Policy Dialogue – Training and Capacity Building of Law Enforcement Officials on Human Rights, the Rule of Law and the Prevention of Terrorism
Baghdad, 15-16 December 2021 – Respecting human rights while preventing and countering terrorism was the focus of a two-day policy dialogue co-hosted by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq.
The event brought together senior Iraqi Government officials from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Office of the National Security Advisor and the Ministry of Justice, UNOCT, UNODC, UNDP, UNAMI, NATO and the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq.
Participants exchanged views on practices and challenges relating to the effective implementation of human rights standards in counter-terrorism operations, including during investigations and incarceration. While highlighting the legal framework and procedural safeguards in place to ensure protection of human rights, officials reiterated a shared commitment to ensure their application in the context of counter- terrorism and prevention of violent extremism. Participants also identified areas of potential reform and proposed various measures to strengthen understanding of and compliance with international standards relating to counter-terrorism and the prevention and countering of violent extremism.