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

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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Speech

09 April 2022

Closing ceremony | Thematic Round Tables on Prosecution, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (PRR) Practices, SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert Keynote Address

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Thank you for the opportunity to be with you today. In the past two months, a series of roundtables between the Government of Iraq and the United Nations were organised to enable us to collectively address the many critical and sensitive questions surrounding the return, rehabilitation, reintegration and, where necessary, the prosecution, of individuals displaced in North-eastern Syria. There is no denying it: this is a uniquely challenging context. And while certain developments deserve our full commendation and support, others are deeply preoccupying - reminding us that time is of the essence. Reminding us that decisive, collective action is urgently needed. Ladies and gentlemen, it is difficult to overstate the complexity of the task at hand for Iraq: in al-Hol Camp, mere hours from the Iraqi border, nearly 30,000 Iraqis with varying degrees of association to ISIL ¬— including victims of ISIL, and others with no association at all— remain in limbo. Their humanitarian and security conditions, already precarious, have deteriorated over the past 18 months. Recent deadly clashes represent only the latest examples of a steady wave of violence in the camp since late 2020. It is also difficult to overstate the youth of this population: 3 out of 5 residents of al-Hol are under 17; one in 5 is under 5 years of age. These innocent children have only ever known this harsh environment; many of them are being denied the most basic rights, including education. Now, over the past 3 years, you’ve heard me repeat that the legacy of yesterday’s fight against ISIL could very easily turn into tomorrow’s war, that we should not wait for young children to become of age in a camp like al-Hol. These children find themselves at risk of forced recruitment and exposure to violent extremism. Fact is, the current situation is not sustainable. And keeping people indefinitely in the restricted and poor conditions of these camps ultimately creates greater protection and security risks than taking them back in a controlled manner. In other words: a continued status quo is - without a doubt - the riskiest option. Iraq’s decision to resume voluntary returns in early 2021 is therefore particularly welcome. In fact, in terms of proactively taking steps to fulfil its obligations to repatriate its nationals, Iraq has set an example on the global stage. Some 450 families, or nearly 1,800 individuals, have been repatriated since May 2021. And as thousands of Iraqis are still out there, the Iraqi authorities do realize that they cannot stop there. The United Nations is particularly appreciative of Iraq’s intention to not only continue but also to accelerate repatriations. And yes, we are ready to continue providing the required post-return humanitarian, protection and reintegration assistance. And we truly hope that Member States and donors are with us on this. Definitely worth mentioning here is the fact that this initial success is the product of robust whole-of-government coordination and cooperation. Prime Minister al-Kadhimi and National Security Advisor al-Araji have been highly instrumental in ensuring that a wide array of ministries and institutions deliver concerted efforts towards a shared goal. And of course, the Ministry of Migration and Displacement also deserves recognition for its role in managing the Jeddah 1 Centre: the ministry manages the centre, with UN agencies and their national and international partners supporting with healthcare, including mental health and psychosocial support, child protection, legal assistance, education, food security, and livelihood services. In other words: it is not only a whole of government, but also a whole of UN effort, including IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, WHO, and UNFPA, and our many partners Ladies and gentlemen, Engaging directly with returnees, our agencies have observed first-hand their relief at having left behind the hellish conditions of al-Hol in returning to Iraq. However, these returnees continue to be greatly concerned about the safety of their relatives who remain at al-Hol: continued efforts to prevent family separations are critical and appreciated, despite the enormously challenging operational conditions in northeast Syria. Returnees in Jeddah 1 are also anxious about their own futures, eager to move on to their areas of origin or relocate elsewhere in Iraq. Nearly 130 families or 500 individuals have now departed Jeddah 1 to their areas of origin or a third location. Crucially, a Visitor’s Centre has been established to enable residents of Jeddah 1 to meet with their relatives on a regular basis. While this is most welcome, going forward, it will be important to establish benchmarks and reduce the transit time as much as possible. Admittedly, significant challenges remain even after families depart Jeddah 1: in some cases, community members in areas of origin have refused to accept returnees; in other cases, families have been forced to relocate due to damaged or destroyed housing, lack of services, or lack of access to livelihoods. Hence, closer cooperation between the government and the UN will prove essential to ensure that reintegration needs, including community acceptance, are assessed prior to departure from Jeddah 1. The incremental approach - followed thus far - has allowed the Government of Iraq and the UN to identify challenges and solutions, improving the process over time. But as we move forward, and returnee profiles become more complex, new and thorny challenges will undoubtedly arise. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why it is so important to continue and expand our dialogue with the government on advancing a rights-based approach that of course provides accountability for individuals who have committed crimes but also ensures holistic reintegration support. Building on these recent discussions and round tables, expanded UN support to the Government of Iraq will be guided by the Global Framework for the provision of “whole of UN” support to the return of third country nationals from Iraq / Syria. For those not familiar with this Global Framework: it lays out a collaborative approach with governments and pooled funding mechanisms under which the UN can support Member States on the protection, repatriation, prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration of returnees from Syria, who may have alleged or actual links or family ties to designated terrorist groups. Using this Global Framework, the UN and the Government of Iraq, building on years of partnership in addressing the many post-ISIL challenges, can jointly identify gaps and needs, and prioritize areas of multilateral support, leveraging specific mandates within the UN family. And importantly, having played an exemplary leadership role in many respects so far, the Government of Iraq can greatly contribute to the global understanding of contemporary prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration questions. Ladies and gentlemen, in closing: Transnational challenges call for transnational solutions, and the United Nations looks forward to our continued partnership with the Government of Iraq in shaping and implementing these solutions for the greater global good. Let’s face it: al-Hol is a ticking time bomb. If it goes off, it will impact not only the region but also far beyond. Defusing it should be our collective priority. Thank you.

