On April 1st, our organization, the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization, celebrates its 21st anniversary, marking a journey filled with continuous dedication and sincere commitment to serving the Iraqi people. On this momentous occasion in our organization’s history, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to all our loyal members, esteemed supporters, and courageous volunteers who have been, and continue to be, the true lifeblood of the Organization, fueling its spirit, determination, and perseverance. Your sincere efforts and tireless work in the field are the solid foundation upon which we have built the Hammurabi edifice, and with you, we continue our journey with confident steps toward a future where the sun of justice and equality shines.
Over the past two decades, the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization has demonstrated its remarkable ability to make a real and tangible impact on the human rights advocacy landscape. Today, we look with immense pride and satisfaction at our accumulated achievements in transparently monitoring human rights violations, our unwavering defense of the rights of minorities and marginalized groups, and our effective legal advocacy, which has resulted in policies that support the oppressed and safeguard their rights. We also highly value, with complete objectivity, our strategic contributions to the economic and political empowerment of youth and women through advanced training programs, support for small income-generating projects, and contributions to developing leadership skills that have rebuilt livelihoods and preserved the dignity of all Iraqis, in all their diversity.
We take this opportunity to recall the organization’s efforts during the mass displacement of Iraqis from ISIS terrorism, and its subsequent efforts to encourage and facilitate their return after the defeat of terrorist forces. We also emphasize the importance of striving to provide the essential elements to support the return process and ensure their continued presence in their original areas. The Organization spared no effort in contributing to the reconstruction of infrastructure in devastated areas to facilitate the return of forcibly displaced families. It restored electricity to the center of Hamdaniyah district and the town of Karamles, rebuilt the first Qaraqosh school that had been destroyed by ISIS, constructed science labs and sports fields, repaired 72 partially damaged homes, distributed thousands of drinking water purification systems in the Nineveh Plain, established a center for psychosocial support and legal services in the Nineveh Plain and another for legal support in Sinjar, and implemented more than 70 small income-generating projects for youth, widows, women, and people with disabilities to enhance livelihoods in Sinjar, the Nineveh Plain, Duhok, Erbil, Baghdad, Basra, and other Iraqi governorates. The Organization’s relief efforts also benefited 12,000 forcibly displaced families, including Christians, Yazidis, Shabaks, Kakais, Arabs, and others, across northern, central, and western Iraq. The Organization additionally conducted dozens of capacity-building and advocacy workshops across Iraq’s governorates, working tirelessly for Iraqis from Zakho to Basra.
At the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization, we deeply value the exceptional humanitarian efforts and invaluable relief services provided by our staff during the darkest of times and the most difficult crises. We have always been on the front lines, alleviating the suffering of displaced persons and those affected by conflict. We have provided food, clothing, shelter, advanced healthcare, and educational opportunities to thousands of families, demonstrating through our actions and evidence that our humanitarian mission knows no discrimination or bias, but rather embraces every Iraqi man and woman with love and peace.
This success would not have been possible, nor would the Organization have been able to play its leading and pivotal role, without the strong and positive partnerships it has built and cherishes with local civil society organizations and partner networks, most notably the Iraqi Minorities Alliance Network and the Iraqi Women’s Network, as well as its international partners from institutions, bodies, and international organizations concerned with human rights, such as Christian Solidarity International (CSI), United Nations agencies, the European Union Delegation, and international networks concerned with migration, return, and the protection of social peace. This is in addition to the ongoing coordination with official bodies in Iraq, such as the ministries of Labor and Social Affairs, Migration and Displacement, Education, Health, and others. These partnerships have created a robust support network for relief, empowerment, and legislative advocacy programs, and have solidified a culture of partnership between the state and civil society. On this momentous occasion, therefore, the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization extends its heartfelt thanks and gratitude to its partners, donors, and contributors who have generously provided both material and moral support. It is through their support and contributions that it has been able to continue its human rights and humanitarian mission through the most challenging of times.
The twenty-first anniversary of our organization’s founding comes at a critical and historic juncture for the entire region, which is experiencing severe instability and open conflict as a result of the ongoing war between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other. With deep regret and concern, we find that our beloved Iraq is among the countries most affected by these complex geopolitical, security, and economic repercussions, which cast a heavy shadow on ordinary citizens, threaten civil peace, and hinder development efforts.
In light of this complex and alarming regional landscape, the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization issues an urgent appeal, and a sincere and pressing call for peace. We thus appeal to the international community and all influential actors to prioritize dialogue and engage in serious diplomatic negotiations, rather than resorting to weapons and destruction. The region’s security and stability, and sparing Iraq the horrors of pointless wars and conflicts, must be everyone’s top priority. War leaves behind only tragedies and flagrant human rights violations, while dialogue for a just and comprehensive peace remains the only viable option to ensure a secure and prosperous future for generations to come.
Long live the principles of human rights! And may you all continue to be builders of hope and peace throughout our beloved homeland.
Hammurabi Human Rights Organization
Baghdad, 1 April 2026