United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)

UNAMI FOCUS

Voice of the Mission

News Bulletin on UNAMI Activities Fourth Issue Mid May 2006

SRSG Activities On 23 April, the SRSG congratulated Iraq's new Jean-Marie Fakhouri comes to the new political leadership on the election of its assignment after serving in what has been From 8 to 14 May, the Special President, Prime Minister and Speaker of the termed the world’s worst humanitarian Representative of the Secretary-General National Assembly 23 April. He called on the crisis – that unfolding in Sudan. There, he for Iraq Ashraf Qazi visited New York for elected officials to form a government of served as UNHCR’s Director of an in-depth consultations with the national unity. In a message delivered on behalf Operations, a post which required him to Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary- of Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the SRSG direct activities of 840 agency staff in the General, Mark Malloch Brown, the Acting voiced hope that this election “leads to the region addressing the needs of Sudanese Chef de Cabinet Alicia Barcena and strengthening of democratic institutions and refugees, returnees and internally displaced Under-Secretary-General (USG) for consolidation of the political process.” persons. political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari and USG for Security and Protection David Continuing his efforts to bring an end to the rising sectarian violence, the SRSG on 19 April During his 25-year tenure at UNHCR, Mr. Veness about UNAMI’s work programme discussed with the country’s leading Shiite Fakhouri has managed other humanitarian for the remainder of 2006. He also briefed Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al -Sistani operations and complex emergencies, the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, the need to form a government of national unity serving in various capacities both at the Egypt and Jordan on the current situation Geneva Headquarters and in field locations in Iraq and explained UNAMI's work ni as soon as possible. The meeting took place in the Muslim Shiite holy city of Najaf. such as Iraq. the country. He discussed a range of

initiatives in support of national The SRSG Ashraf Qazi called on 18 April for The 55-year old envoy is fluent in English, reconciliation and the new Iraqi the speediest possible formation of a French and Arabic. He succeeds Staffan de administration with the US State Mistura, who held the post since January Department Coordinator of Iraq Policy, government of national unity to prevent rising sectarian tensions from spiraling out of control 2005. Ambassador Jim Jeffrey. The participants after the 17 April prolonged violence in the ***** endorsed UNAMI’s efforts in supporting the formation of a government of national Adhamiya quarter of Baghdad. unity, provide capacity building for the Office of Constitutional Prime Minister’s Office and line ***** Support in UNAMI Holds a ministries, coordinate the contributions of Workshop in Italy the donor community, provide inputs and

guidance to Iraqi community leaders Annan Appoints Jean -Marie Office of the Constitutional Support (OSC) engaged in the Baghdad Peace Initiative Fakhouri as his Deputy Special and encourage the overall effort of the in UNAMI organized a four-day workshop international community in supporting the Representative for Iraq entitled: The Judiciary in Iraq: Role, Competence and Perspectives for the new government. UNAMI’s current Constitutional Review and Implementation logistical, accommodation and security A long-serving Lebanese official with the Process. The workshop, which is the arrangements were also reviewed to ensure United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) was their compatibility with the mission’s on 3 May as Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s second event in UNAMI/OCS’s anticipated requirements in the second half Deputy Special Representative for Iraq, programme of Multi -Party Dialogues on the constitutional revi ew options of 2006. focusing on humanitarian relief, reconstruction and development in the war-ravaged country. constitutional implementation, was held in

On the occasion of the World Press INDEX: Freedom Day, that fell on 3 May, the SRSG expressed his firm support to the - SRSG Activities 1 Iraqi media and its effort to persevere a -Appointment of DSRSG Fakhouri 1 professional conduct of its work despite - OCS Workshop in Italy 1 innumerable odds and continuing violence. According to the Committee to Protect - Electoral Update 2 Journalists (CPJ), more than 70 journalists - Constitutional Support Newsflash 2

have been killed on duty in Iraq since -Human Rights News 2+3 March 2003. Many others have been maimed, detained or threatened while - Relief, Reconst & Develop Activities 3 pursuing the right to freedom of -Political Update 3 expression. “Some of them we had the - Brief from PIO 4 privilege to know in person,” said Mr. The newly-appointed Deputy Special Qazi. Representative for Iraq Jean-Marie Fakhouri - Fiji Guard Unit Handover 4

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Italy (Rome and Siracusa) from 10 – 13 the new Independent High Electoral Human Rights News April. The meeting was well attended by Commission is created, which ever is 18 Iraqi delegates and four International shorter. The IECI will continue as a UNAMI is releasing today its Bi -monthly experts along with OCS staff who were caretaker commision. report on the human rights situation in Iraq made available to the discussions as for the months of March and April 2006. substantive resource persons. UNDP and The IEAT is currently focused in While the report covers various human addressing the shortcomings identified in the International Institute of Higher rights concerns, I would like to use this Studies in Criminal Sciences (ISISC) the inhouse and LL Cyprus Workshops opportunity to highlight to you a few of partnered in the organization of the event. with a view to strenthening the Iraqi them. Before I do that, let me emphasize electoral capacity through training, that the specific mandate of UNAMI in The meeting agreed on a set of workshops and study trips for the IECI . this area is to: “Promote the protection of recommendations of issues to be human rights, national reconciliation, and ***** considered going forward and, usefully (at judicial and legal reform in order to OCS prompting), that a Working Group be Constitutional Support strengthen the rule of law in Iraq”, in established in Baghdad to continue their keeping with SC Res. 1546. In addition to debate. This outcome ensures, regardless Newsflash Office of Constitutional Support (OCS) monitoring the human rights situation, of whether there is a constitutional review UNAMI is also pursuing a more robust process that a mechanism now exists organized a three-day multiparty dialogue on Fiscal Federalism at the Dead Sea, human rights strategy aimed at supporting through which to address some of the the development and strengthening of an important issues raised for the Judiciary by Jordan on 16 May . This meeting is an attempt to cover fiscal and financial Iraqi national human rights protection the new Constitution. system which can address both current constitutional arrangements, the distribution of resources and the violations as well as past human rights Delegates requested UNDP to assist with management of the economy of Iraq in the abuses. While limited in its ability to capacity building of the Judiciary and for context of conflict and post conflict operate and independently verify UNAMI to service the Baghdad Working reconstruction and development. 27 Iraqis allegations it receives because of the Group and provide expert advice on the representing various political parties and security situation, UNAMI is working issues raised. closely with Iraqi Governmental and non- the Government have attended. governmental institutions and Participants OCS has been making arrangements to organizations and considers the role of the Iraqi delegates participated in the meeting convene the forth multiparty dialogue on media crucial in exposing human rights representing political parties, the judiciary, violations. human rights and the constitution in Office of the President, Office of the Prime Vienna in early June. The venue for the Minister and academia. UN agencies in During the months of March and April, the latter was offered by the Austrian attendance were UNAMI (OCS), UNDP, enjoyment of human rights in Iraq has OHCHR and the International Criminal government, currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU. been severely undermined by growing Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia insecurity, high levels of violence and a (ICTY) in addition to ISISC. break down in law and order resulting from the action of militias and criminal ***** gangs. The right to life has been severely affected by the ongoing insurgency, Electoral Update terrorist attacks as well as by revenge The UN-led International Electoral killings and action by armed groups. Assistance Team (IEAT) provided strategic and operational support to the On-going military operations, especially in drafting of the post-election operational western and central Iraq, have also plan. This included field coordination, severely aff ected the enjoyment of human logistics, and security in relation to UNAMI Spokesman, Head of OCS rights and have resulted, at times, in the securing materials, ballots, and other and some Iraqi personalities in a loss of life of civilians. electoral items. The IEAT also provided Press Conference in Baghdad- coordination assistance in the planning and 30/04/06 execution of a series of Independent Eletoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) departmental workshops aimed at the Lessons Learnt Workshop. OCS has continued to work on the Quotation of the In May 2-4 the Lessons Lernt Workshop preparatory and conceptual development of a framework for a Peace Accord. OCS Month took place in Cyprus with participation of the members of the Board of has also assisted the Iraqi Council of Commisioners of the IECI, heads of Minorities in the preparation of their conference, held on 13 May. OCS has “Let us, on this occasion, department of the electoral administration, representatives of the IEAT, UN EAD NY, been also engaging with UNDP-Iraq to take a pledge to respect the ensure that the programming for the the international community as well as work of the Iraqi media so international electoral experts. For three implementation of the constitution is days the conference reviewed the most adequately funded and resourced through that they can spread relevant aspects of the Constitutional June 2007. greater respect for these Referendum and Council of OCS was engaged with a core group of universal values.” Representatives elections including voter registration, legal framework, pubic participants, including the Minister of outreach, international electoral assistance Justice and the Chief Justice, from the and the design of electoral management in Siracusa multiparty dialogue on judiciary SRSG Ashraf Qazi on Iraq. The conclussions of the conference in follow up activities (this is a repetition the World Press Freedom will soon be finalised. Also, with the of the paragraph above, you can keep it if support of UNAMI's leadership, on May you delete that paragraph, otherwise you Day. 11th the IECI's mandate was extended by delete this paragraph. the decision of the Council of Representatives for three months or until *****

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Women, children and professionals, There are reports that many judges, especially Relief, Reconstruction & including academics and judges, have been those working on terrorism or serious increasingly targeted by the on-going criminal cases, are facing intimidations or Development Activities violence. threats, including in the provinces. Preparations are ongoing for the Especially after the 22 February bombing in As a result of the pervasive violence, Iraqis UN/World Bank “Briefing on the IRFFI Samarra, sectarian killings, intimidations and continue to leave their areas of residence, Trust Funds Performance” scheduled for threats have become one of the most either voluntarily or as a result of violence or 24 May. The organizing committee consisting of the Canadian Embassy, the significant forms of human rights violation. threats by insurgents, militias and other As a result, the number of internally armed groups. According to figures from the UN and the World Bank met to discuss displaced persons has considerably increased, International Organization of Migration timing and logistical is sues. Internally, the thus affecting many communities and (IOM), the number of displaced persons since UNCT continued its preparation of Cluster creating further tensions and socio-economic 22 February 2006 reached 14,307 families, or fact sheets and agency briefing papers for problems. 85,842 persons. The IOM further reported the information package to be distributed that most of the Shi’a families are leaving at the meeting. The number of detainees held in the country central areas of Iraq (Baghdad, Anbar and continues to remain high. According to the Salah al Din) towards southern Governorates As part of the work to update the UN Ministry of Human Rights, as of 30 April (Najaf, Qadissya, Wassit and Kerbala). Sunni Strategy for Iraq 2006 – 2007, the results 2006, there were a total of 28,700 detainees – families are leaving southern areas and matrices from the clusters were 15,387 in the custody of the MNF; 7,727 held moving towards the Governorates of consolidated and it is expected that a draft by the Ministry of Justice; 176 juveniles held Baghdad, Diyala and Anbar. of the strategic plan document will be by Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs; completed next week for final review by 5,077 held by the Ministry of Interior and 333 It is of grave concern that numerous cases of the UNCT. by the Ministry of Defense. In relation to assassinations, torture, abuse of detainees, January – February 2006, the figures indicate and intimidations are frequently inadequately The Humanitarian Affairs Unit continued to monitor ongoing IDP issues related to a decrease in the overall number of detainees, investigated and therefore unpunished. Such especially in Iraqi facilities. a situation may encourage further acts of the recent displacement of between 12,000 violence and crime. It is imperative that the and 14,500 IDP families since late The conditions of detention in Iraqi facilities new Government addresses on a priority February. Overall, the UNCT estimates are generally not consistent with international basis the security of citizens and that it that there are over 200,000 Iraqi families human rights standards. Prisons and renews efforts to investigate all crimes. displaced throughout Iraq, some of who detention centres are overcrowded (with pre- have been displaced for over 25 years. trial detainees and convicted being mixed) There is therefore an urgent need to ensure Addressing the larger issues of long -term and often lack food, hygiene and medical that police and security forces act in keeping displacement as well as the ongoing treatment. The physical structure and with relevant international human rights displacement remains a significant condition of the facilities themselves are standards as well as that they abide by challenge for the government and the UN particularly problematic in the southern specific standing orders, implementing alike. region and with very weak infrastructures. regulations, and that effective internal accountability systems are put in place so as UNHCR hosted a joint UN/NGO

to deal with possible violations on a day-to- workshop on Conflict Transformation to Torture and other cruel, inhumane or promote peace-building initiatives at the degrading treatment are allegedly common day basis. Equally, it is the Government’s grassroots/civil society level. The HPSO practice in some facilities. It should be responsibility that all allegations of crimes are properly investigated and that those held is supporting the compilation of emphasized that under Iraqi Law, the responsible for crimes are brought to justice. documentation regarding lessons learned Ministry of Justice is the only institution and case studies of similar conflict habilitat ed to hold detainees. The Ministries transformation exercises in other countries of Interior and Defense can only hold As part of its mandate, UNAMI is also in order to develop a better understanding individuals in accordance with the short delay working to strengthen national capacities and infrastructures in the field of human rights. It of how dialogue and awareness raising at prescribed by law. sees as a priority to strengthen the the local level can support mediation that

administration of justice so as to ensure is more formal and national peace UNAMI is particularly concerned by reports initiatives. that judicial release orders are often not access to justice for all Iraqis and police and UNAMI has launched a new initiative in respected in detention facilities. Judicial prison administrations acting in keeping with the respect of human rights norms. Baghdad and Erbil to co-chair fortnightly authorities would not appear always able to Legislative reforms; building the capacity of UNAMI / NGO Coordination meetings exercise their power independently or with NCCI (NGO Coordination effectively and enforce Iraqi laws in their judicial institutions and personnel; promoting human rights and legal awareness; Committee in Iraq). These regular relation with police forces and militias. Lack modernizing judicial infrastructure; and meetings, the last of which was held in of protection of judges and court buildings Baghdad on 17th May and attended by has been thus a recurring issue. Considering setting up an independent and effective national human rights commission are the over forty NGOs, are already improving the current detainee population, the number main objectives of UNAMI’s promotion the collection of information on the fast- of judges and especially of investigative activities. evolving IDP situation. In addition, it is a judges should substantially increase in order forum for NGOs to openly discuss issues to allow the judiciary to deliver justice of common concern such as the draft NGO without delays. In addition to reaffirming a commitment to the protection and promotion of rights legislation. The Humanitarian and Polical

provided for in the Iraqi Constitution and Units linked up on on 17th May using the The killing of professionals, including under international human rights instruments opportunity to brief NGOs on the Baghdad doctors and academics, is another cause for to which Iraq is party, it is equally crucial to Peace initiative and to hear about the concern. At least 100 professors have been numerous other NGOs initiatives to bring reportedly killed since 2003. A large give priority to the development of a the violence to an end. number of lecturers, teachers and other comprehensive strategy for transitional justice addressing the crimes of the past, ***** intellectuals have reportedly stopped their through an adequate accountability work or left the country. The targeting of mechanism, as a basis for healing the wounds judicial professionals is particularly of decades of human rights violations and Political Update worrisome in the context of the deterioration of law and order. In Baghdad, an thus facilitating national reconciliation efforts. PM designate, Maliki, continued to face investigative judge was killed on 5 April and ***** impediments on the formation of a the president of the Tribunal of First Instance government of a national unity, of which was killed on 25 April.

3 he promised the Iraqi people. One of his PIO is organizing in cooperation with the being the first Sunday celebrated together UIA partners, the ‘Fahdila’ i.e. Virtue Office of HR a press conference in the as the new guard unit in Baghdad. A fitting Party, withdrew from the negotiations, Convention Centre on the 23rd of May at start to what is expected to be ongoing protesting against alleged American 11:00 am for national and international national contribution to the UN efforts in interference in the process of government media. Iraq. formation. ***** The objective of the press conference is to The ‘Tawafuq’, Iraqi Accord Front, also launch the bi-monthly report of HR public Photos from Fiji Guard mentioned threat of withdrawal unless they in the presence of the SRSG, the chief of Activities got the Ministries of Defence, Education, HRO, the chief of PIO and other members Planning and Health, besides other of both the HRO and PIO office that will positions of State Ministers. be announced in due time.

