United Nations in Iraq

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Iraq:

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Publication

10 July 2024

United Nations in Iraq | Annual Results Report 2023

The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Iraq, composed of 23 UN Agencies, Funds and Specialized Programmes, is dedicated to supporting Iraq’s journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Guided by the principle of Leaving No One Behind, the UNCT, under the leadership of the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, employs evidence-based actions and specialized expertise to enhance the lives and livelihoods of all Iraqis, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable and marginalized communities.
The operational blueprint of the UNCT is encapsulated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2020–2024, which lays out the shared development objectives of the UN in Iraq. This framework is pivotal, outlining five strategic priorities ranging from achieving social cohesion, protection and inclusion to promoting natural resource management and climate change resilience. The overall aim is to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth and efficient institutional services.
Integrating the humanitarian, development and peace nexus within its collective work, the UNCT is aligned with Iraq’s Vision 2030, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Vision for the Future and the National Development Plan, among other strategic documents. This synergy ensures that the UN’s efforts are harmonized with national priorities and strategies, marking a transition from humanitarian assistance to sustainable development and peacebuilding, firmly rooted in the commitment to leave no one behind.

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17 October 2024

Message from SRSG Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan on the Kurdistan Regional Parliamentary Elections

Where the people of this Region will be going to the polls on Friday and Sunday to exercise their right to elect their representatives in the new regional parliament.It is a political representation of the people of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for the coming four years.It will reinvigorate democracy and inject new ideas into its institutions that will address the people’s concerns.This is all too necessary. The Kurdistan Region has been without a parliament for some times. This election is long overdue.Elections are an important milestone in the Region’s journey. I visited the Kurdistan Region for the first time after assuming my position as Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Iraq and Head of UNAMI.The Kurdistan Region today is a different region from what it was decades ago.I was very impressed by the development and the progress that I have witnessed so far.I am certain many challenges might remain.However, Kurdistan is on the right path towards a better future.Now it is the opportunity to mark that path. The election campaign concluded this week. Rallies by political parties and candidates were overall peaceful. This is a true spirit of a democratic process.We encourage the nearly 3 million eligible voters in this part of Iraq, namely in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk and Halabja to go out and vote.We cannot reiterate enough the importance of exercising this right, which so many fellow Kurds have paid the heavy price to ensure it is safeguarded for generations to come.We would like to thank the Independent High Electoral Commission for all the preparatory work to make this election a free, fair and transparent one.UNAMI is supporting IHEC through its electoral team’s technical expertise and advice.IHEC has put in place measures and mechanisms to address complaints and any potential problem.International and local partners are also participating in the observation process for the elections.And we look forward to successful Election Days on the 18th and 20th October. Make your voices heard and your opinions count. Vote!Thank you very much.

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20 November 2024

UN Iraq Special Representative commends population census in Iraq

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, commended today the conduct of the first population census in Iraq in 37 years, stressing its importance for future development plans and projects in the country.This came during a visit with His Excellency Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to the Operations Center for the Population Census at the Ministry of Planning, where the Prime Minister and the SRSG were briefed in detail about the process today and tomorrow as well as the methods of data collection and updates. Present at the briefing was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Dr. Mohammed Tamim.Dr. Al Hassan lauded the conduct of the process and the huge government efforts to make it a success. "This is a historic phase for Iraq. What we have witnessed today are important steps for the future of Iraq. This census is aimed towards development. The progress of states depends primarily on census. The professionalism we have seen today confirms confidence in the process and the seriousness in its implementation, with UNFPA’s technical cooperation."Dr. Al Hassan appreciated the efforts of staff working on the ground and UNFPA’s advice and technical assistance to make the process a success. He urged everyone to participate and cooperate for the benefit of Iraq and its people.“This census is to ensure rights, access to public services, the equitable distribution of resources among different regions, and planning based on scientific and modern criteria. On my behalf and on behalf of the United Nations, we congratulate you and wish you success for a better Iraq.”

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05 December 2024

UNAMI Human Rights Office training on “Enhancing Advocacy and Technical Knowledge of civil society organizations to end Violence against Women and Girls and Women's Rights”

4 December 2024 – Dohuk: The Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) organized one-day training on “Enhancing Advocacy Skills and Technical Knowledge of civil society organizations to end Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Women's Rights”. The event was organized as part of the 16 Days of Activism on Violence against women and Girls under the 2024 theme of ‘UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.’ Seventeen participants (13 female and 4 male) from Dohuk attended the event which aimed at enhancing the technical capacity of women's rights organizations and activists by deepening their knowledge of key international human rights standards relevant to violence against women and girls. The training focused on enhancing capacity of CSO in protecting women and girls from violence in accordance with the international human rights framework and developing participants’ advocacy skills for protecting women and girls from violence.

