Official Statement of the Kurdish Media Monitoring Organization (CHMK) on World Press Freedom Day
On this World Press Freedom Day, the Kurdish Media Monitoring Organization (CHMK) joins the global community in championing the right to freedom of expression and independent journalism, the essential pillars of any democratic society.
While the Kurdistan Region operates within a recognized legal framework under the Federal Republic of Iraq, a profound gap remains between statutory law and its practical application. CHMK’s data from the past year reveals a troubling trend: journalists continue to face systematic obstruction and violations in various forms. Simultaneously, media content is increasingly compromised by political and economic pressures. Furthermore, a significant disconnect exists between academic training and the realities of the labor market, leaving the professional environment for journalists far below international expectations. In response, CHMK remains committed to systemic media reform. Building upon the foundations laid during our 2021 and 2025 reform conferences, we present the following requirements:
1. For the Legislature We call for an independent, evidence-based evaluation of current media laws and their implementation, specifically Law No. 35 of 2007 (Journalism Law) and Law No. 11 of 2013 (Right to Information). Legislation must be modernized to include robust monitoring mechanisms that ensure professional accountability while facilitating seamless access to public information.
2. For the Executive Branch: We demand the immediate release of all journalists and activists detained for exercising their right to free speech. The government must cease illegal practices against private and public freedoms and prioritize the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights, ensuring that “freedom of the press” is more than just a policy on paper.
3. For the Judiciary: The judiciary must ensure that cases involving freedom of expression are adjudicated under specialized media laws rather than the general Iraqi Penal Code (No. 111 of 1969). We advocate for the professionalization of judicial processes regarding media disputes and the establishment of an independent system to oversee the fair implementation of court rulings.
4. For Media Institutions: Media outlets must adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards. It is imperative to safeguard editorial independence from narrow political and partisan interests, moving toward a sustainable model of public-service-oriented media ownership.
5. For Civil Society: We encourage non-governmental organizations to strengthen their roles in monitoring, accountability, and advocacy. Strategic cooperation with international bodies is vital to establishing a National Council dedicated to the professional regulation of press freedoms.
The Third National Conference on Media Reform: CHMK is currently preparing for the “Third National Conference on Media Reform,” scheduled for July 6-7, 2026, in London. This landmark event will unite five key sectors, the legislature, executive, judiciary, media, and civil society, alongside Kurdish and international academics and researchers to forge a path forward. On this international anniversary, it is time to move beyond “shiny slogans” and take tangible action. Professional national media requires enforceable laws, an effective accountability system, and a safe environment. As a registered national NGO, we remain steadfast in our commitment to these goals. We congratulate all those fighting for freedom and call for an urgent resolution to the cases of those imprisoned for their opinions. Expressing a dissenting view is not a crime; it is a right.
Kurdish Media Monitoring Organization (CHMK)
May 3, 2026
