Iraq

While Iraq continued to enjoy increased security and stability in 2024 following decades of armed conflict, impunity and a lack of justice and accountability for serious crimes, shrinking civic space, flaws in the justice system, discriminatory legal norms disproportionately impacting LGBT people, women, children, and minorities, and inadequate provision of government services remained key areas of concern. Authorities also ramped up attacks on Iraqi’s rights by passing or attempting to pass draconian laws that would restrict their freedoms. These include a law criminalizing homosexuality, a draft amendment to the Personal Status Law, and a draft law on the right to information. Violent repression of protesters and arrests of journalists covering protests continues.