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UNAMI FOCUS Voice of the Mission

News Bulletin on UNAMI Activities Issue No. 20 March 2008

more effective judicial oversight and high-profile cultural festival, in alleviate overcrowding. partnership with the Iraqi Corporation • It notes that additional and sustained for Culture and Arts, Al-Mada. The efforts are needed, however, to one-day event which took place at Al- address continuing prolonged delays Alwiya Gardens in , was in reviewing detainee cases. attended by close to 1,000 • It recognizes the positive measures participants guests, representing taken by Kurdistan Regional women’s associations, artists, Press Covering the Launch of the 12th Government (KRG) to address a academia, government authorities, civil Human Rights Report range of human rights issues. society and the media. • It warns that the detention of The Situation of Human Rights suspects for indefinite periods without charge remains of serious in Iraq-UNAMI’s 12th Quarterly concern. Report • It underscores that he plight of women across Iraq requires urgent On Saturday, 15 March 2998, the UN measures to combat both gender- Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) based violence, including so-called issued its twelfth report on the human honor crimes, and to assist women rights situation in the country covering who have been displaced with their the period 1 July – 31 December 2007. children as a result of violent attacks International Women’s Day Celebration The report recognizes: perpetrated by armed groups and the

sectarian violence in many parts of

• The last three months of 2007 were the country. INDEX:

characterized by a marked decrease • Acknowledges that the MNF The Situation of Human Rights in Iraq- 1

in violent attacks involving mass authorities introduced measures UNAMI’s 12th Quarterly Report

casualties, including suicide attacks designed to improve the handling of International Women’s Day 1 and car bombings. detainees’ cases by expediting Celebration in Baghdad • It notes the enormous challenges the reviews and decisions on releases.

Government of Iraq continued to face However, UNAMI’s long-standing United Nations Conference on Anti- 2

during the reporting period in its concerns with respect to due process Corruption and the International

efforts to bring sectarian violence and rights of detainees within the legal Compact with Iraq

other criminal activity under control framework adopted by the MNF Emergency Aid Appeal Targets $265 2 against a backdrop of political remained unaddressed, and large Million for Iraq instability and stalled efforts in numbers of juvenile detainees remain revitalizing a national reconciliation in MNF custody. The Future Elections in Iraq and the 3 process. • It expresses concern that civilian UN Role

• It cautions that, “as security deaths resulting from actions by

improved in parts of Baghdad and private security contractors and in Update on the Process of Selection of 3

other locations, it deteriorated the course of military operations GEOs since the Press Conference of 14

elsewhere with heightened activity by conducted by the MNF-I remains a February 2008

insurgent groups and others in serious issue. Erbil Hosts a Roundtable on the Iraqi 3 governorates such as Mosul and • UNAMI welcomes the Iraqi NGO Law Diyala.” Armed groups and militia Government’s decision to ratify the

continue to target civilians or attack UN Convention Against Torture. UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 4

densely populated residential areas Mr. Antonio Guterres, Visits Iraq,

systematically and deliberately, ***** Jordan and

causing horrific suffering. International Women’s Day • It welcomes measures taken by the Iraqi Parliamentarians visit Northern 5 Celebration in Baghdad Government of Iraq and the judicial Ireland To celebrate the International authorities to improve the handling of Women’s Day, UNAMI sponsored a Conference on Counter-Terrorism and 5 detainees, including efforts to ensure Human Rights

