Establishment

The Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) was established pursuant to Article 102 of the Constitution; and The Law of the High Commission for Human Rights (No. 53) of 2008.

Role and functions

In order to promote and protect human rights, the Commission's mandate is to:

• Ensure, protect and promote respect for human rights in Iraq
• Protect the rights and freedoms stipulated in the constitution and legislation
• Consolidate, breed, and develop the values and culture of human rights.

Its powers include:

• To research and make recommendations to promote human rights
• To examine and evaluate legislation and make recommendations to parliament
• To recommend accession to international human rights treaties and agreements
• To cooperate and coordinate with civil society institutions
• To submit proposals promoting human rights capabilities to the committees tasked with preparing reports for the State to have these reports submitted to the UN
• To submit an annual report to the parliament containing a general assessment of the status of human rights in Iraq, then to publish the report through various media
• To visit, monitor and report on places of detention.

The Commission has a complaint handling mandate that may, amongst other things, receive complaints from individuals, groups, and civil society organisations, conduct investigations, and refer alleged human rights violations to the public attorney.

Further, the Commission is empowered to coordinate with relevant agencies to develop joint strategies and mechanisms to implement its functions.

APF membership

The IHCHR has been a member of the APF since 2016 (21st Annual Meeting).

• Iraq

FEATURE ARTICLE

APF and GANHRI call for action to protect former Iraqi Commissioner

Letter from APF and GANHRI to Prime Minister of Iraq, 14 March 2022.

Read more Read more about APF and GANHRI call for action to protect former Iraqi Commissioner

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