UNAMI Newsletter United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq

Newsletter - Issue 12 May 2011 IN THIS ISSUE SRSG Ad Melkert witnesses harsh realities of displaced families in Baghdad

SRSG Ad Melkert witnesses harsh realities of displaced families in Baghdad ..... 1 UNHCR hands over 300 houses to internally displaced Iraqis in Diwaniyah ...... 2 Ad Melkert calls on Government to fully protect freedom of expression in Iraq ...... 3 Iraq celebrates World Press Freedom Day: First Iraqi Bloggers Union launched ...... 4 Ad Melkert: Social and economic future of Iraq will be determined by Iraqis ...... 5 UN-HABITAT Executive Director visits Iraq ...... 6 UN report calls on Government to improve the life all Baghdad residents ...... 7 UN-HABITAT conference provides new roadmap for Iraq’s local government ...... 8 Road safety a health priority in Iraq ..... 10 Iraqi Government committed to increasing resources for survivors of gender-based violence ...... 10 Health Ministry implements Basic Health Service Package ...... 11 Kurdistan Bar Association legal aid work- Ad Melkert talks to a displaced family during his visit to Al-Awasa settlement, in Bagdhda’s Al-Karkh district on 21 May 2011 . shop: Lawyers explore legal aid arrange- Photo: Bikem Ekberzade/ UNAMI PIO ments ...... 12 IOM, Mines Advisory Group rehabilitate water system ...... 13 amilies in the Al-Awasa settlement most often of which is collected by ille- News Briefs ...... 14 still recall with pain the day when, gally hooking up to the main network List of UN Acronyms ...... 15 Ffearing for their lives, they had to via jerry-rigged, plastic pipes. The same "ee their homes in Abu Ghraib, Al Yu- holds true for obtaining electricity, as su#ya and Al Lati#ya and other areas many unlawfully tap into the national of Bagdhad. Most headed toward the power grid. As for health care, while west-bank of the Tigris River to the Al- there is a clinic near the settlement re- The more governments Karkh district, in Baghdad, to endure the puted for its good equipment, displaced have tried to suppress plight of the 1.3 million Iraqi internally families can not bene#t from it. displaced persons (IDPs). the "ow of information and the The residents of the Al-Awasa settlement peoples’ access to it, the more Some 280 displaced families, who ended live in two areas: in one part, the land be- determined and ingenious have up in the Al-Karkh area, built small make- longs to the Baghdad municipality and shift homes of mud, roofed with whatev- in the other, to the Ministry of Defence. become the ways and means of er came handy: oil drums, reed, blankets Most of these families are not registered thwarting such restrictions and or even scraps of old damaged tanks. A with the Ministry of Displacement and repression few lucky ones managed to build their Migration, because they either do not houses from bricks. possess the necessary documents or they did not meet the Ministry’s eligibil- Mr. Ad Melkert, Most of the families, who made the ity criteria. Considered by the authorities the Special Representative of the settlement home, are cramped into one to be illegal, most of the 280 families live UN Secretary-General for Iraq to two rooms with little access to water, in constant fear of being evicted with no- ing conditions inside the settlement, Kälin, the Government should develop where to go. by partnering with the Iraqi Salvation a national action plan to deal with the Humanitarian Organization, a national immediate humanitarian needs and hu- This is the harsh reality that the Spe- NGO. The UN refugee agency and its na- man rights of all communities a&ected cial Representative of the UN-Secretary tional partner have been repairing 273 by displacement, including access to ba- General (SRSG) for Iraq, Mr. Ad Melkert, shelters and fumigating 284 units, while sic services, registration as IDPs, delivery witnessed #rst-hand in his visit to the Al- building some 120 toilets with septic of assistance, and mechanisms to iden- Awasa settlement on 21 May, accompa- tanks and providing a total of 117 water tify those most vulnerable. nied by the UN Refugee agency (UNHCR) tanks and 274 water #lters. Acting Representative, Mr. Tarik Kurdi. Measures to bring vital services, such Unfortunately, the situation of those in as water, medical care, sanitation and As he walked into the settlement, the Al-Awasa settlement is far from unique. garbage collection, to those in informal SRSG saw how the camp had no basic In Baghdad alone, there are 121 settle- settlements should also be addressed, utilities including a sewage system, forc- ments where thousands of displaced he stressed, while calling on a long-term ing the families to make crude canals. families are in dire straits. UNHCR esti- strategy that provides a comprehensive He was greeted in makeshift homes and mates there are around 1.3 million in- solution, namely return and local inte- spoke to families who struggle to make ternally displaced Iraqis, with 500,000 of gration, access to education and em- ends meet, often by occasionally work- them living in extremely precarious con- ployment opportunities. ing as daily labourers, constructors or ditions, in desperate need of emergency porters. The residents told Mr. Melkert The UN envoy also cautioned federal and assistance and protection. the story of their plight since they "ed regional authorities to ensure that the to the camp due to violence, living day In February 2011, the UN Secretary- rights of IDPs are not adversely a&ected by day, season by season in Baghdad’s General on the rights of IDPs, Mr. Walter by political or economic factors, while grueling heat, bitter cold and uncertain Kälin, published a report on the rights of noting that the Government and the in- future. this vulnerable population following an ternational community must provide the o%cial visit to Iraq he conducted from 26 su%cient resources and support needed The SRSG also witnessed the work UN- September to 3 October 2010. Among to assist this vulnerable population. HCR is undertaking to improve the liv- the chief recommendations made by Mr.

Humanitarian Support UNHCR hands over 300 houses to internally displaced Iraqis in Diwaniyah

