Speaker Dr. Rewaz Faiq welcomes International Federation of Journalists

Kurdistan Parliament Speaker Dr. Rewaz Faiq on 21 April 2022 welcomed a senior delegation from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), led by Monir Zaarour, Middle East and Arab World Policy and Programme Director.

The Head of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate, Azad Hamadamin, Deputy Head Bzhar Hakim and Secretary Handren Handren Ahmed participated in the meeting.

Journalism in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the world were discussed, as well as Kurdistan Region’s Journalism Law (Law No. 35 of 2007), freedom of the press, the obstacles facing journalists, and the laws that have created impediments to electronic media, particularly Law. No. 6 of 2008, the Law on the Prohibition of Misuse of Communication Devices. The meeting participants discussed the face that Kurdistan does not have a law on electronic media, nor has the Journalism Law been amended, which means that journalists and media work in general face legal obstacles. Some expressed the view that legislation should be enacted or amended so that the law is compatible with today’s media.

Speaker Faiq said, "The Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate, which is part of the International Federation of Journalists, can learn from other countries’ long experience and benefit from the IFJ’s perspectives and views to help improve the media and follow modern global standards. If journalists’ life and dignity are protected, individuals’ rights and the public’s freedom will not be violated."

Mr. Azad Hamadamin and the IFJ delegation expressed their views on journalism, press freedom and the public’s rights.

The IFJ delegation comprised media experts, parliamentarians and IFJ staff: Nadir Senhadji; Florence Henault, Florence Le Cam, Daria Qadir Mala, Marion Vivian, Henan Rehab and Moriody Bilaing.