UNAMI Herald

Volume 7, Issue 2 March - April 2020

UN Iraq SRSG joins Ministry of Health in calling for people to help beat COVID-19 by staying home, maintaining strict social distancing and hygiene

Baghdad, 22 March 2020 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert joined the Iraqi Ministry of Health today in calling on Iraqis across the country to follow the instructions and advice from health, religious, civilian and security authorities to practice social distancing and strict hygiene in order to protect their families and communities from the spread of the Coronavirus. ―I am here to emphasize our support to their efforts, as well as to the endless efforts of the medical professionals. They are the unsung heroes in the fight against the coronavirus‖, the Special cultural events and religious just an initial victory in a longer Representative said after meeting gatherings. And I would like to struggle. And it has to be clear that with the Iraqi Minister of Health, underline our appreciation for the this virus can only be fought with the Jaafar Allawi. ―COVID-19 is an calls from all religious authorities to full cooperation of each and every unprecedented challenge which follow the instructions and guidance, individual, with each one of us doing should be taken extremely seriously. to stay home and to stay safe.‖ his or her part. And there is no time to waste‖. Communities play a critical role in Communities play a critical role in Here is the full text of the remarks by spreading a virus, but also in spreading a virus, but also in the SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert at the stopping it. Proper hygiene, in stopping it. Proper hygiene, in Iraqi Ministry of Health: particular washing hands on a particular washing hands on a ―I have just finished my meeting with regular basis, social distancing and regular basis, social distancing and the Minister of Health, in the limiting contacts. All this can stop limiting contacts. All this can stop presence of the World Health the virus from spreading rapidly. the virus from spreading rapidly. Organization Representative in Iraq, I am encouraged by the wide-ranging The Special Representative said she Dr. Adham, and their teams. actions taken in Iraq, including in the is encouraged by the wide-ranging I am here to emphasize our support Kurdistan Region. actions taken in Iraq, including in the to their efforts, as well as to the We should not panic. But to avoid Kurdistan Region. endless efforts of the medical panic, we cannot afford to be ―We should not panic. But to avoid professionals. They are the unsung complacent. In recent days we noted panic, we cannot afford to be heroes in the fight against the that some people are unnecessarily complacent. In recent days we noted coronavirus. breaking the curfew, or not fully that some people are unnecessarily I will speak to you frankly. COVID-19 abiding by the instructions. To those, breaking the curfew, or not fully is an unprecedented challenge which I would like to say: you are abiding by the instructions. To those, should be taken extremely seriously. endangering yourselves, your I would like to say: you are And there is no time to waste. families, your loved ones and the endangering yourselves, your I would like to add my voice to the community at large. families, your loved ones and the health, religious, civilian and security Mass gatherings should not take community at large.‖ authorities calling on the people to place, and this includes sports, Public health is the number one abide by the instructions and advice cultural events and religious priority. And all of us are in this already issued by international gatherings. And I would like to together. All nations, all people. She health authorities, as well as national underline our appreciation for the added that quarantine, self-isolation recommendations issued by Crisis calls from all religious authorities to and social distancing are nothing to Committee 55 and local health follow the instructions and guidance, be ashamed of. This is happening all authorities. All of us must abide by to stay home and to stay safe. over the world. these instructions. Public health is the number one ―Mass gatherings should not take So far, Iraq has been able to contain priority. And all of us are in this place, and this includes sports, the spread of the virus. But this is together. All nations, all people. UNAMI Herald Volume 7, Issue 2 March — April 2020 In this edition ...

Security Council deliberated situation Joint appeal by the UN Secretary-General‘s concerning Iraq on its 8739th meeting Envoys to the Middle East

