UNAMI Opens Mosul Office, Pledges Continued Support for Ninewa communities in post-Conflict Recovery

Cutting the ribbon and planting a tree as a symbol of peace, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, noted that the inauguration of the office marked a milestone, “a step that will deepen our collaboration, enhance our coordination and provide a constant interface with the UN for all stakeholders.”

“In the Arabic roots of the name ‘Mosul’ one can find the idea of a linking point, of a coming together. And indeed - we intend this office to be a meeting place for all those with a stake in the development and prosperity of Ninewa. A junction where visions become plans, and where plans come to life,” Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert said.

Since the liberation of the city and the governorate from Dae’sh (ISIL), the UN family in Iraq has regularly deployed staff to the area, implementing programs in support of the dignified return of IDPs, preparing for provincial elections, promoting stabilization, social cohesion and human rights, removing explosive remnants of war, rehabilitating houses and reconstructing cultural and religious sites.

The Special Representative later toured the ruins of the landmark Al-Nouri Mosque, which ISIL destroyed before its retreat from Mosul. UNESCO is leading the restoration of the mosque and its iconic Al-Hadba leaning minaret.

The Special Representative also visited a new distribution centre for national unified cards, set to be opened by the Directorate of Civil Affairs, Passports and Residencies in the coming weeks. The project, supported by UNHCR, will serve over 800,000 residents of Mosul, including thousands whose civil documents were lost or destroyed during the recent conflict, helping ensure their future access to Government services.