By Gwen Le Coste and Nadjia Hafsa, UNHCR Iraq raq has experienced many waves of internal displacement due to con"ict, Isectarian violence and forced population movements. To date, more than 1.3 million Iraqis remain displaced from their homes inside Iraq and some 470,000 displaced Iraqis strive to survive as squatters in dilapidated public buildings or makeshift settlements. In Diwaniyah, a city in central Iraq, some 12,000 displaced Iraqis and squatters live in 13 settlements that lack potable water, sewage and garbage collection. Access to schools and health centers is also generally a challenge considering that most displaced families don’t have an income. Since early 2010, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UN- UNHCR Representative, Mr. Tarik Kurdi, hands over 300 houses to IDP squatters in Diwaniyah on 30 May 2011. Photo: UNHCR HCR) Iraq and its implementing partners, in cooperation with the Ministry of Mi-

www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 2 gration and Displacement (MoDM), have not only to construct 192 houses, but yah who are willing to locally integrate been providing humanitarian assistance to increase the number of units to 300 in their location of displacement. to the most vulnerable people in this homes. While touring the site, UNHCR Repre- governorate. The assistance included the The refugee agency and its implement- sentative Kurdi visited the newly-built provision of non-food items, legal aid ing partner, the Danish Refugee Council houses and spoke to many bene#ciaries services, water and sanitation interven- (DRC), immediately swung into action. whose dream of owning a safe and stur- tions. The organization also works closely By 30 May, UNHCR Acting Representa- dy home had come true. Many families with the central and local government to tive Tarik Kurdi was able to travel to Di- informed him that now that they feel identify durable solutions for displaced waniyah to o%cially hand over all 300 safe in their new homes and that all they families including the prospect of their residences to these most vulnerable need is a regular income which will en- integration in local communities. families in Al Ansaf village who are now able them to live a decent life. Following a visit by Mr. António Guterres, proud homeowners. UNHCR stands ready to support initia- the High Commissioner for Refugees, to A high-level delegation of the MoDM, tives of local integration of displaced Iraq in January 2011, and discussions the Governor of Diwaniyah, o%cials from persons and urges the central govern- held with the Iraqi Government, the lo- the Governorate, as well as representa- ment to achieve their strategy to end the cal government in Diwaniyah approved tives of UNHCR’s implementing partners plight of the displaced and vulnerable the allocation of 4,200 land plots in Al- in Diwaniyah, attended the ceremony. families also residing in public complex- Ansaf village to internally displaced and es and buildings in Iraq. The UN refugee vulnerable families who live in public The Governor of Diwaniyah and the Dep- agency also calls on the Government of buildings and land in the governorate. uty Minister of MoDM, Dr Salam Al-Khaf- Iraq to ensure resources are committed This land allocation constituted a unique aji, thanked the international communi- for larger scale projects similar to that of opportunity for the displaced families ty, particularly UNHCR and DRC, for their Diwaniyah. and squatters in Diwaniyah who have contribution. They also expressed their been living under threats of eviction. wishes to see such initiatives replicated For more information, please contact: in other districts of the locailty. In an ef- The local government also requested Mr. Chris Earney, UNHCR Iraq, Reporting O%- fort to keep this integration momentum, UNHCR to construct 192 housing units cer: +962 79 760 0521 ; [email protected]; the Deputy Minister, Dr. Al-Khafaji, an- for these families. The locality’s strong nounced the allocation of 20 hectares of Ms. Ban Al-Bahrani, UNHCR Iraq, External Rela- commitment to provide all associated land for housing projects in favor of the tions Associate : +962 796732230 ; albahran@ services on the site, made UNHCR decide internally displaced families in Diwani- unhcr.org

World Press Freedom Day Ad Melkert calls on Government to fully protect freedom of expression in Iraq

peaking on the occasion of World Addressing an audience mostly made up Press Freedom Day, celebrated on of journalists, Mr. Melkert praised the Iraqi S3 May in Baghdad, the Special Rep- media, which he described as “vibrant and resentative of the UN Secretary-General diverse, with the potential of taking the (SRSG) for Iraq, Mr. Ad Melkert, stressed lead in the Middle East and the wider re- that freedom of opinion and expression is gion.” He also paid tribute to the media clearly protected by Article 38 of the Iraqi professionals who lost their lives in the Constitution and called on the Govern- pursuit of the right to know and those who ment to ensure that this right is fully pro- have been and still are subjected to perse- tected. The SRSG also urged the Council of cution, intimidation and violence. Representatives to support the develop- On this year’s theme of the Word Press ment of an access to information law in line Freedom Day, “21st Century Media: New with international standards and empha- Frontiers, New Barriers,” Mr. Melkert said: sized that the right to freedom of opinion “We have seen the impact that the new me- The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for and expression should only be restricted dia is having in countries across the globe Iraq, Mr. Ad Melkert. Photo: Bikem Ekberzade/ UNAMI PIO as clearly de#ned exceptions, not as a rule. – and in recent months, we have seen its www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 3 e&ect particularly in countries throughout ple through threats, intimidation, harass- is fully protected – that any person who North Africa and the Middle East, includ- ment and in some instances, with physical is found responsible for acts of threats or ing Iraq. Mobile telephones, and widening abuse or murder. intimidation aimed at limiting the lawful access to the internet, including the in- exercise of the right must be held account- “However we have equally seen the futil- creasing popularity of blogging, tweeting able according to the law,” he said. ity of such repressive responses: the more and social forums, are ensuring the greater governments have tried to suppress the As for the restriction of the right to free- participation by all Iraqis in public a&airs– "ow of information and the peoples’ ac- dom of opinion and expression, Mr. Melk- thereby contributing meaningfully to the cess to it, the more determined and inge- ert emphasized that it should only be re- development and strengthening of Iraqi nious have become the ways and means stricted as clearly de#ned exceptions, not democracy.” of thwarting such restrictions and repres- as a rule. Mr. Melkert also addressed the challenges sion,” he warned. He urged the Parliament to support the related to the new media, including the The SRSG stressed that the freedom of development of an Access to Information slow response of the legal and regula- opinion and expression is protected ex- law in line with international standards. tory framework to the rapid changes that pressly by Article 38 of the Constitution “This is an important step in #ghting cor- are taking place across the world and the and that according to the Iraqi law this ruption, one of the principle demands of need to ensure that the access and "ow of freedom may only be restricted to legiti- Iraqi citizens,” Mr. Melkert noted. information remains free and unhindered. mately protect the rights and reputation This year’s celebration for World Press Free- The UNAMI chief also noted the repressive of others, and to protect public order and dom Day 2011 took place at the Oil Cultur- responses that some states are imposing morality. al Center, in Baghdad, and was marked by on the new media, including censorship, “As Iraqi democracy develops and takes the o%cial announcement of the forma- cyber-surveillance, and digital harass- root, I would call on the Government of tion of the #rst Iraqi Bloggers Union to be ment, while others are still using active Iraq to ensure that the right to freedom of called “Iraq First.” repression of journalists and ordinary peo- opinion and expression of all Iraq’s people

World Press Freedom Day Iraq celebrates World Press Freedom Day: First Iraqi Bloggers Union launched

