The represented organizations included, alphabetically: Al Firdus Association for Woman, Asuda for Combating Violence Against Women, Babylon Heritage for Education and Development, Baghdad Women Association, Chibayesh for Ecotourism, ISEN for Human Rights, Iraqi Women Network, Metro Centre for Freedom of Speech and Expression, Safaa for Development and Human Rights, Sama for Mental Health Support and Human Rights, Tawasoul for Youth Empowerment, and Tiba for Relief and Development. The discussion was observed by members of several diplomatic missions in Baghdad. The participants discussed the situation in the country, achievements of the past period as well as outstanding needs. They agreed on the following points, which they see as requiring further attention of a new Iraqi government incoming after the 2025 elections:

1. True respect and protection of freedom of expression, and application of the relevant existing laws while not introducing arbitrary restrictions through new legislation. In parallel, legal definition and criminalization of hate speech.
2. Ensuring that all governmental authorities and security agencies allow civil society organizations, including independent media, to work freely and independently in accordance with Iraq’s Constitution. Ensuring that activists, journalists and social media influencers do not face threats or retaliation from authorities for simply voicing critical opinions.
3. Recognition of the problematic situation of Iraqi women at large, including cases of violence, intimidation and targeting by hate speech and defamation. Need for a public statement that such aggression is unacceptable. Support for true public participation of women as equal to men, beyond merely filling women’s quotas given by law, and support the Proposal of Law on Protection from Domestic Violence.
4. Taking steps against abuses of inmates in prisons, particularly women and girls.
5. Introduction of public communication measures aiming to reduce the social stigma of mental health issues.
6. Focus on improving education – it is not only a human right but also a cornerstone of Iraq’s future prosperity and stability.
7. Securing the availability of clean water to all inhabitants. Increasing aridity is already beginning to lead to large-scale population movements within Iraq.
8. Active work with the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament to improve Iraq’s legislation in the fields of human, civil and environmental rights.
9. Understanding for civil society organizations as the government’s partners, even when they express criticism, and establishment of a governmental platform for direct dialogue with them.