Political situation Reform policies under difficult circumstances

According to its constitution, Iraq is a federal state with a parliamentary democracy. For the first time in ten years, peaceful provincial elections were held last year. Political and administrative posts are allocated on the basis of ethnic and religious affiliation – nurturing nepotism and corruption. In 2023, the Corruption Perceptions Index (External link) published by Transparency International ranked Iran 154th out of the 180 countries assessed.

The independence and functioning of the judiciary are guaranteed to a very limited extent. The government, political parties, religious circles and militias exert influence on the judicial system. Detainees frequently suffer abuse and torture at the hands of the police and in state prisons.

The human rights situation continues to be difficult. Women in Iraq experience political, legal and social discrimination. For example, there are no laws to protect women from domestic violence, forced marriage and “honour killings”. In the case of legislation to protect children there has also been little progress. Child labour, sexual exploitation of children and child trafficking are widespread.

Religious and social minorities also face discrimination. In April 2024, the Iraqi government passed an amendment of the anti-prostitution law criminalising homosexual relationships. This means, in future, a risk of up to 15 years in prison.

Critical voices in journalism, in social media and civil society are faced with the threat of intimidation and menace. Journalists are frequently attacked or arrested. Murders of people working for the media frequently go unpunished. In the 2024 World Press Freedom Index (External link) compiled by the non-governmental organisation Reporters Without Borders Iraq is ranked in 169th place out of 180 countries evaluated.

Peace is still fragile in the country. Even if the “Islamic State” (IS) is regarded as having been defeated territorially, the fight against specific groups continues. Armed militias pose an additional threat even if officially they have been integrated into Iraq’s armed forces. They continue to operate beyond state control and control specific parts of the country.

In response to the advances of the IS in the summer of 2014, a broad alliance of states, the Global Coalition Against Daesh, was formed to fight the terrorist organisation. Germany is a member of this alliance, alongside the US and numerous European and Arab countries. The alliance is pursuing a strategy focusing on political, military and humanitarian aspects and the rule of law. Under the coalition and via NATO, Germany is continuing to support Iraqi security forces with its army.