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Press Release

05 December 2024

Progress in Basra’s Informal Settlements Spotlighted: Offering Inspiration for Sustainable Urban Development in Iraq

Implemented by UN-Habitat in collaboration with local partners and the Basra Governorate, the project has already delivered 90% of its planned objectives, significantly transforming the lives of residents in Kubiya, Al Ahrar, and Jurf Al Melah informal settlements.The project began in 2021 under challenging circumstances, as part of the European Union’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq. Its initial focus was to improve basic living conditions for vulnerable populations, ensuring they could survive the pandemic and recover from its socio-economic impacts. Mr.David Healy, Deputy Ambassador and Head of Political Section of the EU Delegation to Iraq, reflected, “This project started in an emergency context, integrating the European Union’s efforts to address the COVID-19 crisis in Iraq, helping people and places respond to the challenges imposed by the pandemic and strengthening their capacity to recover. To witness so many improvements since 2021 gives us certainty that Basra has today the capacity to develop better than it had before the pandemic. It serves as an example for all of Iraq on how sustainable urban development, socio-economic recovery, and improved management capacities can be effectively integrated.”In the past nine months alone, critical investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure have directly improved living conditions for 20,790 residents. The provision of reliable clean water and sanitation facilities, coupled with the ongoing construction of 7.55 km of roads, has enhanced connectivity to services and reduced chronic issues such as flooding with sewage water. Residents in these areas have reliable drinking water supply and protection from seasonal flooding that once disrupted daily life.A notable achievement underlined at the meeting was the development of the Basra GeoPortal Platform, a cutting-edge data tool that maps underserved areas and guides evidence-based urban planning. Local authorities now rely on the platform to prioritise interventions in informal settlements effectively. Mr. Haider Toama, Mayor of Shatt Al Arab district, lauded the initiative, saying, “Tailored solutions like this demonstrate how informed planning can immediately benefit residents and create a roadmap for good governance across Iraq. It brings us pride to know that Basra now occupies this leading position. We are committed to collaborating with all means available to ensure that the benefits of this initiative are sustained for the long term.”.The meeting also reviewed the project’s legislative impact. High-level policy dialogues have catalysed the drafting of a National Law on Informal Settlements in Iraq, aimed at formalising access to basic rights and urban services for vulnerable populations. Once enacted, this law promises to extend Basra’s progress into a nationwide model for equitable urban development.Mr Muslim Qazimi, Head of the UN-Habitat Iraq Programme, reflected on the project’s far-reaching implications: “Thanks to EU support and strong collaboration with Basra authorities, we are not only solving immediate challenges but also creating systems that ensure sustainable urban development, making sure no one and no place is left behind. Basra’s achievements inspire the potential for national transformation. Together, we aim to address the challenges of sustainable urban planning, improve environmental conditions, and enhance services for Basra’s underserved neighbourhoods, especially in informal settlements.”Equally transformative are the project’s vocational training programmes, developed in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Six hundred unemployed men and women have been trained in skills such as sustainable construction techniques, solar energy maintenance, and waste management. These competencies meet local labour market demands while promoting climate-resilient practices, creating better opportunities for long-term employment and environmentally friendly practices.Ms Maha Kattaa, Head of ILO’s Iraq Country Programme, noted, “This initiative equips individuals with skills to not only secure livelihoods but also to lead sustainable change. The implementation of the ‘Procedures Manual for Employment Departments’ in Basra showcases a replicable framework for employment services that can strengthen labour markets across Iraq.”The meeting concluded with an announcement of a milestone celebration: the opening of Al Ghadeer Park in Jurf Al Melah on 5 December. The park will serve as a community hub, reflecting the project’s emphasis on creating inclusive and sustainable urban public spaces that promote health and well-being.As the project moves towards its completion in June 2025, the progress shared at the meeting underscores the potential for innovative, collaborative approaches to address urban challenges across Iraq, leveraging Basra’s experience as a role model for urban sustainable development. MORE INFORMATIONJuan Valles Robles | Project Manager email: juan.vallerobles@un.org Ana Paes | Communication Officeremail: ana.paes@un.org

