Iraq press freedom in focus after the country improved its position in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Iraq rose to 155th place, moving up from 169th in 2024 and 172nd in 2023. This upward trend marks a positive shift, though many challenges remain.
The Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq shared the news while also warning of global backsliding in media freedom. The center’s head, Fadel Al-Gharawi, welcomed the better ranking but said it must not hide Iraq’s deep-rooted issues.
Despite the progress, Iraq still faces serious threats to free journalism. Over the last 30 years, Iraq has suffered the world’s highest number of journalist deaths, with more than 340 lost. Iraq press freedom in focus remains important as restrictive laws and a lack of legal accountability continue to threaten reporters.
Al-Gharawi emphasized the urgent need for legal reform. He urged the government and parliament to pass two key laws: one on the right to access information and another that would protect press freedom. These laws, he argued, would help build a safer and freer media space across the country.
Iraq ranks ahead of countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt in the latest index, but press freedom remains fragile. Laws still restrict media operations. Many journalists also face threats, intimidation, and violence with little or no justice for those responsible. Al-Gharawi pointed to widespread impunity as a major obstacle in Iraq and the region.
The center also called for stronger protections for journalists. This includes better security measures, legal support, and proper investigations into attacks. Al-Gharawi stressed that defending journalists’ rights is vital not just for media workers, but for democracy and civil freedom in Iraq. Iraq press freedom in focus underlines how media safety shapes national stability and accountability.
The report reflects cautious optimism. Iraq’s rise in the rankings shows some improvement, but real change needs more than numbers. The center urged leaders to act now, calling press freedom a national duty that serves all citizens.
In the end, Iraq’s media scene is at a crossroads. It can either keep improving or slide back if lawmakers don’t take firm, long-term action.