UNAMI “Devolution as Part of National Reconciliation” Consultations in Muthanna, Thi-Qar, Missan and Basra Governorates

From 31 March to 5 April 2016, the Office of Political Affairs (OPA) of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) organized a series of Governorate-level consultations on the theme “Devolution as part of National Reconciliation” in Muthanna, Thi-Qar, Missan and Basra governorates.

These consultations are a follow-up to the national conference held in September 2015 in Baghdad and were aimed at soliciting views on expectations from devolution, and potential solutions to overcome challenges during the implementation of the devolution of powers in the governorates.

Participants in the governorate-level consultations included current and former Provincial Council members and Civil Society representatives. Participants outlined a number of concerns as well as ideas that will be shared by UNAMI with the Government of Iraq in support of the Decentralization process.

The consultations are being organized as part of UNAMI’s project, “Supporting the Council of Representatives in Enacting Key Legislation and promoting national co-existence”, which is funded by Germany and Netherlands. OPA will continue the governorate-level consultations in other governorates across Iraq.