Page 1 UNAMI FOCUS – March 2008 Emphasizing the significant role Iraqi for the conference was provided by the chaired by Prime Minister Nuri al women play in society and the unique European Commission via UNDP. Maliki, and UN Secretary General Ban challenges and difficulties they have Ki-moon, as a significant drive towards faced for decades, the celebration of integrity in governance accompanied the International Women’s Day was an by democratic processes and sector occasion to honor those forgotten and growth. The primary purpose of the silent victims of the ongoing violence in conference lies in support of UN the country. The event highlighted the system to strengthen those Iraqi premise that the wellbeing of Iraqi institutions which play a critical role in women is fundamental to Iraq’s securing transparency and efficiency in recovery, as they are the fulcrum of implementing the Compact. Image of All Panel Participants during every Iraqi family and have an the Anti-Corruption Conference extraordinary role to play in building a The GoI has taken the first steps better future for the country. towards ratification of the UN This conference was the first The many activities on the Day’s Convention against Corruption. As a comprehensive anti-corruption event program included: a drawing future signatory to the Convention, the that took place in Baghdad. Chaired by competition between 30 Iraqi painters, GoI will undertake initiatives in the United Nations Special depicting the current condition of Iraqi compliance with principles and Representative of the Secretary women; a photo gallery and a book commitments under the Convention, General for Iraq, Mr Staffan de exhibition on Iraqi women; testimonies and will be able to seek UN assistance Mistura, the Iraqi Deputy Prime by Iraqi women on the adversities they for its programmes and activities to Minister, Dr. Barham Saleh, addressed face, folkloric music, dance and sports address corruption. the audience and briefed them on exhibitions as well as a theater piece. ***** measures taken by the government in The program also included a Emergency Aid Appeal Targets combating corruption. roundtable discussion on the Iraqi $265 Million for Iraq

Personal Status Draft Law, followed by The keynote address was given by the adoption of a series of Baghdad, 12 February 2008 United Nations Under-Secretary recommendations for the Draft Law. By Randa Jamal General and Director of the UN Office 1,000 T-Shirts and 1,000 folders In light of urgent humanitarian needs on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr promoting the theme “Progress for and enduring suffering in Iraq, the Antonio Maria Costa. Women is Progress for All,” were United Nations launched an appeal for printed and distributed to the US $265 million in aid for 2008, at The Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. participants, as well as 1,000 copies of Baghdad’s Al Rasheed Hotel on 12 Barham Salih, accompanied by all the UN Secretary General’s “In depth February 2008. four Iraqi institutions working on anti- study on all forms of violence against corruption: the Joint Anti-Corruption women” (A/61/122/Add.1), and the Councils, the Board of Supreme Audit Secretary General’s press release (BSA), the Commission of Public launching the campaign to end Integrity, and the Inspector General, violence against women. all made opening statements related to A documentary film and a quadri-color the topic of the conference and GoI’s booklet wrapping up the event will also effort to combat corruption. Visiting be offered to the participants, as a Vice-President of The World Bank, Dr remembrance that the 8th of March is Daniela F. Gressani, and Executive not only a one-day event in a year. Director of the UN Office of Project Panel Speakers Addressing the Services, Mr. Ian Mattsson, also Audience during Launch of Emergency ***** addressed the conference. Other Aid Appeal participants included Members of the United Nations Conference on Iraqi Council of Representatives and The 2008 Iraq Consolidated Appeal is Anti-Corruption and the high level representatives of donors in an action plan to meet immediate International Compact with Baghdad. priority needs of the most vulnerable Iraq Iraqis in the country over a 12-month The two day Conference included period. It brings UN Agencies and presentations and discussions of On Monday, 17 March 2008, The NGOs together in an overall framework technical papers on topics such as United Nations Development to enable a more strategic and prevention and institutional Programme (UNDP) organized an Anti- effective response to humanitarian development and capacity building; Corruption Conference in Baghdad, needs. criminalization and law enforcement; entitled International Compact with and the role of non-state actors: Iraq: Initiative on Good Governance The event was attended by the Iraqi media, civil society organizations and and Anti-Corruption – Conference on Government, NGOs and the UN public outreach. UN Convention Against Corruption. The Country Team, which included the conference is part of activities to World Health Organization. The United The UN system appreciates the support good governance. The funding Nations officials included the Special commitment of Iraq to the Representative of the Secretary International Compact with Iraq, co-

