My briefing today will hit many all-too-familiar notes, as notorious aspects of Iraqi political life are repeating themselves in a seemingly incessant loop of zero-sum politics. But before delving into that, I would like to share some impressions on the recent and ongoing waves of massive dust- and sandstorms hitting Iraq. Now, while a dust- or sandstorm as such is not a new phenomenon for the country, the current wave far exceeds Iraq’s experiences in recent years. Briefing this Council last February, I spoke about the dangers of climate change and its effects, with desertification as a central concern. Ever since, Iraq has been battered by intense dust- and sandstorms that obscure the sky, send people running for shelter, even resulting in sickness and death. Now, these storms are only expected to become more frequent. In other words: continued inaction, also here, comes at enormous costs. Having said this, Mr. President, these storms are not the only concern for the people in Iraq. Iraqis continue to wait for a political class that, instead of being content with stale power battles, they are waiting for a political class that will roll up its sleeves to make headway on Iraq’s long list of outstanding domestic priorities. As you know, national elections took place well over seven months ago, and multiple deadlines for the formation of a government have been missed.  Now, it is true, Iraq is not the only country facing a protracted government formation process. But Iraq’s political leaders would do well not to hide behind that argument. It distracts from what is at stake. It excuses a political deadlock while non-state armed groups fire rockets with apparent freedom and impunity. It excuses a political stalemate while ordinary people suffer. It excuses a political impasse while simmering anger – public anger can boil over at any moments. So, my question is: what will it take to realize that this situation is completely untenable? To date, political leaders subscribe to the notion of dialogue, or another round of negotiations. But the necessary willingness to compromise? It is painfully absent. Visit any market and Iraqis will tell you: the national interest is, yet again, taking a backseat to short-sighted considerations of control over resources and power play. It is therefore high time (and yes, I repeat myself), but it is high time to return the spotlight where it must be: on the people of Iraq, and a programme of action that provides: Adequate service delivery to all citizens. An end to pervasive corruption, factionalism and the pillaging of state institutions. The implementation of desperately needed reforms. The diversification of the economy. Predictable governance instead of constant crisis management. An end to impunity, with accountability as a key feature of the State, and (of course) … Reining in non-state armed actors while asserting the State’s authority.   Over the past three years, you have heard me make these points numerous times. And one thing remains clear: the neglect of the population’s most basic needs has gone on for far too long. Again, Iraqi political inaction comes at a huge price. Not (in the short term) for those in power, but for those desperately trying to make ends meet on a daily basis. Mr. President, A few more specific observations, beginning with relations between Baghdad and Erbil. The sorry pattern of ad-hoc negotiations continues to prevail instead of what is critically needed: an institutionalized, predictable mechanism for the comprehensive, holistic and durable resolutions of all outstanding issues. While this is evidently necessary, such a mechanism continues to be plainly missing, and this deficiency is sadly coupled with internal rivalries on both sides as well. As I said last time: a spirit of partnership and cooperation can and must guide all stakeholders, including with regards to the recent Federal Supreme Court ruling on the KRG Oil and Gas Law. Having engaged with both sides on this matter, I am convinced that there is a way out. However, and there is no denying it: events in the past have gravely eroded mutual trust. Hence, it will prove essential to build confidence, including by pledging to refrain from politically motivated, unilateral actions in the future. Now, Mr. President, zooming in on the political situation within the Kurdistan Region: last year, in May, I participated in an event at the University of Kurdistan. It is a promising event with all Kurdistan Region political parties present. In my remarks, I outlined the toxicity of political infighting and factionalism. I emphasized the importance of unity, not to be confused with uniformity. I spoke candidly about the need to move away from the yellow & green divide, about the responsibility of leaders to guide outreach and to bring together opposing interests, to focus on solutions that represent the interests of all peoples living in the Kurdistan Region - be it Erbil, Dohuk or Sulaymaniyah. However, one year later, this promising event seems to have gained zero traction. On the contrary, divisions have deepened - with adverse effects on the peoples of the Kurdistan Region. Now, and without repeating my remarks of a year ago, but it must be clear: the Kurdistan Region has a choice. And with the Kurdistan Region elections scheduled for the 1st of October later this year, it is of utmost importance to level the electoral playing field - with all political actors, big or small, enjoying equal opportunities. Promoting a conducive electoral environment, that is. Additionally, I can only underline that geography does not always play in the Kurdistan Region’s advantage. In other words: its unique geopolitical circumstances alone, should be enough to give its leaders pause. And, of course, that goes for the whole of Iraq as well. As I have said on countless occasions: whether we like it or not, a weak domestic home front only creates a welcoming environment for continued external interference. Now, on a related note, let me also comment on incoming missiles and rockets: Disturbing, disruptive and dangerous. With the IRGC claiming responsibility for up to 12 short-range ballistic missiles launched in the early hours of Sunday March 13, another worrisome chapter was opened. And while the IRGC described the targeted location in Erbil as “the strategic centre for conspiracy and evil acts of the Zionists”, no evidence for such claims was found. The targeted site is known as a civilian area, a private compound. Although both sides – Iraq, Iran – although they are currently engaged in dialogue and do not wish to escalate the issue, Iraq rightfully rejects the notion that it can be treated as the region’s backyard, with routine violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Now, another case in point are the ongoing Turkish and Iranian shelling activities in the North. So, what are we looking at? Cross-border shelling and missiles as the new normal for Iraq? This is a very risky way to advance interests, and one which further weakens the State of Iraq. Needless to say: any country or actor seeking to settle a dispute has established diplomatic instruments, including our good offices, at their disposal. Now, moving to Iraq’s very own armed actors operating outside state control: the reckless firing of rockets, including at an oil refinery in Erbil some two weeks ago, remains alarming and unjustifiable. These attacks seek to undermine Iraq’s security and stability within an already extremely volatile, politically charged post-electoral environment. Fact is: “messaging by rockets”, “missile diplomacy” – these are reckless acts, with potentially devastating consequences. Also, and let me emphasize, Iraq does not need self-proclaimed armed arbiters. And I again underline the great importance of asserting the State’s authority. If the perpetrators are known, call them out. This is essential to uphold the Rule of Law. Ladies and gentlemen, turning to the ever-pressing question of Sinjar: As we know all too well, Sinjar’s recent history has witnessed horrific ordeals, culminating in the heinous crimes committed by Da’esh. Today, while locals urgently need to rebuild their lives, they continue to face unconscionable obstacles. Obstacles due to discord on security arrangements, public service provisions and a unified administration. The Sinjar agreement, signed by Baghdad and Erbil in October 2020, was seen (by many) as a glimmer of hope: a very first but important step in the right direction. At the time, I expressed hope that the agreement would lead to a new chapter for Sinjar, one in which the needs of the Sinjari people would come first, that it would help displaced people return to their homes, that it would accelerate reconstruction and improve public service delivery. But for that to happen, stable governance and security structures are - of course - pre-requisites. Now, ever since the agreement was signed, I have called for a speedy implementation. Well clearly, the opposite is true. To date, there is no agreement on the selection of a new independent mayor, and funds for a new local security force remain blocked, possibly due to interference into unclear recruitment procedures. Now, on these recruitment procedures: I again emphasize the importance of pragmatism and realism. Not all people who joined “other forces” in the past can simply be painted with the same brush. It must be understood that some of them, absent the authority of the State, simply opted for a safety net, an identity and an income to provide for their families. We also called on both Baghdad and Erbil to reach out to the people of Sinjar, to open their arms to all Sinjaris. Meanwhile, critics of the Sinjar agreement kept on emphasizing the lack of consultations with local communities. Now, while no one dismisses good advice, and certainly not UNAMI, I have to say: local consultations did take place and continue to take place. At the same time, it is true that both Baghdad and Erbil could and should step up their outreach at the grassroots level. The implementation of any agreement, winning hearts and minds, is hard work. And this one in particular. A piece of paper alone will not do the job. One needs to be on top of it, 24/7, own it, constantly and proactively engage with the communities on the ground, provide explanations, clarify why a decision has been taken and why it benefits the Sinjaris in the medium to long term. Having said this: significant divides and the fragmentation of local communities are a fact of life in Sinjar, making things even more challenging. And within this context, it is also important to note that Sinjar has increasingly turned into an arena for external and domestic spoilers. Now, while some of this can be traced back to 2014 as Da’esh kicked off its atrocities, eight years later it is time to acknowledge that yes, mistakes have been made in the past, but Sinjar is part of the State of Iraq. By giving room to external and domestic spoilers, the situation will not get any better. And by now, all stakeholders would do well to acknowledge this fact - notwithstanding their gratitude for the help and assistance received in the past. You know, nobody said that the establishment of stable security and governance structures would be an easy ride. But there is no denying it: the lack of clear-cut coordination and implementation mechanism, the dominance of partisan interests and the ongoing presence of spoilers significantly hamper meaningful progress. I have to say – international observers have been deployed for less. Clashes have again erupted in recent weeks. And this sadly made Sinjari families again pack their belongings and find their way back to the Kurdistan Region to seek shelter. So, let me reiterate: Sinjaris’ safety and security should be front and centre at all times. They deserve peace under the authority of the State. Domestic and external spoilers have no place in Sinjar. Baghdad and Erbil must assume their responsibility, and urgently work together with only one objective: to improve the lives of people on the ground and promote the voluntary, dignified return of displaced persons to their homes. Mr. President, A few words on the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. In recent months, the Iraqi Ministry of Defence has stepped up efforts to reach new witnesses through broadcasts, the media, as well as consular and diplomatic channels worldwide. As a result, at least two potential new witnesses have come forward during this period, confirming that broadcasts with a wide geographic reach can be helpful in eliciting information. This demonstrated that investing efforts in obtaining new witness information, and insisting on acquiring satellite imagery analysis from relevant member States, are essential steps to bring this crucial and sensitive file to a close. Now, Mr. President, I will conclude my remarks by underlining (once more) the importance of overcoming the political stalemate. Significant domestic vulnerabilities are being compounded by the ongoing effects of the pandemic and global geopolitical tensions. A sincere, collective and urgent will to resolve political differences must now prevail – it must prevail for the country to move forward and to meet the needs of its citizens. Thank you, Mr. President.

Today, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, and Danielle Bell, Chief of UNAMI’s Human Rights Office jointly facilitated a countering dialogue on hate speech, discrimination and marginalization.

The event brought together 19 representatives (five women and 14 men) from Armenian, Bahai, Faili Kurds, Jewish, Kaka’i, People of African Descent, Roma, Sabean Mandean, Shabak, Turkmen, Yazidi and Zorastrians communities and as well as civil society organizations, journalists, Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights, Iraq Bar Association and Communications and Media Commission.

UN Special Advisor Nderitu shared the United Nations global perspective of hate speech noting that “hate speech and incitement to hatred and violence create deep rooted divisions along ethnic and religious grounds which limit the space to build trust and mutual understanding.” She added, “It is essential to address the root causes of hate speech and not only its online and off-line manifestations.” For this, Special Adviser Nderitu reminded participants of Iraq’s responsibilities as State party to the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and encouraged all components of Iraq to work together support development and implementation of actions plans aimed at addressing hate speech so as to do it effectively.

“Human beings have immense capacity to find solutions even to problems they themselves create,” she concluded.

“Inclusive, results-oriented dialogue matched by commitment and concrete actions is fundamental to ending long-standing inequalities and discrimination in Iraq”, said Ms. Bell during her remarks.

During an open discussion session, the participants highlighted key issues facing Iraq, offered solutions and identified next steps to address these issues.


Photos: UNAMI PIO/Sarmad Al-Safy  

In this series, we interviewed colleagues from around the world, working for the United Nations in many different ways. We asked about their career paths, and how they got to their current positions. But we also explore what career satisfaction means to them…what keeps them inspired and motivated in their daily work. My name is Kate Doyle and today we’ll hear from Sanaa Kareem, an Associate Public Information Officer based in Baghdad, at the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, also called UNAMI. UNAMI is a political mission that provides advice and assistance to the government and people of Iraq, on advancing political dialogue, reconciliation efforts, elections, human rights, gender equality, and much more. Welcome, Sanaa, and thank you so much for joining me today. Thank you Kate for having me. So to get started, could you share a bit about yourself with our listeners? Yes first of all, my name is Sanaa Kareem. I have the Iraqi nationality. And I live in Iraq, working for the United Nations, UNAMI since July 2010. When I joined the UN in 2010, I started as an Information Technology Assistant. And then I moved after finishing my degree in translation, I applied for another job with the UNAMI in the political office. I worked (there) also for two and a half years until I joined the public information office as an Associate Public Information Officer, in addition to my other duties as the UNAMI Youth Advisor since 2012. So you’ve had very different roles over a relatively short amount of time in the past 10 or 12 years. Before I ask you more about your various roles I wonder if you could share a bit about your own personal background. I know you’re from Iraq, which is a beautiful country that has also seen a lot of strife in recent decades. I’m curious, what was it like growing up there? I was born in 1981. The first thing I remember was the Iraq-Iran war. I left with my family — we left the country when I was a baby. We left to the UK for my father to finish his PhD degree in psychology so for five years. I still remember when we came back in 1990, the other war started. So, I’ve lived in Baghdad ever since. Growing up in Iraq- in Baghdad particular — has a mix of good and bad memories. The difficult situation was like you have to grow up and get used to that you have been from one war to another. And you don’t know what you what’s going to happen at any moment. So you don’t know… we were just living our life day by day. The security situation was tense at that time and still is and other things and what I have remembered about my childhood memories….the good part is the family gatherings…playing in the streets. Which is not the case right now because girls are getting harassed more than before. This might side this might sound odd, but when the 1990 war started, we left Baghdad toward other provinces despite the sound of bombings and bad news, but as children we really enjoyed our gathering and long nights together. And what I still remember that it was near the Hemrin mountains. And every day, we sit together from morning. And because we don’t have studies…we don’t have any other commitments…and we were children. So we were just having fun not thinking about the war that much. While our families and parents were like, living day-by-day… tense, thinking what’s going to happen, what’s next, not like us. And how did the wars affect your parents’ ability to raise a family and keep jobs? At that time, we were seven girls in our family and one boy only. And we were still young. And my father was the only one working. My father is a college professor with a PhD degree in psychology. And he worked at the university — like his entire life. But the money that he gained was not enough for him to feed the family for a week. So he had to leave the country for two years to work in Libya, as a college professor there. But after 2003, when he came back there was a wave of assassinations of academics. And my father was targeted three times. In two of the times, he lost his deputies. And the third time he got injured and lost one of his security guards. And I still remember one of the times they came to our house and they tried to break in and to kill my father. Oh my goodness, that sounds absolutely terrifying. I’m so glad that he’s okay? He’s in good health today. Yes. Could you tell us about how your personal history might have shaped how you see the United Nations and your career there? So, growing up in Iraq, made me see so many things that made me who I am. That was before joining the UN. But during the 11 years working for the UN, it changed me to a better person — my personality and career-wise — especially working as the Youth Advisor. I met so many people with different backgrounds, from different countries. And at the same time in my role as the youth advisor, I used to meet Iraqi young people outside. So to many other people, especially the females, I was a role model to them. I didn’t know about that, until they told me like, three or four girls told me that you are our role model, we want to be like you when we grow up. So I always imagined myself working something that suits my personality — which is the case right now, I mean, working as the Youth Advisor — getting to interact with other people, young people and working in the media section. It sounds like your role as youth advisor and becoming a role model for young women there has been really meaningful for you. Could you tell us a little bit more about that? What is involved in your role as Youth Advisor today? So before talking about my role, we have to understand that the Iraqi population- half of it is more than more than half of it consists of the Iraqi youth. So the post-war affected the young people in a very bad way. UNAMI has in its in mandate to support the Iraqi youth. So in this position, my role was to advocate, support and pass their voices to the senior management. And I also advise senior management and other forces within the mission on youth issues. So we worked on many projects, having good engagement in the political process, social cohesion and other things related. I’m really happy to be part of this. I created a group working with the UNICEF… it’s called the Friends of UNICEF. It’s a volunteer youth group. So I tried to attract as much as female as possible and to be part of this volunteer group. And I worked with them like more than four years before handing them over to UNICEF. I was really, really excited to work with the females and the males as well. But, but when they see me doing things that they were shy, or they were like, they don’t have the courage to do it. I was happy to be that person that who supported them and show them that I can lead and you can follow. We can be all a team together as well. And I’m still in contact with the young people. So every year we have a gathering and each one has now their own career. I hear about several young females and what they did in life. I’m satisfied about it. But I have a lot to do more. Today you are an Associate Public Information Officer for UNAMI, What does your average day look like? I do a media monitoring report that covers the news in Iraq… all over Iraq…we usually do two a day, one in the evening and one day in the afternoon. A very thorough, a very detailed media monitoring report. At the same time, we respond to emails, we have an account — UNAMI has an account, to respond to emails from the Iraqi community, or anybody that sends any kind of questions or queries to the UN. And we post on social media accounts: Twitter, Facebook… so social media accounts — we take care of them, do the kind of translations when necessary, from Arabic to English, or English to Arabic. In addition to the things that I mostly like…is going out for outreach activities are being invited to activities with the young people, then writing a story, a web story. Several web stories I wrote have been posted on our social media accounts and on our UNAMI web site as well. And which achievements in the last few years would you say that you’re most proud of? I joined the Committee on writing the Youth Peace and Security handbook. I was nominated…contacted by FBA — the Folke Bernadotte Academy to be part of this committee. I’m really proud to be one of them. It will be delivered to the YPS — the Youth Peace and Security advisors and to support their work in their missions or agencies…with all the details that have to support them and all the details about the Youth Peace and Security agenda and also the Security Council resolution on youth. When you faced times at work, in which you’re not feeling so motivated, or engaged, we all have those times. What do you do to help yourself when you’re going through that difficult period? There were times I really gave up on myself, especially at the beginning. To be honest, I’m a positive person…I try to be optimistic all the time. But sometimes you just get fed up. I mean, we have these accumulated memories of war after war, security situations, tense kidnappings, assassinations… everything. So I tried as much as I can so this will not affect my daily life and my work. I tried to put each one in a different corner. So… my friends and family were there to support me. So also, knowing that this is not the end of the world and everything in life has a solution helped me motivate myself…to keep looking for more challenges in life. Going out with friends, having dinner gatherings, try to have fun as much as possible. These are the these are the things that helped to support me on a daily basis in difficult times. And would you say as a woman, it’s even more difficult to navigate one’s career, especially the low points? Unfortunately, yes, it’s really difficult for a woman — me as an Iraqi woman. But at the same time, me working for the UN, we always support female candidates to apply. It’s written in the job title and the job vacancy, sorry. So but at the same time, what I do is like when they whenever there’s a job vacancy open, I asked my female friends, I tell them apply, apply, you have to apply. You can see so many women in so many positions in the UN, within the mission, with the UN country team and even in the other governmental institutions. Things are changing slowly but in a positive way. Now, I’m curious, where would you like to be career wise in the future, say in the next five years or so? I actually I have two dreams that I want to fulfill in my life. I haven’t done it yet, but I will. One of them is working in an international position to help those in need, not just the people in my country. I want to gain knowledge from other people from other countries and pass what I learned in life, in the past 20 years living here in Iraq, and show them that you’re not alone, we are here to support you. So this is one of my dreams is to go for international posting in these countries. I would love to work in Turkey. This is one of the places… I’ve been there several times. I’m trying to learn their language. The other country that I want to work in is South Africa. I want to see the people there. I’ve heard many stories…so about the people, about the landscape and everything. My other dream, which is not related to the UN, but having my own specialty cafe, which is operated by females. I like the smell of