In a momentous ceremony held on Sunday, His Excellency the President of the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, welcomed sixty graduates from the Judicial Institute. Among the graduates were 45 judges and 15 deputy public prosecutors who took their legal oaths and are ready to assume their official duties. Notably, 24 of the graduates were women hailing from various regions, including Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Garmian.

The ceremony, attended by members of the Judiciary Council, public prosecutors, the Minister of Justice, and other prominent officials from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, featured an inspiring speech by President Nechirvan Barzani.

President Barzani began by commending the graduates for their choice of profession, emphasizing the gravity and responsibility that comes with serving in the judiciary. He stressed the importance of the role they will play in upholding justice and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

"The judiciary is the foundation of governance in any country," President Barzani declared, highlighting that the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, and trust in the judicial authority are vital prerequisites for political, economic, and social progress. He cited historical examples of how advanced societies value their judiciary, drawing parallels with Winston Churchill's remarks during World War II to emphasize the significance of a strong judicial system.

President Barzani underlined the importance of the judiciary's neutrality, fairness, and independence, especially during investigations and when rendering judgments. He called upon the graduates to be vigilant in preserving the judiciary's independence and resisting any undue influence.

Acknowledging that challenges and obstacles exist, President Barzani assured the graduates that the Kurdistan Region Presidency is committed to addressing these issues and continually working towards improvement. He expressed confidence in the judiciary's ability to overcome these challenges and strengthen its role.

President Barzani encouraged the graduates to continually develop their skills, adhere to international standards and human rights principles, and stay up-to-date with modern technology. He also announced plans to draft a dedicated law for the public prosecution, providing a legal framework for their duties.

In conclusion, President Barzani congratulated the graduates and expressed his gratitude to the Judicial Institute for its crucial role in preparing the new judicial officers. He wished them success and urged them to become exemplars of a modern, independent, and trustworthy judiciary.

The ceremony was a significant milestone for the Kurdistan Region, marking the graduation of a new generation of judges and prosecutors committed to upholding the rule of law and justice in the region.