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07 February 2023
Health promotion, awareness, early detection, and adequate treatment: ingredients for lowering the burden of Cancers and saving lives
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Speech
06 February 2023
UN Secretary-General Message on the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
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Press Release
05 February 2023
UN in Iraq condemns the killing of Tiba al-Ali and calls on all parties to protect women and girls from violence
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals 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:
Story
19 December 2022
UNAMI Human Rights Office celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities
UNAMI Human Rights Office organized an event to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities by the United Nations General Assembly.
The last of the series of five roundtable discussions about the importance of strengthening the protection of minority rights in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region which started in October also held alongside the celebration. The roundtable discussion centered on the 2022 “Review, Rethink and Reform” theme of the Declaration’s 30th anniversary, encouraging review of the existing mechanisms and legal frameworks, rethinking the role of human rights defenders in promoting the human rights of minorities, and reform of the Declaration’s protection and implementation framework.
A total of 50 participants (15 women and 25 men, and 10 children) from Iraq’s diverse ethno-religious components, along with their family members, participated in the event. The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Human Rights, Mr. Zidan Atouan and representatives of the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) also attended the event. The event also featured cultural dance by children and music from diverse minority communities.
“Today marks the thirty-year anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. The Declaration is of relevance in Iraq, which is one of the world’s most diverse countries with respect to its cultural, ethnic and religious heritage”, said Danielle Bell, Chief, Human Rights Office, United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and Representative, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Iraq, in her opening remarks.
Recommendations made by the participants included coordination of collective efforts to counter hate speech, implementation of the provisions of the Iraqi National Human Rights Plan concerning component groups, curriculum reform and the enactment of relevant legislation concerning diversity protection and anti-discrimination. The outcome of the discussions will be shared with the Government.
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Story
06 December 2022
Human Rights Office Hosts Panel of Experts to Discuss Institutional and Legal Reform to Enhance the Protection of Women and Girls
Within the framework of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the UNAMI Human Rights Office organized a high-level panel of experts that brought together attorneys, judges, civil society activists and human rights defenders to discuss institutional and legal reform to enhance the protection of women and girls. The panel included the following experts who renewed calls for accountability to counter violence against women :
-Judge Sahar Haidar, a Domestic Violence Prosecutor in the Criminal Court of Karkh, who discussed the functioning and gaps in the work of the Domestic Violence Courts and Family Protection Units;
-Dr. Bushra Al-Obaidi, a recognized expert in international criminal law and Professor of Law at Al Rafidain University College, who presented recommendations on how to improve the institutional framework for domestic violence cases; and
-Amal Al-Sajr, a Women’s Rights Attorney, who spoke about her experience representing female victims in over 200 domestic violence cases.
Danielle Bell, the Chief United Nations Human Rights Officer in Iraq, in her opening remarks encouraged the Government of Iraq to “rigorously pursue accountability for gender-based crimes, including domestic violence”. She highlighted that “the absence of specific legal provisions criminalizing domestic violence is a key factor accounting for its high prevalence throughout Iraq”. She further noted that “Article 41 of the Penal Code gives the right of husbands to ‘discipline’ their wives, thereby transforming acts of criminal violence into mere family disputes”.
During the panel discussion, participants discussed various institutional reforms, including facilitating access of women and girls to Family Protection Units. Experts discussed provisions in Iraqi law that have a negative impact on women, including Article 41 of the Penal Code, which shields men from prosecution for any act that constitutes a punishment of his wife, and Article 409 of the same law, which mitigates the sentence of men convicted for so-called “honour killings.” Panelists highlighted how these gaps in protection discriminate against women.
Dr. Bushra Al-Obaidi noted that “the most violent weapon employed when committing violence against women is the law or legislation”. She highlighted numerous laws that “contribute to discrimination and justify violence against women, promoting a culture of impunity”.
Participants proposed a series of reforms needed to combat this culture of impunity, including repealing Articles 41 and 409 of the Penal Code. Judge Sahar Haidar cited the need to increase the number of Family Protection Units. Participants called for the adoption of a dedicated Anti-Domestic Violence Law in line with international standards. They also called for facilitating access of survivors and those at risk to services, including shelters and Domestic Violence Courts, in order to further strengthen their protection and guarantee the full spectrum of their rights in Iraq.
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Story
28 November 2022
UN DSRSG/RC/HC for Iraq, Mr. Ghulam Isaczai, visit to Anbar Governorate
Reintegrating displaced Iraqi families is a key priority for the Government of Iraq, and the UN in Iraq. UNDP’s Community-based Reconciliation and Reintegration in Iraq Project has supported the return of displaced Iraqis to four locations in Anbar, Salah al-Din, & Ninewa.
Today UN DSRSG/RC/HC for Iraq Mr. Ghulam M. Isaczai visited Anbar Governor Mr. Ali Farhan to discuss joint efforts to encourage reintegration in Anbar. He also met with the Habbaniyah Local Peace Committee, led by Mayor Mr. Ali Dawood, to discuss the committee’s support, which has seen the return of 524 families to the area since the Local Peace Agreement of January 2021.
The DSRSG/RC/HC was impressed with the efforts of the local government and Local Peace Committee, including strong UN support toward reintegration. A fruitful discussion included an exchange of successful experiences, touching on challenges related to livelihoods and long-term support of the returnees.
He visited the Vocational Training Centre in Ramadi, where families and community members participate in livelihoods training in six specialties. At the Al-Mathiq Health Clinic, he met with families perceived to be affiliated with ISIL who have returned to their areas of origin and discussed the hardships they have faced.
UNDP’s fulsome approach to reintegration includes livelihoods training, MHPSS, and housing rehabilitation. The first phase of the Community-based Reconciliation and Reintegration in Iraq Project has been supported by the Government of Japan.
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04 October 2022
Briefing to the UN Security Council, SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert | 4 October 2022
Calls for Iraq’s leaders to overcome their differences, and form a government, have abounded since elections were held a year ago.
Over the past 12 months, we underlined (time and again) the importance of maintaining calm, of maintaining dialogue, constitutional compliance, respect for democratic principles, the unimpeded working of state institutions, and a functioning government to effectively address the legitimate demands for better public services, jobs, security, an end to corruption, and justice and accountability - to name a few.
But regretfully, discord and power play prevailed over a sense of common duty. And as a direct result of protracted political inaction, Iraq experienced some very critical and dangerous hours.
With protests and counter-protests being staged, tensions were on the rise for months. Supporters of political parties, many of whom carry weapons, got increasingly worked up. And one did not need a crystal ball to see where this could lead. Meanwhile, the ordinary Iraqi citizen was being held hostage to an unpredictable and untenable situation.
A dire situation, that culminated on Monday August 29, when the country stood on the brink of total chaos. Political tensions degenerated in armed clashes in the heart of the capital and elsewhere. The sad result: dozens of people killed, and hundreds wounded.
Now, these tragic developments are indisputably the result of the inability of Iraq’s political class to cast the die.
In other words: actors across the spectrum failed to place the national interest first. They left the country in a prolonged impasse, further fuelling already simmering anger.
And while one would expect that recent events would have served as a wake-up call, the harsh reality is that, to date, intra-Shia strife has not abated, nor have Kurdish parties come closer to agreeing on a presidential candidate.
So where do we stand now? The situation remains highly volatile.
After more than two months of paralysis, parliament resumed its sessions last Wednesday, September 28, amid tight (very tight) security measures. These measures, however, did not prevent further incidents, including a number of IDF impacts as well as clashes between protesters and security forces.
To be clear: there is zero justification for violence. Yet in this instance again, many were injured, 11 civilians and more than 120 members of the Iraqi Security Forces - all sons of the country.
And we have not seen the end of it yet. Last night, after three days of rocket attacks, Basra witnessed intense fighting, while smaller incidents were reported in other southern governorates.
Mr. President,
On the first of October, last Saturday, we remembered the victims of the Tishreen demonstrations.
Three years ago, as you recall, Iraqis took to the streets to protest a lack of political, economic and social prospects. It was a mobilisation of an unprecedented scale, and it turned into a tragedy. Several hundreds of Iraqis died, and many more were severely injured, abducted, threatened or intimidated.
As a result of these protests, the previous government stepped down, and early elections were organized, a year ago. In other words, and I said it often: last year’s elections were extremely hard-earned. And with this in mind, the absence of a functioning government 12 months later is hard to justify.
It has to be said that last Saturday, new protests were expected. The hope was that they would be held peacefully. But in the early morning hours, we woke up to another call of our “sense and warn” alarm system. The day was not off to a promising start.
Throughout the day, however, protester numbers remained relatively low. Not because Iraqis are now suddenly content, but because they do not wish to be instrumentalized in the ongoing power struggle - as made abundantly clear by many of those who took to the streets in 2019.
The Iraqi Security Forces demonstrated great restraint in their response, adhering strictly to given orders. But regretfully, some disruptive elements were present on the streets. And I can only reiterate the importance of keeping any protest away from violence. The fact is: the smallest spark can suffice to trigger a major disaster.
Mr. President,
We brought our full support to the National Dialogue under the auspices of Iraq’s Prime Minister. A forum that, so far, convened twice. For this initiative to bear fruit, however, it is crucial that all parties take their seat. I repeat, all parties.
As an aside, it is worth noting that none of the parties were represented by women.
That said, it is also incumbent on all to act responsibly in times of heightened tensions. This means refraining from making provocative statements and feeding into counter-productive, not to say harmful, discourses.
And while I am usually disinclined to air our initiatives publicly, I would like to emphasize our intense engagements during the past months and weeks; from participating in dialogue and holding countless bilateral meetings to drafting roadmaps and conducting shuttle diplomacy in various forms. Believe me, we tried, non-stop.
That said: we do not have a magic wand. Ultimately, it all comes down to political will.
Equally important is the understanding that, at the end of the day, one can only be influential if you accept the influence of others. If only there was a willingness to compromise.
One thing is clear: the persistent and overt lack of trust perpetuates a zero-sum game, a game in which commitment to concrete solutions is being avoided.
Having said this, Mr. President: there are solutions.