By George Papagiannis, UNESCO Iraq

he UNESCO O%ce for Iraq held its celebration for World Press Free- Tdom Day 2011 at the Oil Cultural Center in Baghdad on 3 May. Iraqi bloggers seized on this year’s theme, “21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Bar- riers” to announce the formation of the #rst Iraqi Bloggers Union to be called “Iraq First.” The announcement was made by blog- ger Ammar Bin Hatim, who outlined the Union’s charter before a crowd of hundreds of participants. The objective of the bloggers’ union, said Hatim, “is to achieve the values of justice, freedom and political independence and cultural development of all segments of Iraqi society, including the rights of minorities to live in dignity and freedom in Iraq.” Members of Iraq’s newly launched Bloggers Union uploading updates on the celebration of the World Freedom Day’s events In his keynote address, Mu#d Al Jazairi, celebrated in Baghdad on 3 May 2011. Photo: Mustafa Saad a former Minister of Culture, Chair of the Parliament’s Media and Culture Commit- www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 4 tee between 2004 and 2010, and journal- Iraq. A moment of silence was observed platform for civic participation and dem- ist, was particularly concerned over the to remember those reporters who were ocratic discourse, and the implications of absence of a Right to Information law. killed because of their work. The Jour- new media on freedom of expression in “We had set a goal last year to have a law nalistic Freedoms Observatory, which Iraq. The event also featured a gallery of passed by this year…we need to double released its annual report on the state photojournalism and editorial cartoons. our e&orts because the right to informa- of freedom of expression in Iraq at the The main UNESCO event commemorat- tion is critical to freedom of expression,” event, reported that 12 journalists were ing the day was held in Washington DC he said. killed in the country since the last World this year. UNESCO is the only UN agency Press Freedom Day, an average of one a The Special Representative of the UN with a mandate to defend freedom of month. Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ad Melkert expression and press freedom. Article 1 urged the Iraqi parliament to support the “This is one of the reasons why World of its Constitution requires the Organiza- development of an access to information Press Freedom Day is important. It gives tion to “further universal respect for jus- law in line with international standards. us an opportunity to gauge the health of tice, for the rule of law and for the human He also called on the Government to freedom of expression and freedom of rights and fundamental freedoms which ensure that the right to the freedom of the press, to draw attention to the chal- are a%rmed for the peoples of the world, expression and opinion is fully protected lenges that they face on a daily basis and without distinction of race, sex, language and emphasised that this right should to bolster our e&orts where necessary,” or religion, by the Charter of the United only be restricted as clearly de#ned ex- said Mr. Mohamed Djelid, Director of the Nations.” ceptions, not as a rule. UNESCO Iraq o%ce. For more information, please contact Ms. Karin The day was also punctuated by the som- The event included discussions on issues Mayer: [email protected]; +962 (6) 59 02 ber realities for journalists working in related to the promotion of media as a 340 ext. 165 ; Mobile: +962 (0) 776 723 408

Developement Ad Melkert: Social and economic future of Iraq will be determined by Iraqis

“Building an equitable market economy is a long-term process. There is no single socio-economic reform which will on its own facilitate a quick transformation into a fully functioning market economy. Di&erent reforms are needed at the same time,” said Mr. Melkert, building on his own experience as a former Minister of Social A&airs and Employment in The Netherlands and on his work with the International Labour Organisation. The SRSG listed the following steps as key examples of the reforms: simplifying the ability to do business in Iraq; allowing labour to organize without interference; in- troducing corruption abatement policies; increasing access to #nance; due process and the rule of law; and, corporatizing state-owned enterprises. Ad Melkert participates in a three-day conference on Iraq’s economic future on 24-26 May at Iraq’s Parliament in Baghdad. Photo: Bikem Ekberzade/UNAMI PIO “Each of these reforms are catalysts that work with each other in creating the best environment possible for economic de- n a statement at the opening of the ous socio-economic challenges facing Iraq velopment and the generation of employ- National Conference of Economic, Social require serious e&orts to reach a consensus ment,” he added. Iand Government Stakeholders held on on the necessary policy reforms and an 24 – 26 May at Iraq’s parliament, the Special open and honest debate on these reforms Mr. Melkert also stressed the importance Representative of the UN Secretary Gen- and the institutions that must implement of inclusive policy-making through broad eral for Iraq, Mr. Ad Melkert, said the vari- them. participation, vigorous and open debate

