Victims of terrorism endure significant physical, emotional and psychological suffering. Despite government efforts, many continue to face challenges in accessing adequate support, justice, and reparation for their losses. In recognition of this, UNODC organized a national inter-agency meeting in Baghdad on 29-30 September 2024. The event brought together representatives from key national institutions, including the Supreme Judicial Council, the National Security Service, the High Commission for Human Rights, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, along with civil society organizations. The meeting focused on collaborative efforts to continue supporting and empowering victims of terrorism within the country.
During the two-day event, participants discussed the progress made within the framework of the UNODC project on “Supporting victims of terrorism within the criminal justice framework through legal and psychological support”, funded by the Netherlands and which concluded in June 2023. They also reviewed lessons learned and significant milestones reached. The meeting provided a crucial platform for engaging with key stakeholders and outlining concrete next steps for phase II of the project.
A key part of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and discussing the draft outline of a document on protecting victims of terrorism in Iraq. This initiative was proposed to help both authorities and victims better understand the national laws and procedures in place to access victims’ rights, and to recognize victims' roles within the criminal justice proceedings. The aim is to assist victims in navigating the legal, administrative, and criminal justice systems, as well as their reintegration pathways, while also enabling authorities to provide adequate advice and support. Participants engaged in group discussions to define its content areas to ensure that this would serve as a comprehensive tool for featuring all national support mechanisms for victims of terrorism in one place.
An expert from Victim Support Europe, an organization that advocates for victims’ rights, provided insight into their work. Participants discussed how Iraq could benefit from these good practices, particularly in the context of establishing a national platform to amplify victims' voices, thereby strengthening Iraq's support systems for victims of terrorism.
The discussions concluded with a roundtable focused on concrete actions to enhance support for victims of terrorism in phase II of the project. Participants outlined strategic steps for a more comprehensive approach, emphasizing the need for coordination between government bodies, the judiciary, and civil society to ensure victims receive necessary psychological, social, and legal assistance. The meeting marks a key step in Iraq's efforts to address the impact of terrorism, strengthen national frameworks, and provide long-term support and rehabilitation for affected citizens.
This initiative, funded by the Netherlands, is part of UNODC’s broader work to enhance institutional capacities in Iraq, focusing on victims' rights and improving national mechanisms to address the lasting consequences of terrorism on individuals and communities. The continued collaboration between Iraq and UNODC remains crucial to fostering a comprehensive and victim-centered approach to counter-terrorism efforts in the country.
