Latest
Press Release
26 January 2023
Transitioning from Humanitarian to Development: UNFPA Rebrands Women Community Centres
Learn more
Press Release
26 January 2023
UNICEF and WHO supported the national multi-antigen campaign for more than 400,000 children
Learn more
Press Release
26 January 2023
Germany renews commitment to stabilization with new EUR 10 million contribution
Learn more
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.
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5

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.
1 of 5

Story
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
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5

Story
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)
1 of 5

Story
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.
1 of 5

Story
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.
1 of 5

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.
1 of 5

Story
06 December 2022
Experts Exchange Ideas During Workshop on Environmental Degradation, Adaptive Solutions for Resilience to Displacement
The Government of Iraq has identified this as a priority concern to address.
On November 29 and 30, Iraq’s Special Envoy on Climate Change, Dr. Fareed Yasseen, chaired a workshop on Environmental Degradation and Adaptive Solutions for Resilience to Displacement, attended by experts representing senior government officials, religious endowments, NGOs and academia from all governorates across Iraq.
The workshop featured opening remarks by Dr. Yasseen, UN Resident Coordinator Ghulam Isaczai and Deputy Minister of Water Resources Hussein Al-Bakka.
The group of experts engaged in a fruitful exchange of ideas for adaptive solutions to environmental degradation, and identified possible resilience-building measures to reduce the risk of displacement, in line with available resources and the Government of Iraq's Nationally Determined Contribution – an action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts, committed to under The Paris Agreement.
IOM Iraq’s Chief of Mission, Mr. Giorgi Gigauri, and Representative for WFP in Iraq, Mr. Ally Raza Qureshi, spoke to affirm support for the Government of Iraq’s efforts to bolster the resilience of communities affected by climate change. The workshop concluded with the Iraqi Special Envoy on Climate Change thanking participants and urging them to action.
Organized by the office of Iraq's Special Envoy on Climate Change, this workshop was made possible by the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Iraq, with support provided by WFP and IOM Iraq.
1 of 5

