The 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 6: UPR adoption outcomes of Iraq
Joint oral statement by Meezaan Center for Human Rights and Geneva International Centre for Justice
2 July 2025
By Ahmed Wahbi / GICJ
Mr President,
Since the introduction of the UPR, states deliver identical recommendations to Iraq. Iraq accepted numerous proposals but rejected the most significant recommendations. Iraq claims progress but no change appears on the ground. The absence of implementation leaves those recommendations ink on paper.
For two decades states urge Iraq to halt executions, accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, uphold the rule of law, end unlawful detentions, protect women and criminalise enforced disappearances. Another cycle without reform cannot stand, for how many more must recur before change takes hold.
Even bodies tasked to monitor human rights prove futile. After sustained external pressure, Iraq established the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights, but the executive seized control, stripped it of independence and autonomy and has no commissioners since 2021.
The situation at hand leaves Iraq no choice but to adopt the states recommendations.
Iraq permits credible evidence of torture within detention centres, allows unlawful detention, and subjects human rights defenders to constant threats.
Over the past four years, Iraq conducted executions in batches, without fair trials.
Since 2003 Iraq allowed up to one million enforced disappearances, failed to establish credible mechanisms to locate the victims, and ignored the repeated recommendations by the Committee on Enforced Disappearances.
Women endure violence and discrimination as parliament rejects a domestic violence statute, and Iraq still retains CEDAW reservations.
Militias coerce judges and corruption pervades the judiciary.
Citizens confront an absence of the rule of law as fear replaces trust.
Meezaan Center for Human Rights and Geneva International Centre for Justice stands with the people of Iraq as they deserve protection now; justice cannot wait.
Thank you.