Of course, every situation has its own history and idiosyncrasies. But let me be clear: since the elections were held a year ago, all sides - and I mean all sides - made strategic mistakes and miscalculations. More importantly still, they missed many valuable opportunities to resolve their differences. And with risks of further strife and bloodshed still very tangible, dwelling on who did what when is no longer an option.
Hence, it is high time for Iraq’s leaders (all of them) to engage in dialogue, collectively define core Iraqi needs and pull the country back from the ledge.
In other words, all leaders should assume responsibility and return the spotlight where it must be: on the people of Iraq.
Make no mistake, public disillusion is running sky-high. Too many Iraqis have lost faith in the ability of Iraq’s political class to act in the interest of the country and its people. And a continued failure to address this loss of faith, will only exacerbate Iraq’s problems.
Focus is equally important. We have seen the announcement of a plethora of initiatives since the elections in October last year. But too many tracks and too many cooks distract, confuse and blur the picture.
As I said, there are solutions. But for solutions to see daylight, genuine and timely dialogue is essential, including a willingness to compromise.
And yes, it goes without saying: delivering a functioning government is merely the first step to overcoming the current crisis in a sustainable way. A wide range of critical issues must be addressed. Chief amongst them is the adoption of a federal budget, absent which state spending could come to a halt by the end of the year.
And work towards transformative change has to kick off.
Let us face it: since 2003, too many opportunities to conduct meaningful and much needed reform have been wasted. Nearly 20 years on, Iraq’s leaders must acknowledge that systemic change is vital for the country’s future.
Attempts to push through incremental reform, including in the fight against corruption, have failed so far – having been actively undermined or obstructed.
I said it many times, also in your chamber: corruption is a core feature of Iraq’s current political economy, built into everyday transactions. This is not just me saying it. It is widely recognized.
A related feature is Iraq’s reliance on patronage and clientelism. This has resulted in a ballooning, inefficient public sector that functions more as an instrument of political favour than as a servant of the people.
And while Iraq is by no means a poor country, private and partisan interests conspire to divert resources away from critical investment in national development.
What I am saying is: Iraq’s political and governance system ignores the needs of the Iraqi people, or even worse, actively works against them.
Pervasive corruption is a major root cause of Iraqi dysfunctionality. And frankly, no leader can claim to be shielded from it.
Keeping the system “as is” will backfire, sooner rather than later. That said, it is important to frame it as precisely that: a system, rather than a collection of individuals or a series of events.
Mr. President,
As calls for early national elections have become more pronounced, let me elaborate further on this topic.
Besides the obvious benefits for political parties to clarify a number of matters in advance, we emphasized the importance of following established (legal) procedures and mechanisms.
We also made clear that - at this point in time - we would not be able to confirm UNAMI’s ability to assist in new elections, as this would depend on a formal request of the Iraqi Government addressed to your Council, and (of course) subsequent deliberations.
Other questions are also worth raising, for instance:
What are the guarantees that new national elections will not be held in vain once again?
How will Iraqi citizens be persuaded that it is worth casting their vote?
And what reassurances would the international community need for them to support new elections?
Mr. President,
On the topic of elections, we have also actively engaged Kurdistan Region authorities and political parties on several outstanding issues related to the 6th Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections.
These elections were initially scheduled for the first of October, that is, three days ago. To date, however, Kurdistan Region political parties are yet to find common ground, with again the “yellow and green” divide as the single most disruptive factor impeding progress.
In no uncertain terms, we made clear that, here also, we do not have a magic wand. Here also, it comes down to political will. Here also, party leaders should understand that one can only be truly influential if they accept the influence of others. Hence, a willingness to compromise is essential. More generally: monopolizing power breeds instability. That goes for both Iraq as a whole and for the Kurdistan Region.
Now, let me stress the following: the political fallout of not conducting timely Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections, of not properly managing public expectations, of neglecting basic democratic principles, will bear a high cost. And if that were to happen, it would not be for lack of warning.
Hence, we are impatiently waiting for parties to fulfil their many promises and to act in the service of the peoples of the Kurdistan Region.
Mr. President,
Addressing the Council in May, I raised the alarm at Turkish and Iranian shelling in the North having become the “new normal” for Iraq. And with last week’s Iranian attacks, I can now only repeat myself.
These reckless acts, which have devastating consequences, killing and injuring people, must cease.
No neighbour should treat Iraq as its backyard. No neighbour should be allowed to routinely, and with impunity, violate Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Yet it is happening. Time and again.
Mr. President,
On the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives:
We are pleased to see that Iraq’s efforts to reach new witnesses continue unhindered. These witnesses are of great importance to help locate new potential burial sites. Equally important is the contribution of Tripartite Member states through their provision of satellite imagery analysis.
The handover by Iraq on July 4 of additional missing Kuwaiti property, including a historical sword, two historical copies of the Holy Quran, and items belonging to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information, marks another positive step.
It is hoped that, with persistence, determination and commitment from all, more results will soon emerge.
Mr. President,
To conclude my remarks, let me again emphasize the importance of embarking on a path towards political stability. And let me say it once more: there are solutions.
