UNAMI and UNOPS convene a gathering of leaders of Iraq’s religious and ethnic groups

UNAMI’s Office of Political Affairs, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the UNAMI Human Rights Office convened a gathering of leaders of Iraq’s religious and ethnic groups from across the country on 27 and 28 May 2016 in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The group gathered to discuss specific plans to improve respect for and protection of Iraqi components. William Spencer, Executive Director of the Institute for International Law and Human Rights, led a discussion of various specific actions that can be taken, from building new institutions to reforming Iraq’s educational curricula, as well as mechanisms to ensure the return of families to liberated areas.

Ultimately, participants chose to pursue legislative initiatives focusing on combating discrimination, drawing as a source on the many provisions of Iraq’s Constitution that can better protect these and other marginalised groups.

The United Nations will continue to facilitate this practical, specific discussion as needed, and signaled its investment in developing a national culture of tolerance and respect of Iraq’s diversity.

Photos: UNAMI PIO