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Story

25 January 2022

Weaving for a new Iraq: Durable solutions for women’s livelihood in Kirkuk

The Director of the Carpet Factory briefed about the latest innovative partnership with UN-Women entitled: Women’s Leadership, Empowerment, Access and Protection (LEAP II). This project is implemented by the Women Leadership Institute with generous funding provided by the Government of Japan. The traditional art of carpet-weaving is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. Hand-woven carpets are more expensive, but of higher quality than mass-produced ones. Director Muhanad demonstrated this by showing the visiting delegation a hand-woven rug and that looked fabulous, and then revealed…that it was over 100 years old! By comparison, a machine-woven rug already showed signs of wear and tear after just 2 years of use. UN-Women is supporting the Kirkuk Carpet Factory through its innovative LEAP II project modality. This allows 20 young apprentices to learn the ancient art of carpet weaving from master-weavers. The project involves skills-transfer, heritage preservation, vocational training and livelihoods generation. The apprentices were selected from among the rich tapestry of different ethnic communities, IDPs and people with disabilities in Kirkuk. Ms. Hanim, one of the most talented apprentice-weavers is deaf. Yet this is not a handicap at all! Ms. Hanim weaves beautiful, complex 300-knot creations without losing her laser-sharp focus on the design. The Director noted that he received over 200 applications and competition for the 20 available slots was fierce. Interestingly, despite the high pay and good working conditions, no men applied for the apprenticeship programme. The preservation of cultural heritage mixed with marketing and design could form the basis of an excellent livelihood project for the returnee community. Kirkuk would like to see more of these kinds of innovative vocation-apprenticeship programmes for women in Kirkuk, particularly in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) field. Director Muhaned explained that until the 1990s, Iraq produced the most beautiful, hand-woven carpets that were much prized by foreign dignitaries and businessmen. Even Turkish traders bought carpets in Iraq at the time. Unfortunately, decades of sanctions and civil war have decimated the Iraqi carpet trade. From the 7 officially licensed state companies, only the ones in Kirkuk, Baghdad and Babylon are still left. Currently, the State Company for Hand-Woven Carpets falls under the Ministry for Industry and Minerals, which is not very interested in promoting and marketing Mesopotamian carpets as an international brand. It was suggested that perhaps hand-made carpet workshops might be better regulated under the Ministry of Culture, so that the link with the UNESCO intangible heritage can be made. That way, Iraqi carpets can be marketed as cultural artifacts, both at home and abroad. A suggestion that could help in this regard would be for the Kirkuk Carpet Factory to expand their production with an internet-based app that could allow customers (from all over the world) to upload a picture or design that they wish to turn into a carpet, hand-made and ready-to-order within 15 days. Regrettably, no tourist agencies or freight shipping companies operate in Kirkuk yet to make these kinds of entrepreneurial initiatives possible, and many beautiful hand-woven carpets go unsold. By: Martijn Dalhuijsen, UNAMI Photos: Harith Al-Obaidi, UNAMI

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02 January 2022

Strengthening IDP-owned Businesses and Upscaling a Workforce through Entrepreneurial Training

Thanks to the generous support of the Japanese Government, UNIDO has organized Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) trainings at the Shariya and Kabarto IDP Camps, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and upscaling a workforce. The ten-day, 65-hour entrepreneurship training programme collaborates with 43 existing micro businesses located within the Camps and strives to make these businesses more sustainable and resilient, especially in light of the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The training, which includes sessions such as marketing, management and budgeting, is designed to help the IDPs leverage their past career experiences, improve upon existing management skills and acquire new knowledge in order to sustain and improve their micro businesses. Participants and collaborating entrepreneurs receive asset support in the form of equipment, tools and supplies to strengthen their enterprises towards success. Khalaf Murad Ilyas, originally from a village near Sinjar town, Nineveh Governorate, participated in the programme as a means of expanding the barber business he has established in the Camp. Back home in his village, Khalaf was involved in his family’s small barbershop and worked alongside his father and uncle. Having only finished primary school, Khalaf says that, prior to the programme, he had not been exposed to skills like developing a business plan, and setting goals for business expansion. “I learned how to manage my time and how to formulate a vision for the future, “Khalaf says of his experiences in the programme. “I plan to develop my business to have a good income to improve the situation of my family.” Nada Yusif Kalo, another programme participant, operates a small sewing shop in Kabarto IDP Camp. A divorcee with 4 children to support, Nada has been displaced since 2014. Nada worked as a seamstress at a clothing factory in Mosul for five years, before deciding to go into business for herself. Nada opened a small workshop at her home in Mosul after making an agreement with the factory who had employed her—taking in outsourced work from the factory, in addition to growing her own customer base. Using credits and loans, Nada had made significant investments in her home-based business until Mosul fell into the hands of ISIS, forcing her with her family to flee and losing all her equipment to looting. After being in the camp, she had to start work again to secure income for her children. She opened a small shop with simple equipment. The skill and experience she had could secure her some income. “There are many skills that I lacked and did not have any idea on those I learned from the training such as, managing your business, advertising and promoting of your products, and also how to calculate profit and loss. These are crucial to the development of one’s business,” Nada says. Nada says that her business felt the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, as fewer social gatherings equated to less need for new clothing. Despite this, she is beginning to see her business return, thanks to vaccines and bettering mitigation efforts. Thanks to the support of UNIDO, she intends to expand her business, and serve as a training vehicle for other women in need of skills training to gain independence and escape poverty. “If you do not think of others you cannot think of yourself,” Nada says.

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Story

30 June 2022

Baghdad – We are Iraq

Baghdad, 30 June 2022 – “We built our country with love, we are Iraq”, sang 32 primary school children from Latifiya district of Baghdad at the UN Iraq. “We will plant flowers from the highest mountains of Erbil to the beautiful lands of Basra”. Today, UNAMI Human Rights Office welcomed a group of 19 girls and 13 boys, tribal elders, government officials, teachers and civil society representatives to appreciate Iraq’s rich cultural diversity, demonstrating how young children can inspire adults to respect differences, live in harmony, promote tolerance and respect for each other. The event generated a spirit of unity among adults and children alike, sending a powerful message that Iraqi societal components have the will and spirit to live together in peace through mutual respect and celebration of diversity. During the event, children sang, danced, recited poetry, presented Iraqi governorates on a jigsaw puzzle, and performed a silent play conveying the consequences of hate speech. UNAMI Human Rights Office facilitated the We are Iraq event as part of efforts to promote diversity, foster inclusion and celebrate Iraq’s uniqueness.

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Story

28 June 2022

ILO introduces key entrepreneurship training package for Iraqi women in enterprise

With the support of the European Union, the ILO has launched one of its key entrepreneurship training programmes in Iraq to support hundreds of women to set up small-scale businesses in the agricultural sector. Basra and Dohuk (ILO News) The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched its GET Ahead training programme in Iraq, to provide hundreds of women with the skills and knowledge needed to start a small-scale business or improve an existing one.
GET Ahead, which is short for “Gender and Entrepreneurship Together – GET Ahead for Women in Enterprise” is a global training package, which seeks to develop entrepreneurial skills from a gender perspective – supporting women of low income.
For the first time, the programme is being rolled out in Iraq, targeting women working in the agricultural sector. The programme, which was launched earlier in June, is seeking to reach over 500 entrepreneurs and 50 potential trainers in Basra and in Dohuk.
The trainings are taking place under the framework of an ILO project titled “Enhancing labour governance, inspection and working conditions in response to COVID-19 ,” which is supported by the European Union. The project builds the capacities of rural women in entrepreneurship and decent employment in the field of agriculture through these training, which are being implemented with The Swedish Development Aid Organization (SWEDO) and Al-Meameen Humanitarian Foundation Khadija Ashour Abbas, who works in the date sector and attended the training in Basra, explained: “Life is very expensive and I have five children to support,” said the agricultural engineer. “I have a business idea and I have some background in setting up a business, but I need more information on how to start a business and manage my finances.”
The programme addresses some of the barriers that women face in the world of work, particularly in relation to business development, through the delivery of various modules that focus on business management and soft skills.
Sivan Shawkat lives in Zakho in the Dohuk Governorate and is looking to start her own business. “The training taught me how to plan and expand a business,” Shawkat said. “I also acquired communications skills through this training.” Israa Adnan Yousef, is a twenty-three-year-old doctoral student in agricultural engineering. She wants to set up a business producing and selling fertilisers. She also took part in the training in Basra. “This training was useful as it introduced us to some very important information; such as how to create a business plan, the risks associated with setting up a business and what some of the legal requirements are in setting up a business.”
The entrepreneurs are being trained by potential trainers, who have embarked on becoming ILO certified trainers. This process for the trainers entails a series of training of trainers’ workshops, in addition to conducting at least three of their own trainings of entrepreneurs and developing an action plan specific for the Get Ahead programme. Those who successfully complete the requirements, will become certified trainers - responsible for adapting the training material and providing further training and coaching to potential entrepreneurs or current owners of small businesses. “I took part in the Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions because I do not have a TOT certificate,” said Mahmoud Mohammed Amin, a business management professor at the University of Dohuk and owner of a company supporting business development. “I benefited from the sessions and now I am implementing this knowledge through the current training (of entrepreneurs).”
Zainab Rahim al-Mousawi has been a trainer for around ten years in business management and marketing. She took part in the ILO’s Training of Trainers workshop in Basra. “This training had elements which can complement my way of working, such as the interactive activities – the games and the exercises, which were introduced to us. These activities enhance the knowledge of trainees in the material that is being taught.” The EU-funded project places emphasis on improving working conditions in Iraq’s agricultural sector by promoting workers’ skills development, encouraging more women to set up small businesses, and by improving the working conditions on farms through the application of International Labour Standards and national labour legislation.
The project will continue to provide women with post-training support, such as mentoring and linkages to non-financial and financial service providers to build their management and soft skills to start and run their business, and enlarging the pool of institutions that can better serve women entrepreneurs through targeted capacity building interventions.

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28 June 2022

UNAMI Human Rights Office facilitates high-level policy dialogue on accountability for gender-related killings Erbil, 27 June 2022 - In line with its mandate to strengthen the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations in Iraq, UNAMI’s Hu

UNAMI’s Human Rights Office (HRO) convened in Erbil a high-level policy dialogue aimed at enabling a structured forum to enhance capacities and build political will to investigate and prosecute gender-related killings, thereby increasing accountability for such crimes. Participants included the High Council for Women and Development in KR, investigative judges, criminal court judges, the Directorate of Combating Violence against Women and Family and UNFPA. Ms. Danielle Bell, the Chief of UNAMI HRO and Country Representative for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), affirmed that a lack of accountability for gender-related killings sends a dangerous signal to potential perpetrators, noting that impunity serves to normalize violence, while justice reinforces global norms and protection. During the event, participants explained their work on gender-based killings, progress towards accountability concerning cases reported in 2021 and the challenges they face in their work. The dialogue also allowed participants to share perspectives on better case management to ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable for their crimes. Participants made concrete recommendations on a structured way of ensuring that perpetrators of gender-related killings are held accountable for their crimes. UNAMI HRO will continue to work with relevant stakeholders as part of collective efforts towards addressing and preventing gender-based violence.

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21 June 2022

He is from Syria and I am from Iraq. But we work together like brothers

Dohuk, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (ILO News) Faris Hussein Hiro is a refugee from the city of Qamishli, north-eastern Syria. He fled to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq following years of conflict in his home-country and found employment on a farm in Dohuk cleaning water irrigation channels, to improve the efficiency of transporting water from the source to farm areas.

“We left Syria because of the problems. We feared for our lives,” said Hiro, the father-of-four. “My children were afraid of the fighting.”

The project that employs Hiro employs women and men from the local community, as well as Syrian refugees and Internally Displaced Persons. The short-term work provides families with much-needed income. It is part of an initiative by the International Labour Organization (ILO), under its employment-intensive investment programmes (EIIP), that contributes to local infrastructure development. The farm in Dohuk is one of three sites where the ILO, under the PROSPECTS partnership which is supported by the Government of the Netherlands, is implementing EIIP projects, bringing together members of different communities. The other two sites focus on promoting sustainable waste management and afforestation.

Waleed Abdulkhaliq is a local farmer from Dulopi village in Dohuk, and has been working closely with Hiro on the farm. “I am from this area and I work to support my children and family,” said the forty-seven-year-old farmer. “Through this work, we benefit because we receive an income, but our local community also benefits from the irrigation work.”

Most of the workers employed on the farm have lived through years of hardship –whether as refugees and Internally Displaced Persons forced to flee their homes or vulnerable host community members who have also been affected by conflict and socio-economic challenges. Yet, this initiative has helped promote social cohesion among workers- creating a sense of community and solidarity, which the two men are very proud of. “We all work together here as brothers,” said Hiro.

“He is from Syria and I am from Iraq. But that makes no difference to us. We work together like brothers,” added Abdulkhaliq. “There are women working here as well and they are like sisters to us.”

According to recent UNHCR data , there are currently over 250,000 Syrian refugees in Iraq. In addition, around 1.2 million people remain internally displaced.
PROSPECTS brings together ILO, UNHCR, UNICEF, the World Bank and IFC. The partnership with UNHCR has ensured that refugees and Internally Displaced Persons have improved access to finance. With UNICEF, it has included referring youth to trainings that provide pathways to decent work opportunities.

Under the PROSPECTS programme in Iraq, the ILO focuses its work on supporting thousands of forcibly displaced persons and host community members to access livelihoods and decent job opportunities through labour intensive infrastructure projects; skills training; financial inclusion and entrepreneurship and public employment services.

