Consultative Meeting on the Reality of Digital Rights and Digital Violence in Iraq

#Clarity_Without_Digital_Noise

Final Statement

Toward a Safe, Inclusive Iraqi Digital Space, Free from Violence and Hate

We, the participants in this consultative meeting on the reality of digital rights and digital violence in Iraq, held in Baghdad on August 24, 2026, and based on our belief in the importance of building a safe digital space that respects human rights and human dignity, we unequivocally reject all forms of digital violence, hate speech, and online incitement, given their serious consequences for individuals and communities, as well as for social peace and diversity in Iraq.

Digital platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives and an important space for expression, information sharing, and community engagement amid the major digital transformation taking place in our country, Iraq. However, these spaces can also be used to spread threats, abuse, defamation, bullying, and incitement to violence, discrimination, and hate speech—including technology-facilitated violence, which specifically targets women and girls and limits their safe and active participation in the public and digital spheres.

Accordingly, we affirm the following principles:

First: Rejecting all forms of digital violence and hate speech

Second: Protecting freedom of expression and digital rights

Third: The protection of women and vulnerable groups who are most at risk of being targeted

Fourth: The promotion of shared responsibility among government institutions, civil society organizations, media organizations, technology companies and digital platforms, educational institutions, and users

Fifth: The promotion of digital awareness and digital literacy

Sixth: Providing safe and effective mechanisms for reporting and immediate digital response

Seventh: Protecting digital privacy and personal data

Eighth: Supporting the role of civil society and the media in the digital space

Based on our social responsibility, we reaffirm our commitment to working toward a safer, more inclusive, and more diverse Iraqi digital space, where technology serves as a means to promote participation, communication, and access to knowledge—not as a tool for threats, exclusion, or incitement.

We also call on all stakeholders to continue dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of expertise, and to work toward developing legislation, policies, and practices that ensure the protection of digital rights and an effective response to violence and hate speech, while preserving freedom of expression, diversity, and human rights.

Building a safe digital environment is achieved not only by addressing harmful content, but also by fostering a digital culture based on respect, responsibility, tolerance, and non-discrimination, and by strengthening the capacity of individuals and communities to participate safely and effectively in digital life.

Accordingly, we renew our commitment to rejecting all forms of digital violence and hate speech, and we call for making the digital space in Iraq a safe space for dialogue, participation, and diversity, and for safeguarding the dignity, rights, and freedoms of all.

Together for a digital Iraq that is safer, more inclusive, and more respectful of human rights.

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