After more than two decades of international engagement marked by war, political upheaval and the fight against ISIL, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will conclude its mandate on 31 December. As UNAMI steps back, responsibility for safeguarding democratic accountability is shifting to Iraqi civil society.
Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) is one of the organizations helping lead that transition.
This fall, JHR-Iraq reached a major milestone by helping convene a national coalition of civil society organizations and independent media to establish the Iraqi Democracy Monitoring Observatory, a new initiative designed to monitor and evaluate democratic practices across the country.
The Observatory was officially launched on 14 September, ahead of the International Day of Democracy, at Al-Khuld Hall in Baghdad. The launch drew strong participation from journalists, civil society leaders, members of parliament, and senior government officials.
JHR-Iraq Project Coordinator Mohammad Al-Basem speaks at the launch, highlighting the role of civil society and independent media in holding power to account.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani delivered remarks congratulating the coalition and affirming government support for the Observatory. Political leader Ammar Al-Hakim underscored the importance of sustained, independent monitoring and highlighted the role of organizations like JHR in strengthening Iraq’s democratic landscape.
Speaking at the event, JHR-Iraq Project Coordinator Mohammad Al-Basem emphasized the critical role of civil society and independent media in assessing democratic performance and holding power to account.
Last week, the Observatory released its first quarterly report, translating this collaboration into concrete accountability. The report is currently available in Arabic, with an English version to follow shortly.
As international actors withdraw, JHR remains committed to ensuring Iraqi journalists and civil society have the tools, platforms, and protection they need to carry this work forward.
Header photo: Political leader Ammar Al-Hakim addresses the launch of the Iraqi Democracy Monitoring Observatory