New York, 11 April 2020 - On 23 March, the New York, 3 March 2020 – The United Nations Secretary-General launched an appeal for an Security Council deliberated today the situation immediate Global Ceasefire, urging all warring concerning Iraq on its 8739th meeting. The text (as parties to pull back from hostilities, put aside delivered) of the briefing to the Security Council by mistrust and animosity, and silence their guns. Many Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of parties have responded positively to the Secretary- the Secretary-General for Iraq and head of UNAMI General‘s appeal, but more needs to be done to starts on page 4 translate these words into actions. Too many in the Middle East have endured conflict and deprivation for far too long… More on page 8 WHO technical mission visits Iraq to step up COVID-19 detection and response activities UN in Iraq raises the alarm: Time to endorse

the anti-domestic violence law

Baghdad, 15 March 2020 – A high-level technical mission from the World Health Organization (WHO) Baghdad, 16 April 2020 - The UN in Iraq urges the concluded a visit to Iraq to support the Iraqi Ministry Iraqi Parliament to speed up the endorsement of the of Health response to COVID-19 prevention and Anti-Domestic Violence Law amid alarming reports of containment measures. a rise in gender-based and domestic violence cases The mission, which perpetrated across the country, especially with comprised experts from increased household tensions as a result of the the Regional Office for the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eastern Mediterranean The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Region and headquarters United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for in Geneva, held a series of Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations meetings with national Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations health authorities to Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of identify the disease detection dynamics and at-risk Women (UN Women) offices in Iraq express their populations, in addition to providing guidance on concern at the rising number in domestic violence strengthening response and control measures. cases during the COVID-19 pandemic... More on page More on page 11 37

UNAMI hate speech event with UN Under-Secretary-General UNAMI Herald is published bi- Adama Dieng monthly by the Public Information Office of the United Nations Baghdad, 3 March 2020 — On 3 March, the UNAMI Human Rights Assistance Mission for Iraq. Office brought together, in the presence of UN Under-Secretary- General Adama Dieng, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of PIO Director: Samir Ghattas Genocide and the UN global focal point on hate speech, Editor-in-Chief: Ivan Djordjevic representatives from Iraqi human rights organisations, media monitoring bodies and legal associations, and representatives of Editorial Board: Samir Ghattas, diverse communities, to take stock of the dangers that hate speech Khalid Dahab, Ivan Djordjevic, Laila represents to Iraqi society... More on page 32 Shamji, Celia Thompson, Sarmad Al- Safy.

Iraqi religious authorities adopt Interfaith Statement on the Photos: UNAMI PIO, UNHCR, victims of ISIL UNCHR, UNICEF, IOM, OCHA, UNFPA, WHO, UNESCO, UNOPS, Baghdad, 9 March 2020 - United Nations Under-Secretary-General UN Habitat, UN Photo, UN Women, (USG) and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama UNIDO, UNMAS, UNDP, WFP and Dieng, and Special Adviser (SA) and Head of the United Nations as credited. Investigative Team to promote accountability for crimes committed by Da‘esh/ISIL in Iraq, Karim A. A. Khan Q.C., commended religious leaders for endorsing an Interfaith Statement on the Victims of ISIL. In the UNAMI Herald articles are The Statement followed extensive engagement with religious sorted according to the topic and in a authorities by UNITAD which continued during USG Dieng‘s visit to chronological order. Iraq between 1–6 March ... More on page 40 Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 3

UN Iraq SRSG joins Ministry of Health in calling for people to help beat COVID-19 (continued from cover page)

Quarantine, self-isolation and social distancing are nothing to be ashamed of. This is happening all over the world. The United Nations, with the World Health Organization in the lead, is supporting Iraqi efforts wholeheartedly. WHO Iraq, in close cooperation and coordination with the authorities in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region, has issued guidelines and advice to the public. It is providing technical support across the country including border and airport management, training of personnel on risks, communication and mass gatherings. WHO is also part of the government committee established to take national decisions to stop the virus from spreading rapidly. Additionally, it is equipping infection control rooms in Baghdad and Erbil, and supplying test kits and personal protective equipment. We are aware that this still falls short of the needs, but there is a global shortage. And WHO has requested Iraq to be a high priority to allow the country to tap into available resources. Last but not least: the work of the government and you, the media, is critical, in both: raising awareness and in countering all the fake news and rumours out there. Thank you so much.‖