To-date, over 16,000 working days have been created for women and men from displaced and host communities through EIIP. This is equivalent to 341 employment opportunities, more than half of which are for women.

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Press Release

30 June 2022

Thirteen law enforcement facilities in Ninewa officially reopen after destruction by ISIL

The thirteen law enforcement facilities include ten police stations and three national security buildings across Ninewa. The spacious and purpose-built facilities have the capacity to serve around 420,000 citizens. The facilities were rehabilitated through UNDP's Funding Facility for Stabilization with generous support from the Netherlands. In addition, through the Netherlands' support, UNDP will complete the rehabilitation of three court houses, two national security buildings, fourteen police stations and eleven police directorate offices by the end of this year, taking the total number of law enforcement facilities supported by the Netherlands in Ninewa, Kirkuk and Salah Al Din to forty-four. This also complements UNDP's ongoing security sector reform initiatives, including training for law enforcement and police officers across Iraq that focuses on improving the effectiveness of local police, basic leadership, and criminal investigation. Since 2018, around 1,160 officers (94 women officers) have been trained across fifteen governorates, of which 112 are from Ninewa. "The reopening of these facilities is an important milestone in the journey to rebuilding Iraq after years of conflict and instability. Ensuring quality and inclusive police services and establishing trust between law enforcement and citizens is one of the foundations of a strong and resilient society. Therefore, UNDP is proud to support initiatives that strengthen the security sector and play a key role in fostering Iraq's long-term stability and development," says UNDP's Resident Representative in Iraq, Zena Ali Ahmad. "This would not be possible without the support from our longstanding partner, the Netherlands. We look forward to continuing our work together to build a stable and prosperous Iraq," she added. “It is essential that Iraqi police can take up its role as the first responders for the security of Iraqi citizens. The Netherlands supports the Iraqi authorities in this, through both rebuilding the police stations, as well as investing in the Iraqi police officers. We remain committed to the Iraqi people together with our United Nations partners,” says Rochus J.P. Pronk, Deputy Ambassador, Chargé d'Affaires at the Netherlands Embassy to Iraq. Since 2015, the Netherlands has contributed over US$ 107 million to the Funding Facility for Stabilization and US$ 8.5 million to security sector reform, making it one of UNDP's largest contributors in Iraq. The funding has focused on supporting infrastructure rehabilitation, restoring local police services, and placing a greater focus on building the ability of the Government for Iraq to better respond to the needs of citizens.

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Press Release

29 June 2022

UK and Canada commit to combating climate change in Iraq

The three-year Catalytic Climate Action in Iraq project is designed to strengthen Iraq’s capacity to mitigate the climate change and adapt to its impacts by managing natural resources, developing renewable resources, and increasing resilience to climate-induced hazards. Activities are targeted at gaps that can deliver systemic change within Government of Iraq and Kurdistan Region of Iraq to help deliver their climate ambitions under the Paris Agreement. Technical assistance, knowledge building and operational support will be provided to Iraq to help implement its Nationally Determined Contributions, with a strong focus on renewable energy, transboundary water resources management, and preparedness for drought and other disasters. The Government of Iraq was proud to submit its NDC document in October 2021. This document serves as the country’s supreme policy for climate action and initiates the first steps towards a more diversified and green economy by encouraging the use of renewable energies, promoting nature-based solutions, strengthening integrated water resources management, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas sector. This project is crucial to supporting the Government to mainstream its NDC across all Ministries and institutions in Iraq and the Kurdistan region with a strong focus on energy, drought preparedness and effective water management. The Ministry of Environment on behalf the Iraqi Government is grateful to the UK and Canada for generously supporting this important project which is a catalyst for increasing climate ambitions in Iraq,” says Minister for Environment, Dr. Jassim Abdulazeez Humadi. “Climate Change is the one of the most significant challenges facing Iraq, impacting the lives of millions and threatening health and wellbeing, services and the economy. The UK is committed to partnering with Iraq to urgently address these challenges. The Government of Iraq and most of the world made clear commitments at the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow last year. Turning those commitments in to actions is key. That is why the UK is proud to be part of this new initiative,” says UK Ambassador to Iraq, Mark Bryson-Richardson “Climate change is a collective crisis that we must all tackle together. Canada made a commitment to work with countries—such as Iraq—that are harshly impacted by the effects of climate change, to better address its challenges and to adapt to its harmful consequences. Our support for this project demonstrates our commitment to co-building a better future for the people of Iraq,” says Canada’s Minister of International Development, Harjit S. Sajjan. “Iraq is classified as the fifth most vulnerable country in the world to climate change. The country faces serious challenges like increasing temperatures, declining rainfall, salinity, and persistent dust storms that we’ve experienced recently. Now is the time to invest in effective climate action; we cannot afford to wait any longer. Thank you to the governments of UK and Canada for not only funding this critical work, but for showing strong leadership and commitment to the fight against Climate Change in Iraq,” says Resident Representative of UNDP Iraq, Zena Ali Ahmad. For more information about the Catalytic Climate Action in Iraq project, please view our Fact Sheet.

