Workshop on Policing Public Protest held in Erbil

Between 26-29 Sept 2021, at the request of the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), a four-day workshop on Policing Public Protest was facilitated by EUAM Iraq. The event was carried out at the Security Development Institute of the Ministry of the Interior in Erbil, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Policing of public protests is a crucial topic, especially in the context of the upcoming Iraqi elections to be held on October 10th 2021.

The workshop focused on the principles and best current international practices on protest policing, also human rights compliance, protest policing styles, effective command structures as well as critical decision-making. The four-day workshop culminated with scenario-based table-top exercises.

The event was attended by 11 Lieutenant Colonels and one Major who are the Silver-level Commanders of the Public Movement & Special Tactics Units responsible for policing protests within their regions in the KRG Governates of Ebil, Sulimaniya and Duhok.

The feedback from participants was universally positive and further related workshops and events are being sought for Erbil and its surrounding Governates.