Page 2 UNAMI FOCUS – March 2008 General for Iraq, Mr. Staffan de applications and how to submit them. Mistura, and the Humanitarian By Randa Jamal Once candidates have applied, they Coordinator for Iraq, Mr. David During a press conference held in the will be evaluated by international Shearer. Iraqi officials included the Iraqi Convention Center, on 14 electoral experts. A list of qualified Minister of Displacement and February 2008, the Special candidates will be submitted to CoR Migration, Dr. Abd Al-Samad Sultan, Representative of the Secretary and IHEC for the final stage of and the Government’s spokesperson, General to the United Nations selection. Dr. Ali Al-Dabbagh. During the event, Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI), the spokesperson announced the Mr. Staffan de Mistura, the Iraqi Mr. de Mistura responded to questions Government’s commitment to the President of the Council of from the press mostly on the process, appeal and also that it would channel Representatives (CoR) Mr. Mahmoud technical expertise and the role of the $40 million towards it. Mashhadani, and his two deputies, Mr. United Nations. He emphasized how Khalid Al-Atiya and Mr. Aref Tayfour, transparency, professionalism and Iraqi The UN told the audience that 4 million announced a process for selecting the institution-building will allow the Iraqis are struggling to feed remaining eight Governorate Election commission to be fully operational for themselves and 40 percent of the Offices Directors. This event coincided the upcoming elections. country’s 27 million people have no with new legislation concerning governorate elections, passed the access to safe water. Similarly, the ***** political unravel of the country has previous day. displaced over 4 million people: 2.2 Update on the Process of million are internally displaced and In his opening remarks, Mr. Selection of GEOs since the another 2 million are dispersed in Mashhadani announced that elections neighboring countries. “We aim to would be held throughout the Iraqi Press Conference of 14 meet vulnerable people’s most urgent Governorates before 1 October 2008. February 2008 needs wherever we have access,” Mr. He also said that the United Nations Shearer emphasized during the event. will lead the process and ensure that From Electoral Office Officials elaborated on the activities the selection of the directors, and later they will undertake to ensure that the the elections, are conducted in a Since the press conference held on 14 appeal sufficiently addresses the needs transparent fashion. He assured the February 2008, the identification of of Iraqis and on how the $265 million Iraqi people that this time around the qualified candidates for the positions of appeal is structured: $97 million elections would be free and open. He Governorate Election Office (GEO) towards food, $37 million towards also said that the Iraqi Government Directors is underway. The positions shelter, $32 million towards health, would fully cooperate with the United are for the following governorates: $26 million towards protection and Nations. After his remarks, Mr. Baghdad (2 offices), Ninewa, Karbala, human rights, $21 million towards Mashhadani gave the floor to Mr. de Najaf, Diyala, Wassit, and Basra. More water and sanitation, $20 million Mistura to explain how the UN will than 800 valid applications were towards education, and $6.5 million ensure transparency in the selection received between 14 February and 28 towards agriculture. Additionally $6.5 process. February 2008. The applications were million will be allocated to coordination vetted and UNAMI convened an expert and support and $20 million for an Mr. de Mistura emphasized that it is panel to short list candidates for the Emergency Response Fund. Dr. vital that steps are taken to ensure COR to select five to send to the Naeema Algasseer, the WHO that the Independent High Electoral Independent High Electoral Representative for Iraq, highlighted Commission (IHEC) is fully prepared Commission (IHEC). top priorities in the allocation made for future elections. “We hope that by towards the health sector as: access to ensuring transparency and When this process is fully complete, essential drugs, prevention of outbreak professionalism in the selection that the short-lists will be sent from the diseases—especially cholera—and this can be achieved”, he added. Special Representative of the Secretary facilities for mental health services. General, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, to the Additionally, Mr. de Mistura explained office of the Deputy Speaker of the ***** that this work is being conducted by Council of Representatives (CoR). The Future Elections in Iraq the UN at the request of the Iraqi Then, CoR will have 10 days to submit and the UN Role Government. Following this request, five candidates from each of the UNAMI has agreed to assist in the UNAMI short-lists to IHEC. The IHEC identification of qualified candidates. will then choose one successful Vacant positions, announced candidate from the five submitted by throughout the country via newspapers CoR and will announce a provisional and radios, are available for the appointment. A seven-day period will following governorates: Baghdad (two follow where the IHEC Board will hear offices), Basra, Diyala, Karbala, Najaf, complaints based on firm evidence as Nenawa and Wassit. Qualified stipulated in its internal rules of candidates are encouraged to apply for procedure. these positions through the UNAMI ***** website, which includes the Terms of Erbil Hosts a Roundtable on Press Conference at ICC on 14 Reference for the vacancies, February 2008 the Iraqi NGO Law