It is in the power of any Iraqi leader to drag the country into a protracted and deadly conflict, as it is in their power to place the national interest first and lift the country out of this crisis.
Thank you, Mr. President.
BTSC
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Publication
06 September 2021
United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework IRAQ (UNSDCF)
For decades, Iraq has suffered political instability caused by armed conflict, waves of internal displacement, and the resulting socio‐economic crises. The decline in the oil prices, on which the Government2is heavily dependent, the proliferation of armed actors operating outside State control, and the COVID‐19 pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. The youth popular uprisings, which started in October 2019, called for improved governance system, meaningful political reforms, economic growth, accountable political institutions and job opportunities.
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Story
02 February 2023
Briefing to the UN Security Council, SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert | 2 February 2023
In May 2003, nearly 20 years ago, the Council adopted Resolution 1483 to chart a way forward for post-Saddam Iraq. Sergio Vieira de Mello was appointed as the Secretary General’s Special Representative, for four months, to help set up UN operations at their early stages.
At the time, he stated: The people of Iraq, as we know only too well, have suffered and have suffered enough. It is time that we all […] come together to ensure that this suffering comes to an end, and that Iraqi people take their destiny into their own hands […].
That same year, mid-August 2003, the Council established the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, UNAMI. A few days later Sergio de Mello and 21 colleagues lost their lives in an attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad. Another 150 colleagues were wounded in the blast. And while they fell victim to the violence they were committed to stop, our work continued. But yes, 2023 will surely be a year of remembrance – in many ways. And I would like to use this opportunity to thank the successive Iraqi governments for the constructive working relationship that they have maintained with the United Nations throughout these two decades.
Madam President,
In the past 4 years, I often said that Iraq’s situation could hardly be judged without placing it in the context of Iraq’s history as decades of trouble continue to impact the present. And this still holds true today. Iraq’s challenges did not arise overnight. And dealing with both the legacy of the past and the many challenges of the present it will take time – no matter who is in the driving seat. It should also be underlined that no government can go it alone. In other words: it is of the greatest importance that political parties and other actors prioritize the country’s interest above all else. At the end of the day, it is and remains a joint responsibility.
Now – as any government will require both time and broad political support to move Iraq forward, let me emphasize the importance of managing public expectations. Overpromising and underdelivering can have dire consequences. And sugar-coating the situation will only add to feelings of frustration and disillusion.
Madam President,
Some three months ago, the Council of Representatives confirmed Iraq’s new President and Government – ending more than a year of tensions, political discord, and power play. Three out of 23 cabinet ministers are women. Needless to say: we eagerly await a further increase of women in decision-making positions. Looking ahead, and as I explained, no one can expect Iraq’s challenges to be resolved overnight, but I’d also like to see the glass half full.
In my most recent briefing to the Council, last October, I emphasized (not for the first time) that, since 2003, too many opportunities to conduct meaningful and much-needed reform have been wasted, while stressing that pervasive corruption is a major root cause of Iraqi dysfunctionality. I made it clear that it is past time to act on several key issues, and that the window to do so is only brief.
In its first three months in office, Iraq’s new government – under the lead of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani – showed its commitment to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the country, including endemic corruption, poor public service delivery and high levels of unemployment.
On the fight against corruption, the government has taken a number of important steps, including with regards to the recovery of stolen funds and the investigation of corruption allegations.
And I can only encourage the Iraqi government to persevere, as those who stand to lose will undoubtedly seek to hinder these efforts. But if Iraq is to build a system that serves the need of society instead of serving a closed community of collusion, then ensuring accountability across the spectrum, is absolutely essential. This means giving no respite to those who extract state resources for private and/or other interests. Moreover, systemic change will prove vital. I spelled it out so many times: throughout the years Iraq’s corruption turned into a system – that is, going beyond a collection of individuals or a series of events.
Ongoing government efforts to improve public service delivery should also be acknowledged. That said, and being mindful of managing public expectations, I would like to recall that effecting meaningful change (that positively impacts the lives of all citizens) it will take time – as this can only happen through structural change that requires systemic, socio-economic reform, stronger institutions and better governance at all levels.
Also, and there is no denying it, delays in much-needed and long-awaited economic, fiscal and financial reform are palpable throughout the country. Most recently, it has been concerning to see the increase in the exchange rate on the parallel market adding to the pressure on everyday Iraqi women and men. On the short-term, it is obviously essential that the federal budget is passed ASAP. A further delay will only result in worsening the situation due to the well-known spending constraints.
Now - on this topic, I would like to (yet again) caution against measures that will result in further bloating Iraq’s public service. Despite the pressing need to address high levels of unemployment, Iraq can simply not afford to add to the burden of an already extremely inflated public sector. And in a related observation, let me reiterate that oil dependency leaves the Iraqi economy more vulnerable to external shocks. Iraq should thus prioritize sustainable economic diversification, including the development of a value-adding, employment-generating private sector.
Madam President,
There are of course many other areas that require the immediate attention of Iraq’s government. From the significant environmental challenges; the importance of energy independence; the continued returns of Iraqi nationals from Al-Hol and other camps and prisons in North-eastern Syria; the need to swiftly implement the Sinjar Agreement; the long-awaited finalization of the Kirkuk-dialogue; the transition from humanitarian response towards durable solutions and development; to issues such as constitutional amendments and substantive progress on security sector reform - to name but a few.
