Working institutional summary — November 2026. This account describes CINMENA’s stated activities and plans. Proposed courts, host arrangements, and future institutional structures should not be understood as already operational or formally recognized.

Mission and purpose

The Confederation of Indigenous Nations of the Middle East and North Africa (CINMENA) brings Indigenous nations, tribal communities, and representative bodies together to advance collective rights, self-determination, human rights, cultural protection, and access to justice. It coordinates common resolutions, legal initiatives, consultations, and international engagement while recognizing the distinct identities and decision-making authority of participating nations.

Institutional development

Original mandate: Congress of Nations and States

CINMENA’s initial planning work included preparing proposed cases for a Congress of Nations and States tribunal and drafting associated treaty provisions and resolutions.

2023: Nations International Criminal Tribunal (NICT)

In 2023, CINMENA shifted its principal institutional focus toward drafting and seeking ratification of the Charter of the Nations International Criminal Tribunal (NICT). CINMENA was organized to serve as a Council of Nations coordinating efforts to establish the proposed tribunal. Charter work, ratification, and the establishment of an operational tribunal are distinct stages.

November 2023: Ezidikhan Court for International Crimes (ECIC)

CINMENA began work on the proposed Ezidikhan Court for International Crimes (ECIC) code in November 2023, reportedly with the approval of the then Government of Ezidikhan. CINMENA’s continuing work concerns the court’s proposed legal framework, institutional planning, and possible operating arrangements.

2025–2026: Council of Nations

CINMENA reports that a Council of Nations was established in 2025 and served an initial one-year term. Nallein Sowilo reports that new council members were approved on November 3, 2026. The transition chronology and membership record remain to be documented in the Confederation’s official records.

Current work

Judicial planning and host-state dialogue

CINMENA continues planning related to NICT and ECIC. It reports engagement with authorities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region regarding possible host arrangements, offices, and cooperation in implementing relevant resolutions. Such discussions do not, by themselves, establish that binding host-state agreements have been concluded.

Human rights documentation

Its work includes consultation with Indigenous leaders, human rights interviews, and the preparation of reports and documentation potentially relevant to future proceedings before NICT or ECIC. Where jurisdiction permits, records may also inform cases before national courts in Europe, including United Kingdom courts exercising applicable universal or other jurisdiction. Evidentiary handling and legal admissibility are matters for the relevant authorities and courts.

Cooperation among Indigenous nations

CINMENA provides a forum for participating nations and tribal representatives to share concerns, formulate common positions, and develop collective initiatives, while preserving their own traditions and representative structures.

Future priorities

  • Continue the legal and institutional development of NICT and ECIC, including charter and code work, consultations, and potential host arrangements.
  • Develop IJAL, under the renewed Council of Nations, with the stated intention that it eventually become a separate institution. Its full name, mandate, and organizational status remain to be confirmed.
  • Improve procedures for Indigenous leadership interviews, human rights reporting, documentation, and preservation of evidence.
  • Seek participation, subject to applicable procedures, in OHCHR activities and United Nations forums dealing with Indigenous peoples and minority rights.
  • Advocate for the self-determination and autonomy rights of Ezidikhan and other Indigenous nations.
  • Develop cooperation with tribal authorities, Indigenous organizations, legal experts, civil society partners, and governments.

Working with Indigenous nations

CINMENA seeks ongoing dialogue with Indigenous nations and tribal governments about participation, representation, common resolutions, and cooperation in international legal and diplomatic initiatives. Questions concerning council membership, voting, formal authority, and the legal status of proposed institutions should be answered from adopted constitutional and institutional instruments.

Editorial note: This summary is based on a November 2026 account of CINMENA’s activities and proposed plans. It is a working statement, not a substitute for adopted charters, enacted codes, ratification records, or signed host agreements.