Press release
20 August 2009
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Sweden sends personnel to Rule of Law Mission for Iraq
The Government decided today that Sweden will contribute personnel to the European Union Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq (EUJUST LEX).
"Through the EU Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq, Sweden is contributing to strengthening Iraq's judicial system and therefore also to democratic development in Iraq. The decision to send Swedish personnel is an expression of Sweden's commitment," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Four Swedish personnel will soon be stationed in Baghdad and Brussels to commence their assignment. No previous Swedish personnel have been posted to the Mission's office in Baghdad. Personnel are recruited and trained by the Folke Bernadotte Academy.
The aim of the EU Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq is to support reform of the police force and judicial system and to promote cooperation between the police, courts, prosecution and prison and probation services. About 2700 Iraqi officials in the police and judicial system have been trained since the start in 2005. They have done courses in, for example, cross-sectoral cooperation, human rights, leadership and crime investigation. Sweden has contributed instructors and funding for certain courses. These have mainly been held in EU countries but since May also in Iraq.
Funding for Sweden's personnel contribution will come from the development assistance budget.
Contact
Peter Larsson+46 8 405 10 00
