UOD, July 4, 2025, University Press Office (UNPO) | The University of Duhok (UOD) on July 2, has positioned itself at the forefront of addressing drug abuse prevention in the Kurdistan Region through a groundbreaking academic panel organized by its Legal Clinic at the College of Law. In partnership with the Independent Human Rights Commission - Duhok and PAO organization, the event marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme "The Addicted is a Patient, Not a Criminal: Legal and Psychological Perspectives."

Evidence-Based Research Reveals Critical Regional Data

Dr. Ary Arif Abdulaziz, Director of UOD's Legal Clinic, presented findings from a comprehensive survey of nearly 1,000 participants, revealing alarming statistics:

• 90.5% identified drug abuse as a major threat to community security
• 96.9% linked substance abuse to increased crime rates
• 91.4% reported family relationship deterioration due to drug use

Legal Framework Analysis and Reform Recommendations

The panel critically examined existing legislation, including Kurdistan Region Law No. 1 (2020) and Iraqi Federal Law No. 50 (2017), identifying key gaps in rehabilitation mechanisms, healthcare monitoring, and whistleblower protection policies.

Strategic Community Health Initiative

This initiative aligns with UOD's commitment to evidence-based policy research and community engagement, contributing to the university's strategic goals of addressing regional challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and public health advocacy.

Dr. Nawzad Sami, Mental Health Coordinator at Duhok General Hospital, emphasized the panel's role in developing comprehensive treatment approaches and policy recommendations for regional authorities.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office, July 4, 2025
Reported by: Ramadhan Shaban Ramadhan
Photography by: Mohammed. A. Tahar

Meta Keywords:

• Drug abuse prevention Kurdistan Region
• University of Duhok legal research
• Substance abuse policy Iraq
• Community health initiatives UOD
• Legal clinic drug rehabilitation