Deputy Prime Minister Talabani addresses Supreme Council of Women

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani today met with Kurdistan’s Supreme Council of Women to discuss gender-based issues and obstacles in the legal system.

Addressing a number of judges and representatives from the Public Prosecution Office, the Deputy Prime Minister urged them to play a greater role in preventing honour killings, including through the amendment of current domestic violence laws. He also stressed that criminals should not be able to escape justice through tribal settlements, which can at times leave victims even more vulnerable.

Deputy Prime Minister Talabani reiterated the government’s commitment to the rule of law, and warned against any form of interference by private interest groups in judicial matters. He urged the judiciary to remain independent and impartial, emphasising the government’s support to protecting the principles of fairness and justice.

The Deputy Prime Minister also called on court officials and staff to be more professional and understanding when dealing with people filing lawsuits. He highlighted multiple instances of professional misconduct discouraging lawsuits or causing people to withdraw their cases. He appealed for more training and professionalism in this regard.