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Press Release

03 December 2024

16 Days of Activism: Iraq Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Safety and Empowerment

The event brought together government officials, international community, and civil society to review progress and identify gaps in efforts to protect women and girls. Dr. Yousra Kareem Mohsin, Director-General of the National Directorate for Iraqi Women, highlighted that prioritizing women’s safety is central to national prosperity, stating, “Investing in women’s protection is not just a moral obligation; it is the foundation of a thriving and resilient society. Additionally, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Dr. Othman Al-Juhaishi, emphasized the empowerment of women through principles rooted in Islamic teachings, highlighting the importance of justice, equality, and dignity in fostering women’s leadership and protection.Najma Khan, representing the United Nations in Iraq and delivering opening remarks on behalf of UN Women, UNOCT, and UNFPA as part of a One UN approach, highlighted the critical role of addressing violence against women in advancing Iraq’s development goals. She highlighted UN Women’s support for women-led peacebuilding initiatives, UNOCT’s efforts to integrate the unique challenges faced by women and girls into counter-terrorism strategies, and UNFPA’s continued commitment to providing safe spaces for women and girls affected by violence across Iraq. She noted, “Ending violence against women is not the responsibility of any single entity—it requires the collective will of governments, communities, and individuals”.The National Directorate for Iraqi Women also provided a detailed presentation on its achievements in advancing protection mechanisms and addressing violence against women and girls. The presentation underscored the importance of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to safeguarding women’s rights and enhancing their access to essential services. Furthermore, UNFPA highlighted the role of Iraq’s national census in identifying gaps in services and enabling targeted interventions for women and girls across the country. This data-driven approach will support evidence-based policy and programming, ensuring resources are directed to the most vulnerable populations in Iraq.The 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls is an annual global campaign that runs from November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. This year’s campaign in Iraq aligns with the country’s broader development priorities, including the forthcoming Iraqi National Action Plan III on Women, Peace, and Security, ensuring women’s protection remains a national priority.

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Press Release

03 December 2024

Create a platform to promote sustainable employment, hosting a job fair in Basra

Tuesday, 3 December 2024 - The International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the local government and UN-HABITAT, organized a job fair in Basra today, bringing together over 300 young graduates from ILO training programs, the fair connected participants with potential employers, resources, and knowledge, fostering economic growth through skill integration and enhancing resilience in the workforce. With the participation of more than 20 companies and stakeholders from the Directorate of Labour, the local government, and the Chamber of Industry, the event underscored the power of collaboration in addressing unemployment and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Hassan Al-Najjar, Deputy Governor of Basra for Labour and Social Affairs, Dr. Maha Kattaa, ILO Iraq Country Coordinator, and Muslim Qazimi, Head of the UN-HABITAT Iraq Program, alongside key partners and stakeholders. Among the activities featured were awareness sessions on the new Social Security Law, empowering youth with knowledge about their workplace rights and protections and highlighting how this law provides private-sector workers with benefits comparable to those in the public sector. The fair also showcased access to finance opportunities through MOLSA’s financial programs, supporting both career aspirations and entrepreneurial ambitions, while financial education session equipped attendees with knowledge about the programme and applying instructions Additionally, career guidance session offered practical support using ILO manuals, focusing on career development and working in the green economy. Dr. Maha Kattaa emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating that the ILO is deeply committed to empowering youth with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce, connecting them with opportunities, and building the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous Iraq. Deputy Governor Hassan Al-Najjar highlighted the critical role of partnerships between government entities, international organizations, and the private sector, underscoring how collaboration creates pathways to employment and economic growth, giving young people the opportunities they deserve. Muslim Qazimi praised the event’s alignment with UN-HABITAT’s mission, stating, "UN-HABITAT is committed to creating sustainable cities by enhancing access to services, opportunities, and employment. Events like this job fair are crucial for empowering youth, strengthening urban resilience, and fostering long-term socioeconomic growth in Basra."This initiative is part of the EU-funded project "Increasing Access to Employment Opportunities for Vulnerable Urban Population in Basra City in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis," implemented by UN-HABITAT Iraq in collaboration with the ILO.

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Press Release

02 December 2024

The Legislative Drafting Committee Discusses Updating Animal Health Legislation

Baghdad, Iraq, 2 December 2024: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Iraq and the Iraqi Ministries of Agriculture and Health held two meetings dedicated to discussing updating animal health legislation to be in line with international reference standards, as well as to address legislative overlaps between the Public Health Law and the Animal Health Law.During the third in-person meeting of the Legislative Drafting Committee for Animal Health Law in Iraq, FAO in Iraq, in cooperation with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), and in coordination with the Legislative Drafting Committee reviewed the regulatory framework governing animal health in Iraq and align it with international standards and best practices.The committee comprises members from the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Health, and Agriculture & Water Resources and representatives of the Kurdistan government, in addition to members from the Veterinary Syndicate, the Border Ports Authority, the Council of State, and the Parliamentary Committee for Agriculture, Water Resources and Marshlands Affairs.This meeting falls within the framework of the ongoing series of meetings of the Committee, which aim to discuss specialized topics related to the alignment of the legislative framework with international standards and best practices as documented by the World Organization for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This specific meeting focused on topics related to the private veterinary medical sector and animal markets.It is worth noting that this national consultative process for legal review is the first of its kind. It is based on the successful completion of the first phase of the program, where the Iraqi government adopted recommendations for major legislative improvements to resolve overlaps in combating animal diseases.In a parallel context, during the second meeting of the Joint Working Committee between the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, the legislative overlaps between Public Health Law No. 89 of 1981 and Animal Health Law No. 32 of 2013 were also discussed. A table of articles containing legislative overlaps was prepared by the legal team of the project with members of the Committee formed by Ministerial Order No. 27423 on 6/26/2024. During this meeting, the door was opened for dialogue between the committee members to discuss the agenda and clarify the operational methods taken in addressing the legislative overlaps between the Public Health and Animal Health Laws on the ground, and to develop proposed framework for sorting out this overlap. These meetings come within the framework of the project "Strengthening Veterinary Legislation in Iraq and Expanding the Scope of Providing Animal Health Services and Disease Surveillance", funded by the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), which aims to strengthen animal disease surveillance systems in Iraq.Dr. Salah Al-Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Iraq, inaugurated the two meetings, stressing the importance of working to develop the Iraqi legislative framework regarding animal health and veterinary services and its relationship to achieving food security in Iraq in general. He also stressed FAO's commitment to providing support for updating legislation of animal health laws to comply with international standards followed by the World Organization. He also stressed the importance of the Kurdistan Regional Government's participation in this very important endeavor.

