Human Rights Commission's independence assured
16/02/2012 15:01BAGHDAD, Feb. 15 (AKnews) - The selection of the Human Rights Commission in Iraq will be completely free of any political interference, assured Government yesterday.
For the first time, a committee selected by government will not be formed based on the number of seats a party holds.
Even a proposal to accept party leaders during the selection meetings was rejected to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
So far, 3085 potential candidates have been whittled down to just 162, whom the Experts Committee from the Council of Representatives finished interviewing last Tuesday.
"We didn't allow any political interference and the interviews were objectively done under the supervision of the UN," said committee member Ashwaq al-Jaff.
The commission will be made up of 11 members, and 3 reserves, chosen for their integrity and professionalism. The Human Rights Commission Act states that one third of seats should be taken up by women.
Further short-listing will begin on February 20.
The selection criteria also includes an age limit of no less than 35 years and the candidate must be degree-educated, a professional working in human rights and must no belong to the accountability and justice committee.
Eight of the 15 members of the Experts Committee belong to the Iraqi Council of Representatives.
By Haider Ibrahim
RN/SS/AKnews
