The European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) hosted on 20 June 2022, at the Erbil International Hotel, a Civil Society Platform, “Building Trust with Security Forces,” as part of the European Union’s comprehensive approach to civilian security sector reform.
The Platform event in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) was attended by representatives of human rights organizations, minority organizations, women’s organizations, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Pershmerga, the High Council for Women and Development, UNAMI, and various consulates.
At the very heart of the security system governance agenda is the need to promote people-centered approaches to security. For security services to be representative, trusted, and effective, they must include women as well as men.
To make this vision a reality, the participants at the event focused on searching for common language to work together to promote public safety while protecting civil rights. This meant coming up with innovative ideas — from all perspectives in the KRI’s diverse society — to rethink public safety and renew community trust. Every member of society has a role to play and has the power to contribute to bringing into reality a shared vision of public safety that respects and protects human life.
One crucial element in order to achieve change in building trust is the continued development of Community Policing in the KRI. Successful Community Policing engages all community members in meaningful decision-making, implementation, and evaluation. Further, successful Community Policing means leaders value community perspectives, especially of those most impacted by policing.
Local organizations in the Kurdistan Region as well as federal organizations in Iraq have long worked to reform policing and strengthen accountability.
Furthermore, on the importance of the involvement of all members of society in building trust with security forces, the event participants commented as follows:
Ms. Fairuz Yamulky, Women Peace Network Coordinator of the Women Peace Network, a civil society organization that is active nationwide:
The inclusion of all members of society without prejudice or discrimination constraints will empower individuals to participate meaningfully in the society. She underlined such with a citation from Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations: “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.”
Brigadier General Zahir, Head of Community Policing, Kurdistan Region of Iraq:
Community Policing aims to educate and evaluate the society’s relationship with police. In addition, Community Policing aims to prevent crimes before they happen.
Christiane Burrell, Senior Strategic Advisor for National Security Legislation, EUAM Iraq:
The building up of strong partnerships within the engagement of security sector reform is a strategic priority for EUAM Iraq. This involves all relevant stakeholders, including non-state and civil society actors. The aim is to build the best possible consensus around interventions that ensures an inclusive and comprehensive approach. The Mission is committed to continue creating further opportunities to engage with civil society organizations and government counterparts throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.