National Safety Mechanisms - Iraq
National Safety Context
According to the Observatory of Killed Journalists there have been over 200 killings recorded in Iraq since 1993. Approximately 1% of these cases have been judicially resolved according to the latest Director-General's Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity. Iraq has responded 6 times to the Director-General's requests for information on the judicial status of the cases of these killed journalists since 2009.
There is 1 national safety mechanism being implemented in Iraq to prevent, protect and prosecute crimes committed against journalists. More information on this initiative is summarised below including relevant links.
National Committee on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity
The National Committee on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity has been active since 2016.
What activities are carried out?
The Committee implements several prevention measures concerning the safety of journalists, such as monitoring of attacks on journalists, assistance on reporting for Voluntary National Reviews, publication of handbooks providing advice for media professionals, specific training and support for women journalists, including a dedicated hotline and digital complaints platform for women journalist.
As a protection measure for journalists, the Committee houses a special investigation unit for communication with journalists to advise on possible threats in all 14 governorates.
The Committee implements measures to ensure the prosecution of cases, by training police officers on investigating journalist cases, with a special investigation unit, and by dedicating a Field Team within the Committee to follow up on the cases, compiling the data and working with the Ministry of Justice on ensuring access to redress for victims.
How is it implemented?
The Committee’s measures for prevention, protection and prosecution are implemented mainly by the Government and its Ministries, working with organisations and unions such as Free Press Unlimited, the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate and UNESCO.
Who are the stakeholders?
The Committee’s main stakeholder is the Ministry of Interior, alongside with other Ministries from the Government, such as the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defense. The Committee also works with the Special Adviser of PM for Media and Culture, the High Judiciary Council, the National Security, Communication and Media Commission, and the High Independent Commission of Human Rights.
For more specific information on the national safety mechanism in Iraq and those in other countries please follow the links.
