In a country weighed down by decades of wars, conflicts, and mass displacement, millions of Iraqis live with deep psychological scars. Within this reality, a pressing question arises: how does Iraqi legislation protect citizens’ mental health and provide the care they need?

Law on Paper

The Iraqi Mental Health Law No. 1 of 2005 was designed to answer that question. It provides the legal framework for safeguarding psychiatric patients and regulating the work of mental health institutions.

The legislation defines psychiatric patients and outlines their basic rights, including humane treatment, respect for privacy, and involvement in medical decision-making. It also introduces rehabilitation programs aimed at helping patients reintegrate into society.