Iraqi Legal Expert Cites Gap Between Human Rights Laws and Practice

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A legal expert said Iraq's human rights framework is stronger on paper than in practice. Ali Habib, speaking June 8, 2026, identified the gap between legal regulations and their enforcement as the most pressing challenge facing rights and freedoms in the country. Habib noted that Iraq's Constitution and existing laws contain broad guarantees, but administrative, political, and security barriers consistently hinder full implementation. He listed the main areas of concern as freedom of expression and press, judicial independence, anti-corruption efforts, and illegal detention practices. The expert said a functional human rights system must be measured not by the existence of laws but by their fair and equal application. Official institutions bear responsibility for developing legislation, strengthening oversight, and guaranteeing independence, while civil society organizations play a decisive role in raising awareness, monitoring violations, and documenting abuses. Habib called for legal review aligned with international standards, enhanced judicial autonomy, expanded civic space, protection for journalists and human rights defenders, and activation of transparency and accountability mechanisms. Local and international organizations have continued pressing for protections of fundamental freedoms, stronger oversight, and more independent judicial institutions.