On World Water Day, the Directorate of Water and UNICEF Call for Immediate Action to Protect Iraq’s Water Resources and Ensure a Safe Future for Children

"As we face increasing water scarcity, it is our responsibility to safeguard this valuable resource." Said Mr. Ammar Adel, Head of the National Water Team and Director of the General Directorate of Water. “The Directorate of Water has started implementing strategic and vital projects in coordination with the National Water Team and with support of UNICEF.” He added.

“The projects include updating the master plans for water projects to improve services, adopting automated systems for water management to ensure fair distribution, and implementing innovative solutions for water supply by enhancing data collection and analysis. In addition to adopt the water safety plan to ensure safe drinking water for everyone and raise people awareness on water conservation." Said Mr. Adel.

Water crisis in Iraq is worsening due to rising temperatures, drought, and desertification, as Iraq is one of the most affected countries by climate change. Millions of Iraqis, especially children, face difficulties accessing clean water, due to declining river levels, which increases their risk of malnutrition, diseases, and displacement.

UNICEF’s efforts in Iraq, alongside the Directorate of Water, focus on addressing these challenges by working together to provide essential water and sanitation services, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

"Our mission is to reach children in the most affected communities and ensure they have access to safe drinking water in a time of increasing water scarcity." Said Eng. Ali Ayoub, Head of UNICEF's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Program.

UNICEF work in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Municipalities, and other sectoral ministries and UN agencies, to enhance access to sustainable water and sanitation services, through partnerships with public and private sectors, and work in diverse environments to support the water sector, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and empower communities to live in a sustainable environment.

As we celebrate this important day, UNICEF Iraq and the General Directorate of Water stand together to secure water for future generations and support solutions that can adapt to climate change, in line with Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Action.

###

For more information, kindly contact:

 Ralph El Hage

Chief Advocacy, Communications and Partnership

UNICEF

Tel: 07827820238

Email: relhage@unicef.org

Zaid Fahmi

Communication Officer

UNICEF

Tel: 07809126781

Email: zfahmi@unicef.org