LocationsUNDP Iraq and the Commission of Integrity brought together media in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to strengthen ethical reporting and build public trust.
Building Integrity Through Journalism: Draft Media Code of Conduct Takes Shape in Erbil
November 27, 2025
Photo: UNDP Iraq \ Karzan Saadon
Journalists and media institutions from across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) gathered in Erbil for a two-day consultative workshop to review and validate the draft Code of Conduct for Journalists and Media in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Organised as part of the EU-funded UNDP Anti-Corruption and Arbitration Initiatives Project (ACAI), the workshop was delivered by UNDP’s partner Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT), in close collaboration with the Kurdistan Region’s Commission of Integrity (COI). The event represents a key step towards advancing ethical, transparent, and accountable media practices that foster public trust and strengthen democratic governance in the region.
Dr. Ahmed Anwar Muhammad, Chairman of the Commission of Integrity in Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Photo: UNDP Iraq \ Karzan Saadon
The Code of Conduct sets out a comprehensive framework for journalistic integrity, human rights protection, responsible reporting, and mechanisms for self-regulation. It emphasises accuracy, balance, source protection, and the rejection of undue political or commercial influence, while safeguarding the dignity of individuals and promoting an inclusive and tolerant public discourse.
said:
“We at the Commission of Integrity in the Kurdistan Region are proud to have excellent cooperation with media institutions and outlets both within Kurdistan and beyond…. Journalism and media are advancing rapidly, and today there is a global movement to organise media and social media work through laws and legislation. Through these regulations, we aim to implement international standards for the media and journalism profession and present a beautiful image of the Kurdistan Region.” said Dr. Ahmed Anwar Muhammad, Chairman of the Commission of Integrity in Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Photo: UNDP Iraq \ Karzan Saadon
Over two days, participants engaged in an open and collaborative dialogue to refine the draft Code of Conduct. They worked together to ensure the Code reflects the realities of journalism in KRI, strengthening its clarity, fairness, and relevance in an evolving media landscape. By exchanging perspectives and collectively addressing points of disagreement, the group helped shape a stronger, more inclusive framework that supports ethical reporting and public trust.
Photo: UNDP Iraq \ Karzan Saadon
The workshop brought together a diverse range of media actors from Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok. This diversity ensured representation of various communities, and geographic areas, allowing the draft Code to benefit from wide-ranging professional perspectives and lived experiences within the media landscape of KRI.
Yama Torabi, Manager of UNDP’s Anti-Corruption and Arbitration Initiatives Project.
Photo: UNDP Iraq \ Karzan Saadon
This effort is integral to UNDP’s partnership with the CoI in the Kurdistan Region to promote integrity, combat corruption, and strengthen public trust, as it highlights the essential role of the media in countering misinformation, challenging harmful narratives, and supporting citizen oversight and democratic accountability.
“The code strengthens journalistic integrity by promoting accountability and transparency in reporting. It also aligns with UNDP’s ongoing efforts to advance ethical standards across key professional sectors and support the development of a robust integrity ecosystem in Iraq.” said Yama Torabi, Manager of UNDP’s Anti-Corruption and Arbitration Initiatives Project.
Together, these efforts aim to build a more resilient, transparent, and trusted information ecosystem, one where journalists can operate freely and responsibly, and where the public can rely on accurate, ethical reporting as a cornerstone of good governance.
Photo: Karzan Saadon