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Press Release

01 December 2024

BEIT project set to drive decent work and affordable housing in Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq (ILO News) – 27 November 2024 – The Ministry of Planning (MoP), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), UN-Habitat, and the International Trade Centre (ITC), hosted the first Steering Committee Meeting of the Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT) Towards Decent Work and Affordable Housing in Iraq project, funded by the European Union (EU).The BEIT initiative promotes inclusive economic growth by creating decent work opportunities and improving access to affordable housing across Iraq. It aligns with Iraq’s national development strategies, addressing pressing challenges such as unemployment and housing shortages. During the meeting, stakeholders reviewed progress achieved during the inception phase and discussed plans for 2025 implementation.During his speech, Dr. Mohamed Mohsen Al Sayed, the Director General of Local and Regional Development Directorate, at the Ministry of Planning, stated: “This project is one of the fruits of Iraq's cooperation with the European Union and the United Nations Agencies, aligning with Iraqi priorities in the housing sector, job creation, and private sector development. The initiative will establish a scalable housing model, which will be piloted in Anbar and Mosul, where 200 units are planned for construction. Additionally, the technical cooperation will focus on capacity-building interventions across various aspects and contribute to the development of a national housing policy, informed by the positive indicators emerging from the population and housing census that was recently implemented.”

Lennart Derrider, Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Iraq, highlighted the EU’s support, saying: “The project has taken concrete steps to uphold decent work standards and tackle child labour. It is laying the groundwork for the development of a National Housing Policy and is strengthening Iraq’s business eco-system in the construction sector.”The country representatives of the three implementing UN agencies, Mr. Muslim Qazimi (UN-Habitat), Mr. Eric Buchot (ITC), and Dr. Maha Kattaa (ILO), gave an overview of progress to date, and presented the planned next steps for the Steering Committee’s approval. They jointly emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, highlighting the commitment of UN-HABITAT, ITC and ILO to the project’s multi-disciplinary and inclusive approach in technical support and technical assistance, as well as the commitment to tackling Iraq’s housing shortage while creating meaningful employment opportunities through private sector engagement and the empowerment of SMEs.They underscored the need for collaboration during the pilot phase in providing affordable green housing, enhancing trade performance and fostering job creation. It was anticipated that the Project Steering Committee would ensure strategic alignment to deliver affordable, impactful, sustainable eco-friendly solutions that integrate policy, trade facilitation, investment mobilization, and climate-resilient housing development with decent green jobs. Project Managers from the three agencies then provided detailed updates on the project’s achievements so far. BEIT partners provided insights into progress made during the inception phase and outlined collaborative strategies planned for 2025. Key elements of progress in 2024 included: commencement of the development of an updated national housing policy commenced design of green affordable housing units established a technical working group with international housing finance expertscontinued road map process for establishment of a national public works programmeinitiated labour governance reforms addressing child labour, inclusiveness, safe workplaces and dialogue among social partners capacity building for partnerscompleted two construction market surveys on supply and demand sidesestablished collaborations and partnershipscommenced development of sustainable construction curriculum.The project emphasizes collaboration across multiple sectors to ensure equitable access to employment and housing, focusing on vulnerable communities to promote inclusivity.Questions were then taken from Steering Committee members, focusing on issues around the initiative’s implementation strategies, ensuring equitable access, and addressing the specific needs of vulnerable communities. Attention was highlighted to supporting Iraq’s marginalized and vulnerable populations, ensuring that the initiative fosters sustainable solutions for equitable economic growth.The meeting concluded with a commitment from all partners to advance BEIT’s objectives and ensure tangible outcomes for Iraq’s communities in 2025 and beyond. Through BEIT, Iraq is taking a significant step toward building a more inclusive and sustainable future for its people.

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