Promoting Human Rights in Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Efforts: UNOCT and NSA Host a Workshop for Security Entities in Diyala Governorate

Erbil, Iraq – 2-3 June 2025

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism’s (UNOCT) Human Rights Unit, in collaboration with Iraq’s National Security Advisory (NSA), concluded a two-day workshop in Erbil on “Human Rights-Compliant Investigation Techniques in the Context of Counter-Terrorism for the Iraqi Law Enforcement and Intelligence Services in Diyala Governorate.”

As part of the UNOCT project “Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism: Capacity-building Support to Law Enforcement and Intelligence Services in Iraq,” the workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of Iraqi counter-terrorism professionals working in the Diyala governorate to conduct investigations that respect international human rights. The initiative is generously funded by the Government of Canada.

Participants included members of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), officers from Diyala Governorate’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and representatives of the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR), in addition to the presence of one CSO from Diyala. Through interactive sessions, practical exercises, and expert-led discussions, the workshop addressed psychological approaches to investigations, interview techniques, stress management, and the legal boundaries of interrogation.

Key objectives of the training included:

• Strengthening the capacity of participants to conduct human rights-compliant investigations in terrorism cases;
• Introducing principles of investigative psychology;
• Exploring the legal and ethical challenges facing investigators;
• Enhancing collaboration among investigative security agencies, judicial institutions, and human rights monitors.

This marks the tenth workshop under the ongoing capacity-building initiative led by UNOCT and NSA, reinforcing Iraq’s efforts to ensure justice and accountability in counter-terrorism operations while upholding human rights principles.

Ms. Shurooq Fakhir / Assistant Secretary of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee - NSA:  

“We value our partnership with UNOCT and the Government of Canada in building the capacities of law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the HR field.”

The event built the capacity of Iraqi law enforcement and intelligence officers from Diyala Governorate to comply with international HR in their CT work.

Participants included 32 officers from NSA, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR), and security officers involved in investigating CT cases in Diyala Governorate. These participants have experience in handling terrorism-related cases.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions covering the legal foundations of human rights in investigations and the role of investigative psychology. Practical exercises focused on human rights and the Iraqi legal framework.