Sulaymaniyah, May 25-26, 2023 - The Kurdistan Center for International Law (KCIL) supported by the German Federal Foreign Office's funds through ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen). successfully conducted a two-day introductory workshop on international law for judges, prosecutors, and judicial investigators in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
This workshop aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of international criminal law, its application within the domestic legal system, and the role of judges in creating international criminal rules. The workshop featured renowned experts in the field, including Dr. Gurgen Petrossian, who delivered a session on “The importance of domesticating International Criminal Law within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) legislative system.” Dr. Twana Hassan shared insights on “International crimes and their distinctive features compared to domestic crimes. Dr. Mohammed Rashid and Hawre Ahmed addressed the “Role of Judges in creating international criminal rules and unveiling the path to Genocide recognition and international criminal law.
During the workshop, participants raised thought-provoking questions and engaged in discussions on various aspects of international criminal law. Some key inquiries included jurisdictional limitations when prosecuting international cases or applying hybrid laws to cases in Iraq, the potential escape routes for criminals seeking to avoid impunity and punishment, the procedures of prosecution for domestic crimes that can turn into international crimes, and the differentiation between motive and intentions of criminals.
Notably, the participants expressed their curiosity about the International Criminal Court’s ability to prosecute heads of state and powerful countries. Misconceptions surrounding this matter were addressed, emphasizing the ICC’s mandate and the need for further education on the subject. The workshop also shed light on the distinction between the prosecution processes in international and domestic courts, clarifying the role of public prosecutors in both systems. Moreover, discussions touched upon the need to create new laws and incorporate international criminal legal principles into the domestic legal framework of Iraq.
