Officials from the U.S. Consulate in Erbil met with representatives of the Aran Organization for Development and Civil Culture to discuss ongoing U.S. support for civil society organizations and explore avenues for future collaboration. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with local and international organizations to drive meaningful change in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (IKR), enhancing quality of life, economic opportunities, and governance at both local and regional levels.

Key Discussion Points

During the meeting, the Aran Organization’s staff emphasized critical issues such as:

• Freedom and Freedom of Speech in the Kurdistan Region.
• The role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in fostering and upholding democratic principles.

The exchange highlighted the shared dedication of both parties to advancing democracy, empowering civil society, and addressing challenges to free expression in the region.

Aran Organization remains committed to working collaboratively with international partners to strengthen democratic governance and promote human rights across the Kurdistan Region.