Iraq's National Strategy to Combat Trafficking in Persons 2025.

Abstract

 In recent times, and particularly in the last two decades, Iraq has witnessed a significant increase in human trafficking. A large number of individuals suffering from precarious social and economic conditions have fallen victim to this phenomenon, which has manifested in various forms. Consequently, efforts have been initiated to prevent its spread and address its consequences. Many countries have enacted specific laws to combat human trafficking. In Iraq, Law No. (28) of 2012, the Anti-Human Trafficking Law, was issued. Its explanatory memorandum states that this law was enacted to combat human trafficking crimes, limit their spread, address their effects, and punish perpetrators, given the danger these crimes pose to individuals and society and their affront to human dignity and moral worth. The Iraqi National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking is based on the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (Palermo Protocol) and Law No. (28) of 2012, enacted by the Iraqi Parliament. This strategy includes activating the legal provisions of Law No. (28) related to punishing perpetrators. The crimes and their prosecution were addressed, along with a number of laws and their alignment with international legislation, aimed at dismantling local and international human trafficking networks, as well as providing protection and psychological and social support to victims.