UNDP: Progress in Prosecutions, Need for Continued Justice Reform

From the UNDP:

UNDP’s Report Signal Progress in Prosecutions, Stronger Convictions, and the Need for Continued Justice Reform

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council and with the generous support of the European Union, launched the Second Trial Monitoring Report, a comprehensive view of Iraq’s progress in tackling high-level corruption through the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court (CACC).

Key Findings: Continued Progress in the Fight Against Corruption

Covering the period from August 2023 to July 2024, the report analyzes 170 monitored cases at the CACC and 80 verdicts issued by criminal and misdemeanour courts in Rusafa and Karkh, providing a comprehensive look at Iraq’s efforts to address grand corruption; cases involving large-scale financial misconduct, senior government officials, and significant public interest.

Findings include:

• A rise in prosecutions of high-ranking officials, including parliament members, ministers, and governors, demonstrating a firmer stance on accountability.

• A higher conviction rate, reflecting improved case preparation and more effective prosecutions.

• Fewer pre-trial investigations, retrials, and cases returned for reinvestigation, indicating increased judicial efficiency.

• A decline in reliance on general amnesty and trials held in absentia, reinforcing the integrity of judicial decisions.

• A closer examination of corruption networks, including cases related to the “Theft of the Century” scandal, and their impact on financial governance.

• The continued concentration of corruption cases in Baghdad and key sectors such as Finance, Industry and Minerals, and the Municipality Directorate, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges.

Moving ‘Beyond the Verdict’ – the push for justice and sustainable reform

The report goes beyond case outcomes to explore underlying challenges and opportunities for legal reform, emphasizing the need for electronic case management systems to enhance coordination, case tracking, and evidence integrity while streamlining judicial processes. It also highlights the importance of strengthening asset recovery mechanisms and the role of legal representatives from government institutions, which are critical for reclaiming stolen public funds. Additionally, the report examines the role of women in Iraq’s judiciary, particularly in handling grand corruption cases, shedding light on the barriers they face in advancing to senior positions and the need for greater inclusivity in the justice system.

Supreme Judicial Council, UNDP and EU Perspectives on Iraq’s Anti-Corruption Reforms

Speaking at the launch event the Head of Public Prosecution at the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Najim Abdullah Ahmed recommitted their efforts to curb corruption, “As the second report under the Trial Monitoring Programme, conducted in partnership with UNDP, this report demonstrates that our efforts to combat corruption are beginning to yield results. However, it also highlights the challenges that remain. The Supreme Judicial Council remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing reforms and ensuring a corruption-free Iraq.”

Recognizing Iraq’s ongoing efforts, UNDP Iraq’s Resident Representative, Auke Lootsma, highlighted the importance of continued investment in judicial capacity: “We commend the Supreme Judicial Council for its commitment to fighting corruption and strengthening judicial integrity. The Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court and ongoing reforms demonstrate a strong commitment to accountability. Investing in judicial capacity, specialized courts, and electronic systems will have lasting benefits for transparency, economic growth, and stability in Iraq.”

Thomas Seiler, European Union Ambassador to Iraq, reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s judicial reforms: “The European Union is proud to stand alongside Iraq in the fight against corruption. Our partnership with the United Nations and the Supreme Judicial Council reflects a shared dedication to integrity, good governance, and sustainable development.”

Following the First Trial Monitoring Report launched in 2024, the Second Trial Monitoring Report of 2025 offers concrete recommendations to further strengthen the anti-corruption legal framework, enhance judicial role and capacity, and build public trust in accountability mechanisms.

Access to the full report and related infographics:

English: https://go.undp.org/3SM

Arabic: https://go.undp.org/3Sf

To browse our comprehensive library of reports on Iraq, click here.