The meeting hosted by the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, resulted in the issuance of the “Baghdad Declaration,” which included the establishment of the Arab Women Judges Network and the adoption of Baghdad as its permanent headquarters—an important step that enhances Arab judicial cooperation among women judges and reinforces joint professional collaboration across Arab countries.
The Iraqi Women Judges Association hosted the joint meeting with the delegation of Arab women judges in Baghdad, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Regional Bureau for Arab States. The meeting came within the framework of supporting initiatives aimed at empowering women in the judiciary and strengthening professional coordination among Arab women judges.
The meeting was attended by the President of the Iraqi Women Judges Association, Judge Taghreed Abdul Majeed, along with members of the Association’s Board of Directors. Also present was Judge Mouna Skreti, President of the International Association of Women Judges, in addition to the participation of women judges from Morocco, Qatar, Algeria, Yemen, and Palestine—reflecting a diverse Arab presence at the founding meeting.
The meeting was held over two days, from 13–14 February 2026, as part of the work of the founding committee of the Arab Women Judges Network. Discussions focused on establishing the foundational pillars of the network and building its organizational and institutional framework.
The sessions included drafting the vision and mission, defining the strategic objectives of the network, and unanimously adopting Baghdad as the permanent headquarters of the Arab Women Judges Network by the participating judges representing the attending Arab countries: Iraq, Morocco, Qatar, Algeria, Yemen, and Palestine.
The Baghdad Declaration emphasized the network’s independent, professional, and non-political nature, and its commitment to operating within relevant national and international legal frameworks. It also stressed adherence to the principles of judicial independence, the rule of law, professionalism, and mutual cooperation, while respecting the legal and judicial specificities of Arab countries.
The declaration further underscored the importance of coordinating Arab efforts to develop the performance of women judges, exchange professional expertise, and enhance communication and cooperation channels among Arab women judges—contributing to the advancement of justice and reinforcing the role of women in the judiciary across the Arab region.
His Excellency, the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Dr. Faiq Zidan, received the delegation of Arab women judges in the presence of Judge Mouna Skreti, President of the International Association of Women Judges. He emphasized the importance of strengthening professional cooperation among women judges in Arab countries to enhance judicial performance. The meeting also included discussions on administrative and professional matters related to the work of women judges, their presence within judicial institutions, and ways to strengthen their leadership roles.
The President of the Supreme Judicial Council commended the distinguished efforts made by the Iraqi Women Judges Association in establishing the network and ensuring the success of this important Arab professional milestone. He also welcomed the adoption of Baghdad as the permanent headquarters of the network, reflecting its historical and legal significance and its role in supporting joint Arab judicial initiatives.
