UNAMI Human Rights Office visit to Ramadi, Anbar Governorate

Ramadi, Iraq, 27 March 2019 - Civil society activists, women human rights defenders, community and tribal leaders, representatives from the Iraqi Human Rights Commission (IHCHR), journalists and media representatives, and government officials today convened a joint discussion with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Human Rights Office (HRO), at the Mayor's office in Ramadi, Anbar Governorate.

The group engaged in in-depth discussions on local human rights concerns including enforced disappearances, persons disabled through conflict, the needs of and potential risks posed by children indoctrinated by ISIL, the need for greater protection of the environment and the impact of pollution on the heath of local residents, prolonged detention of detainees without charge or trial, drug use in Ramadi and its impact, including among school children, the right to housing, the need for greater protection of freedom of expression, and greater freedoms for women and girls in Ramadi.

Films on minorities and human rights screened by UNAMI HRO triggered the discussion during which participants shared human rights priorities in Ramadi.