Page 3 UNAMI FOCUS – March 2008 addressed in the draft law, as well as to permit their return. The Minister of By Sabah Abdulrahman the specificities of the Iraqi context. It Planning, Mr. Suhair al-Ali, emphasized also indicated a common that over the last three years the cost In light of the UN Security Council determination, particularly from the of hosting Iraqi refugees is Resolution 1770 and in line with its NGOs representatives, to pass this approximately 1.6 billion JD for important law as soon as possible. infrastructure, education and health At the end of the roundtable, the facilities. participants worked on formulating a shared declaration of principles to be In Syria, Mr. Guterres discussed with used by the Iraqi Ministry of Civil President Bashar Assad and Vice Society in fine-tuning the draft law President Farouq al-Sharaa an increase before presenting it to the Council of in funding and generating further UNAMI-UNOPS roundtable on the Iraqi Representatives for endorsement. mechanisms to help the Syrian NGOs law government cope with an influx of ***** Iraqi refugees. Noting that 70,000 continuous assistance to the people of UN High Commissioner for Iraqi refugees have expressed their Iraq, the United Nations Assistance Refugees, Mr. Antonio wish to resettle in the countries they Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the currently take refuge in, Mr. Guterres United Nations Office for Project Guterres, Visits Iraq, Jordan and Syria asked that the host countries increase Services (UNOPS) jointly organized a their resettlement options. Roundtable on the draft Iraqi NGO Law, which was held in Erbil from 1 to By Randa Jamal In Syria alone, the Refugee agency 3 March 2008. and other UN agencies estimate that Representatives of civil society During a week-long mission from 11 to the number of Iraqi refugees is around organizations from Kurdistan Region 18 February 2008, the United Nations 1.5 million. According to Syrian officials and the rest of Iraq, as well as key High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. the influx of refugees has drained the policymakers from the three executive, Antonio Guterres, visited three country’s education, health and legislative and judicial authorities in countries—Jordan, Iraq and Syria—to housing infrastructure, incurring an Iraq and Kurdistan Region participated highlight the issue of Iraqi refugees estimated annual expenditure of $1.6 in the 3-day roundtable entitled and to put it at the forefront of Iraq billion. This phenomenon has pushed “Towards an Enabling Legal and its neighbors agenda. He also the Syrian Government to appeal for Framework for a Strong Civil Society in appealed to the international international assistance and has also Iraq”. The European Union provided community to provide urgent support led it to impose visa restrictions on the funding through the United Nations to Iraqi refugees and to increase the Iraqis who wish to enter Syria. Development Group Iraq Trust Fund number of places for resettlement. (UNDG ITF). According to a January 2008 UNHCR Three experts from Jordan, Lebanon report on Iraqi refugees in Syria, there and Morocco as well as others from the are more than 19,000 individuals—or 1 UN participated in the roundtable as in 5 Iraqis—who were victims of facilitators, and helped the Iraqi torture and/or violence in their stakeholders with examples and homeland. Mr. Gutterres said, “Some references from contexts similar to that Iraqi families will not be able to go of Iraq, as well as with envisaging back to their country because they solutions to controversial issues. have been tortured or have family UNAMI’s Head of Office in Erbil Mr. UN High Commissioner for Refugees members who were all killed or Mark Rutgers opened the first session (in the middle) holding a press because of some other situation”. He with a short speech underlining the conference following his meeting with added, “The number of resettlement importance of a legal framework for PM Nouri al-Maliki opportunities for the most vulnerable the work of civil society organizations are very important.” and renewed the UN commitment to On his first stop, in Jordan, the High provide the Iraqis with the technical Commissioner held talks with the Consequently UNHCR and its partners assistance needed on this important Jordanian King, in addition to several are prioritizing psychosocial support, aspect of communal life and on other government officials, on the status of such as providing regular referrals to issues. Kurdistan Regional Government Iraqi refugees. A 2007 survey psychiatrists and mental health (KRG) Minister of Region for Civil conducted by the Norwegian Research institutions. Financial assistance for Society Affairs, Mr. George Mansour Foundation (Fafo), under the auspices funding this initiative was generated and the KRG Coordinator for UN Affairs of the United Nations High Commission through an appeal for $261 million to Dr. Dindar Zebari also delivered for Refugees (UNHCR), estimated that aid Iraqis, including refugees and IDPs. opening remarks before the start of between 450,000 and 500,000 Iraqi However, a notable problem is the the working sessions. refugees are in Jordan. Jordan scarcity of mental health institutions, pledged that despite the challenges including psychiatric and social support The working sessions were mainly facing the country, it will continue to services, not only in Syria, but in the devoted to discussing key issues that host refugees until conditions in Iraq, region overall. remain controversial, as presently including security, improve sufficiently

Page 4 UNAMI FOCUS – March 2008 Mr. Guterres indicated that he received During the joint press conference, held MP. Additionally, meetings were held assurances from both governments with the Foreign Minister Hosheyar with the British Council, that they would not push refugees to Zibari, both officials responded to representatives from the Equality return to Iraq and that they would questions from the press. Both of them Commission for Northern Ireland, the respect their right to asylum. His expressed their willingness to Human Rights Commission, Civil comments to the international cooperate with one another, Society representatives, and major community stressed the need for it to particularly on the joint assessment political parties among others. give more support through that will be led by the Iraqi programmes that could assist Iraqi Government, and on improving refugees in Syria and Jordan. He humanitarian assistance. Mr. Guterres emphasized that until now, highlighted safety and social re- international assistance has been integration as key issues concerning insufficient to meet the challenges refugees who choose to return, while facing the host countries. resettlement for certain Iraqis should remain an option, particularly for those During his two-day visit to Iraq, Mr. who have been subject to traumas and Guterres held several meetings with are vulnerable. Additionally, Mr. Iraqi officials, including a meeting with Guterres stressed that while he the Prime Minister, Mr. Nuri al-Maliki. supports the return of Iraqi refugees to Iraqi Parliamentarians in Northern The high commissioner provided an their country, circumstances are not Ireland update on his mission’s findings on the yet suitable. Repatriation, he said, region, including the results generated should depend on the restoration of In addition to concentrating on through his meetings held in Jordan security and stability in Iraq. constitutional and legal issues, Iraqi and Syria. He also addressed the issue Parliamentarians were provided with of Iraqi refugees. While a few had Mr. Guterres’s mission to the region scenarios on reaching political requested resettlement, a majority captured three issues relevant to Iraqi consensus that could be applied to the expressed pride in their Iraqi identity refugees: increased international Iraqi work process of review of the and their strong desire to return once attention to their plight; meeting the constitution. Irish counterparts circumstances improve. Mr. Guterres needs and livelihood of refugees in the emphasized the need for an inclusive emphasized a stronger dialogue host countries so that they are not process in the negotiations, which between the Iraqi Government and its forced against their will to return; and previously led to a peaceful settlement neighboring countries, mainly Jordan a joint assessment on the feasibility of in Northern Ireland. The Iraqi and Syria. return. counterparts also concluded that there ***** are no alternatives to resolving In return, the Prime Minister expressed Iraqi Parliamentarians visit disputes; only by dialogue they could his gratitude for all the efforts Northern Ireland be resolved. Thus it is important to expended thus far by UNHCR. He also include civil society and militias or said that he would like UNHCR, jointly 2-8 March, Belfast, Northern Ireland armed groups in the negotiations with the government, to work towards From the period 2-8 March 2008, the process. Crucial to the process are the returning refugees. He has informed all Office of Constitutional Support (OCS) commitment to the principles of non his ambassadors that they must assist jointly with United Nations Office of violence, respect for human rights and all Iraqis in the countries where they Project Services (UNOPS), with funding institutional reform, guided by serve. He said, “Our specific orders to from the European Commission, recognized international standards. all our ambassadors are that they must organized a study tour to Northern provide all Iraqis with passports, even Ireland for some of the members of OCS will continue to assist the Iraqi to those who committed atrocities the Constitutional Review Committee. Parliamentarians in facilitating a series while residing in Iraq, to ensure that The delegation was led by the Chair of of multi-party dialogues and they are not subjected to humiliation.” the Constitutional Review Committee, roundtables to enhance the process of Sheikh/ Humam Hammoudi, and communication between political In responding to Mr. al Maliki’s request included the Chair of the Regions actors. This would lead to an improved on facilitating returns, Mr.Guterres Committee, Mr. Hasheem Al Ta’ee, understanding, in the exploration of agreed to carry out a joint assessment Vice Chair, Ms. Nada Al-Sudani, and options available, leading to on the feasibility of return and the the leader of the Sadrist bloc, Mr. consensus-based constitution making conditions on which refugees could Nassar Alrubaye. The diversity of Iraqi process. return. He indicated that the participants was prevalent in sect and ***** mechanisms of joint assessment are ethnic background: Shia and Sunni Conference on Counter- already underway and that the Arabs, Kurds, Christian Assyrians and government should lead it. The High Terrorism and Human Rights Turcomans. Commissioner also updated the Prime After a series of discussion with Minister on developments relating to The delegation held several meetings: representatives of the Government of UNHCR’s plans to expand in Iraq with the First Minister, Reverend Ian Iraq, HRO organized a four-day where the bulk of the work lies. Paisley (DUP), Deputy First Minister, seminar entitled “The Protection of Martin McGuiness (Sinn Féin) and with Human Rights in Counter-Terrorism” in Junior Minister, Hon. Jeffery Donaldson

