Speaker Dr. Rewaz Faiq participates in conference on freedom of expression
Kurdistan Parliament Speaker Dr. Rewaz Faiq on 12 February 2023 in Slemani spoke at a conference on freedom of expression in Kurdistan Region, saying that the political elite have a responsibility to speak out on human rights and civil liberties.
The conference, on the theme of 'A Better Future for Freedom of Expression in Kurdistan Region', was organized by the national NGO, Civil Development Organization.
The conference participants included Slemani Governor Dr. Haval Abubakir, MP Ziyad Jabbar the head of the PUK’s parliamentary block, other MPs and Parliament advisers, government and party officials, politicians, and international and local organizations.
In her remarks, Speaker Faiq focused on human rights, civil liberties, freedom of expression, and the importance of the political elite fulfilling their duty to speak out on all matters of human rights and civil liberties.
Dr. Faiq referred to essential legislative protections for freedom of expression and civil liberties, such as the laws on demonstrations, journalism and right to access information.
While Kurdistan Region has many good laws, some need to be improved and for some issues new laws are needed, the Speaker said.
Speaker Faiq highlighted several social, political and cultural challenges, including how to combat hate speech in the current era. Dr. Faiq said, "The legislative authorities have a responsibility to think about drafting a law on combating hate speech.”
Referring to reports by United Nations agencies, the European Union, consulates, foreign representations and local NGOs, the Speaker said, “All those reports will not be solved by denial. We must acknowledge them and try to solve them."
Dr. Faiq highlighted the challenges to passing the bill (draft law) on regulating electronic media. She stressed that journalists should be investigated and penalized only under the Law on Journalism, and not under the provisions of any other law, such as the Law to Prevent the Misuse of Communication Devices.
Speaker Faiq concluded by saying, “I declare my personal commitment and the Kurdistan Parliament’s commitment to uphold the existing legislation and the legislative framework [on these issues]. I hope that in the future the sixth term of Parliament will provide a more conducive environment for defending freedom of expression, civil liberties and press freedom.”