Press Release
26 January 2023
Transitioning from Humanitarian to Development: UNFPA Rebrands Women Community Centres
To reflect a new phase for women's community centres that are transitioning from the humanitarian to development context, UNFPA supported a design of a common logo that would be recognisable across the country and reflective of the services.
The unifying brand of Women Community Centres (WCC) will contribute to raising awareness about the Centres and the services provided there. It will also encourage women and girls to come to these safe spaces and use the available services.
UNFPA engaged women and girls in the rebranding of the Centres from the beginning. Their experiences and memories of the Centres were vital to reflect the purpose of the centres and women’s hopes for the future. Women and girls believed that the Centres build hope, and provide safety and room for growth.
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.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Sana Jalal, Communications Consultant, karwan@unfpa.org
1 of 5
Press Release
26 January 2023
UNICEF and WHO supported the national multi-antigen campaign for more than 400,000 children
The locations covered by the ten-day campaign, which concluded at the end of 2022 were based on a risk assessment carried out by the MoH, also supported by UNICEF and WHO. The campaign aimed at reaching the hardest-to-reach children previously missed by routine immunization services.
To ensure the success of the campaign, more than 3,000 vaccinators were trained across 124 districts within 19 health directorates and national awareness-raising campaigns were conducted on the importance of vaccines. These reached millions of parents and children in most Iraqi governorates. Campaign logistics and field implementation were also supported through transport of vaccination teams and a digital dashboard, established to compile the results of the campaign and evaluate its progress on daily basis.
“As the largest vaccine buyer in the world, UNICEF remains committed to supporting the national immunization programme in Iraq, so that no child is left behind,” said Ms. Sheema SenGupta, UNICEF Representative in Iraq. “Immunization is proven to be one of the most effective public health interventions, both preventing community outbreaks and giving every child the opportunity to survive and thrive.”
Prior to the campaign, intensified integrated immunization outreach services in Iraq have reached 90% of children aged under 5 with the third dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DTP) and the first dose of measles vaccines, the highest coverage in two decades. This multi-antigen campaign aimed at reaching those children who had still missed out on these and other vaccines, with the hope of minimizing the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases and advancing coverage to 95%.
"Having a healthy start in life is a human right for all newborns. However, during COVID-19, some children missed their immunization, which increased their vulnerability to childhood diseases. This campaign is another safety net that ensures that all children in Iraq are immunized, protected and healthy," said Dr Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative in Iraq. “The campaign was a great success in ensuring that no child is left behind.”
The campaign, mostly funded by a US donor, is a critical step towards protecting children from deadly and disabling diseases. For over two centuries, vaccines have safely reduced the scourge of diseases like polio, measles and smallpox, helping children grow healthy and happy. UNICEF and WHO remain committed to supporting the MoH of Iraq to ensure that every child in this country has access to the care and vaccines they need to attain their full potential.
1 of 5
Press Release
26 January 2023
Germany renews commitment to stabilization with new EUR 10 million contribution
The German Federal Foreign Office has generously provided over US$130 million since the Facility was established in 2015, bringing the total of German contributions to UNDP’s stabilization efforts to US$575.4 million. The funding will allow for UNDP to continue with its integrated stabilization support through rehabilitating public infrastructure and services damaged during the ISIL conflict, providing municipalities capacity support to deliver effective public services and strengthening social cohesion and community-based reintegration.
“Working alongside the Government of Iraq, UNDP has completed over 3,400 critical stabilization projects including restoring essential services, supporting livelihoods building municipal capacity and strengthened community-based reintegration. Our efforts in 2023 will further focus on addressing the critical needs, priority locations and sectors, to safeguard the hard-won stabilization gains made since 2015 to ensure a sustainable transition,” says Auke Lootsma, Resident Representative, UNDP Iraq.
“We are grateful to our long-standing partner Germany for their timely contribution towards stabilization in Iraq. Through this support, Germany has prioritized the wellbeing and prosperity of Iraqi communities and I applaud them for their continued leadership,” adds Auke Lootsma.
Germany’s Minister of State, Dr. Tobias Lindner, comments, “When it was set up, few had foreseen what success the Funding Facility for Stabilization would become. Over the past seven years, the Facility has proven instrumental in safeguarding the gains made against ISIL through civilian means. It was such a success that its model has been emulated in other conflict settings across the Middle East and Africa. With this contribution, Germany underscores its commitment to the stability of Iraq, who will now need take over responsibility for much of the work which has so far been conducted through UNDP’s Facility.”
In mid-2015, UNDP established the Funding Facility for Stabilization to assist the Government in rebuilding Iraq after the ISIL conflict. The Facility works with the Government of Iraq and local actors to ensure safe, dignified and voluntary returns and to lay the foundation for reintegrating displaced populations into the community.
With the generous support of international partners, the Facility has mobilized over
US$ 1.55 billion from 29 donors and the Government of Iraq. This collective effort demonstrates the international community's solidarity with Iraq.
1 of 5
Press Release
19 January 2023
UNHCR and Ministry of Interior hold conference in Baghdad to discuss the way forward to end statelessness in Iraq
To address these remaining barriers, the Ministry of Interior of Iraq and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, held a conference in Baghdad on 18 January to explore solutions for ending statelessness, and preventing future instances of statelessness, not least by scaling up nationwide efforts to facilitate access to civil documentation.
In line with UNHCR’s Global Action Plan to End Statelessness 2014-2024 and the #IBelong Campaign, UNHCR Iraq is accelerating efforts to support the Government in ensuring that all eligible individuals can acquire Iraqi nationality and to improve access to civil documents across the country.
In an attempt to better understand the remaining barriers faced by some, including those related to securing Iraqi nationality and documents, UNHCR and its partner, Legal Clinics Network (LCN), conducted a detailed study in 2021 on Faili Kurds and Bidoons, two of the main population groups affected by statelessness, for which the Government has made considerable progress in resolving their stateless status. In fact, Iraq achieved the world’s largest reduction of statelessness in a single year (over 100,000 persons) in 2010. The study provides an overview of the remaining obstacles for those eligible to acquire Iraqi nationality and secure relevant civil documents. Furthermore, it informs measures that will be taken to end statelessness amongst known stateless groups able to access Iraqi nationality by the end of 2023. Another study is ongoing to look at other groups that may be stateless or at risk of statelessness, with further actions to be informed by the results of the study.
“Stateless people are often invisible to the communities in which they live. They have difficulties accessing basic public services, such as enrolling their children in schools or receiving medical care. The remaining barriers to their recognition as Iraqi citizens can be easily addressed,” said Jean-Nicolas Beuze, Representative of UNHCR in Iraq. “Iraq is on the right track towards ending statelessness by the end of 2023 amongst known stateless populations able to access Iraqi nationality. We are fully committed to making it a reality by supporting the authorities’ efforts to ensure that every Iraqi citizen is recognized as a member of the Iraqi community.”
End
For more information contact
Shaza Shekfeh, Associate Communication Officer
Erbil | +964 770 494 6384 | shekfehs@unhcr.org
Rasheed Hussein Rasheed, Senior Communications Associate
Duhok | + 964 750 713 0014 | rasheedr@unhcr.org
Karlo Jeelo, Communications Associate
Baghdad | +964 770 926 0385 | jeelo@unhcr.org
1 of 5
Press Release
18 January 2023
The Government of Denmark continues its support to explosive hazards management activities in Iraq
Following decades of war and conflict, Iraq is one of the world’s most explosive ordnance-contaminated countries. As of December 2022, there were approximately 2,236 square kilometers of contaminated areas across Iraq. Since 2014, millions of Iraqis have been displaced, and nearly 1.2 million of them remain internally displaced.
The generous contribution from the Government of Denmark will advance UNMAS efforts to facilitate the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of displaced communities and enable rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts to proceed through the ongoing clearance of explosive ordnance in contaminated areas.
Furthermore, this contribution will be used to enhance a nationally led and implemented mine action response. UNMAS delivers and initiates capacity enhancement, such as training and technical advice, as well as gender mainstreaming initiatives, for national authorities to further increase the Iraqi national clearance capacity in line with national and international mine action standards. This contribution also supports the strengthening of governmental mine action coordination mechanisms and improved decision-making.
The national capacity enhancement is supported through a partnership model that brings together international mine action NGOs with local NGOs, which work to build the sustainable mine action response in Iraq.
On the occasion of Danish’s contribution, Mr. Christian Thorning, the Danish Ambassador to Iraq, explained: “I am very pleased that Denmark once again has contributed to the important work of UNMAS. Mine action is vital for protection of civilians, as well as being critical in releasing land for productive use and enable returnees to gain a livelihood. For Denmark, contributing to peace and stability in Iraq remains a high priority.”
“Denmark has been an indispensable contributor to the UNMAS Iraq programme since it was first deployed. This new contribution will assist the Government of Iraq in protecting vulnerable communities from the menace posed by explosive ordnance and will support safe and dignified returns of IDPs. In furtherance, it will allow UNMAS to continue its capacity enhancement efforts in support of national actors and aimed at developing the national capacity,” said Pehr Lodhammar, UNMAS Chief Mine Action Programme.
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
04 December 2022
1 / 11