Al-Sudani meets human rights chief, pledges support for freedoms

BAGHDAD – Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Monday met with Mustafa Saadoun, head of the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, to discuss the state of human rights in Iraq, his media office said in a statement.

“The government attaches special importance to the human rights file within its executive program,” Al-Sudani said, emphasizing efforts to “ensure freedom of expression” and create a “safe environment” for activists, journalists, and civil society organizations.

He added that the government is open to cooperation with national institutions, particularly the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights.

According to the Press Freedom Advocacy Association in Iraq, 457 violations were documented against journalists and media outlets between Jan. 1 and Oct. 2, 2024. These included killings, arbitrary arrests, armed attacks, physical assaults, threats, lawsuits, and restrictions on media operations.

Baghdad recorded the highest number of cases, with 105 violations, highlighting growing risks for journalists in the capital.

Iraq ranks 155th out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani received today, Monday, the Head of the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, Mr. Mustafa Saadoun.

The meeting discussed the overall situation of human rights in Iraq and the government’s efforts to support this vital field, as well as to strengthen a safe environment for activists, journalists, and human rights defenders, in line with the Iraqi Constitution and Iraq’s international human rights commitments.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized that the government attaches special importance to the human rights file within its executive program, working to ensure freedom of expression and provide a conducive environment for the work of civil society organizations. He stressed the government’s openness to cooperation with active national institutions, particularly the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights.

The Prime Minister also expressed the government’s readiness to invite activists and journalists who left Iraq in previous years to return, pledging to provide the necessary support and facilities for them to carry out their work freely and responsibly, in accordance with the law and the Constitution.