The UNAMI Human Rights Office partnered with INSM Network to provide practical training to a group of 35 (16 females and 19 males) human rights defenders, activists, journalists, bloggers, and lawyers on how to safely maneuver through cyberspace. The training focused on improving digital security and increasing knowledge and awareness of digital rights in Iraq. Participants were introduced to practical tools to strengthen the safety of their digital environment, including communication, data storage, as well as protection from hacking, among other topics. UNAMI Human Rights Office delivered a session on how to identify and counter hate speech online, in order to promote online spaces where diversity is promoted and respected.
This training was delivered at the request of activists for training on digital security. It is the fourth in a series of four workshops held on this topic, with the previous ones held in Baghdad (14 and 15 October 2022), Basra (21 and 22 October 2022), and Mosul (4 and 5 November 2022). The next activity will be a training of trainers (ToT) workshop in Sulaymaniyah in December 2022 for 12 outstanding individuals from amongst the participants, aimed at expanding the network of experts on this thematic issue in Iraq.
UN entities involved in this initiative
OHCHR
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights