UNAMI HRO dialogue on Right to Freedom of Expression in Iraq

Baghdad, 23 November 2024 – UNAMI Human Rights Office facilitated a dialogue on the legal and regulatory framework governing the right to freedom of expression in Iraq. Participants included representatives from the judicial and media regulatory authorities, journalists, defence lawyers and civil society representatives. 
The dialogue aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of the national and international legal standards that may, in some cases, allow legitimate restrictions on the right to freedom of expression, including under laws prohibiting defamation. 
During the event, Judge Amer Hassan Shanta, a judge from the Publication Court in Baghdad, conducted an interactive a session on the national legal provisions covering public insult and defamation and on the investigation and prosecution of such charges.
The head of the Legal Department of the Commission on Media and Communications (CMC), Mr. Ali Yousif, also outlined the mandate and role of the CMC relating to the regulation of media institutions and content in Iraq. 
The event concluded with a structured dialogue on how most effectively to exercise the right to freedom of expression whilst at the same time respecting the rights of others. 
The dialogue, which was attended by 21 participants (11 women, 10 men), was a follow-up to a series of consultative discussions with stakeholders facilitated by UNAMI Human Rights Office between May and June 2024.