UNAMI Supports Iraq to Prepare for the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights Obligations

UPR is a newly-introduced global mechanism under the Human Rights Council (HRC) which was created by the UN General Assembly in March 2006 as an inter-governmental body within the UN system made up of 47 States responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.  Through the UPR, national human rights reports submitted by both governments and NGOs are presented for expert review in an international forum. Iraq will be examined for the first time under this mechanism during early 2010. 

To empower the country\'s UPR effort, UNAMI HRO is working to strengthen cooperation between different levels of Iraqi society on critical human rights issues. This workshop trained civil society organizations to work in partnership with governmental institutions to meet Iraq’s human rights reporting obligations. Twenty-five nongovernmental organizations participated, covering all parts of the country and a range of Iraq\'s human rights issues. The event concluded with the adoption of a strategic work plan to prepare the civil society report. Together with the government’s report, this will form the basis for the Iraqi UPR submission.

UNAMI continues to stress respect for human rights in Iraq - particularly for vulnerable and minority groups - and compliance with international human rights obligations as a fundamental precursor to healthy nationhood.