On Monday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Coordinator for International Advocacy Dindar Zebari held a series of meetings in Baghdad with Iraqi Council of Representatives Deputy Speaker Ferhad al-Atrushi, UNODC Officer in Charge in Iraq Yomna Abouhussein, and UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq Titon Mitra to strengthen institutional cooperation on human rights, rule of law, and governance.

The meetings focused on coordinating the implementation and follow-up of international recommendations, including those under the Universal Periodic Review, as well as improving information-sharing, reporting, and institutional capacity between the KRG, Iraqi federal institutions, and international organizations.

Zebari highlighted the KRG’s efforts to translate international recommendations into concrete institutional measures and presented a report on international partnerships for advancing human rights in the Kurdistan Region. 

The meeting with UNODC focused on cooperation in combating trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, organized crime, money laundering, and drug-related crime.

Talks with the UNDP focused on strengthening KRG–UNDP cooperation in governance, institutional development, rule of law, and human rights.

Zebari and the Iraqi deputy speaker also stressed the importance of coordination between the Iraqi parliament and the KRG on legislation and human rights issues, while respecting the constitutional powers of the Kurdistan Region. The officials agreed to continue exchanging information and expertise and to develop stronger, sustained institutional cooperation.

Zebari also presented the report “International Partnerships for Human Rights Advancement in the Kurdistan Region” to the UNODC and discussed developing a dedicated mechanism for tracking and reporting on international human-rights recommendations.

Furthermore, Zebari met with Alexandros K. Makarigakis, UNESCO Representative in Iraq, to discuss the Erbil Citadel support program, education, and strengthening capacities related to freedom of expression and freedom of speech.