Introduction:
The Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) was established on the basis of
Article (102) of the Iraqi Constitution in force for the year 2005. The Commission was
regulated by its Law No. (53) of 2008 (amended) and undertook to work towards
achieving its objectives stated in Article (3) of that law (To ensure the protection and
promotion of respect for human rights in Iraq, the protection of the rights and
freedoms set forth in the Constitution, laws, treaties and international conventions
ratified by Iraq, and the consolidation and development of the values and culture of
human rights). In accordance with the duties and tasks assigned to it under Articles (4
and 5) of the law above mentioned, the IHCHR undertakes its work in monitoring and
following up the reality of human rights in Iraq, receiving complaints from groups,
individuals and civil society organizations regarding violations before and after the
passing of this law, conducting initial investigations on human rights violations and
moving claims of human rights violations and then referring them to the prosecution1.
Based on the IHCHR's awareness of the effectiveness and usefulness of the treaty bodies
emanating from the conventions and their great impact on the international human rights
protection system, and expressing its confidence in these mechanisms, the Iraqi High
Commission for Human Rights submits its first report to your esteemed Committee, in
the belief that these mechanisms play an important role in the protection and
promotion of human rights and the realization of the rights recognized in the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This
report includes a comprehensive assessment of legislation, mechanisms and formal
procedures on the ground and to measure their compliance and harmony with the
principles of the Convention and its articles.
Since its inception, the IHCHR has devoted a special file on minorities, coexistence and
community peace and a special file on combating racial discrimination, extremism and
hate speech. The Commission has followed through monitoring and documenting the
reality of religious and national minorities' rights. The following are the most
important observations, opinions and recommendations on Iraq's compliance with
the provisions of the International Convention on the elimination of all forms of racial
discrimination and how this has been reflected in the effective enjoyment of these
rights recognized in the Convention
1
) For more information on the Law No. (53) OF 2008, click the following link:
http://ihchr.iq/upload/upfile/ar/1ihr1.pdf
3