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Press Release

28 June 2022

Kurdistan Ministry of Planning, UNFPA launch results of the second Iraq Women Integrated Social and Health survey

The survey covers the topics of women empowerment, violence against women, early marriage, family planning and maternal health, COVID19, education, employment and other relevant social factors influencing women’s rights in Iraq. It also offers integrated data showing the change in women's economic and social status in Iraq since 2011. Speaking at the event, Dr Dara Rasheed, Minister of Planning of the Kurdistan Regional Government, reiterated the importance of data and statistics and stated that: “the Ministry of Planning prioritises making reliable data and new statistics available to governmental institutions to ensure that regulations and policies are developed based on evidence. We also encourage the government to utilise the data collected to develop their programmes and projects to empower women and girls in the Kurdistan Region.” Dr Rita Columbia, UNFPA Representative to Iraq, during the launch reiterated that “availability and use of reliable data for policy and decision making is vital for the regional sustainable development, where the rights of all especially women and girls as the most vulnerable are protected and fulfilled”. The representatives of ministries in KRI, the High Council for Women Development, CSOs and international partners expressed their interest in studying the findings of the survey and using them for improving legislation, policies and programmes in KRI.
****** UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, delivers a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

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Press Release

27 June 2022

UNDP, IOM, and Iraqi government agencies encourage returns and reintegration in Ninewa

UNDP and IOM are working with the Government of Iraq to support the return and reintegration of displaced Iraqi families with perceived affiliation to ISIL, including those returning from Syria, in line with the government’s efforts to end protracted displacement through proactive measures to facilitate access to durable solutions. The workshop included participants from the areas of Baaj, Ayadia, Makhmour, Mosul, Al Qiarah and Telafar in Ninewa, and discussed the details of the return process, challenges facing families who will return, the role of community leaders and local government in facilitating the reintegration of families, and the work which UNDP and IOM are undertaking to facilitate return and reintegration. The workshop produced a unanimous consensus to enhance community acceptance of returning families. UNDP Iraq Resident Representative Ms. Zena Ali-Ahmad emphasizes, “UNDP is committed to working with the Iraqi Government and IOM to ensure communities are well informed and ready to accept the return of displaced families back to their communities of origin. Our sustainable approach to community readiness includes discussions with local and national authorities surrounding livelihood opportunities, mental health services, and housing options for both returning families and community members.” According to Mr. Giorgi Gigauri, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Iraq, “IOM’s whole-of-society approach to identifying and facilitating durable solutions for displaced Iraqis demands that the needs, concerns and awareness of all those affected are taken into account – this is a crucial component of joint efforts by IOM, UNDP and the Government of Iraq to resolve the cases of individuals facing complex barriers to return and reintegration. The good faith and commitment to social cohesion shown during this workshop are a hopeful indication of increased opportunities for concerted action moving forward.” Dr. Saeed Al-Jiashi, Advisor, National Security Advisory, states, “This meeting is very important in clarifying accurate information to the community about returning families and the stages of rehabilitation, including defining the timetable for returns. We have addressed issues by presenting facts and listening to tribal leaders, heads of administrative and security units, and local peace committees.” In 2020, UNDP Iraq launched a dedicated five-year Social Cohesion Programme to promote stronger, peaceful, and more cohesive communities in all areas of Iraq. The Community-based Reconciliation and Reintegration Project supports the community readiness, return, and reintegration of families perceived to be affiliated with ISIL, who are often among the most marginalized and vulnerable, as well as supporting host families in areas of return.

