Organizations
The following organizations and websites are intended to serve as a resource clearinghouse on topics relating to the referendum. The database is growing regularly and includes intergovernmental institutions, policy think tanks, universities, and other notable links. To add an organization or institution, please contact us with a link and a brief description of the work or mission.
The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) of Iraq, United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)
"Operating under a Security Council Resolution UNAMI advises the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) and Iraq’s political leaders to prepare for elections that are seen as credible and accepted by the Iraqi people."
United States Department of State: Iraq Country Information
“Reports on Near East Affairs”
ACE Electoral Knowledge Network
“The ACE Electoral Knowledge Network is your portal to the world of elections. The ACE network promotes credible, and transparent electoral processes with emphasis on sustainability, professionalism and trust in the electoral process. ACE offers a wide range of services related to electoral knowledge, assistance and capacity development.”
American Bar Association, Rule of Law Initiative: Iraq
“Through its Iraq Legal Development Project, the Rule of Law Initiative initiated technical legal assistance to Iraq in 2003. Working first with the provisional, interim and transitional authorities in Iraq and then with the permanent government, as well as with a variety of civil society groups, the ABA’s assistance has encompassed the areas of constitutional development, judicial independence and integrity, women and the law, and human rights.”
International Foundation for Electoral Systems: Iraq
“The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is the leading election assistance and democracy promotion non-governmental organization.”
International Center for Journalists: Middle East
“The International Center for Journalists, a non-profit, professional organization, promotes quality journalism worldwide in the belief that independent, vigorous media are crucial in improving the human condition. ICFJ Anywhere is the global source for high-quality, online journalism courses taught by seasoned professionals. ”
International Republican Institute: Iraq
Since the summer of 2003, IRI has conducted a multifaceted program, working with political parties and candidates, indigenous civil society groups, and sitting government officials to promote democratic governance in Iraq. IRI programs in Iraq have ranged from election training for candidates running for public office to civil society advocacy campaign and voter awareness television shows produced by IRI’s state-of-the-art Media Center.
National Democratic Institute: Iraq
“By strengthening relationships among Iraqi citizens, political parties, and government institutions, NDI aims to encourage the development and implementation of policies that meet the needs of the population. The Institute's programs enhance the will and capacity of political parties and government institutions to engage citizens in policymaking and legislative processes, equip civic activists and non-governmental organizations to advocate directly for change at local and national levels, increase the leadership and effectiveness of women in institutions and democratic processes, and promote the conduct of credible and transparent elections.”
National Endowment for Democracy
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. Each year, NED makes more than 1,000 grants to support the projects of non-governmental groups abroad who are working for democratic goals in more than 90 countries.
RTI
Since April 2003, RTI International's Local Governance Project has supported efforts to strengthen government in Iraq at the local, municipal, and provincial levels, working under contract with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
United States Institute of Peace: Iraq Study Group
“The Iraq Study Group made a forward-looking, independent assessment of the current and prospective situation on the ground in Iraq and how it affects the surrounding region as well as U.S. interests.”
Freedom House: Iraq
The American University of Iraq- Sulaimani
The American University of Iraq – Sulaimani (AUI-S) is a private non-profit university offering a comprehensive American-style liberal arts education to all qualified students regardless of their affiliation or origin.
Kurdish Institute for Elections (KIE)
Kurdish Institute for Elections, KIE is a public, non-governmental and autonomous organization, independent in its functioning and decision-making process. It was founded in 2002. It aims at promoting civic education of the citizens and fostering individuals’ political participation via the polling systems. KIE's activities include monitoring local governmental and non-governmental elections and evaluating them based on international standards.
National Institute for Human Rights (NIHR)
NIHR encourages youth civic participation in Kirkuk Province. Its activities include training youths and organizing them in Youth Advocacy Committees to advocate for effective youth civic participation in the province.
Bethnahrain Free Women’s Union
Bethnahrain Free Women's Union educates Iraqis in Kirkuk about democracy and human rights principles and encourage civic participation. Working with Iraqi men, women, and youth from different religious and ethnic groups, Bethnahrain Free Women’s Union organizes educational seminars to strengthen awareness of civic issues, especially among female students in Kirkuk, and conducts surveys in Kirkuk about citizens’ perceptions and understanding of the Iraqi political process.
What is CKRO?
The Center for Kirkuk Referendum Operations is a collaborative initiative of the Center for Democracy and Society at Georgetown University.
From the Democracy and Society Blog
August 10, 2011
August 07, 2011
August 01, 2011