www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 5 about the direction of socio-economic 1) Reducing the incidences of youth un- In closing, Mr. Melkert emphasized that policies in the country. This will help ensure employment, compounded by the rapid the social and economic future of Iraq will a greater diversity of opinion and accep- growth in the labour force. be determined by Iraqis and that the UN, tance of the #nal product, including on the World Bank and the international commu- 2) Reinforcing democratic governance and basis of the inevitable and necessary com- nity can play a supporting role in assisting social change through freedom of associa- promise, he said. the government and the country’s citizens tion and collective bargaining. in bringing about the change they seek in “While it is incumbent upon government 3) Enhancing social justice, including in the their social and economic future. policy-makers to include non-government fair sharing of wealth that workers contrib- stakeholders in the policy-making pro- “It is through conferences such as this in ute in creating and establishing the "oor of cess, it is equally important for these non- which all stakeholders have legitimate in- social protection that is #nancially sustain- government stakeholders (business and put that Iraqis will determine the course able. labour) to participate in the policy-making they seek to take in these matters. I wish process in a serious and transparent man- 4) Empowering trade unions and civil so- you wholeheartedly a successful confer- ner. Business and labour associations must ciety actors to cooperate in a wider social ence and pledge UN support for the next represent the positions and opinions of movement. stages,” Mr. Melkert concluded. their membership and not narrow personal 5) Promoting robust social dialogue struc- The Conference was organized by the In- interests,” the SRSG told the conference. tures and institutions – including employ- ternational Labour Organization, The UN Re"ecting on the objectives and commit- ee associations and trade unions – that can O%ce for Projects Support and the World ments that would bene#t Iraqis, he sum- exercise e&ective checks and balances and Bank in partnership with Iraqi partners. It marized them in #ve key points: thus enforce fair and participative gover- was attended by a large number of mem- nance. bers of the Government, parliament, business and labour. Special Visit UN-HABITAT Executive Director visits Iraq By Fiona McCluney, UN-HABITAT Iraq In his #rst visit to a #eld mission since as- suming leadership of UN-HABITAT, Dr. Clos hailed the achievements of the Iraqi-UN- HABITAT partnership on issues related to urban planning, governance, land management, pro-poor housing and basic services. In Baghdad, he held meetings with Iraq’s Prime Minister, Nouri Al Maliki, the Min- ister of Construction and Housing and the Minister of Planning. They discussed Iraq’s vision towards improving housing conditions, better functioning cities and strengthening the private and public sectors. During Dr. Clos’ visit, UN-HABITAT and the Ministry of Construction and Housing signed on Tuesday 31 May, a Memoran- dum of Understanding in the presence of the Prime Minister. The document outlines Dr. Joan Clos, Executive Director of UN-Habitat (left) and Iraqi Minister of Construction and Housing, Muhammad Al Darriji (right) sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the UN-Habitat and the Government of Iraq in the presence of Iraq’s key areas of collaboration in the implemen- PM Nouri Al-Maliki (center), at the PM’s residence in Baghdad on 31 May 2011. Photo: Bikem Ekberzade/ UNAMI PIO tation of Iraq’s National Housing Policy, especially in the pro-poor aspects of the policy, including informal settlement up- he Executive Director of the United Special Representative of the UN Secre- grading, special housing programmes for Nations Human Settlements Pro- tary-General for Iraq/ Resident Coordinator the most vulnerable, as well as improving Tgramme (UN-HABITAT) and Under / Humanitarian Coordinator, Ms. Christine the enabling environment for private sec- Secretary General of the United Nations, McNab, conducted a #ve-day visit to Iraq tor and others to engage substantively in Dr. Joan Clos, accompanied by the Deputy during the period 30 May - 2 June 2011. the housing sector through improved ac- www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 6 cess to land and housing #nance. prepared jointly by UN-HABTIAT with In- The Erbil Housing Strategy was o%cially ternational Organization for Migration and launched by Dr. Clos during the visit. The “Nearly 70 per cent of Iraqis live in cities. UNAMI. The document highlights the con- Strategy outlines the KRG’s approach to ad- That number is growing. It is important sequences of con"ict and displacement on dress the housing needs for lower-income, to take an optimistic view and embrace the fragmentation of the city and the dete- female-headed and other disadvantaged urbanization by strengthening planning riorating access to basic services. households in Erbil. and local governance. Well-planned and managed cities are centres of economic On 1 June, UN-Habitat chief continued his Appointed Executive Director of the UN- growth and job creation,” said Dr. Clos at visit to Erbil, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq HABITAT at the level of Undersecretary- the ceremony. where he met with the Kurdistan Regional General by the UN General Assembly, Dr. Government (KRG) Deputy Prime Minister, Joan Clos, from Spain, took o%ce at the Following the signing, a high level seminar the Head of the Department of Foreign Programme’s headquarters in Nairobi, Ke- on urbanization, land and housing was Relations, the Minister of Planning and the nya on 18 October 2010. held in Baghdad at the Council of Ministers Governor of Erbil. He discussed a number with the participation of representatives of For more information, please contact Ms. Fiona of issues with KRG o%cials, including the diplomatic missions in Iraq and senior gov- McCluney UN-HABITAT Iraq Programme Manag- growing urbanization of the region and ernment o%cials. The forum also provided er and O%cer-in-Charge: + 962 6 592 4889 Ext. : the means to reinforce urban planning ca- for the launch of “Urban Baghdad: Impact 112 ; #[email protected] pacities. of Con"ict on Daily Life” report; which was

UN report UN report calls on Government to improve the life all Baghdad residents By Peter Rice, UNAMI – Information & Analysis Unit new UN report titled “Urban Baghdad: Impact of Con"ict on Daily Life”, has called on the Government of Iraq to de- Avelop sustainable policies for improving everyday life for Baghdad residents in collaboration with national and international partners. Developed by IOM, UN-HABITAT and UNAMI, the document highlights the displacement and fragmentation of the city caused by con"ict, as well as poor access to basic services. Re"ecting on Baghdad’s challenges, the Deputy Special Repre- sentative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Ms. Christine McNab said: “Baghdad’s current housing situation re"ects not only the growing pains of cities globally, but also the extraordinary ad- ditional stresses experienced in cities throughout Iraq resulting from years of con"ict, sanctions and displacement. This represents one of the Government of Iraq’s most immediate challenges.” The violence saw tens of thousands of Baghdad’s residents killed and more than a tenth of the city’s population displaced. Some 48,000 families live in 136 camps dotted around the city. “Bagh- dad’s displaced and returnee families still face numerous di%cul- ties and an uncertain future. It is essential that we work hand- in-hand with the Government of Iraq to create lasting solutions for these vulnerable populations,” said Mr. Mike Pillinger, Chief of IOM’s Iraq Mission. Access to basic services has been hampered by thirty years of con"icts and sanctions. Housing shortages and prolonged power cuts impact on living conditions, and less than a quarter of households have reliable access to drinking water. Outside the home, recreational activities and facilities have been closed or o&-lim- its since 2003. Spaces normally used by families have become dumping grounds or are #lled with sewage and stagnant water. A woman is stopped at checkpoint in Baghdad. Photo: Jamal Penjweny/2010 www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 7 “Overcrowding, the lack of basic services and the lack of recreational and open spaces a&ect not only the quality of life in Bagh- dad but also the city lifestyle, its cultural activities and social norms. As the security situation improves e&orts can now focus on harnessing the private sector and civil society in plans necessary for the future,” said Ms. Fiona McCluney, UN-HABITAT’s Iraq Programme Manager. Conditions have improved since the height of the violence in 2006-2007. Con"ict-related deaths have dropped, and nearly a third of those displaced have returned home. Improved security has allowed greater freedom of movement and recreation in daily life. For further information, please contact Ms. Fiona McCluney, UN-HABITAT Iraq Pro- gramme: #[email protected] Mr. Bertram Chambers, IOM Iraq Mission: [email protected]

Mr. Peter Rice, UNAMI Information and Analysis A boy rides his bicycle alongside a strip of T-Walls in Baghdad. Photo: Jamal Penjweny/2010 Unit: [email protected]

Development

UN-HABITAT conference provides new roadmap for Iraq’s local government By Richard Forster for UN-HABITAT -Iraq

dan, on 15 May to attend a high-level UN-HABITAT conference to determine the future of Iraqi governance. “This conference represents the ex- tent of cooperation, and of joint and serious action between the Iraqi Gov- ernment and United Nations agencies to concentrate the concept of decentralized government in Iraq,” said Deputy Minister al-Shauk in his opening address. Organized by the UN-HABITAT Iraq office in Amman, the conference brought together eminent speakers from the World Bank, the Organisa- tion for Economic Co-operation and Development, and United Nations Members of the panel at the opening session of the UN-Habitat Conference on Iraqi governance held on 15 May 2011 agencies together with experienced in Amman, Jordan . Photo: Osman/ Total View Photo Centre practitioners in the field of local gov- ey representatives of the Iraqi ing, Mr. Kamil Chadirchi, Deputy Min- ernance. It aimed to set out a roadmap government, including Mr. Is- ister for Administrative Affairs, and for Iraq to move towards a system of tebraq al-Shauk, Senior Deputy Mr. Ayad al Safy, Deputy Minister for effective decentralized local govern- K ment. All 18 of Iraq’s local provinces, Minister for Construction and Hous- Technical Affairs, were in Amman, Jor-

www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 8 or governorates, were repre- said that while there need sented at the conference by to be political decisions members of the Iraqi Local made on how oil revenues Government Association. are shared, it is also vital for Iraq’s local governments to “The objective of this con- have their own revenue ference is to provide an raising options. opportunity for Iraq Local Government Association rep- “It is important that lo- resentatives to learn, experi- cal governments have ence and benefit from the own source revenues with process of decentralization, control over rates as this local government building ensures efficient use of and service delivery practised transfers and spending and in several neighbouring and makes local governments selected countries”, said Mr. fully accountable”, said Dr. Suman Kumar Karna, Local Ahmad. Governance and Decentral- UN-Habitat Conference participants listen to speakers. Photo: Osman/ Total View Photo Centre A common point raised ization Specialist with the by the speakers is that UN-HABITAT Iraq Programme Iraq must be patient as it in Amman. “The conference moves from a very central- will provide a focused prac- Other speakers provided case studies from Europe (Ed ized regime to decentral- tical perspective on how de- Cornies of UNDP), from India (Professor Dinesh Mehta and ized local governance. “The centralization in urban areas Professor Om Prakash) and from Indonesia (Professor Tom- challenge is not to design promotes local government my Firman) to explain how local governance can be made the programme, but to as an effective tool for service effective for urban communities. While all of these studies breach the gap between delivery.” are country specific, they can provide useful indicators for theory and practice”, said Iraq in particular where decentralization initiatives were The experience of decentral- Dr. Shabbir Cheema, Direc- not successful, said Professor Om Prakash. ized governance in Iraq has tor at the East-West Centre been minimal. After adopt- in Honolulu. “With decen- The discussions and debate from the conference will be ing a federal system in 2003, tralization you need to be published in the form of a toolkit, which will serve as a the Republic of Iraq’s Consti- patient. Indonesia went guiding tool to Iraqi representatives in the field. In addi- tution of 2005 furthered the through 25 years of failure tion, later this year there will be two days of field tours in reform process by establish- before it got to where it is Turkey where participants from Iraq will have the oppor- ing a model of decentralized today.” tunity to see the results of the decentralization process on political and administrative the ground. The tour, to a region just outside of Istanbul, Anwar Shah of the World government through devo- will provide an insight into the challenges faced in the de- Bank highlighted the risks lution of power to eighteen centralization process and the means by which solutions if Iraq’s provinces are em- provinces (governorates). are achieved in the field. powered too greatly and However, many challenges said China could provide “The devil is in the detail and we now need to look at get- remain, in particular, the de- guidelines and practical ting the details right on the functional and territorial as- volution of authority for the pointers to Iraq in develop- signments of responsibilities for the different services in delivery of services and an ing its decentralized sys- Iraq,” said Ms. Fiona McCluney, UN-HABITAT’s Programme inter-governmental policy on tem of government. Manager for Iraq, in her closing remarks. “If Iraq is to move the transfer of revenues to lo- from being solely dependent on oil as the main source of cal governments from oil and “China has made remark- revenue, how cities function and are being managed, is other resources. able progress on poverty going to be a key issue and considering this in the context reduction and has 89 per Iraq must be patient of where functional responsibilities lie, is the major theme cent of its public employ- we need to work on.” as it moves to decen- ees at the local level,” said tralized local gover- Dr. Shah. “Past dependen- For more information please contact Mr. Suman Kumar Karna, nance cies make these changes Local Governance and Decentralisation Specialist, UN-HABITAT One of the speakers, Dr. difficult in Iraq, but we owe Iraq Programme, Tel.: +962 6 592 4889 Ext. 116 -suman.kumar@ Ehtisham Ahmad from the it to the millions of citizens unhabitat.org London School of Economics, to keep on trying.” www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 9 Health

Road safety a health priority in Iraq

By Ruba Hikmat WHO Iraq ing the quality of medical services of pre- hospital care, essential hospital care and rehabilitation services, in addition to establishing strong blood transfusion services that will provide adequate and safe blood to every person in need. On 10 and 17 May, the ministries of Health in Iraq and Kurdistan Region Government in Iraq and WHO launched “The Decade of Ac- tion for Road Safety 2011–2020” report at the national level. The report highlights the actions that are needed to make Iraq’s roads safer, including concrete measures to improve the safety of roads and vehicles, enhance emergency services and build up road safety management in general. The document also calls for increased road safety legislations and enforcing the use of helmets, seat-belts, child restraints and avoid-

Dr. Hawrami, KRG Minister of Health (right), Dr. Hussain, WHO Iraq Representative (center) and ing drinking and driving and speeding. Mr. Hamasha (left), WHO technical O%cer, in a visit to Erbil Emergency Hospital . Photo: WHO WHO Iraq stresses that it is the time to start developing future transport policies across Iraq through collective e&orts that will require the political commitment, the implementation of good practices, new report launched on At least 75,000 people died dur- spreading a culture of safety and the collaboration of transport, 9 May 2011 by the World ing the period 1979 – 2005 due health, education, communications sectors, among many others. AHealth Organization (WHO) to road tra%c crashes. Due to war, reveals that by 2020 it is predicted sanctions and con"icts during the “Strengthening emergency services will not only save lives but also that road tra%c crashes will take past decade, road safety has not reduce human su&ering and preserve valuable economic assets,” the lives of 1.9 million people an- been considered as a top priority said Dr. Ja&ar Hussain, WHO Iraq Representative in a visit to Khan nually, up from nearly 1.3 million of the Ministry of Health. Zan Urgent Aid Center on 17 May. Built in 2007 with WHO’s #nan- today. Half of those killed are pe- cial and technical support, the centre serves the highway road be- As the security situation started destrians, cyclists and motorcy- tween Erbil and Salah El-din to ensure the provision of emergency improving over the past few years, clists and more than 90 per cent of and specialized medical services to road tra%c victims and other the Iraqi Ministry of Health began fatalities occur in low-income and patients. improving the quality standards of middle-income countries, accord- emergency services that will help The WHO global report on road safety is the #rst broad assessment ing to “The Global Status Report save lives. In collaboration with of the road safety situation in 178 countries, using data drawn from on Road Safety”. WHO Iraq and other partners, the a standardized survey. In Iraq, road tra%c accidents rank Ministry is working on improving For more information, please contact Dr Faris Bunni, Medical O%cer, bun- among the major causes of death. health system in Iraq by improv- [email protected] and Mr. Kelvin Khow, Report and donor Relation of- #cer, [email protected] Gender Iraqi Government committed to increasing resources for survivors of gender-based violence By Rachael Spence, UNDP Iraq he Directorates for Tracing Vio- sta& on how to advocate for legisla- lence Against Women are an tion and support healthier families. important part of the Kurdistan T As part of the strategic plan, the sta& Regional Government’s response to discussed implementing one, coor- Violence Against Women in Iraq as dinated database to anonymously they ensure that victims have access collect information about cases of to medical, legal and police support. violence that are brought to the On 24-25 May 2011, the leadership Directorates. This information will and technical sta& from the Director- help the body toward conducting ates met in Dohuk, Iraq, with the sup- research on the parts of Iraqi society port of UNDP Iraq technical sta&, to WHO sta& discuss gathering information to help the Directorates for Tracing that are more likely to face violence. Violence Against Women. Photo: UNDP develop a strategic plan and harmo- With this information, the Director- nize e&orts to train the Directorate ates can reach out more e&ectively www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 10 ties. Two new Directorates will open in the Dohuk Governorate in the coming months, one of which will be lead by the #rst ever female Director of a Directorate for Tracing Violence Against Women, First Lieutenant Rupak. The O%ces for Tracing Violence Against Women in the Kurdistan Region were developed by the Iraqi government four years ago to provide multiple services in one location to survivors of gender-based violence. The Federal Government has also developed resource centres for survivors of violence in Baghdad called the “Family Protection Directorates.” UNDP Iraq has been supporting the ef- forts of both the Kurdistan Regional Government and Federal Government through the “Family Support, Justice and Security” Programme. The initiative aims Directorate sta& prepare for meetings on strategic planning and the coordination of statistics collection throughout the Kurdistan region. Photo: UNDP to strengthen access to justice for survivors of violence through the drafting of legislation, capacity building of Director- to victims, prevent violence by raising ates for Tracing Violence Against Women ate sta& and development of reintegra- awareness about the issue among perpe- throughout Kurdistan, including the tion mechanisms, such as shelters and trators of violence and advocate for laws General Directorate for Tracing Violence economic empowerment programmes. so that police can better address violence Against Women in Erbil. The coordina- Fore more information, please contact Ms. Na- in the community. tion of services and yearly plans are key hid Husein, UNDP Iraq Project Manager: nahid. to building on the Directorates’ positive There are more than seven Director- [email protected] relationships with the local communi-

Health

Health Ministry implements Basic Health Service Package

By Ruba Hikmat, WHO Iraq volving from General Practice, Family Practice is an effective form of primary care that provides continuing, Ecomprehensive health care by delivering a range of acute, chronic and preventive medical services to individuals of all ages. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, family physicians also provide preventive care, including routine check- ups, health-risk assessments, immunization, screening tests, and support in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Family Practice is a recently de#ned discipline, which does not exist in many of the developing countries. In Iraq, the Ministry of Health has taken a solid step forward by adopting the new World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region initiative involving the implementation of the Basic Health Service Package, which is being introduced as a pilot project in Baghdad, Kirkuk, Missan and Erbil governorates.

Dr. Hussain, WHO Representative, during his visit to the Erbil Brayeti Center. Photo: WHO The initiative aims at assuring universal, equitable and e%- cient access to essential health services for every individual, www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 11 especially the most vulnerable (children, ing its catchment area according to the place, enhancing e%ciency and the qual- women and elderly). It is the tie where capacity of the center, all sta& (medical ity of diagnosis and follow up. The marked health care delivery comes into direct and administrative) was trained and an increase of in x-ray and medical check-up contact with the community, strong par- electronic medical record system, a spe- labs contributes to the maintenance of ticipatory planning and close and e&ec- cial paper medical record #le, and a #- health and prevention. tive communication with all segments of nancial system were designed. The center The Bryati Family Health Center presents the community. then o&ered accessible high quality and a success story in the making and serves timely consultation and diagnostic ser- During a #eld-monitoring mission to Erbil as model for more health centers in Erbil, vices by family physicians. in May, 2011, the WHO Representative, the other districts, and eventually Iraq as a Dr. Syed Ja&ar Hussain, along with inter- The Center is showing excellent results whole to replicate and evolve. national WHO experts, paid a visit to the and gaining the community’s trust and The adoption of Family Practices at the #rst center in the North implementing the positive feedback as it implements this policy level and their implementation in Family Practice Approach, the Bryati Fam- new model of that focuses on a patient- Iraq will contribute to the achievements ily Health Center. The facility is located centered approach, community partici- of national objectives as articulated in the in Erbil District and the visit provided in- pation, and quality. 20,000 individuals National Development Plan 2010-2014, sights on the services provided, as well as are now registered members in the cen- as well as the Millennium Development the challenges faced at this point of the ter, taking their appointments either by Goals for Iraq. center’s development. phone, by direct visit or via email. A computerized, intranet based, health informa- For more information please contact Dr. Aqila The Bryati Primary Health Care Center was tion system, containing all detailed rel- Noori, Medical O%cer, WHO Iraq: nooria@irq. directed to operate as a Family Health evant information on each member is in emro.who.int Center in the spring of 2010. After de#n-

Rule of Law

Kurdistan Bar Association legal aid workshop: Lawyers explore legal aid arrangements

By Shawqi Younis and Mark Aiken, UNDP Iraq

ost people feel out of With the support of technical ex- place in a courtroom. The perts from the UN Development Menvironment is unfamil- Programme (UNDP) Iraq and the Re- iar, judicial rules are complicated, gional Reconstruction Team, UNDP and the stakes in any case can be convened a workshop on 25 April high – the court decides if some- 2011 for the members of the Bar As- one is guilty or innocent, whether sociation drafting team. The team they will go to prison or go free, studied the practical legal issues or whether a defendant will be experienced by vulnerable people ordered to pay compensation or in Kurdistan, the current legal frame- #nes. work for human rights in Iraq, ex- plored international best practice, For members of vulnerable and and reviewed relevant human rights disadvantaged groups, the hard- standards and Bar Acts from other ship is even more severe, as they countries. frequently cannot a&ord to pay for a private lawyer to assist them. The committee also studied di&erent While some NGOs and lawyers do models of legal aid, including profes- provide free assistance to clients, sional obligations for all lawyers to in Iraq lawyers have no profession- do some legal aid work each year, al obligation to do so. court based legal aid schemes, using full time salaried lawyers (a ‘public The revision of the Kurdistan Bar defenders’ model) compared to pay- Association Act was the ideal op- ing private lawyers to take legal aid portunity for the lawyers to ex- cases on an ad-hoc basis. The court plore the contributions they can based legal aid schemes are also be- make to their community, by as- ing piloted by UNDP Iraq, with the UNDP legal aid workshop for Kurdistan Bar Association held in Erbil on 25 sisting vulnerable people through May 2011. Photo: UNDP support of the European Union. legal aid schemes. www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 12 Following the workshop, the Bar As- ventions which are applicable to Iraq, tive aims to improve the e&ectiveness sociation made further revisions to the and international best practice of Bar and accessibility of the Iraqi justice sys- draft Kurdistan Bar Act, to strengthen Associations and legal aid. tem, and is implemented by UNDP Iraq. the roles of lawyers in providing legal UNDP Iraq is committed to providing For more information, please contact Ms. assistance to vulnerable and disad- this continued support in partnership Christine Fowler, Senior Programme Adviser vantaged people. The Bar Association with the European Union, as part of the - Rule of Law, UNDP Iraq: Christine.fowler@ also requested the ongoing support of European Union’s ‘Support to Rule of undp.org; +962 777 148 336 UNDP Iraq to improve their knowledge Law and Justice’ programme. The initia- of the international human rights con-

Mine Action IOM, Mines Advisory Group rehabilitate water system

By Bertram Chambers, IOM Iraq

“Now we will have both fresh water and an area safe from landmines.” To further educate and protect both the members of the communities and IOM sta&, IOM and MAG followed up on the demining operation by holding a Mine Risk Education training session. The session was held on 10 May in Halabja city, and was attended by 16 community members, four IOM sta& and a representative from the military. A team of MAG trainers instructed participants on the various types of mines and other explosives common to Iraq, and what to do should they encounter one. “We sincerely appreciate MAG’s assistance with demining our karez site and educating our sta& and members of the community on the risks posed by mines,” said IOM Proj- ect Manager Lucie Dupertuis. The Mines Advisory Group team safely remove mines from a small village in the governorate of Sulaymaniyah in May 2011 . Photo: IOM The project is supported by the US Com- mander’s Emergency Response Program he Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has MAG and a joint assessment was under- and the intiative is to cover the restoration partnered with International Orga- taken to evaluate the situation. The mines of 10 karezes. Tnization for Migration (IOM) Iraq to were found to be over 20 years old, and had As a member of the UN Country Team safely remove landmines from a karez res- recently washed down into the irrigation (UNCT) for Iraq, IOM Iraq works closely with toration site in the northern governorate of site from a nearby mountain. the United Nations system and the Iraqi Sulaymaniyah. A team of experts from MAG returned to authorities in support of the Iraqi National Since March 2011, IOM has been working the karez soon after the assessment and Development Plan 2010 - 2014, and is inte- to restore traditional “karez” systems in the conducted a full demining operation to grated into all sector outcome teams of the Halabja district of Sulaymaniyah. Karezes clear the work site of any landmines or oth- UNCT Coordination Structure. are ancient traditional water systems which er dangerous remnants of war. After mark- For further information on the Mines Advisory provide rural areas with irrigation and ing the area and constructing a stone wall Group, please visit: drinking water in a sustainable manner. to prevent any further mines from being washed down from a higher elevation, the www.maginternational.org At the beginning of May, a team of IOM sta& site was declared clear and the karez team and local community members excavating For more information on IOM Iraq, please con- was able to safely return to work. “IOM and a karez in a small village discovered several tact Bertram Chambers: [email protected] MAG have doubly bene#tted our village” landmines scattered around the site. IOM said Mr. Kamaran, the owner of the karez. immediately contacted the local o%ce of www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 13 News Briefs Standing Consultation the occasion, Mr. Al-Sahir launched his Helping NGOs in Iraq get new song “Together for Children,” calling Mechanism Continues on all segments of Iraqi society to come to work Meetings Under UNAMI together to turn the ongoing hardships faced by Iraq’s children into opportunities Auspices for them. Mr. Al-Sahir’s music over the past 25 years Under the auspices of UNAMI, the Stand- has led to his immense popularity within ing Consultation Mechanism met on 25 Iraq, across the Middle East and North May 2011 to advance the resolution of the Africa and globally. As UNICEF’s Ambas- Disputed Internal Boundaries issues. At- sador to Iraq, Al-Sahir will focus on rais- tention was given to the security arrange- ing awareness and mobilizing support to ments in the respective areas and ways for UNOPS and ICNL training Iraqis on NGO registration proce- respond to the needs of the most vulner- expediting the holding of provincial coun- dures, Erbil 2011. Photo: UNOPS able children across the country in order cil elections in Kirkuk and for normalizing to build an equitable society where all 15 relations between parties in Ninewa. After a new Iraqi NGO law entered into million of Iraq’s children have equal op- force in March 2010, UN O%ce for Project The participants reiterated the impor- portunities to realize their full potential. Services (UNOPS) and the International tance of continued local engagement and Mr. Al-Sahir was born in the northern Iraqi Center for Not-for-Pro#t Law (ICNL) have expanded participation in resolving out- city of Mosul in 1957. He has received worked in cooperation with the NGOs standing issues. many awards and honors of his excep- Directorate and NGOs themselves, to pre- “UNAMI was pleased by the open discus- tional talent and creativity. He is UNICEF’s pare a registration awareness project for sion and constructive atmosphere and #rst ever Ambassador to Iraq. NGOs. welcomed the commitment of the parties The #rst priority of the project has been to to resolve issues related to the disputed Amman Institute, UN- develop simpli#ed and more user-friendly areas,” said the Special Representative of registration forms for NGOs. New forms the United Nations Secretary-General for HABITAT continue to are about to be endorsed by the NGOs Di- Iraq (SRSG), Mr. Ad Melkert. strengthen leadership rectorate and will soon be available on its The meeting was facilitated by SRSG Melk- skills of Iraqis website at: www.ngoao.gov.iq . ert and attended by Dr. Rowsch Shawis, The project is also focusing on providing Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Rafe Al-Issawi, On 15-30 May 2011, the Amman Institute training and producing a handbook to Finance Minister and Council of Repre- for Urban Development (AI) in partner- help NGOs obtain and renew their reg- sentatives’ members Mr. Hassan Al-Sunaid ship with UN-HABITAT held a training for istration certi#cates. Training on these and Mr. Jaber Al-Jaberi. 36 members from the Iraq Local Govern- procedures will be conducted jointly by Kadem Al-Sahir Appoint- ment Association (ILGA) on leadership mixed teams from the NGOs Directorate skills and good governance. and NGOs themselves and is expected to reach over 600 NGOs in all Iraqi governor- ed UNICEF Ambassador The ILGA is a non-pro#t organization ates. to Iraq based in Baghdad, with branch o%ces in all of Iraq’s 18 governorates. The well- By mid-May 2011, UNOPS and ICNL be- established Association is known for its gan workshops in Erbil to prepare train- work in policy research and advocacy to ers before they travel around the coun- support local governments. try throughout the coming months. The handbook to guide NGOs through the The two back-to-back training courses registration procedures has been distrib- included soft skills such as leadership, uted to NGOs. This #rst training session communication and negotiation, in addi- was attended by representatives from the tion to site visits to the Amman Municipal- government, parliament and civil society. ity where trainees meet with AI technical planning experts exposing trainees to ur- Ministry, UN-HABITAT fo- ban planning initiatives in Jordan. UNICEF announced on 9 May 2011 the appointment of cus on strategy in support renowned Iraqi singer, Kadem Al-Sahir, as its Ambassador to The courses are part of an agreement of Iraq. Photo: UNICEF 20110 cooperation between UN-HABITAT and of displaced Iraqis the Amman Institute under the Local Gov- UNICEF announced on 9 May 2011 the UN-HABITAT, in partnership with the Min- appointment of renowned Iraqi singer, ernment Association and Urban Develop- ment Capacity Building Project. istry of Displacement and Migration, held Kadem Al-Sahir, as its Ambassador to Iraq. a workshop on 10-12 May 2011, in Erbil, Making his #rst visit to Iraq in 14 years for www.uniraq.org UNAMI Newsletter 14 in Iraq Kurdistan region, to support the During the event, participants discussed Computerized Mainte- Ministry’s preparation of a strategy for the feasibility and requirements of con- durable shelter solutions for internally dis- ducting assessments of HIV among pris- nance Management Sys- placed Iraqis. The forum resulted in a #nal oners and developed required assessment tem of Biomedical Equip- draft of the Longer Term Shelter Solutions protocols and tools. Moreover, a work Strategy. plan with details of activities, responsible ment in Iraq bodies and a timeline has been agreed for The event was attended by 23 participants the implementation of the planned as- As follow up to the ongoing project of in- from various relevant ministries, Baghdad sessments. troducing a computerized maintenance Provincial Council, the Real Estate Bank, management system (CMMS) in Iraq, the the National Housing Fund along with WHO held a seminar to discuss the prog- representatives of diplomatic missions, Social Determinants of ress and undertake issues with the imple- the United Nations and civil society work- Health: Concepts and mentation of Asset plus system from GE ing in Iraq on durable solutions for inter- Healthcare, as well as guide the three nally displaced Iraqis. Tools to Promote Equity concerned health departments of Erbil, To date, over 1.3 million Iraqis remain dis- in Health in Iraq Muthana and the Medical City/Baghdad placed from their homes inside Iraq and on tackling current issues with the system. some 470,000 displaced Iraqis strive to WHO Iraq along with the Ministry of Six Ministry of Health sta& attended the survive as squatters in dilapidated public Health of Iraq conducted a three-day 16-18 May 2011seminar in Amman, Jor- buildings or makeshift settlements. training workshop from 3-5 May 2011 dan, that was conducted by experts from Under the “Improving Access for IDPs and on “Social Determinants of Health (SDH): Concepts and Tools to Promote Equity in GE. The CMMS is a modular system which Returnees to Acceptable Shelter Solu- Health in Iraq” in Amman, Jordan. will assist in managing all aspects of bio- tions” project, an initiative implemented medical equipment-based assets found in in partnership with the Ministry of Dis- The event was designed to build on the the healthcare institutions and will serve fact that a health system in itself is a social placement and Migration, UN-HABITAT is as a tool for management, reporting, tasked with preparing a strategy to sup- determinant of health. The main objectives were to identify the challenges to the monitoring and compilation of statistics port the Ministry’s e&ort to develop long achievement of health equity in a con"ict in existing hospitals’ medical equipment shelter solutions for people a&ected by setting, and to propose a plan of action status. displacement. and to identify sustainable structures to address these issues. Planning workshop on as- During the workshop, the participants sessments of HIV among from di&erent ministries and syndicates, including the Ministry of Health, Finance, UNAMI Newsletter is published prisoners Women A&airs, Defense, Labor and Social monthly by the UNAMI Public Informa- WHO Iraq, in collaboration with the Min- A&airs, Education, Head of the Medical tion O%ce. Contents do not necessarily istry of Health, the National AIDS Program Syndicate, Dental and Head of the Nurs- re"ect the o%cial position of the United and the WHO Collaborating Center for Ca- ing Syndicate, were introduced and had Nations or that of UNAMI. Articles may pacity Building in HIV Surveillance at the the opportunity to engage in group work be freely reproduced, with credit to Andrija Stampar School of Public Health to identify and prioritize the social deter- UNAMI Newsletter. For comments and (Croatia), successfully conducted a plan- minants of health. suggestions, contact ning workshop for assessments of HIV At the end the event, a comprehensive [email protected] among prisoners from 9 to 12 May, 2011 plan of action entailing the formation of Editor-in-Chief: Radhia Achouri in Zagreb. A total of nine participants from a national level steering committee, as Managing Editor: Aicha Elbasri the National AIDS Program, WHO Iraq and well as a technical working group will be Sta& Writer: Randa Jamal the WHO Collaborating Center participat- tasked to work on the strategy on how to Photo Editor: Bikem Ekberzade Graphic Designer: Salar A. Brifkani ed in the workshop. tackle SDH in Iraq.

List of UN Acronyms There are 16 UN organisations, programmes, agencies and funds working in Iraq. They are the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Labour Organiza- tion (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Educational, Scienti#c and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), UN Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), O%ce of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), UN O%ce for the Coordination of Humanitarian A&airs (UN OCHA), UN O%ce for Project Services (UNOPS), World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organization (WHO).