Justice Falters: Trafficker Arrests Are Up  But Are They Really Held to Account?”

Arrests for trafficking in Iraq are rising, but convictions and punishment tell a more complicated story. While 636 people were arrested in 2023, only 184 were convicted. (Iraqi News) That’s progress — but not necessarily justice.

Iraq’s 2012 law allows for long prison sentences (up to 15 years, or life in some cases), but its limited scope means many exploiters may slip through legal cracks. (ECOI) Meanwhile, in the Kurdistan Region, the situation is murkier: though the KRG reported 18 trafficking investigations, only 8 convictions resulted — and no new prosecutions were initiated in that year. (Kurdistan24 – کوردستان 24)

There’s also a troubling risk of complicity or weak enforcement. According to some analysts, powerful actors in Iraq (including militias) may shield trafficking networks. (The Washington Institute)

KurdFile warns: without real, independent judicial reform — including better training, anti-corruption measures, and regional accountability — arrest numbers alone won’t deter traffickers. Erbil and Baghdad must push for transparent, high-level prosecutions if they truly want to protect their people.