Page 5 UNAMI FOCUS – March 2008 al-Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad. The perspective of counter terrorism combating terrorism. The Director of seminar, which lasted from 9 to 12 measures as established by the various the Strategy and Planning in the March, was organized with the support relevant United Nations instruments. Counter-terrorism Bureau presented of UNOPS and UNODC. The seminar was opened by UN the recently approved Counter- Special Representative of the terrorism Strategy for Iraq during the Secretary-General, Mr. Staffan de seminar. Mistura, as well as the Minister of The seminar was attended by mid-and Human Rights, the Minister of Interior high-level officials of the Iraqi Ministry and the Deputy Minister of State for of Interior, Ministry of Defense, National Security. members of Parliament, judges, prosecutors and defence counsels Experts from the UNODC Terrorism involved in crafting and implementing Prevention Branch and from the UK policies to combat counter-terrorism Conference on Counter-Terrorism and Police Force made presentations and and adjudication of terrorism-related Human Rights engaged the participants in the offences. In total, there were discussion on investigation of terrorist approximately 80 participants The seminar, designed for all actors acts, the UN global legal framework attending all the sessions. On the last engaged in combating and adjudicating against terrorism, rule of law, due day, the participants agreed on a set of counter-terrorism, created a valuable process and fair trial in the prosecution recommendations, committing to opportunity for discussion of existing of terrorist offences within the Global taking steps towards the ratification of counter-terrorism practices and Legal Framework Against Terrorism the United Nations International legislation, best practices in addressing and the compatibility of the Iraqi anti- Conventions and Protocols on Counter- terrorism while protecting human terrorism legislation with the Global Terrorism, the improvement of the rights, in the light of a human rights Legal Framework. A representative of current anti-terrorism legislation and the Minister of Interior Counter- the continuous provision of support Terrorism Directorate delivered a and implement capacity building presentation on the Iraqi experience in activities.

UNAMI Focus

Is an internal bulletin produced by the Public Information Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. The opinions expressed in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect those of the United Nations.

For further information contact e-mail: [email protected] Or Randa Jamal: [email protected] Phone + 962 6 550 4700 Extension: 2644 Visit our web site www.uniraq.org

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