Workshop in Erbil explores challenges facing civil society organizations in Iraq

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — In an effort to bolster the role of civil society organizations (CSO) in Iraq, Hanan Matti Tuma, head of the Beth Nahrain Organization for Women (BNOW), participated in an extensive workshop held in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

The event brought together government officials and representatives from various civil society organizations. Organized by the Kurdistan Human Rights Monitoring Organization, the workshop was attended by notable figures such as Sarah Iyad Allawi, Adviser to the Iraqi Prime Minister for Civil Society Affairs, and Falah Hassan, Director General of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations in the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Key discussions during the workshop addressed the major challenges and obstacles hindering the work of CSOs, particularly in delivering essential services to Iraq’s diverse communities. The participants emphasized the importance of streamlining administrative procedures between the central government and the KRI to facilitate collaboration and enhance public welfare.

Another central focus was the review and proposal of amendments to Iraq’s CSO laws. These amendments aim to improve the legislative and administrative frameworks governing the sector, thereby strengthening its humanitarian and developmental contributions to society.