This report is meant to provide an overview and provide background information on the tribal dynamics and structures in Iraq as well the major tribal practices and dispute settlement mechanisms applied by the Arab Muslim Iraqi tribes, mainly in western/central and southern areas of the country.
It provides information on tribal (customary) law in Iraq, tribal practices, and tribal interaction with Iraqi formal law as well as the Iraqi state’s response towards tribes and tribal practices in Arab Muslim contexts. Furthermore, the report provides information on certain aspects of how women are impacted by tribal practices, and tribal responses to Christian conversion and perceived ISIL affiliation. Lastly, aspects of tribal violence that have a civilian and security dimension are addressed: causes, impact on the security situation, and the State’s ability to respond to tribal feuds.
The reference period for the report is January 2021 to 23 March 2023. The drafting of this report was finalised on 6 April 2023.