Japan Continues Support to Community Police in Newly Liberated Areas in Iraq

Improving safety and security for the over 2.4 million vulnerable returnees in the newly liberated areas was at the core of the project, as it will contribute to promoting law and order, while enhancing the relations between the communities and law enforcement. The project entailed procurement of vehicles, as well as the construction and equipping of 28 community police centres in the Governorates of Ninewa, Anbar, Diyala, Salah al Din, and Kirkuk. Beyond that, and in cooperation with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Human Rights Office, more than 60 police officers were trained on human rights norms and best practices, as well as on gender sensitivity, allowing community police to be better able to respond to the needs of Iraqi communities.

H.E. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq said, “It is time for Iraq to return to its path towards reconstruction and economic recovery after its great victory over ISIL, and economic growth cannot take place in a security vacuum. In this light, I believe this project financed by the Japanese Government is important as it contributes to the capacity building of the Community Police. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all who supported this project.”

Brigadier General Khalid Mehana, Director of the Community Police said, “I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Japan, through His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Iraq. I would also like to thank UNOPS for its support, who showed an impressive commitment and dedication to work under challenging circumstances, in order to reach our final goal, which we all celebrate and honor today in this ceremony.”

Mazen Kaloti, UNOPS Project Manager emphasized that, “The project builds on the previous success of the partnership between the Government of Japan and UNOPS in supporting the Community Police Directorate.” He added that, “UNOPS would like to express its deep gratitude to the Government of Japan for its sustained trust in UNOPS to support the people and the Government of Iraq.”

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For Press Inquiries, please contact Miriam Macke, Reporting Officer, UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman, MiriamM@unops.org, Tel: +962 6 5902100