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Iraq: UN backs conference on human rights, civil society

Iraq: UN backs conference on human rights, civil society

Human rights and civil society in Iraq took centre stage at a conference attended by representatives from the country's Government, Iraqi civil society, dignitaries from Jordan, the European Commission and the United Nations, held in Amman.

Human rights and civil society in Iraq took centre stage at a conference attended by representatives from the country's Government, Iraqi civil society, dignitaries from Jordan, the European Commission and the United Nations, held in Amman.

Hosted by the EC and the UN Office for Project Services, the event capped an initiative aimed at promoting a culture of human rights in Iraq by strengthening Iraqi civil society organizations.

“Achievements of the project were presented and highlighted the successful and courageous work of Iraqi human rights defenders,” the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) said in a news release.

“The crucial role played by Iraqi civil society in establishing an effective human rights system in Iraq, and the relationship of civil society organizations with the Iraqi Government were debated, and the conference recognized the need for the international community to continue its support, both financially and technically to build on these achievements.”

The project focused on the rehabilitation of torture victims, the protection of detainees' rights and boosting the ability of civil society organizations to promote human rights education in Iraq, according to UNAMI.