Influence of Non-Governmental Organizations on Legislative Processes: A Case Study of the Civil Society Law in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Influence of Non-Governmental Organizations on Legislative Processes

Rebaz Ali Smail; Arazoo Rasool  Ahmed; Handren Ahmad  Eahya

doi:10.63841/iue24589

Authors

Rebaz Ali Smail Department of International Relations, Faculty of Law, Soran University, Soran 44008, Kurdistan Region, IRAQ Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3259-5579
Arazoo Rasool Ahmed Department of English, Faculty of Education and Languages, Lebanese French University, Erbil 44001, IRAQ Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1428-9832
Handren Ahmad Eahya Department of Politics and International Relations, faculty of law, political science and management, Soran University, Soran 44008, Kurdistan Region, IRAQ Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63841/iue24589

Keywords:

Non-Governmental Organizations; Legislative Process; Civil Society Law; Kurdistan Region of Iraq; Governance; Legal Reform; Interest Group Theory

Abstract

This paper examines the factor that has remained relatively unstudied in the literature, namely the influence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in informing legislative developments in the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI) with emphasis on the Civil Society Law of 2011. Ultimately, filling an important gap in the literature, the study sought to explore the tactics that NGOs use towards the influencing of legislation especially within inter politic systems. Still, more work is required in clarifying the exact ways and tactics through which NGOs influenced this body of legislation, which has, certainly, affected civil society organizations. To collect desired data, this paper adopts a qualitative case study method with both interviews and documentary analysis to capture the strategies and experiences of the NGOs as well as the effects of the NGO engagements on policy making process from the perspective of the target beneficiaries from the Kurdistan parliamentary and non-governmental organizations. The paper is found that NGOs used lobbying, advocacy and alliances in the management of the civil society and the shaping of the Civil Society law. By thus applying the Interest Group Theory to the semi-autonomous regions of a developing country, this study enriches the approaches to analyzing civil society and governance. Thus, it has serious policy implications for countries with opaque governance structures for the need-to-know policymakers, NGOs, and international donors in the pursuit of more effective civil society participation in legal change.

Author Biographies

Rebaz Ali Smail, Department of International Relations, Faculty of Law, Soran University, Soran 44008, Kurdistan Region, IRAQ

Rebaz Ali Smail is a lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the Faculty of Law, Soran University. He earned his B.Sc. degree from Salaheldin University, his M.Sc. from Universiti Utara Malaysia, and his Ph.D. from the same institution. His research interests focus on policy making. Dr. Rebaz has published several articles in this field and has participated in numerous international and national workshops and conferences.
Arazoo Rasool Ahmed, Department of English, Faculty of Education and Languages, Lebanese French University, Erbil 44001, IRAQ

Arazoo Rasool Ahmed is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of English, Faculty of Education and Languages, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Iraq.

She got the B.A. degree in History from Ferdosi University of Mashhad, the M.A. degree in Ancient Languages and Cultures (Historical Linguistics) from Tabriz University, and her Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics at Universiti Utara Malaysia.

Her research interests are in critical discourse analysis, media representation, historical linguistics, and comparative mythology; Dr. Arazoo has published three research papers and participated in numerous international and national workshops and training programs, including health and safety management, teacher training, American business studies, and immersive language programs.
Handren Ahmad Eahya , Department of Politics and International Relations, faculty of law, political science and management, Soran University, Soran 44008, Kurdistan Region, IRAQ

Handren A. Eahya is an Assistant Professor at the department of politics and international relations faculty of law, political science and management, Soran University. He got the B. Sc. Degree in politics from Salahaddin university, the M. Sc. Degree in international relations from Leeds Beckett University, and the PhD degree in politics and IR from Soran University. His degree interests are in politics and international relations, specifically in State-building in Iraq. Dr. Handren published many articles in various journals, and participated in national and international workshops and conferences.

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Influence of Non-Governmental Organizations on Legislative Processes: A Case Study of the Civil Society Law in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq