UNAMI FOCUS Voice of the Mission May 2009 News Bulletin - Issue 33

United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Public Information Office UNAMI FOCUS Voice of the Mission May 2009 News Bulletin - Issue 33

Features UNAMI in Action Discussion Governorates Iraqi Words Contact Us

In This Issue Historic Event in Baghdad World Press Freedom Day 2009- Doha, Qatar-2-4 May (2) International Federation of Journalists

DOHA DECLARATION (2)

International Federation of Jour- nalists Holds Historic Event in Baghdad (4)

Media's role in elections - a hot topic in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (6)

Marking World Press Freedom Day in Baghdad (7)

Iraq and Corruption (8)

Kurdistan Elections (9)

Erbil Governorate (10) Iraqi Dance Troop Performing at Opening for Conference (UN Photo/Sarmad Al-Safy)

Sulaymaniyah Governorate (10)

Dahuk Governorate (11)

Iraqis in their own words (12)

Mission Statement- Public Infor- mation Office-UNAMI (12)

Sectors’ & UN Agencies’ Activi- ties May 2009 (13)

The SRSG’s Farewell Message (14)

Audience and Speakers during Event: Marking World Media's role in elections - a hot topic in the Kurdistan Press Freedom Day (UN Photo) Region of Iraq

UNAMI FOCUS - May 2009

Empowering Citizenship: Media, Dialogue World Press Freedom Day and Education 2009-Doha, Qatar-2-4 May Media functions as a vehicle for the flow of a plurality of viewpoints and multiplicity of voices, thus permitting exercises of citizenship such as participation, criticism and voting. Informed citi- Media, dialogue and mutual understanding zens can better and more actively participate in In partnership with the Doha Center for Media their societies’ decision making processes. freedom, and under the auspices of Qatari first lady, HH Sheikha Mozah Al Missned, UNESCO UNAMI was represented by the Special Repre- held its World Press Freedom Day,2009 confer- sentative of the Secretary-General for Iraq ence in Doha, Qatar on 2-3 May 2009. The con- (SRSG) Staffan de Mistura. The SRSG partici- ference focused on the potential of media in fos- pated in the panel on: What specific role for me- tering dialogue, mutual understanding and recon- dia in promoting interreligious dialogue and mu- ciliation. tual understanding. Drawing on his long experience of conflict engagement, in the Middle East Being the only UN agency with a mandate to de- and beyond, Mr. de Mistura emphasized the fend freedom of expression and press freedom, need to depoliticize religions and conversely, the UNESCO has placed mutual understanding and need to free religion from the burdens of narrow dialogue through media at the core of its mission. interests. UNESCO’s Constitution, adopted in November 1945, states that the Organization will AWARD: At the end, the Conference awarded “collaborate in the work of advancing the mutual its prize this year posthumously to Lasantha knowledge and understanding of all peoples, Wickrematunga, the editor of Sri Lanka’s The through all means of mass communication” and Sunday Leader, who, in a twisted version of “promote the free flow of ideas by word and im- Gabriel García Márquez’s Chronicle of an An- age”. nounced Death in the form of an editorial, pre- dicts his own murder and fingers the ones who This year participants explored the potential of allegedly were planning it. media to serve as a platform for dialogue. The conference also issued the Doha Declara- Thematically, the conference explored: tion (below): The Roles of Media in International Dialogue Cultural references determine our identity as human beings and the ways in which we construct DOHA DECLARATION reality; they affect the perception of ourselves, 3 May 2009 the way we encounter others, and the way we interact with the world. The media greatly influ- ences not only what we think, but also how we The Potential of Media: Dialogue, Mutual Un- act. derstanding and Reconciliation

Free Media Fosters Dialogue We, the participants of the UNESCO World Press Perhaps the best way a media can work towards Freedom Day conference in Doha, Qatar, 3 May building mutual understanding is by strengthen- 2009, ing the media culture itself. A media that is vibrant, independent, pluralistic, inclusive and fair, Recalling the commemoration of the 60th anni- editorial free and beyond censor and influence versary of the Universal Declaration of Human from interests, political, commercial, or otherwise Rights, which states in Article 19 that: “Everyone – only a free media will innately contribute to the has the right to freedom of opinion and expres- dialogue and understanding across divides. sion; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and What specific role for media in promoting in- impart information and ideas through any media terreligious dialogue and mutual understand- and regardless of frontiers.” ing Perhaps no issue can evoke intense and polar- Reaffirming that freedom of expression is a fun- ized positions as religion. Communities can coa- damental right that is essential to the realisation lesce on the bases of common religious denomi- of other freedoms set forth in international human nators or unravel as a result of exacerbated dif- rights instruments, ferences. Recalling the United Nations Millennium Declara-

tion of September 2000, which considers that toler- To promote diversity at all levels of the news busi- ance is one of the fundamental values essential to ness by broadening sources of recruitment and the international relations in the 21st century and reach of professional development programmes should include the active promotion of a culture of that support equality, participation and dialogue, peace and dialogue among civilisations, with human beings respecting one another in all their di- To develop practical initiatives on how to report versity of belief, culture and language, on religious and cultural diversity, in order to fos- ter dialogue and understanding, by introducing Recalling the Universal Declaration on Cultural Di- teaching methods at journalism schools that fo- versity of UNESCO and the principles contained cus on raising awareness of intercultural dialogue therein, and conflict-sensitive reporting.

Stressing that independent and pluralistic media Call on member states: are essential for ensuring transparency, accountability and participation as fundamental elements of To establish legal frameworks in compliance with good governance and human rights-based devel- international standards that guarantee freedom of opment, expression and ensure that media professionals can do their work freely and safely, without intimi- Considering that freedom of opinion and expres- dation, sion are essential cornerstones of free and democratic societies and contribute to a better un- To take the necessary measures to ensure rigor- derstanding of and a dialogue among cultures, ous and independent investigations and prosecu- tions in cases of harassment and violence against Bearing in mind that the International Covenant on journalists and bloggers, and to put an end to im- Civil and Political Rights, in its Article 20, requires punity, States Parties to prohibit by law any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes To make sure that their constitutional and legisla- incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, tive systems have provisions to ensure adequate and effective guarantees of freedom of thought, Recalling the Resolution of UNESCO’s Executive conscience and religion for all, without exception, Board adopted in March 2006 on “Respect for and in conformity with international standards, Freedom of Expression and Respect for Sacred Beliefs and Values and Religious and Cultural To remove statutes on defamation from penal Symbols” (174 EX/Decision 46), which promotes codes, respect for freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs and symbols and highlights that To develop a culture of transparency, including they are two intrinsically linked principles and go legal measures to ensure access to and dissemi- hand in hand in combating ignorance and lack of nation of information to enhance dialogue and the understanding with a view to building peace and participation of all actors in society, establishing dialogue among cultures, civilisations, religions and peoples, To support broad public participation in the processes of governance, including through such Call on media and professional associations: means as ICTs and e-governance,

To commit themselves to improving the profes- To facilitate access to media for all , especially sional qualifications of journalists, including support women, people with disabilities and vulnerable for independent associations, organisations and groups, and to enable them to create their own unions, to developing voluntary self-regulatory me- means of debate, dia accountability systems and to adhere to high ethical and professional standards in their work, To remove legal and other barriers to the establishment of independent media, To raise public awareness of human rights viola- tions, intolerance, abuse of power and to investi- To facilitate the production, dissemination and gate and report in a professional manner, exchange of programmes on dialogue, peace- building and reconciliation addressing children To develop activities aimed at increasing better and youth, notably by providing assistance for the understanding of the diversity of cultures by pro- acquisition of distribution rights and translation. moting exchanges and joint projects with media professionals from different cultures and profes- To promote in their national policies space for sional backgrounds, dialogue between cultures and religions,

To promote media and information literacy allow- global exposure that others enjoyed, because of ing young consumers to think critically and to use wars, conflicts, suffocating sanctions and inva- all kinds of media for their own purposes. sions. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of Iraqi journalists were forced to abandon their bleeding Call on UNESCO: homeland seeking the illusive safety in neighboring and other countries joining the ranks of Iraqi refu- To continue to make governments, legislators and gees, or relocating into other parts of the country public institutions aware of the importance of free- joining the internally displaced dom of expression, including freedom to access, produce, disseminate and share information, Under a huge banner hanging on the fringes of the upper stage, entitled Under the Patronage of the To further promote the role of new and traditional Prime Minister Mr. Nuri al-Maliki, the conference is media as a platform for dialogue by enhancing Held for all Media Leading Unions and Syndicates, capacities for independent, analytical and profes- the conference began with Iraqi bands performing sional reporting, the national anthem and other Iraqi national and To disseminate widely this Declaration to its Mem- popular songs. This was followed by several ber States and other international and regional speeches by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, the organisations for their consideration, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the United Nations Mr. Staffan de Mistura, the To use this Declaration as a reference for the Or- General Secretary of the IFJ Mr. Aidan White and ganisation's activities in this area. the President of Iraqi of Journalists’ Syndicate Mr. Moaid Alami.

In his speech, the Prime Minister reiterated his International Federation of commitment to the freedom of the press as lynch- pin of any vital democracy. Mr. al-Maliki declared Journalists Holds Historic that, “One of the things that we are very proud of is the fact that we don’t have one single journalist Event in Baghdad who is imprisoned in Iraq over freedom of press”. The Prime Minister also said that the security situation in Iraq was different than the image engen- dered through satellite television. Mr. al-Maliki drew comparisons to pre 2003 saying, “now we have dozens of newspapers and media outlets, prior to the toppling of the former regime, only one newspaper and one television station represented them”. He concluded by paying homage to journalists, Iraqis and foreigners alike, who were killed in Iraq over the past six years.

For his part, the Special Representative of the Iraqi Dance Troop Performing at Opening for Conference (UN Photo/ Sarmad Al-Safy) United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG) Mr. Staffan de Mistura said that Iraq could be an example to follow when it comes to media in a country transitioning into democracy. He added, By Randa A. Jamal “Iraq is going through a difficult time, but with many important achievements like holding elections and On 23-24 May 2009, a historic event was held at debates on political dialogue, all of which were Baghdad’s legendary Al Rasheed hotel. Jour- unthinkable few years ago”. He reminded the audi- nalists and journalists’ associations, unions, ence of the 284 journalists, including the interna- guilds representatives from around the world, tional ones, killed in Iraq. Mr. de Mistura cited including Iraq, convened for the first time ever a some main challenges: the security situation, a conference organized by the International Fed- media law to regulate and guarantee freedom of the eration of Journalists (IFJ) , in collaboration with press to transition into democracy. He also empha- the Iraqi chapter, bringing together more than 80 sized the need to train Iraqi journalists not only in journalists from various countries to send a mes- technical fields, but also in investigating corruption sage of solidarity to Iraqi journalists. For dec- and exposing it before the public for scrutiny and ades, Iraqi journalists were denied the kind of accountability. He also noted achievements in the realm of the media in Iraq citing that 70% of Iraqis

have access to satellite television today, a factor Voices of the Journalists from the Arab region, that played an instrumental role during last Janu- Europe and America ary’s Provincial Elections and allowed the Elections Commission to address the Iraqi public directly. Approximately 80 international journalists attended the conference with diverse expertise and experi- Contradicting the Prime Minister, the Secretary- ences. One of them was Ramez Maluf, Associate General of IFJ Mr. White said that there is a journal- Professor of Journalism and Director for the Institute ist being held in US run prisons in Iraq who was for Media Training and Research at the Lebanese earlier released by the Iraqi court. Aidan also dis- American University. He said “There is significant cussed the significance of the conference being the international presence in the conference which is a first of its kind held since the war, encompassing an clear display of international solidarity with Iraqi jour- historic moment of change to move the Iraqi story nalists”. As for him personally, “Other than the fact that this is the first time for me in Baghdad, it is an honor to address Iraqi journalists who are facing the challenges of exercising their profession on daily basis and it is a unique opportunity to speak to Iraqi journalists about freedom of expression in this very difficult time when they are grappling with finding answers”.

Another journalist who came all the way from Mex- ico had a different experience. Issac Olmedo Lavariega, of Sindicato Nacional De Redactores De la Prensa, says he was nervous initially because of the violence reported on television, but after arriving IFJ Secretary-General Aiden White and other Iraqi Official during Confer- he felt safe and that the reality is not reflected ence (UN Photo/Sarmad Al-Safy) through the news heard at home. “I see more violence in some regions of Mexico where the number off the page of conflict and war into the a new era of of deaths are high due to organized crime”, he said. analysis on opportunities for peaceful reconciliation, This is the first time he comes into contact with Iraqi development and building a culture of democracy. journalists. However, the only difficulty he seems to On ethical journalism, he said, “We are here to do face is the language barrier. some practical work of reinforcing the quality and standard in journalism particularly in holding train- Similarly Maria Dolores (Lola), Channel 9— ings to improve the quality of independent report- Television, FAPE-Spain, who came from Spain and ing.” On an optimistic note, he said, “I believe it is presentation before the conference during its first possible that models for media development can be session entitled Independent Media, Politics and created here, which will be useful throughout the Public Service Values, also had difficulty with lan- Arab world”. guage barriers. She noted in her presentation the need for guaranteeing editorial independence in IFJ Middle East Coordinator Mounir Zaarour said, Public Broadcasting. She said that through any “We thought hard before coming here and holding piece, a journalist should not just show, but needs this conference and for several reasons we de- to explain the context. She provided an example cided that we must come”. These reasons, accord- from the Palestinian First Uprising (Intifada), saying, ing to Mr. Zaarour, include a dynamic political envi- “I cannot show a child throwing a rock without hav- ronment that never ceases to be interesting and the ing to explain the context”. She also noted some of need for journalists, Iraqis and non-Iraqis alike, to the shortcomings of today’s journalism by showing maintain the consistency of coverage required to be and not explaining the context. She also placed able to conduct themselves in a professional and blame on the media for relaying messages to objective manner disabusing themselves of political young people that contribute to their pessimism and patronage or cowering under the pressure of vari- erode their confidence in the global structure say- ous political groups. He emphasized the need for ing, “Some of the young people are depressed be- the media to commit itself to the core values of jour- cause they only know what is happening without nalism in both Iraq and the Arab region as a whole. knowing the context”. He noted that the Ethical Journalism Initiative will focus on editorial independence and finding the Similarly Ana Valdes, originally from Uruguay and a right legal environment for holding dialogue be- journalist who currently resides in Sweden, a politi- tween media, civil society and government. cal prisoner for four years before turning to journalism, holds a political position pertinent to Iraq. She spoke of the dynamics of foreign military presence

in Iraq as a factor in curtailing the environment needed for free press. She said, “It is not possible to speak about democracy and freedom of press when American soldiers are all around; how could one speak about freedom of press when the occupation still exists?”. She added, “Presence of the occupy- ing forces overwhelms me especially that I am in the cradle of civilization, where history started and where Gilgamesh and religions first appeared and the entire place is now in shambles…it is too sad to see this place in shambles.”

All things considered, this conference is a link between journalists inside Iraq and others spread around the world. For decades, Iraq was plagued by regional vote in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on sanctions and wars that did not allow its journalists July 25 and the national parliamentary elections to establish bridges with the outside world. Now, expected in December. and through venues like this conference, Iraqi journalists reporting from Iraq are finally sitting with Together with other UN agencies, UNDP is sup- other fellow journalists, sharing and exchanging porting Iraqi election authorities in establishing a idea. One local Iraqi journalist summed it up by say- framework for media handling, as well as organis- ing that the conference was, “A different kind of ex- ing several workshops and a major information perience,” that brought him face to face with the campaign for journalists on their rights and respon- world around him. sibilities when reporting on popular votes. UNDP also worked with the country’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) to update its Code of Conduct for covering elections. Media's role in elections - a hot The Erbil conference was organised by the inde- topic in the Kurdistan Region pendent national Iraqi news agency Aswat al-Iraq of Iraq and sponsored by UNESCO and UNDP through a Spanish-funded programme to help develop Iraqi media.

By Paal Aarsaethe The gathering fostered a healthy and passionate debate with a strong consensus in favour of a Erbil, 3 May 2009 - A World Press Freedom Day more independent and unbiased Iraqi media and conference organized in Erbil on Sunday and better access to official information for journalists. sponsored by UNESCO and UNDP, saw a lively While the Iraqi constitution enshrines freedom of and rich debate on press freedom issues in the expression, it is silent on the right to access official context of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the information for reporters and the public in general. upcoming regional and national elections. The participants, totaling over a hundred of the “A free and fair press is the very foundation of a region’s leading journalists, politicians, media ex- well-functioning democracy, as well as the contin- perts and officials stressed in their interventions the ued development and progress of Iraq and Iraqi importance of neutral and professional reporting Kurdistan”, Mr. Vehbi Selmani, acting head of during the upcoming rounds of regional and na- UNDP’s Erbil office, told participants. tional elections.

“Helping Iraq with developing a strong and vibrant The strong consensus resulted in the setup of an press on both the regional and national level read-hoc body to monitor the press coverage of the mains one of the key priorities of UNDP in Iraq”, he Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s elections, with the aim added. of curbing the most serious partisan excesses. A document, named the Erbil Declaration and reflect- As many of the country’s press outlets are owned ing the participants’ support of a free and inde- by political parties or entities with links to politi- pendent press and better access to official informa- cians, news stories on political issues are often tion for journalists, was also adopted by the confer- one-sided or inaccurate. The number of such arti- ence. cles is expected to increase in the run-up to the

A similar event organised by the international me- in Iraq that pertain mainly to the protection of dia development NGO IREX and supported by journalists, which need to be approved by the UNESCO and UNDP took place in Baghdad, fea- CoR. turing panel debates with senior officials and media representatives and with over 500 visitors during a Throughout the halls, IJRDA had several ban- full day of events. ners displaying the number of Iraqi journalists killed and missing, as well as portraying their UNDP has maintained an office and a team of ex- suffering. “I hope for an international organiza- perts in Erbil to serve the Kurdistan Region of Iraq tion to help in defending the rights of journalists for several decades, currently implementing a port- in Iraq and also to urge the government and the folio of some 20 different development projects. parliament to discuss and approve the laws that pertain to journalists”, Al-Srage emphasized.

As for Mr. Mufid Al-Jazairi, the Head of Culture, Marking World Press Freedom Tourism and Antiques Committee, he elaborated Day in Baghdad on these laws: one which aims at the protection of journalists and the other related to the Iraqi Media Network. Al-Jazairi said that these two laws are before the CoR. On the media evolving in Iraq, he noted that it is only natural that after decades of suppression and curtailment of freedom of speech, new media outlets and media personnel are pushing for their rights and freedoms in the post 2003 era. He acknowledged the difficulties they face and said that “we must work collectively to address problems and come together towards a consensus and ultimately solutions”.

In line with Al Jazairi’s analysis, Mr. Muhamad Abubaker, Media General Director of the CoR Audience and Speakers during Event: Marking World Press Freedom Day said that there is legislation related to media in (UN Photo) Iraq including the laws on protecting journalists, the Iraqi Media Board and the Press Law. "Unfortunately", he noted, "none of them has By Randa A. Jamal been approved as of now. The first two laws are still being debated at the Cabinet and the Shura Marking World Press Freedom Day in the Iraqi Council and their final approval would depend capital was indeed unique in light of the circum- on the CoR". If they are not approved by July stances Iraqi journalists and media personnel 2009, Mr. Abubaker said that there will be a con- endure and are confronted with on daily basis. ference on Iraqi media that will be held in the Over 500 journalists and media workers came to same month, during which relevant media laws Al-Mansour Hotel to mark the World Press Free- along with other significant related topics will be dom Day, the international day for journalists, on discussed by media experts and academics in- 3 May 2009. Mr. Ebrahame Al-Srage, the head cluding prominent journalists. of the Iraqi Journalists Rights Defending Asso- ciation (IJRDA) said that the event provided a platform for journalists to come together to dis- The World Press Freedom Day held in Baghdad cuss how to move forward on certain issues par- was supported by international efforts including ticularly on requesting the government to “move the United Nations Educational, Scientific and ahead on the laws on protecting Iraqi journalists, Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United consistent with Article 19 of the Universal Decla- Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and ration of Human Rights, which ensures freedom International Research and Exchange (IREX). of expression”. IREX Country Director, Jacqueline Frank, said that they encouraged putting together this event Those present heard representatives of associa- in Baghdad to highlight the environment in which tions and media centers as well as Members of Iraqi media operate especially under the security the Council of Representatives (CoR), speak and legal challenges they face. Frank elabo- about significant topics such as the media laws

rated further on media laws by pointing to one of the banners: “So this is a petition to support Arti- Iraq and Corruption cle 19 and thus should be a principal incorpo- rated. We train Iraqi journalists and try to strengthen Iraqi press associations in advocacy PIO News Analysis amongst themselves and for the media laws”. Perhaps nothing is more damaging to countries On building Iraqi media capacities, Souad Al- wading through the debris of conflicts on the road Jazairy, an Iraqi writer and producer, stressed to recovery than the brazen corruption that the need to invest in Iraqi youth, particularly in maybe running through the circuitry of its deci- having a new vision that is guided by interna- sion making bodies. According to both Iraqi offi- tional standards. “They need workshops on me- cial and nonofficial accounts , Iraq has suffered dia law, professionalism, and preparing news and still suffers from pandemics of corruption that packages for television and radio production”, permeate across the complexities of its political she emphasized. Apparently her NGO provides and nonpolitical landscape. trainings along these lines. On Saturday, 9 May 2009, Iraqi Prime Minister In addition to media laws and empowering Nouri al-Maliki expressed in no uncertain terms youth, families of journalists killed in Iraq suffer a his government’s heightened fear of such a risk great deal and have not yet received the com- that has pushed down Iraq to earn the disquieting pensation packages they deserve. The Presi- distinction as the third most corrupt country in the dent of the Iraqi Journalists Association, Mr. world right after Somalia and Burma, according to Moaid Allami, focused in his speech on the fami- the corruption watchdog group Transparency lies of journalists who were killed and the fact International (TI). The index is based on percep- that they should be compensated. He also said tions of public sector corruption in 180 countries that the media laws for protecting journalists are and territories. According to Huguette Labelle, also very important. “I made reference to the chair of the watchdog, “the high levels of corrup- conference that will be held towards the end of tion amount to a humanitarian disaster.” May where Iraqi journalists from more than 70 countries will attend”, he emphasized. Mr. Al Maliki said, “The theft of public money and other forms of corruption were problems no less In the halls leading to, and in the surrounding pressing than the sectarian ethnic strife that area of the conference room, cartoon, photo, brought Iraq to the brink of collapse.” He prom- and newspaper exhibitions on display depicted ised that his government would, “Launch a cam- the plight of journalists and the attempts to si- paign against those corrupt people just as we lence them, impeding their work, including the had launched a campaign against outlaws," horrors that struck Iraqis during the war. A ban- While it remains to be seen as to whether or not ner had two pictures of Reem and Marwan, two Mr. Al Maliki's remarks suggest that corruption Iraqi journalists who went missing in 2005. An- could be a pivotal issue in the next parliamentary other banner read “Publishing is Prohibited”. elections expected next January, they nonethe- According to one of the banners, 292 Iraqi jour- less underscore a real problem that has over the nalists were killed since March 2003. The latest past 6 years held Iraq back and its people driven two victims were Adnan Souhaib and Haidar down into poverty and joblessness. Hashem Suhail both of the Baghdadiya Chan- nel, who were killed in the latest sequence of car Only days before Mr. Al Maliki’s remarks, on 3 bombings in Baghdad. May 2009, arrest warrants were issued by the anti-corruption Integrity Commission for eight The road may seem long and bleak, however Ministry of Trade officials, including two of the Iraqi journalists have began to build a free and brothers of Dr Abdel Falah Hassan Hamadi al- independent media. Today’s celebration high- Sudani, the Minster of Trade. The head of the lights the plight of thousands of Iraqi journalists, Council of Representatives of Iraq's Integrity who come from all walks of life, and whose dedi- Committee, Sabah al-Saedi from the Islamic Vir- cation and integrity towards promoting a free tue Party, called on al-Sudani to resign, a de- press are both significant and highly commend- mand that indeed lead to his resignation days able. later.

It would not end there. On Saturday, 30 May, police detained Dr. Al Sudani, a member of Al Dawa Party, the Prime Minister’s own party, (also

a British citizen) on charges of graft involving canned tuna. Locals suspect that officials had food rations, where he remained in custody until pocketed most of the money intended to help 7 June. them.

Although allegations of kickbacks are not new to If the threat of arresting the 1000 trade ministry Iraq, both a former minister of defense and a for- officials is made good on, it can impact the food mer minister of electricity fled Iraq as a result of supply to millions of Iraqis, because the ministry corruption charges, in recent days they have is in charge of the food rationing system on which rocked key government departments and stirred 60 per cent of the population depends. Officials parliamentary commotions with as many as 1,000 at the ministry, which spends billions of dollars Trade Ministry officials facing possible arrest. buying rice, sugar, flour and other items, are no- torious among Iraqis for importing food that is Although the scandal itself had first broke weeks unfit for human consumption, for which they before the highly publicized arrest of Al Sudani, charge the state the full international price. the political crisis over corruption escalated after a video surfaced showing Trade Ministry officials It is worrisome that the breakdown of the ration- at a party, apparently drinking alcohol, cavorting ing system, begun in 1995, threatens millions of with prostitutes, and ridiculing Prime Minister, Iraqis with malnutrition. The rations consist of rice Nouri al-Maliki. According to news reports, the (3kg a person), sugar (2kg), flour (9kg), cooking video showing guests dancing with the women oil (1.25kg), and milk for adults (250 grams), tea and drinking alcohol was widely circulated (200g), beans, children's milk, soap, detergents through mobile telephones in Baghdad. "We and tomato paste. have the video of Trade Ministry officials hosting a party that is unethical and out of control," said A survey by the Ministry of Planning and Devel- Sabah al-Saadi, the chairman of the Commission opment Cooperation found that 18 per cent of for Public Integrity. He added indignantly, "This people had not received the full food ration for 13 party represents the impact of nepotism on the months and 32 per cent had not received it for government and wasting of funds by senior offi- seven to 12 months. When rations do come, they cials' family members." are often of poor quality and Iraqis say that the tea supplied tastes disgusting. Although Iraq is a large and important oil producer, recent reports show that many Iraqis are hovering on the edge of starvation with 20-25 per cent of Iraq's 27 million people live below the Kurdistan Elections poverty line on less than $2.5 a day.

However, the sentiment on the “Iraqi street” is that Iraqis will remain skeptical about the anti- Elections: corruption campaign until they see dozens of senior officials convicted and punished. Iraqi The UNAMI Electronic Focus chooses for its May newspapers and media outlets convey an Iraqi issue to feature the three Governorates of the public perception that corruption is not restricted northeren region of Kurdistan (KRG) be cause of to the ministry of trade, and that it has become the scheduled upcoming elections. The Focus will rampant. Allegations by journalists, parliamentari- dedicate space in every issue to a certain Gover- ans and even some high government officials norate in Iraq. claim that officials routinely purchase their jobs, which they see as a way of making money The Independent High Electoral Commission through bribery or payment for awarding jobs and (IHEC) has set July 25 as the date for parliamentary contracts. elections in the Kurdistan region. The elections will coincide with the presidential polls. A total of 509 According to the British newspaper, The Inde- candidates from 20 political blocs and five alliances pendent, supply of tainted goods is not confined encompassing 15 blocs are competing for 111 to the Trade Ministry. Refugees living in Sadr seats in the upcoming parliamentary polls. Also, 84 City, where two million people from among Iraq’s voters’ registration centers have been inaugurated poorest live in east Baghdad, were expecting which until May 27 received 4,000 voters. On the food and clothing from the Ministry of Displace- other hand, five candidates are the incumbent presi- ment and Migration (MODM) but when the ship- dent of the Kurdistan region, Massoud al-Barazani; ment arrived, the refugees discovered it con- Hallow Ibrahim Ahmed; Dr. Kamal Mirawildy; Hus- sisted of thin grey woolen blankets, along with sein Garmiyani and Sifeen Sheikh Mohammed. assorted children’s shoes and some 25 boxes of

the Kurdish uprising at the end of the 1991 Gulf

Erbil Governorate War. In 1992, the current Kurdistan Parliament was established.

Population:

Total population of the city is 1,190,251 persons.

Ancient Archaeological sites in Erbil:

Erbil has about (636) ancient archaeological sites the most important of which are Erbil Castle and Choly Minaret (Al- Mudhafferiya Minaret).

Political Parties:

There are in Erbil headquarters of Kurdish, Turk- men, Assyrian, Islamic and communist parties. Both KDP and PUK have their own high profile headquarters in Erbil: KDP’s 2nd Branch and PUK’s 3rd Centre. On the other hand, Kurdistan Islamic Prepared by: Ihsan Barzinji Union, headed by Salahaddin Mohamed Bahad- din, and Kurdistan Islamic Group, headed by Ali Name: Bapeer have their own politburos in Erbil. The name of the city is Hawler or Erbil. Root of the name dates back to the ancient records of the Third King of Ur (2112-2004) B.C. referred to as ( Erbaillo) meaning the ‘Four Gods’. Sulaymaniyah Governorate

History Location: The modern city of Sulaimanya was founded in Erbil city is located 80 km to the east of the city of 1784 by a Kurdish prince known as Ibrahim Pasha Mosul, 90 km to the south of Kirkuk, 196 km north Baban who named it for his father Sulaiman Pa- west of Sulaymaniya and 156 km south east of sha.. Dohuk. The region of Sulaimanya was known as Zamwa Area: prior to its founding in 1784. During the post-World The area of Erbil Governorate is approximately War I-British occupation of the newly created state (16,484 km). Lying equally between the two rivers of Iraq, Sulaymaniyah was the center of nascent known as (Zab), Erbil has great agricultural lands Kurdish nationalism, and it was from here that Shaykh Mahmud Barzanji raised the first rebellion Ancient and Modern History: against the British occupation in 1919. After his defeat at Bazyan Pass that year, he was exiled for Erbil is contended as the most ancient city. Man several years, only to return and raise another un- first settled Erbil in the form of an agricultural vil- successful rebellion centered in Sulaymaniyah in lage some 6000 years ago. Historians believe that 1923. With Kurdistan's subsequent inclusion in Erbil dates back to about 2500 B.C. Iraq, Sulaymaniyah enjoyed a few further years of greater autonomy than western Kurdish cities like In recent history, Erbil became a governorate on Irbil. the 1st of April 1923 according to Act Since 1991, it has been administered by Autono- No. 5307 issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior. mous Kurdish Government and serves as one of the metropolises of Iraqi Kurdistan (KRG). The city The parliament of the Kurdistan Autonomous Re- is quickly becoming a tourist attraction for Iraqis gion was established in Erbil in 1970 after negotia- and other Middle Easterners due to its relative tions between the Iraqi government and the Kurdi- prosperity, security, and natural beauty. It is also stan Democratic Party led by Mustafa Barzani until known for its strong economic ties with Iran.

currently thriving under the Kurdistan Regional Government. On May 30, 2007, Dahuk was handed over to local Kurdish authorities by Coali- tion forces as part of a three province handover.

Population:

Total population of the city is 782,000 persons.

Provincial Council

Duhok provincial Council consists of 41 seats, the majority of 33 seats are for the Kurdistan Democ- ratic Party KDP, while both of the main other pari- Population: ties Patriotic Union of Kurdistan PUK and Kurdi- Total population of the city is 1,800,000 persons. stan Islamic Union KIU shear four seats each.

Kurdish culture in Sulaimaniyah Zakho is a district and a town in Iraqi Kurdistan located a few kilometers from the Iraqi-Turkish bor- Sulaimaniyah is considered the center of the der. Zakho has served as a checkpoint for many Sorani Kurdish culture in Kurdistan. Development decades. It has become a major market place with of Sorani as a modern literary language started in its goods and merchandise serving not only the this city in the early 19th century, when many Kurd- Kurdish controlled area, but also most of north and ish poets and philosophers like Goran and Pire- middle Iraq. merd published their works here. Due to its strategic location and the abundance of job opportunities, Zakho has attracted many workers and job seekers from different parts of Iraq and Dahuk Governorate even from Syria and Turkey. Zakho has a diocese of Chaldea. It corresponds to the ancient Diocese of Maalta, formerly a suffragan of Adiabene or Arbela. Some Nestorian bishops are mentioned from the fifth to the seventh century (Chabot, "Synodicon orientale", 676). It was re- united with the dioceses of Akra and Amadia until the middle of the nineteenth century, when the province was divided into three dioceses: Amadia, Zakho, and Akra-Zehbar. The diocese comprises 3500 Catholics, ten resident priests, five religious of the Congregation of St. Hormisdas, fifteen par- ishes or stations, twenty churches and chapels, and one primary school.

Zakho dates from 1859. Today Zakho is a province of the province of Dohuk. The city has 600,000 Dahuk (also Dohuk or Duhok) is one of the governorates of Iraq. It is in the north of the country. Its inhabitants. It may have originally begun on a small capital is Dahuk city. It also includes the city of island in the Habur River Little Khabur which cur- Zakho, which has at various times served as a rently flows through the city. The Habor River flows checkpoint for the border with Turkey. Prior to west of Zakho to form the border between Iraq and 1976 it was part of Ninawa Governorate, which Turkey and also the border between Iraq and was called Mosul Province. Syria. The Tigris (Dicle) flows into the Habor after serving as the border between Syria and Turkey. During the 1991 Persian Gulf War, the capital has The Habor River is one of the locales to which the experienced relative autonomy from Baghdad. It is Israelites were exiled.

"The integrity committee intends to interrogate Iraqis in their own words the ministers leading service ministries to pun- ish those who did not do their work perfectly." MP Sabah la-Sa'idi Head of the Integrity Committee "If sectarianism returns, it will have devastating in parliament, he stated to (NINA) impacts on Iraq.” “I think that the next six month of this year will Nouri al-Maliki the Iraqi Premier Minister, at a confer- be the most important period in Iraqi history be- ence held in Baghdad on 1st June for the provinces cause of the Iraqi and the Kurdistan incoming not related to a region. election, because it will be the first one under the Iraqi control and that will show all if Iraq is really “The call for reforming sectarian blocs to form ready for peaceful transfer of the powers without the political process again in the next parliamen- the international regency or not “ tarian elections would have a negative impact on the Iraqis and the political future of Iraq.” Saad Al-Rawee – 50 year-old history teacher in high school. MP Neda Al-Jubouri – INDF (Iraqi National Dialogue Front) “We requested the CoR in our report to deal with Mission Statement- Public In- Kirkuk case on bases of it’s Iraqi nationality not on the ethnicity bases of it’s components, as formation Office-UNAMI well as to not subject it to the political begin- nings which would have just timely interests.” Abdullah Eskander, member of article 23 committee For the Public Information Office at the United na- on Kirkuk tions Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), we aspire to ensure the mission’s mandate and responsibilities “It is proven that Kurdish leadership could not are fully and widely understood; to promote all as- do anything to resolve disputed area's issue” pects of the work of the mission’s various compo- Sulaymaniyah University teacher Fatih Abdallah nents to the national and international community; implement a communication strategy that actively “The electronic system should be considered in supports the mission’s objectives; advance the governmental document processing to break peace process through the creation of timely and down the administrational routine which adds relevant information products; to defend and protect another suffering for the Iraqis.” the mission from unjustified criticism and misinfor- mation, and counter propaganda, false information Amer Al-Mayahi, Al-Mustansiryah University profes- and hate messages that are harmful to the UN and sor the peace process.

“The Iraqi constitution prohibited any Iraqi who In line with the overall mission integrated strategy, possesses more than one nationality to assume PIO is supporting UNAMI’s mandate as provided by any important governmental or security post, yet UN SC Resolution 1770 and as updated in UNSCR this item has not yet enacted into a law by the 1830 (August 2008). This includes actively aiding parliament, so we are unable to hold into ac- UNAMI’s role in arbitrating Disputed Internal count anyone holding leading post.” Boundaries (DIBS) as pivotal to national reconcilia- Rasheed Al-Azawi, MP – Iraqi Accord Front tion; ongoing efforts to strengthen government institutions, through constitutional reform and institutional "The governmental salaries are high now but the capacity building; engaging neighboring countries; problem is the increase in the prices is higher. promoting the protection of Human Rights; assisting Can any one tell me when I can get my own car vulnerable groups (including Refugees and IDPs) or my own house?" and assisting judicial and legal reforms, including taking Iraq to a position of electoral preparedness. Ali Al-shakhly: 40 -year-old government worker, As the overarching section of the mission, PIO’s “I already miss school only one week after the agenda is set according to the agenda of its sub- beginning of the summer recess, because we do stantive section counterparts, in close coordination not have places to spend the summer holiday in with UN Country Team components. In this regards like sports clubs or swimming pools ,so we just PIO aims at providing a public understanding of watch TV and play Video games” UNAMI’s activities and mandate, through a compre- Ghaith Mahdi: 15 year-old secondary school student hensive program of communication, dissemination

and media relations, committing itself to improving UNAMI’s image and standing. Sectors’ & UN Agencies’ Ac- tivities May 2009 Target audiences:

• Iraqi population and its media, UNDP Global Community of Practice on Rule of Law, Justice and Security in Conflict and Post- • Iraqi authorities, Conflict Settings, UNDP Iraq made presentations on "The Rule of Law and Crisis Prevention and Recov- • The international media, ery" and "Capacity Development of the Legal Pro- fession and the Judiciary Delivering Justice". • Donor countries UNDP supported a conference organised through • UN Staff / UN HQ the “Aswat al-Iraq” news agency which brought together over 50 media practitioners, academics, gov- Means for reaching target audiences: ernment officials, representatives of the Independent High Election Commission and UN Agencies to dis- PIO will therefore pursue a restructuring process to cuss the role of independent media in elections. serve the changing nature of the mission and to im- WFP, for the Food Sector, extended its food assis- prove the public perception of its image, through the tance programme (which currently targets Internally use of several vectors of communication / informa- Displaced Persons (IDPs)) to cover other vulnerable tion and dissemination. Those vectors may include, groups in Iraq. Through this expansion WFP will as appropriate: reach over 1.1 million beneficiaries – in particular female heads of households, farmers, pregnant and • The office of the spokesperson / media relations lactating women in Iraq’s most food insecure dis- tricts. The project will also include a pilot school • A Radio Unit feeding. • A Video / Photo Unit WFP presented its new strategy for 2009-2011 to donors and governments, and signed agreements • An Outreach Unit with the Ministry of Planning and four NGO partners to provide food assistance in 17 governorates by • A Publications Unit December 2009. • A Website Unit The Economic Reform and Diversification Sec- tor, through UNDP, conducted a mission to Erbil to Far from operating in isolation, UNAMI’s PIO inter- launch the KRG Public Finance Management (PFM) acts with partners within and outside the mission, Action Plan, including a Memorandum of Under- such as UN Country Team, NGOs to facilitate dis- standing on respective PFM Action Plans between semination of joint activities, collection of positive Baghdad Government and the KRG Authorities and field stories for use on radio, video, web and publica- the establishment of a KRG-led Donor Coordination tions, as well as with local media to place advertise- Group on PFM. ments, Public Service Announcements, interviews, UNOPS held a three day roundtable on the draft press conferences, video reports Iraqi NGO Law in Baghdad attended by representatives of Iraqi and international NGOs, the Ministry of State for Civil Society Affairs, other governmental institutions, the NGO Directorate and Iraqi MPs in- CONCLUSION cluding members of the Civil Society Committee. The participants agreed on a series of recommenda- The implementation of a UNAMI PIO strategy is tions to align the draft Iraqi NGO law with interna- complex and requires a balanced, multi-faceted, tional best practices. multi-media approach. Its work plan is based on the The Protection and Shelter Sector held internal challenges and goals identified above. workshops with the support of the Monitoring & In addition, there is a need to acquire appropriate Evaluation Unit to refine matrixes within the Mid Term Review process of the UNCT Assistance human resources, budget and technical equipment Strategy. to fulfill its core task of improving the visibility and public understanding of UNAMI’s activities and man- UNHCR, revised guidelines on eligibility for Iraqi date. asylum seekers for the first time since end of 2007. UNHCR took the position that all asylum- seekers originating from central and southern Iraq were in need for international protection and should be considered refugees.

The SRSG’s Farewell Message

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As you know, I am leaving UNAMI after almost two years, for a new senior assignment with the World Food Programme in Rome. This move will also help me reconnect with my family after a long absence.

This period has been, as often in Iraq, full of challenges, dangers and profound satisfactions. It has been a privilege to work together with all of you for a better Iraq. I have seen and admired your dedication and your creativity, even in the most difficult conditions. I am, and will always be, proud of each one of you and grateful for the support, advice and, allow me to say, the friendship you have given me during the last 20 months.

UNAMI has been able to achieve a lot and this has been due to the trust and guidance of the Secretary-General and the courage, drive and hard work of each and every one of you.

I will sincerely miss working with you!

Staffan de Mistura Special Representative of the Secretary General

Arriving to the mission area Speaking to UNAMI staff Meeting Kurdistan Parliament Speaker Adnan Mufti

With the Iraq Emergency Appeal Press Conference with the Speaker of Parliament With PM Malaki after a meeting with the UN High urging election law Commissioner for Refugees

With Iraqi Minister of Human Rights Wijdan Mikhail Presenting medals to UNAMI's Fijian Guard Unit Delivering the Human Rights Report Salim

With SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict Ms. Chairing a meeting with ASG for Mission Support First DIBs report with Chief PIO and Nicholas Radhika Coomaraswamy, USG for Political Affairs Jane Holl Lute and UNAMI staff Hasem Secretary-general's Special Political Advisor Mr. B. Lynn Pascoe

Laying a wreath in memory of staff members Memorial service for those lost in the bombing of Commemorating Human Rights Day the Canal Hotel

SRSG, Staffan de Mistura, with Kurdish Iraqi Intel- Speaking with voters on the day of Provincial Congratulating a voter in Najaf lectuals in Sulaymaniya Elections

Talking with media at a polling facility Speaking with more of the voting public Thanking Iraqi Security Forces

Secretary-general is briefed by SRSG de Mistura The USG for Political Affairs, Mr. B. Lynn Pascoe With the Secretary-general outside of Presidential and DSRSG Gilmore speaks with SRSG de Mistura at Baghdad airport palace

Consulting with Prime Minister Malaki at a joint Discussing regional issues with the Secretary- Finalizing the reports on the Disputed Internal press conference with the Secretary-general general Boundaries

Hosting UNESCO representatives Mr. Ko•chiro Speaking at the International Compact with Iraq, Meeting with Kuwaiti parliament speaker Jassem Matsuura, Director General and Her Highness Baghdad Coordination Group meeting Mohammad al-Khorafi Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education

Submitting first DIBs report to Kurdistan Parliament Compact meeting with Iraqi government SRSG with President Talabani

Past Issues • April 2009 • March 2009 • February 2009 Click here for additional past issues

UNAMI Focus Is an internal bulletin produced by the Public Information Office of the United Nations Assis- tance Mission for Iraq. The opinions expressed in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect those SRSG Staffan de Mistura departs from Iraq after of the United Nations. two years For further information contact: [email protected]

Said Arikat - Spokesman / Director: [email protected] Amman: +962 6 550 4700 x2640 Baghdad: +964 79 01 931 281

Eliane Nabaa - Deputy Chief PIO / Spokesperson: [email protected] Amman: +962 6 550 4700 x2643 Baghdad: +964 79 01 101 989

Randa Jamal - Information Officer: [email protected] Amman: +962 6 550 4700 x2644 Baghdad: +964 79 01 940 146