I will certainly report on these issues in future briefings but there’s one more area I would like to mention now. That is, the protection and promotion of human rights, including accountability for human rights violations and abuses. To again quote Sergio Vieira de Mello - before he flew out to Baghdad in 2003: I believe, he said, that respect for human rights is the only solid foundation for durable peace and for development. In line with these words, let me here emphasise that silencing, obstructing, dismissing or undermining constructive criticism achieves one thing only: it tarnishes the image of the State and erodes public trust. Whereas encouraging public discourse enables institutions to flourish and to adapt. Needless to say: genuine commitment to human rights is pivotal to any country, including Iraq.
Madam President, turning to Baghdad-Erbil relations. The government programme expressed commitment to resolve outstanding issues between the federal and the Kurdistan Regional Governments, including legislating the oil and gas law within six months.
Some initial steps have been taken to this end, including a number of high-level visits and the creation of joint technical committees. Dynamics were generally described as positive, and that is a good thing. Yet a structured dialogue, which remains of great importance to institutionalize relations, such dialogue is still missing. And crucially, these consultations are yet to translate into concrete agreements, including, as mentioned, on the pressing issue of the 2023 federal budget.
All things considered, it is our hope that the recent ruling of the Federal Supreme Court does not stymie ongoing negotiations on the budget. We wish instead that both Baghdad and Erbil remain incentivised to reach a lasting arrangement so as to move away from constant crisis management.
Zooming in on the Kurdistan Region. In my previous briefings, I outlined the risks of political infighting. Regrettably, divisions among ruling parties in the Kurdistan Region continue to have adverse effects on its institutions and its people. It even translated into one coalition party boycotting the cabinet sessions since October.
Last Saturday, a meeting of the parties in Sulaymaniyah offered a glimmer of hope. While this meeting in itself was an important message, I cannot but emphasize the need to act quickly and pragmatically. To be clear: the Kurdistan Region’s political parties cannot afford to lose more time. Hence, swift compromises on outstanding fiscal, administrative, security and electoral disagreements are urgently needed.
On Iraq’s external relations, Madam President, I am pleased to report that the Iraqi government continued its policy of openness and balance, based on mutual interests and also respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and good neighbourliness. And as I stated during the “Baghdad II” conference in Amman on 20 December, I wholeheartedly support Iraq’s Prime Minister in his endeavour to make Iraq a platform for dialogue and investment. That said, Iraq continues to face repeated and destabilising violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
To state the obvious: messaging by strikes does nothing but recklessly heighten tensions, kill people and destroy property. Again, established diplomatic instruments are at everybody’s disposal, also when neighbours are faced with perceived national security threats. For Iraq to further bolster its domestic stability, it is incumbent on us all to help foster an enabling environment.
Madam President,
Anticipating the next speaker, let me just reiterate that Iraq remains one of the most explosive ordnance-contaminated countries in the world. Nationally-led clearance efforts, including national budget allocations, are truly commendable. However, the sector as a whole remains underfunded. Consequently, Iraqi civilians pay the price. In 2022, explosive remnants of war continued to be the leading cause of child casualties in Iraq and caused overall one third of civilian casualties. I can therefore only encourage the international community to continue its support.
Madam President, allow me to turn to the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property - including the national archives. We, of course, highly welcome the steps taken by the Government of Iraq to encourage more witnesses to come forward. We also commend the continuous cooperation of the Members of the Tripartite Commission on the provision of satellite imagery. Both are vital to efforts for the identification of other potential burial sites.
In conclusion, Madam President, I would like to convey both a sense of hope, and a sense of urgency. The hope is that the confirmation of Iraq’s new government will provide an opportunity to structurally address the many pressing issues facing the country and its people. The urgency is for Iraq’s political class to seize the brief window of opportunity it is awarded, and to finally lift the country out of recurring cycles of instability and fragility.
Lastly, allow me to congratulate (once more) Iraq’s national football team for its recent Arabian Gulf Cup victory. It is worth noting that Iraq hosted the tournament for the first time since 1979 – after decades of isolation, violence, strife, and tensions. In my humble opinion, a great testimony to Iraq’s return to normality and its potential to rally not only the nation but also regional partners around a common and positive objective.
Thank you.
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08 January 2023
FAO Iraq continuous Monitoring the Dramatic impact of Climate Changes and water shortage on Agriculture in Southern Iraq's famed Marshlands
Happily, rains recently watered Central and Southern Iraq improving water levels of Marsh areas in Al-Chibayish district, as the levels reached 100-110 cm in the Euphrates basin, and in the marshes. Also, salinity levels decreased to 1500 ppm, which made it possible for people to drink this water, in addition to their animals, (according to the recent records of the Water Resources Department in the district). This has had a great positive impact, especially on buffalo producers. It represents an important shift in their lives after they despaired of water shortage and the drying out of marshes, reaching alarming levels of decline. According to Water Resources Department in Al-Chibayish, last year by end January 2022 water levels reached 22 to 55 cm, while most of marshes have dried up completely.
