On Friday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Coordinator for International Advocacy Dindar Zebari announced that a major human rights forum will be held in Erbil on May 19, 2026, organized by the Office of the Coordinator for International Advocacy and the Lutheran World Federation.

The forum, named “Strengthening National and International Partnerships for Implementing the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Recommendations 2025–2029”, will focus on strengthening mechanisms for implementing international human rights recommendations and developing a practical roadmap for KRG institutions over the next four years. 

Zebari stressed that commitment to international human rights standards represents a practical step toward improving institutional performance and aligning governance with international obligations and best practices.

The forum is expected to see broad participation from representatives of the KRG, the Federal Government of Iraq, the Judicial Council, and Parliament, in addition to representatives of UN agencies, international organizations, and diplomatic missions accredited in the Kurdistan Region, reflecting the growing international attention to human rights cooperation and reform efforts.

According to Zebari, the forum will also provide a platform to review the KRG’s record in previous UPR cycles, assess progress achieved in implementing international recommendations, and discuss ways to further strengthen partnerships with the international community in support of human rights and institutional development.

Read More: KRG Demonstrates Strong Commitment to Human Rights at International Forum

Last year in October, the KRG held a forum on the accomplishments of the Human Rights Action Plan, bringing together government officials and international partners to review progress, challenges, and priorities in advancing human rights across the Kurdistan Region.

The Human Rights Action Plan (2021-2025) is a comprehensive framework developed with the support of the UN, consulates, and civil society to strengthen human rights in the Kurdistan Region.