On July 6, 2023, the Aran Organization for the Development of Civic Culture organized a pivotal seminar at the Titanic Hotel in Slemani. The seminar was part of the organization’s Clinical Legal Activity initiative and was supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in collaboration with the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate. The focus was on the reactivation of the Journalists Pension Fund, which was established under the Journalists Retirement Law (Law No. 13, 2001) but has remained inactive since 2014.

Seminar Highlights

The seminar was structured into four parts, each presented by distinguished professionals:

1. Origins of Law No. 13, 2001

  • Presenter: Judge Rzgar Mohammed Amin
  • Key Points:
    • Discussed the conception and drafting of the Journalists Retirement Law.
    • Explained the legislative process leading to the law’s passage by the Kurdistan Parliament.
    • Emphasized the law’s historical significance in protecting journalists’ rights.

2. Importance of the Journalists Pension Fund

  • Presenter: Dr. Saman Fawzy, Professor of Media Law
  • Key Points:
    • Highlighted the critical role of the law in ensuring the financial security of journalists.
    • Discussed the law’s contributions to upholding journalistic independence and dignity.

3. Current Status of the Fund

  • Presenter: Mr. Bzhar Hakeem, Deputy of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate
  • Key Points:
    • Detailed the current non-operational status of the fund since 2014.
    • Described challenges journalists face due to the suspension of financial support.

4. Future Legal Steps

  • Presenter: Lawyer Sami Jamal, Attorney at the Aran Organization
  • Key Points:
    • Outlined legal pathways to reactivate the fund.
    • Emphasized the unlawfulness of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) decision to suspend the fund.
    • Stated that the executive authority does not have the legal capacity to annul laws passed by parliament, reinforcing the need for parliamentary action to restore or repeal laws.

Context and Call to Action

The KRG’s suspension of the Journalists Pension Fund in 2014 was deemed unlawful, as it bypassed proper legislative processes. According to the seminar, laws enacted by parliament can only be annulled through new legislation or a parliamentary decision, not by executive decree.

The seminar underscored the urgency of reinstating the pension fund to ensure journalists’ financial stability and safeguard their rights. Attendees called for immediate action from the Kurdistan Parliament to address this issue and restore compliance with the Journalists Retirement Law.

Conclusion

This seminar marked a significant step in advocating for the reactivation of the Journalists Pension Fund. The Aran Organization remains committed to supporting legal initiatives that promote the rights and welfare of journalists in the Kurdistan Region. The event reinforced the importance of upholding laws designed to protect media professionals and ensuring their financial and professional security.