Today (beginning January 2023), the water levels in the Euphrates marshes have risen to a good level around 100 cm, due to the generous rainfall during the last weeks and the role of the Ministry of Water Resources in increasing the flow of water. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative for Iraq, Dr Salah el hajj Hassan, said: we wish a better year 2023 for our buffalo farmers in the Marshes hoping that the sky continues its generosity with more rains during these days and coming weeks addressing appreciation to the European Union, Swedish Government and the Government of Iraq, noting that FAO called for supporting buffalo farmers in early spring last year while with EU support and in coordination with Ministry of Agriculture and local partners feed and seed support reached more than 5000 buffalo farmers with continues efforts in introducing climate smart and sustainable agricultural practices.
(Photo Credit Caption: Eng. Ayed Sabri Youssef, MOA Extension Officer, Al-Chibayish-2 January 2023)
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11 December 2022
International Human Rights Day 2022
Baghdad, 10 December 2022 – In a nation as richly diverse as Iraq, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is particularly relevant and powerful. Its guarantee of human rights without distinction of nationality, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status, serves to unite Iraqis in their shared aspiration to achieve equality, freedom and human dignity. So, it comes as no surprise that it will gain more traction when it is translated into eight national minority languages.
To mark the launch of a year-long campaign leading up to next year’s 75th anniversary of UDHR and leading up to International Human Rights Day, the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights Iraq, through UNAMI’s Human Rights Office, coordinated the efforts of linguistic experts from across Iraq’s component groups to translate the UDHR’s 30 Articles. These translations into Avesta, Bahdinan, Faili Kurd, Macho, Mandaic, Shabaki, Sumerian and Turkmen are now available online alongside Arabic, Kurdish and Kurmanji.
The translation process took over two years. It brought together community representatives, linguists, translators, academics, other language experts, civil society organizations and human rights defenders. Language required countless hours of discussion, collaboration, and linguistic and legal analysis to capture the meaning and spirit of each individual human right.
The UDHR, proclaimed in 1948, has provided a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations, setting out a broad range of human rights and fundamental freedoms to which everyone, everywhere around the world, are always entitled.
The detailed and careful translation process into the minority languages in Iraq served as a powerful and inclusive means of entrenching the meaning of the universal norms of UDHR into the local communities, and of reinforcing the link between them and the global human rights family.
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09 December 2022
UNAMI Climate Action Hackathon in Basra supports Iraqi youth political engagement with the government on climate change
Iraqi youth supported by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) had the opportunity to present their ideas to the government on how best to tackle climate change. Twenty women and men from seven provinces engaged with government officials, including the minister of youth and sports and the climate as well as youth and sports advisers to the prime minister, at the Second Climate Action Hackathon that was held in Basra on 1-3 December.
Organized by the Office of Political Affairs and Analysis, the Hackathon brought together the youth from the provinces of Basra, Najaf, Baghdad, Thi Qar, Erbil, Sulaimaniya, and Dohuk. Out of more than 100 project submissions, 10 initiatives proposed by the youth were selected for a two-day intense project ideation.
Nine youth groups presented the results - proposals on how they aim to address climate change - to a panel of experts consisting of the Prime Minister's Adviser on Youth and Sports, Dr. Shahba Ahmed al-Azzawi, the Head of the Environmental Department, Dr. Waleed al-Mousawi, and the Head of Basra directorate for Agriculture, Hadi al-Ziyadi. The panel provided the youth groups with feedback on their initiatives and listened to the recommendations and requests for support.
At the closing session on 3 December, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ahmed al-Mubarqaa, highlighted in his address to the participants the importance of youth in building the future of Iraq and promised the continued support of the government to youth and their initiatives. The Prime Minister’s Adviser for Youth, Dr. Qasim al-Zalimi, welcomed the constructive suggestions the youth had made during the hackathon and promised to support concrete and realistic proposals.
To ensure sustainability after the competition, UNAMI will continue to support the development of the youth initiatives, together with the cohort of the First Climate Action Hackathon that took place in Kurdistan Region in 2021, and establish communication channels between the 'Hackathonians' and the Iraqi leadership at both the national and local levels.
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Story
08 December 2022
Protecting and Promoting minorities rights
The Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) held a workshop on “Law No. 5 of (2015) for the Protection of Minorities in the Kurdistan Region: Challenges and Opportunities”. The workshop included 24 participants, including (11 women and 13 men) Baha’is, Chaldean Christians, Assyrians, Armenians, Yazidis, Jews, Kaka’is, Mandaeans, Turkmens, Zoroastrians, in addition to Arabs, as well as the Department of Religious and National Components Affairs in the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region. Iraq, representatives of the Independent Commission for Human Rights, representatives of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, the representative of the Directorate of Ethnic and Religious Minorities, and the Chancellery of the Kurdistan Regional Parliament.
