Freedom of Expression and Peac

Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly In Basra, the Office closely monitored and reported on the recent demonstrations of July to October and November onwards in 2018 for basic services such as clean water, employment opportunities and an end to corruption, as a result of which 21 civilians died. The Office also observed trials and collaborated with the regional office of the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) on monitoring and reporting on the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as the right to be free from arbitrary arrest. In the Kurdistan Region, the Office provided training courses throughout 2018 for civil society organizations, media workers, and government officials on freedom of expression and the media and the right to peaceful assembly and association. These courses also examined the crucial role of responsible journalism in promoting reconciliation and respect for human rights in a post-ISIL Iraq.