Iraqi Parliament building
Monitor
‘Dangerous regression’: Human rights group warns of ‘catastrophic consequences’ from new Iraqi laws
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights has expressed “deep concern and strong condemnation” over recent bills passed in the Iraqi Parliament, including changes to the Personal Status Law and the General Amnesty Law. The organization stated these moves reflect the dominance of “narrow political interests” over legislative priorities.
“What has occurred does not reflect the will of the people but rather reveals political deals between dominant blocs,” the Observatory said, singling out the Coordination Framework and Sunni forces for their role in what it called a “dangerous regression”.
The Observatory raised specific concerns about the General Amnesty Law, which it warned could lead to the release of individuals involved in terrorism and financial corruption due to “absence of clear mechanisms to ensure transparency and justice in the law’s application.”
It also criticized amendments to the Personal Status Law, describing them as threats to women’s and children’s rights.
The organization called on political leaders to prioritize human rights and constitutional values, warning that the passage of such laws could have “catastrophic consequences for Iraq’s stability and its people’s future.”
The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights is an independent NGO with a network operating across all Iraqi governorates, excluding the Kurdistan Region.
Statement from the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights:
The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the recent actions in the Iraqi Parliament, where amendments to the Personal Status Law and the General Amnesty Law were passed. This step clearly demonstrates the dominance of narrow political interests over legislative work, at a time when the Iraqi people are seeking laws that protect human rights and promote social justice.
What has occurred does not reflect the will of the people but rather reveals political deals between dominant blocs, particularly the Coordination Framework and Sunni forces, who bear responsibility for this dangerous regression in the understanding and necessity of legislation.
The current version of the General Amnesty Law raises serious concerns about its security and judicial implications. While the stated goal of the law is to provide a chance for retrials and justice for the innocent, its provisions open the door to potential exploitation, allowing the release of individuals implicated in terrorism and financial corruption. These risks are not merely theoretical but are realistic in the absence of clear mechanisms to ensure transparency and justice in the law’s application.
Article 19 of the Iraqi Constitution affirms that “justice is the foundation of rights,” yet this law seems designed to enable some to escape accountability. The timing of its passage also comes within a highly charged political context, where some parties seek political gains at the expense of societal security.
Equally concerning is the amendment to Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959, which raises real fears for the rights of women and children in Iraq. This amendment paves the way for the application of sectarian provisions, which could lead to an increase in child marriages and undermine women’s rights in divorce, inheritance, and custody. Such amendments threaten decades of legal gains and weaken social justice.
Article 14 of the Iraqi Constitution clearly states the equality of all Iraqis before the law, and Article 29 obligates the state to protect families and children from exploitation and violence. Yet, this amendment reflects a narrow political agenda that prioritizes partisan interests over human rights and justice principles.
The passing of these two laws cannot be viewed separately; they are part of an evident political deal between Shia and Sunni forces in Parliament. This deal clearly demonstrates that the legislature has deviated from its primary role as a representative and protector of the people’s rights, becoming a platform for partisan exchanges.
Laws passed in this manner reflect the imbalance between responsibility and authority within Parliament. Political interests have taken precedence over constitutional values and citizens’ rights.
Iraq’s civil society has proven to be an effective partner in protecting human rights and promoting justice. Ignoring its role in this process is a violation of democratic principles and widens the gap between legislative institutions and citizens. Laws passed without the involvement of all relevant stakeholders are incomplete and may pose long-term risks to the country’s stability. The absence of inclusivity leads to imbalance and allows for the passage of laws that serve only specific interests.
Iraq is a country rich in cultural, religious, and sectarian diversity. Laws must not be enacted in ways that disregard this diversity, which can be a source of strength if managed wisely. The General Amnesty Law and amendments to the Personal Status Law, in their current forms, could be perceived by some as attempts to undermine justice in favor of certain groups, threatening social cohesion.
It is regrettable that civil society and human rights organizations were excluded from the drafting and passage of these laws, which have a profound impact on individuals’ lives. The lack of public discussion or consultation with human rights and legal experts undermines the principle of participatory decision-making, which should be a cornerstone of legislative processes.
The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights warns that the passage of laws that ignore human rights and constitutional principles will have catastrophic consequences for Iraq’s stability and its people’s future. We call on political forces, especially the Coordination Framework and Sunni blocs, to shoulder their responsibilities and work to strengthen justice and protect human rights.
Passing such laws reflects a lack of humanitarian vision among political forces that prioritize short-term gains without regard for long-term consequences.