Discussions centered on the laws, mechanisms, policies, and programs put in place by the Kurdistan Regional Government to promote and protect the rights of people belonging to ethnic and religious groups in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Participants also stressed that the KRG, civil society organizations, constituent communities and individuals share a common responsibility to preserve and respect Iraq's diverse national, ethnic, linguistic and religious heritage. Participants also highlighted the need to support the government's efforts to enhance the protection of constituent groups, and the need to consult these groups on future legislative processes to ensure effective participation in public affairs.
This workshop is the fourth out of five workshops that started in October with the aim of increasing awareness and knowledge about the importance of strengthening the protection of minority rights in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as well as stimulating stronger participation of all stakeholders.
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Press Release
07 February 2023
Health promotion, awareness, early detection, and adequate treatment: ingredients for lowering the burden of Cancers and saving lives
Cancers represent the second cause of death in Iraq, the Region, and the world. They have severely impacted the Iraqi society at large and the vulnerable communities in particular, especially in areas where access to equitable and sufficient health care services remains limited amid increasing social and economic risk factors.
Reflecting on the national roles and lead needs to advance cancer treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) attended a celebration organized in Duhok by the Ministry of Health in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The Ministry and WHO renewed commitment to effective cooperation in the fight against cancer and projected mapping urgent responses to critical issues like raising awareness, early detection, registry, and affordability of adequate treatment for different types of cancer.
WHO and the Ministry of Health of the Kurdistan region further agreed to capitalize on awareness raising and educating women on self-examination of breast cancer in addition to studying joint prospects for boosting cancer management projects that could provide the population, including the vulnerable groups of the refugees and internally displaced populations, with equal opportunities to get the earliest diagnosis and treatment possible.
Barween, a 35-year-old wife and mother of 3 children from a village in the northern Erbil governorate of the Kurdistan region, has recently lost a sister after a long fight with breast cancer. Barween’s sister Naveed aged 32 lost the battle due to late diagnosis, rudimentary access to treatment, and metastases to other organs. Barween’s realization of the severity of the consequences of the disease led her to reach out to the Cancer Hospital in Erbil to learn about self-examination and enquire about early detection programmes to help herself and her other 34-years-old sister. She wished it would be simple and effortless for all women in her community to seek early diagnoses and benefit from the best possible care.
”We are working with the Government to change cancers from being serial killers to diseases that can be prevented effectively, diagnosed early, and treated adequately,” said Dr Ahmed Zouiten WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq. “Our commitment towards the national health authorities and the civil society institutions working in this area can create and coordinate a conducive environment for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Let us promote the Day and appeal to our partners and donors to join the call for action to bridge the gap on cancer awareness, detection, and treatment for higher impact in our communities,” Dr Zouiten added.
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Press Release
05 February 2023
UNDP and Government of Iraq hold strategic planning workshop on reintegration in Iraq
The three-day workshop enabled sharing of international best practices and challenges within Iraq, including experiences with reintegration support in the current context, focusing on categories of caseloads requiring a specific approach for reintegration in Iraq, including Iraqi families returning from Al-hol Camp in Syria.
UNDP Iraq Resident Representative, Auke Lootsma, states, “Reintegration is a priority in Iraq, and plays a vital role in strengthening the social fabric of communities. Bringing the key players focused on reintegration into one forum is central to ensuring the advancement of sustainable and effective community reintegration, backed by a national vision to ensure no one is left behind in Iraq.”
Mr. Zidan Khalaf Obaid, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Iraq on Human Rights, highlighted the importance of developing a national plan on reintegration and coexistence, which will strengthen coordination among different partners and ensure efficient implementation of programmes on the ground. He emphasizes, “It is vital that we focus on community acceptance for reintegration, as many families remain stigmatized outside of their communities.”
Dr. Mohammed Tahir Al Tamimi, Director General on Governmental Follow-up and Coordination, Office of the National Security Advisor, states, “This was an important opportunity to bring together reintegration actors and confirm commitment to the return process, psychological rehabilitation, and sustainable reintegration, as well as to discuss priorities for coordination between partners.”
Mr. Ali Abbas Jahankir, Director General of the Branches Department, Ministry of Migration and Displaced, says, “We have discussed solutions and mechanisms toward their implementation, and the importance of involving government and society in solving problems in areas of return, including assistance with psychological and social rehabilitation.”
UNDP’s approach to stability in Iraq includes support to stabilization in liberated areas through rehabilitation of infrastructure and serves, livelihoods creation, strengthening local government capacities, and social cohesion. UNDP supports community readiness for the reintegration for thousands of Internally Displaced Iraqi families, including persons perceived as affiliated with ISIL, who are often women and children.
UNDP Iraq’s five-year Social Cohesion Programme launched in January 2020 to promote stronger, peaceful, and more cohesive communities in all areas of Iraq.
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Press Release
05 February 2023
UN in Iraq condemns the killing of Tiba al-Ali and calls on all parties to protect women and girls from violence
The avoidable death of Tiba is a regretful reminder of the violence and injustice that still exists against women and girls in Iraq today. So-called honour killing and other forms of gender-based violence violate human rights and cannot be tolerated. While some efforts have been taken by state institutions to combat these acts of violence against women, more needs to be done towards prevention, protection and accountability. We urge the Council of Representatives to strengthen the institutional framework, including repealing Articles 41 and Article 409 of Iraq’s penal code, and call for the enactment of a law that explicitly criminalizes gender-based violence, in accordance with international human rights standards, together with improved services for survivors and those at risk.
