Normative Pressure via Legal and Moral Framing

Conducts advocacy to strengthen international peace and security through nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control, grounded in diplomacy, the rule of law, and multilateral cooperation. Engages in high-level forums including the United Nations, U.S. Congress, and international conferences to promote a world free of nuclear weapons.

Builds institutional capacity by incubating and supporting global legislative and diplomatic networks focused on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, including Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, the Middle Powers Initiative, and the Bipartisan Security Group. Facilitates network development and programmatic growth.

Produces research and analysis on nuclear disarmament, including policy briefing papers, final reports from expert consultations (e.g., Geneva and Atlanta Consultations), and analysis of international legal pathways toward a nuclear weapons ban. Hosts dialogues and publishes findings to inform global policy debates.

Engages in policy advocacy aimed at reducing the global stockpiles and proliferation of nuclear materials.

Produces and submits shadow reports and submissions to international human rights bodies including the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to advocate for policy changes protecting LGBT+ rights in Iraq. Submissions date back to 2015, with recent reports submitted in 2019 and 2024.

Creates and disseminates practical resources including a Safety and Security Guide, a legal guide detailing Iraqi laws affecting LGBT+ citizens, a sexual health guide, and a security guide updated after the passage of anti-LGBT+ legislation. These materials provide actionable strategies for personal safety, legal awareness, and health education.

Conducts regular diplomatic meetings with embassies, international missions, and policy delegations to advance LGBT+ rights in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Co-leads regional summits such as the Qawsuna Summit and participates in the Arc Summit to convene stakeholders and policymakers on urgent regional challenges facing LGBT+ communities.

Partners with Reed Smith LLP (and Reed Smith law firm) to explore international legal avenues to challenge Iraq’s anti-LGBT+ legislation, including assessing potential measures under international law.

Implements a mentorship program that trains emerging activists in leadership, advocacy, and security. In 2024, five mentees were trained and led community workshops. The program includes intensive training sessions and supports regional knowledge exchange with NGOs in Egypt, Lebanon, and other countries operating in hostile environments.

Conducts and publishes original research on systemic violence, legal discrimination, and media narratives affecting LGBT+ individuals in Iraq. Key publications include "CRIMINALIZED EXISTENCE," a baseline study on LGBT+ rights, reports on anti-LGBT+ legislation, media's role in violence, and co-published studies with Human Rights Watch and OutRight Action International documenting abuses and lived realities of LBT+ women.

Produces and publishes blogs, radio episodes (in Arabic with Kurdish and English transcripts), animated videos, and social media campaigns to combat stereotypes, increase visibility, and educate the public about LGBT+ identities and experiences in Iraq. Content is available in Arabic, Kurdish, and English to maximize accessibility.

Conducts community organizing initiatives and public outreach to advance peace, nuclear disarmament, arms control, and human rights.

Produces and disseminates educational materials on non-violent conflict resolution, nuclear disarmament, arms control, human rights, and alternatives to militarism for the public, activists, and policymakers.

Administered the Kay Camp Fellowships, a capacity-building initiative supporting emerging leaders in peace and disarmament work, in 2023.

Collaborated with the Stop Killer Robots Campaign to advance a treaty banning autonomous weapons at UN and international conferences, and monitored the UN Programme of Action on illicit small arms trade as part of ongoing advocacy efforts in 2023 and 2024.

Participated in the Second Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and intercessional meetings, coordinated civil society action, and provided reporting and analysis for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Preparatory Committee in 2023 and 2024.

Analyzed the UN Secretary-General's Agenda for Peace and contributed to policy development for the Summit for the Future and the UN Pact for the Future through research and advocacy inputs in 2023 and 2024.

Provided administrative support including budget management, payroll, benefits, bookkeeping, human resources, and compliance reporting for organizational programs and staff in 2024.