A trend of forming an incomplete Along with the Office of Constitutional government began to emerge, as the Support (OCS), the Public Information Ministry of Interior (MOI) and Ministry of Office (PIO) arranged for a press Defence (MOD), still posed as the main conference at UNAMI HQ in Baghdad for obstacle for Al -Maliki’. Several party and the Iraqi delegates who had participated in media sources indicated that such the recent seminar in Italy on the incomplete cabinet could be announced implications of the judiciary in the new within the week ending 18 May. In a press constitution in Siracusa, Italy. The conference, held on 15 May, President discussion focused on the lessons learned Talabani objected to the idea of from Italy, and the necessity to include Visit of the Tongan Chief of Defence announcing such government, without these in the constitutional review process if Forces (CDF) settlement of MOI and MOD. and when it takes place. Media interest 9/05/06 focused in particular on the responsibility On 10 May 06, the Iraqi CoR dissolved the of the ministry of justice in relation to Board of the IECI, according to TAL, and arbitrary detention of the civilians. As a decided to keep the Administration body, tribute to the ‘World Press Freedom Day’ as a caretaker, for three months, to look the PIO issued a press release on behalf of after salaries, documents, and other the SRSG. administrative matters, until the formation of a new Commission, within this period ***** or the issuance of a new legislation. However, in response to a strong objection by the dissolved Board, today, the Speaker Fiji Guard Handover has decided to include the Board in the caretaker responsibility only of daily The United Nations Fiji Guard Unit in Iraq administrative matters. recently completed its routine rotation on 05 May 06 in Baghdad. In a parade where Outgoing Australian Senior National Officer (SNO ) Nouri Al -Malaki, Iraqi Prime Minister- the Sovereigns and Regimental Colours 6/05/06 designate visited the Grand Ayatollah Ali were also blessed, UNGU command was

Al -Sistani in Najaf on 27 April. After the handed by outgoing FGU 3 commander, meeting Al -Sistani’s office issued a Lieutenant Colonel Mason Smith to the statement in which it called for the new Fiji Guard Unit 4 Commanding government to have sole responsibility for Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Seremaia providing security to the people and to put Tuikoro. That ceremony officially ended an end to terrorist acts. Al-Malaki their two-week handover period passing on confirmed that he would make security and the responsibility of UNGU to the new dealing with the militias his priorities. arrivals. The parade and ceremony was During the rest of the week Prime officiated over by the current contingent Minister-designate held intensive commander, Brig. Gen. Naivalurua and consultations with political parties’ both unit chaplains. The previous guard representatives on the composition of his unit have seen arrived back home safely government. and have reunited with their families. Mother Sunday Service 14/05/06 U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice This new UN Guard Unit is by far the and U.S. Defense Secretary Donald biggest to be deployed from Fiji, the Rumsfeld arrived in Baghdad on April 26. normal company in Baghdad and the During their two-day visit the American debutant Erbil company. Both companies UNAMI Focus official met wide spectrum of Iraq political have since settled in well to their tasks, leaders. knowing the high standards to be Is an internal bulletin produced ***** maintained, the challenge being continuous by the Public information Office improvement on the previous units of the United Nations Assistance performance. Therefore, for the next six Brief from Public months, new Fijian faces but one unified Mission for Iraq. The views Information Office (PIO) role – top priority security for UN staff and printed in it do not necessarily premises through ‘Assurance, Visibility reflect those of the United UNAMI Public Information Office (PIO) and Consistency’. Nations. had a meeting with the Office of Human For further information Rights on the 8th of May to discuss the Last Sunday, 14 May 2006, the Fiji possibility of increased cooperation to national and UN flags into the Baghdad contact the internal e-mail: morning sky for the first time by UNGU 4. promote issues of HR in the Iraqi public. [email protected] Both offices have reached understanding This was followed Mothers Day Sunday (a universal remembrance Sunday celebrated Phone + 962 6 550 4700 on a number of recommendat ions Extensions: 2644 or 2231 including increased presence of the HR by many) church service at the UN Diwan Office on UNAMI website, organizing a complex auditorium. The dedicated Visit our web site www.uniraq.org press conference in the presence of the Sunday was doubly memorable this year, SRSG to make the bi-monthly HR report firstly due to the number of female in this public, increased cooperation in unit being the most in any of Fiji’s 4 information exchange. overseas deployments and secondly, this