The United Nations calls on the Government of Iraq to support laws and policies to prevent violence against women and girls, take all necessary measures to address impunity by ensuring that all perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice and the rights of women and girls are protected, so that they can live a life free from violence and discrimination.
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Press Release
03 February 2023
Combatting Transboundary Sand and Dust Storms in Southern Iraq and Kuwait
Iraq is counted among the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change in the World today, and the climate crisis has become a reality, already. Severe heat, droughts and the proliferation of sand and dust storms have a significant impact not only on agriculture and food production, or on Iraq’s economy, but also impacts cities and urban residents directly. Sand and dust storms have become a public health issue in Kuwait and Iraq with increases in respiratory illnesses and even people dying because of these extreme weather events.
The economic burden is equally high: Estimates say that the impact on Kuwait’s economy, alone, exceeds 190 million USD per year, with impacts across the board, including aviation, the oil industry and all types of commercial activities that must be put on hold, while the dust cloud literally takes hostage of the entire country.
The project on Improved Resilience against Transboundary Sand and Dust Storms in Kuwait and Southern Iraq follows a three-pronged approach: It improves the knowledge base and the understanding of the conditions that create sand and dust storms, as well as their impact on human health, and the needed prevention and mitigation measures. Secondly, it makes a substantial effort to restoring ecosystems in the source areas of sand and dust storms. Thirdly and most importantly, it helps to enhance the resilience and capacity of local authorities, and of the most vulnerable communities in Southern Iraq, to adapt to the impact of desertification and to contribute to mitigating the root causes of sand and dust storms.
Dr. Rawia Mahmoud, Director General of the Department of Forestry and Desertification from the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture welcomed this timely project kick-off as “a very successful and important meeting for finding appropriate solutions and diagnosing the causes, including climate change, that is affecting Iraq and Kuwait.” She further added “We are fully prepared to cooperate in the implementation for the purpose of achieving the objectives of this pioneering and developmental project, which will reduce the risk of sand and dust storms and improve environmental conditions in both countries, Iraq and Kuwait.”
Dr. Mohammed Sadeqi from the Kuwait Fund underlined the importance of this project as the first of its kind and added: “The state of Kuwait is the main beneficiary of the projects in terms of health and economic implications caused by sand and dust storms. As this natural occurrence causes multiple health issues as well as takes a significant toll on the Kuwaiti economy due to its effect on the migration of sand dunes on roads, power plants and the oil refineries. The project is expected to significantly improve the living conditions in Kuwait and the region.”
Eng. Wa’El Ashhab, Head of UN-Habitat’s Country Programme in Iraq highlighted “the severe impact of climate change on Iraq and other countries in the region, where drought and water scarcity became a huge challenge to the Government and local authority, this important initiative came as a result of the generous contribution by the Kuwait Fund.” He added “UN-Habitat aims at brining on board other Gulf countries that are affected by sandstorms to expand on the coverage of this regional initiative to combat desertification and reduce the impact of this environmental phenomenon.”
Dr. Ameera Al-Hasan, Head of UN-Habitat’s Country Programme in Kuwait, and UN-Habitat’s representative with the Gulf Cooperation Council emphasized: “The workshop aimed to introduce the project stakeholders and partners to the scope of work and introduce its objectives, as well as to define the role of each entity within the project. This comes as a results of UN Habitat’s prioritization of the harmonization and alignment of efforts to ensure the synergy in implementation, as this project is considered the first of its kind in the Middle East. The project’s collaboration between multiple partners, all who believe in the importance of its proper implementation, ensures to optimize its results in the future, with regards to combatting the effects of climate change globally, as it impacts the inhabitants of urban and coastal cities alike with regards to economic and health implications.”
The project on Improved Resilience against Transboundary Sand and Dust Storms in Kuwait and Southern Iraq will be implemented over the next four years, and is fully funded by the Kuwait Fund with a total budget of 4 million Kuwaiti Dinar.
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Press Release
03 February 2023
FAO conducts awareness workshop for veterinarians on FMD in Ninawa Governorate
The opening session was attended by the FAO Representative in Iraq, the Technical Deputy of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Director of the Veterinary Hospital in Nineveh. Fifty specialists from veterinary dispensaries affiliated to the Nineveh Governorate veterinary hospital attended the workshop.
Dr. Salah El-Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative, said “this workshop is timely needed. It will scale up capacities to control diseases outbreaks, including FMD, affecting the national economy and breeders’ income .
The Technical Deputy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Mithaq Abdul-Hussein, highlighted the importance to enhance the scientific and technical capacities of veterinarians and farmers/breeders to control epidemic diseases affecting livestock and preventing their spread.
The Director of the Nineveh Veterinary Hospital confirmed ongoing control measures taken by the veterinary hospital and its affiliated veterinary clinics.
During the workshop, FAO technical team discussed with the participants theFMD transmission, epidemiology and pathogenesis, clinical signs and differential diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, symptomatic treatment and control measures.
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