KRG and UNESCO Collaborate to Enhance Security Officers' Media Engagement and Uphold International Standards

The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Department of Media and Information and The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), organised a training course for 30 officers from the Ministry of Interior. The goal of the training was to improve the participants’ skills in interacting with journalists and media professionals.

Hemin Mirany, the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Interior, emphasised that the course is part of the Ministry’s broader initiative to enhance the skills of security officers, ensuring they respond to incidents in line with international standards.

Zia Subhi, Head of Information and Communications Programmes at UNESCO in Iraq, highlighted that the course aims to strengthen ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies in the KRG and the media community, with a particular focus on promoting freedom of expression and safeguarding the safety of journalists.

He also highlighted the existence of an agreement encompassing both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, aimed at strengthening the Protocol on Peace and Freedom while expanding freedom of expression. As part of this initiative, officers from the Ministry of Interior will be trained on key principles of the international protocol to effectively manage social conflicts, including demonstrations, protests, elections, and other public events.

Hakim Omar, a participating officer, stressed the importance of such courses in the Kurdistan Region, where there is considerable freedom. He noted that implementing these training programmes will help reduce violations and empower personnel in the Ministry of Interior to engage with journalists in a lawful and appropriate manner.

Department of Media and Information