coffee. It really moves my senses. It’s makes me relax all the time. I was thinking about having this cafe a couple of years ago, once I entered a cafe in New York. And the minute you enter that café — so it was a florist and a cafe at the same time — the minute you enter, you get disconnected from the outside world, the smell of the flowers, and green, green atmosphere and the smell of the coffee. This is what I want. This is what I want to think about every single day when I walk into my cafe. I want people to feel the same when they come. And I will tell you that last year when there was a lock-down and we working we were working from home. I learned how to make coffee — to be a barista. I asked one of my friends — he’s a barista at one of the cafes in Baghdad — I told him I need you to teach me how to do that. So I used to go like once a week, every Friday. I’d go to the cafe early in the morning. And we were following the steps one by one… I really, really enjoyed it. And I want to pass these senses and feelings of relaxation to other people here in Baghdad. It sounds like you have very specific dreams and they’re very different from each other. But they both involve a foray into a new country or a new business and being part of a community there and helping others. I love that you trained as a barista during the pandemic — that sounded like a lot of fun. My last question for you Sanaa — what makes you proud about working for the United Nations? Its diversity. You can see people from all over the world. It’s a mini global place to work in. I mean, people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, all working together. They have one cause — one thing to do is to support the country that they are working in and to support their roles as United Nations staff. They are there knowing that they have the ability to make a change in the countries that they are operating in. It’s not much, but at least it’s step by step they’re taking. and this is what I want to do in the future. So its diversity in the main place, first position…and I would like to work with people like who are really open-minded to accept each other and this is what I found in the United Nations. Well, so thank you so much for having this interesting conversation with me today. I really appreciate it and I learned a lot as well. And let’s keep in touch. I hope that as well. Okay, thank you for having me. We’ll keep in touch inshallah.

Baghdad, 9 May 2022— The Ministry of Health (MoH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched the environmental surveillance (ES) for polioviruses to further strengthen the nationwide polio surveillance system in Iraq. The establishment of ES for polioviruses will complement AFP surveillance for more robust polio surveillance that ensures early detection of polioviruses in humans or the environment. “The environmental surveillance is a milestone in enhancing polio surveillance in Iraq,” said Dr Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative in Iraq. “Maintaining polio-free status in Iraq is only possible with effective and continued environmental surveillance,” “This is just an initial stage of our quest to advance ES in Iraq. We’re planning to expand the number and locations of ES sites in high-risk areas, including religious mass gathering sites such as in the holy sites of Karbala and Najaf and high-population movement areas like Basra and Erbil,” he added. Wild polioviruses have been detected in the environment in the absence of reported AFP cases. Environmental surveillance is also a potential tool for monitoring circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2). ES has been used successfully to monitor enteric virus circulation and assess the extent or duration of epidemic poliovirus circulation in a specific population. In coordination with the MoH and National Polio Lab (NPL), WHO has supported NPL renovation and procured supplies, including equipment, kits and reagents. Prior to the launch of the ES, WHO conducted intensive training on sewage sample collection, and surveillance monitoring for efficient collection and transportation of the samples. In addition, WHO has held ten-day on-the-job training for the NPL staff on laboratory techniques for poliovirus isolation from sewage samples and the best practices for the storage, testing, interpretation of results and data reporting. The training, conducted by one of the WHO regional polio experts, included testing the fresh samples collected from one of the two assigned sites in Baghdad (Al-Rustumia Sewage Station) as well as biosafety measures and waste management microscopic observation. “This step came as part of the National Polio Outbreak Preparedness and Response Plan. It’s crucial to be vigilant to detect any possible emerging of vaccine-derived poliovirus circulation and/or wild poliovirus importation,” said Dr Firas Al-Khafaji, the National Professional Officer of EPI and polio surveillance for WHO Iraq. Iraq has been free of vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPV) and wild poliovirus (WPV) since 2014, when two cases of wild poliovirus were confirmed after a 14-year absence. However, Iraq is still at high risk for the importation of WPV or the emergence or importation of VDPVs due to a high level of internal and external population movement, relatively low routine immunization coverage and limited access in some areas. The MoH, in cooperation with WHO, initiated a comprehensive multi-year plan (cMYP) to reach every child through routine immunization and other immunization strategies, including the National Basic Health Services Package and supplementary immunization activities (SIAs).