Strengthening Iraq’s Efforts against Terrorist Crimes: UNOCT and National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation (NCIJC) Hold Training Workshop in Supporting Iraq’s Human Rights - Compliant Counter-Terrorism Efforts

Baghdad, 6–8 May 2025 – The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), in close collaboration with the National Security Advisory (NSA) and the National Center for International Judicial Cooperation (NCIJC), held a three-day workshop in Baghdad for the NCIJC aimed at strengthening the integration of human rights and international humanitarian law in Iraq’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Held at the NCIJC’s Headquarters, the workshop—titled “Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism: The Principles of Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and Human Rights-related Reporting”—brought together around 15 staff members from the NCIJC, including judges, prosecutors, legal officers, and personnel from evidence management, witness protection, and victim support units.

Judge Ali Hussain Chfat, President of the NCIJC, stated that " the establishment of the NCIJC marks a new chapter in Iraq’s pursuit of justice. Building on UNITAD’s work, we are now taking full national ownership of ISIS-related evidence, with a structure designed to act swiftly, transparently, and in full respect of human rights.” He underscored the importance of collaboration with UNOCT and expressed hope that future workshops will offer further opportunities to strengthen the Center’s role in promoting accountability and the rule of law.

This event was yet another delivery in a series of capacity-building workshops since 2023 delivered under the UNOCT Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism Project, funded by Canada, which supports Iraqi national authorities in aligning counter-terrorism responses with international human rights standards. Previous workshops under this project have engaged members of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Committee and other national institutions. 

The NCIJC, formally established following the conclusion of UNITAD’s mandate in 2024, plays a central role in judicial cooperation, international coordination, and documentation of crimes committed by Da’esh. The workshop was designed to enhance the Center’s capacity to apply human rights in its daily operations and international engagements.

Key objectives of the workshop included:

• Strengthening knowledge of applicable international human rights and international humanitarian law;
• Equipping participants with strategies to integrate human rights into the prosecution of terrorism-related cases;
• Enhancing staff capacity to draft and respond to human rights-related reports and cooperate with international partners.
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Participants engaged in discussions with Iraqi and international experts, exploring the challenges and opportunities related to the NCIJC’s mandate and the role of Iraqi legislation in upholding international obligations. Special focus was placed on improving reporting and coordination in response to international mechanisms and inquiries.

The workshop concluded with a shared commitment by all participants to continue fostering a human rights-based approach to counter-terrorism, ensuring that justice, accountability, and the rule of law remain at the core of Iraq’s efforts to address terrorist crimes.