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Press Release

27 June 2022

On “Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day”, the UN calls for support to MSMEs as effective agents of change to help advance in rebuilding and recovery efforts

This year, UN agencies in Iraq share a statement to recognize MSMEs at the heart of any resilient recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate crisis. They contribute to the structural transformation of economies through decent jobs creation and income generation, particularly for vulnerable population, hence addressing the root causes of irregular migration. “Following the economic shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and in view of the current food insecurity, MSMEs can be effective agents of change to help advance in rebuilding and recovery efforts” said UN Resident Coordinator in Iraq, Irena Vojáčková-Sollorano, adding: “They also have the potential to adopt actions in their business practices to contribute to ‘building back better’, in adapting to and mitigating climate change”. MSMEs and start-ups need assistance to be the driving forces behind relevant innovations and take up new ‘environmentally-friendly’ opportunities, as well as to improve their resilience to future shocks. Empowering MSMEs can thus contribute to a transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all and to building greater stability and resilience. In Iraq, MSMEs represent a large share of the private sector. Supporting Iraqi MSMEs is instrumental for economic diversification, women and youth empowerment and ensuring sustainable peacebuilding efforts. Furthermore, supporting MSMEs comprises assisting young people as the upcoming employers and employees, leveraging on Iraq’s demographic dividend. The White Paper for Economic Reform outlines the Government of Iraq’s goals of attracting investment, inclusive development, introducing e-governance systems and fostering local production. By building on this impetus for reform and supporting MSMEs, the United Nations can help improve the overall business environment for MSMEs, increase their capacity to compete and assist the Iraqi government in achieving the goals set out in the Iraq’s White Paper. The UN in Iraq is working collaboratively to support MSMEs, particularly in high potential sectors for economic diversification and job creation, such as agriculture and agri-food value chains and the culture and creative industries. Improving MSMEs’ competitiveness and value chain upgrading opportunities is extremely needed nowadays in Iraq to boost the local economy and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Well-defined strategies with mutually reinforcing interventions, fostering productive alliances, building bridges between the public and private sector and enhancing human and social capital, with a focus on young people, are crucial. MSMEs need coordinated action and targeted support to untap their potential for sustainable and inclusive growth and decent work creation. We will continue to join our efforts to support MSMEs in Iraq to ensure they have the capacity and resources to leverage a green transition, increase their productivity and competitiveness and foster employment. The time to act is now. Irena Vojáčková-Sollorano, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq
Eric Buchot, Head of Country Programme, International Trade Centre
Dr. Salah ElHajjHassan, FAO Representative, Iraq
Ally Raza Qureshi, WFP Representative, Iraq
Maha Kattaa, ILO Country Coordinator, Iraq
George Gigauri, IOM Chief of Mission, Iraq
Erik Willems, Regional coordinator, UNCTAD
Zena Ali Ahmad, Resident Representative, UNDP Iraq
Paolo Fontani, Director and Representative to Iraq, UNESCO
Jean-Nicolas Beuze, UNHCR Representative, Iraq
Mads Oyen, OiC Representative, UNICEF

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