Erbil, Kurdistan – Iraq (KRG.org) – Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani today commended ten outstanding civil society organisations and individuals for their work in the field.

At an award ceremony organised by the KRG's Minister for the Region for Civil Society Affairs, the Prime Minister celebrated their work in human rights, the rights of women, education and youth development. He said, “The KRG is firmly committed to a vibrant partnership with non-governmental organisations and individuals, to raise the quality of life in the Kurdistan Region and aid our social development. The public, private and third sectors must work hand in hand to create a new democratic and federal country.”

Towards a more modern society

Commenting on the dynamic and cooperative relationship between the KRG and the third sector, the Prime Minister said, "One good example is the drafting of a Civil Society Law for the Kurdistan Region. A short time ago, I asked civil society organisations to submit their thoughts on this law. I am happy to say that a draft law has been formulated by a committee of NGOs in cooperation with the Minister for the Region for Civil Society Affairs. After being studied and approved by the government, it has now been passed to the Kurdistan National Assembly for further consideration and ratification.” Prime Minister Barzani also used his address to reiterate his strong support for women's rights. He said, "As we progress with our economic development, we must not neglect our cultural development. Some of the old customs must change; and the rights of all human beings, be they women, men or children, must be fully respected."

Exchange of ideas end experience

The event was the first of an annual award for civil society organisations. Mr George Mansour, Minister for the Region for Civil Society Affairs, said, “We look forward to seeing the efforts of individuals and organisations become more effective, powerful and successful in addressing the questions and needs of our society…and to sharing their ideas and experiences with sister organisations in other parts of Iraq, the Middle East and internationally." The award ceremony was attended by a representative of President Talabany and officials from the federal government in Baghdad, members of the Kurdistan Regional Assembly and KRG, Erbil-based members of the international diplomatic corps, and representatives from many civil society organisations working in the Kurdistan Region in Iraq.

The organisations and individuals awarded were:

From Erbil governorate

• The Masala Centre for Capacity Building and Mr Abdullah Khalid; Ronati Organisation for Culture and Social Activities and Ms Jihan Mirani; and Ronati Organisation for Culture and Social Activities and Ms Mujda Rashid.

From Suleimaniah governorate

• The Kurdistan Economic Development Organisation and Mr Hisam Hakim Barzinji; the Badlisi Cultural Centre and Mr Hiwa Ahmad Darwesh; Mr Sarep Ali Muhammad; and Ms Gulzar Muystafa Mazher.

From Dohuk governorate

• Harikar and Mr Salah Yassim Majid; the Committee for Development and Reconstruction in the Kurdistan Region and Mr Shawkat Taha Ahmad; and Dr Dalwan Rashid Sinjari.