UNAMI Human Rights Training for NGOs Operating in Erbil

This is the third in a series of two-day trainings to enhance the ability of local NGOs to prepare professional shadow reports to the UN human rights system. The training is being provided by the Human Rights Office (HRO) of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in partnership with Al Masala Organization for Human Resources Development.

This week’s training continues UNAMI HRO’s ongoing program of support to local civil society organizations. In November 2017, UNAMI HRO organized a study trip to Amman and Geneva for human rights NGOs working throughout Iraq. After observing proceedings before the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), some of the NGOs decided to develop a broader network of NGOs in the Kurdistan Region to prepare a shadow report to the Committee to Eliminate Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). With training from UNAMI HRO, the group will submit its shadow report alongside official reports prepared by the Government of Iraq.

Representatives from 20 NGOs (7 women and 13 men) are participating in the training in Erbil. The training aims to develop participants’ skills in collecting and analyzing the required information and preparing the shadow report for CEDAW.

Opening the session, UNAMI HRO representative Mr. Zito Siany emphasized the importance of shadow reports by civil society organizations. Shadow reports help to give a fuller picture of how each state fulfills its obligations under relevant international human rights law. Mr. Siany also commended the role of civil society organizations in promoting and protecting human rights through their communications with UN human rights treaty bodies like CEDAW.

Mr. Ibrahim Ismael, the Executive Director of Al Masalla Organization for Human Resources Development, noted that shadow reports “provide a clear conception of the reality of human rights.” He added that “the shadow report is not intended to embarrass the State party to the treaty, but it is an opportunity for organizations and activists to communicate their messages and voices to the world and to their governments.” Mr. Ismael thanked UNAMI HRO for its technical support in building the capacity of local organizations to prepare shadow reports.

The network of NGOs also plans to prepare shadow reports for other human rights instruments to which Iraq is a party. This will include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 2018 and the Convention Against Torture in 2019. UNAMI HRO will continue to support these valuable efforts.