts, United Nations international and national human rights staff members in international law. Trainers noted conventional and extra-conventional mechanisms of protection and their interaction with the High Committee, in particular the cycle of reporting and various communications of special procedures.

Dindar Zebari, Chairperson of the High Committee, highlighted at the opening session “the importance of the course in reinforcing the capacity of members of the High Committee in responding to international reports, and addressing human rights concerns and allegations to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights in Kurdistan Region”. Ms. Roueida EL Hage, Head of the UNAMI Human Rights Office in Kurdistan Region, emphasised “the need for continuous cooperation with the High Committee to support its role in meeting international human rights obligations in Kurdistan Region”. Mr. Reda Abdelaziz, United Nations International Consultant explained the steps to be followed in drafting written responses by the High Committee, including reporting methodology.