On Sunday, 12/2/2023, the final conference of the Raba project took place in Sulaimani, attended by Dr. Rewaz Fayeq, Speaker of the Kurdistan Parliament, along with a range of political leaders, Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Parliament members, Sulaimani Governor Mr. Haval Abubakr, university professors, political party representatives, media agency directors, civil society organizations, and other influential social figures.
The conference showcased the achievements of the project over the year. A panel titled “Freedom of Expression, Current Situation, Threats, and Opportunities” was held, moderated by Dana Asad, a public relations expert. Panelists included Tariq Jawhar, Media Advisor for the Kurdistan Parliament’s Committee on Culture, Sports, Youth, and Civil Society; Samir Hawrami, Spokesperson for the Deputy Prime Minister; Judge Kamran Rasul from the Personal Status Court in Sulaimani; Karwan Anwar, Secretary of the Sulaimani Branch of the Kurdistan Union of Journalists; and the founder of White Media.
The discussion addressed the challenges facing freedom of expression in the Kurdistan Region and proposed potential solutions. The consensus was that the region needs new laws, and existing laws must be updated to reflect current needs.
The conference’s recommendations will be presented to the relevant authorities for necessary follow-up and action.