KRG, US Consulate in Erbil discuss Human Rights, Public Freedoms, and Governance Reforms
Dr. Zebari welcomed US Consul General Steve Bitner and his delegation, emphasizing the ongoing coordination between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the US Consulate, particularly in the exchange of human rights information.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Tuesday, Dr. Dindar Zebari, the Kurdistan Region’s Coordinator for International Advocacy, met with the new US Consul General in Erbil, Steve Bitner, to discuss the protection of public freedoms and adherence to human rights principles in the region.
Dr. Zebari welcomed US Consul General Steve Bitner and his delegation, emphasizing the ongoing coordination between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the US Consulate, particularly in the exchange of human rights information.
This collaboration has been consistently reflected in the US State Department's annual reports on human rights and religious freedoms.
Productive meeting today with U.S. General Counsel Steve Binter. We discussed human rights in the Kurdistan Region and beyond, reaffirming our shared values and ongoing cooperation. Mr. Bitner acknowledged the KRI's pivotal role in fostering a stable and prosperous Iraq. pic.twitter.com/ZXl34VcTtF
— Dr. Dindar Zebari (@KRG_Coordinator) September 2, 2024
During the meeting, Zebari highlighted the KRG's ongoing reform efforts, noting the government’s progress in various areas of good governance. He specifically mentioned the Kurdistan Regional Government's Human Rights Plan (2011-2025), which was approved by the ninth cabinet.
According to the latest report, the implementation rate of the plan’s international recommendations has risen to 74.1 percent, underscoring the KRG's commitment to upholding human rights.
Steve Bitner, the new US Consul General, commended the advancements in the Kurdistan Region, despite the numerous challenges faced by the KRG. He reiterated the United States’ commitment to continued collaboration on these critical issues.
CG Steve Bitner met with @KRG_Coordinator for International Advocacy Dr. Dindar Zebari today to discuss shared efforts to advance human rights and religious freedom. The CG underscored the #United_States’ commitment to collaboration on these important issues. pic.twitter.com/ewpNP7Y73A
— U.S. Consulate General Erbil (@USCGERBIL) September 3, 2024
Zebari also emphasized the importance of coordination with the federal government on human rights matters. He highlighted the participation of the KRG’s Office of the Coordinator for International Advocacy in the Federal Government’s delegation to the United Nations, an opportunity to showcase the KRG's achievements as a model of good governance, progress, and prosperity within a federal Iraq.
This collaboration positively impacts federal government reports.
The suspension of the death penalty and the KRG’s policy of facilitating the voluntary and dignified return of refugees to their homeland were noted as significant steps that have garnered international recognition.
The meeting also covered the completion of the United Nations Team to Investigate the Crimes of ISIS (UNITAD) mission and the process of transferring documents detailing ISIS crimes in Erbil and Duhok to the KRG.
Additionally, discussions addressed the efforts to combat drugs and psychotropic substances, highlighting the challenges the KRG faces in this regard.
Dr. Zebari concluded the meeting by affirming the KRG’s ongoing commitment to working closely with the US Consulate General to protect public freedoms and uphold human rights principles in the region.