On January 25, 2025, Dr. Mohammad Salih Mustafa, Head of the International Relations and Diplomacy Department at Tishk International University, attended a significant panel discussion focused on human trafficking, smuggling, and the issues faced by Iraqi asylum seekers in the United Kingdom. The event was co-organized by the UK Kurdish Association in Britain and the International Rights Institute and took place in Erbil.

A Platform for Dialogue and Solutions

The panel brought together a diverse group of speakers, each offering a unique perspective on the complexities of migration and human trafficking. The discussion was moderated by Sherwan Slemani and featured:

  • Mohammad Jalal Barzinji – President of the Kurdish Association in Britain
  • Ella Griffiths – First Secretary of the British Embassy in Iraq
  • Police Brigadier Dara Najar – Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government
  • Jwan Hassan – Representative of the International Human Rights Organization

The speakers engaged in a crucial dialogue about finding legal migration pathways and preventing dangerous trafficking routes that exploit citizens’ lives.

Key Takeaways and High-Level Participation

The panel was opened by Bashdar Hassan, the head of the Human Rights Platform of the Kurdish Community in Britain, who presented essential legal information to the participants and the media.

The event saw a high-level turnout, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. In addition to TIU’s representation, the panel was attended by officials from various international organizations, including UNESCO, UNHCR, and the IOM. High-ranking government officials were also present, including representatives from the British and Finnish Embassies, the Erbil Governor, and officials from several ministries of the Kurdistan Regional Government. This broad participation underscored the collective commitment to addressing the challenges of human trafficking and migration.

This engagement reflects the IRD Department’s dedication to actively participating in critical global discussions and fostering solutions to international challenges.

Keywords: Human Trafficking, Migration, International Relations, Asylum Seekers, Human Rights, Diplomacy, International Organizations, Kurdistan Regional Government