From 17–19 May 2026, government officials, legal experts, academics, parliamentarians, and international partners convened in Erbil to advance Iraq’s efforts to develop a legal framework for preventing violent extremism (PVE). The workshop marked an important milestone in shifting Iraq’s approach from reactive counterterrorism measures toward prevention, rehabilitation, and community resilience.

In remarks delivered at the opening, UNDP emphasized that preventing violent extremism requires balancing security with the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. “Security and human rights are not in competition; they must work together,” UNDP noted, stressing that laws focused solely on punishment risk undermining public trust and may unintentionally fuel radicalization.

Over the past year, UNDP has partnered with Iraq’s National Committee on Countering Violent Extremism to review existing legislation through a human rights lens, adapt the national strategy to Iraq’s local realities, and strengthen engagement with communities, religious leaders, and tribal actors.

Ali Abdullah, Chair of the National Committee, described the workshop as “the culmination of two years of effort,” bringing together national and international experts to finalize a draft preventive law aimed at reducing violent extremism through “a rehabilitative framework that takes into account the early warning signs of violent extremism.”

The proposed law seeks to move beyond Iraq’s existing counterterrorism framework by prioritizing prevention, rehabilitation, and early intervention. Judge Naser Omran of the Supreme Judicial Council highlighted that the draft represents “a shift from a counter-extremism strategy to a preventive one,” adding that it departs from a purely criminal approach and introduces a model not previously explored in the region.

Human rights compliance remains central to the process. Mr. Firas Abdulrazzaq Abu AlHeb, Manager of the Legal Department at the High Commission for Human Rights, reaffirmed that the legal team is reviewing the draft to ensure “compliance with human rights standards,” with all participants committed to embedding fundamental human rights principles throughout the law.

Preventing violent extremism requires strong legal foundations that protect both national security and fundamental rights. “The framework must also adapt to the evolving nature of violent extremism and protect citizens from future threats,” the European Union Advisory Mission noted during the workshop. EUAM Iraq remains committed to working with the Government in developing a sustainable, human rights-based framework that strengthens resilience across society.

UNDP reiterated its readiness to continue supporting Iraq through technical expertise, international good practices, and partnership as the country works toward a prevention framework that strengthens trust, protects communities, and addresses the root causes of violent extremism.

This workshop and UNDP’s preventive work are supported by the European Union Foreign Policy Instruments (EU-FPI) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).