Statement by the United Nations in Iraq on the COVID-19 Virus

Baghdad, 19 March 2020 - The rather than gather in pilgrimage until these dates. UN Iraq therefore calls COVID-19 virus remains a present the pandemic is over. UN Iraq also upon the people of Iraq to commit to threat around the world, in this region, commends the measures taken by the avoiding large gatherings – whether and in Iraq. It affects all segments of Government to stop people from sports, religious or other. This is society and can only be fought with the gathering in groups that could particularly difficult during a period in full cooperation of each and every endanger public health. which we would normally gather to individual, every one of us doing what All that has been gained in keeping the mark the special occasions, but we we can to help contain the outbreak. pandemic under control in Iraq could be must think of others at this time, and To date, the measures taken by Iraq lost if people come together in large make sure that we help limit the risk of have been wide-ranging and squarely groups as they normally would during transmission. aimed at reducing the spread of the pandemic. It has not been easy, but the United Nations in Iraq is encouraged to note that, thanks to these efforts, Iraq has thus far managed to contain the spread of the virus. However, the success of the containment efforts so far should not lead us to complacency. The fight is far from over. Mass gatherings, which rapidly spread the virus, must be restricted. UN Iraq notes with appreciation that religious authorities in Iraq have urged their faithful to make public health their priority, and to stay at home COVID-19 Pandemic coverage continues on page 12. Volume 7, Issue 2 Security Council Page 4

‗Critical‘ window of opportunity closing fast in Iraq, Security Council hears

New York, 3 March 2020 - Political leaders in Iraq will have to ―step up to the plate‖ and prioritize national interests if the country is to realize a more just and prosperous future, the top UN official there said in the Security Council on Tuesday. Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert updated ambassadors on the ongoing political indecisiveness and dissension roiling the country, where citizens continue to protest against corruption, unemployment and lack of basic services, and non- state armed groups such as ISIL remain a threat. ―As I have stated time and again: Iraq‘s problems did not occur overnight, nor will they be solved in programme would again be subject political leaders and communities an instant,‖ she said. to parliamentary endorsement‖, will have to step up to the plate: ―Yet times of crisis also present she said. placing the country‘s interest above opportunities. And I sincerely hope ―While political consultations are all else, building domestic that Iraqi political leaders will ongoing, the question remains strength‖, she said. recognize in this moment, the whether political parties will find a For the UN official, it is clear that crossroads where they either stand new consensus-candidate within the protestors, who are backed by idle, or where they place these time limits‖. ―a silent majority‖, will not budge themselves in the service of their ‗Window of opportunity‘ closing fast on their aspirations. Delivering on countrymen and women. But I have Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert began her their demands will require to say: the critical window of briefing by reflecting the hopes of collective action by the political opportunity is closing fast‖. Iraqis who continue to pay ―an class. For the past five months, Iraqis unimaginable price‖ for their voices ―Out of the ongoing political crisis, have taken to the streets in to be heard, noting that protestors a fairer, stronger and inherently peaceful demonstrations which have been injured and killed, more resilient Iraq can emerge,‖ prompted the resignation of Prime simply calling for justice. she said. Minister Abdul Mahdi in They are determined to see a more ―But again, for this to materialize November, who stayed on in a just and prosperous future in a political leaders will have to act caretaker role. sovereign nation that will not be a fast, placing the country‘s interest While a Prime Minister-designate ―battleground‖ for other conflicts. above all else‖. was named in February and given ―But for this to materialize, By UN News. a month to form a government, Mohammed Tawfiq Allaw this week withdrew his candidacy due to political obstruction, according to media reports. On Monday, Mr. Mahdi announced that he will step back from most of his duties, while also calling for elections in early December. These latest developments will prolong uncertainty and create ―significant challenges‖, thus further eroding public trust, Ms. H e n n i s - Plasschaert told ambassadors. ―Constitutionally, the President now has another 15 days to nominate a new Prime Minister- designate, whose government and Volume 7, Issue 2 Security Council Page 5

Security Council deliberated situation concerning Iraq on its 8739th meeting

Going back to the streets: the security picture is undeniably complex and most challenging to manage. We witness ambiguously identified armed entities with unclear loyalties. And we see groups or individuals using the cover of peaceful protesters and/or security forces to muddy the issues, misleading the public, harming the country‘s interest, confusing the scene and causing casualties. All of this is part of Iraq‘s tough reality. And as Secretary-General Guterres recently stated: ―The large number of armed groups operating outside state control is preventing the country from functioning as a normal state.‖ However, it bears repeating that this is New York, 3 March 2020 – The violations are ongoing and fly in the not something political leaders should United Nations Security Council face of all that is decent. They have no hide behind. On the contrary. They deliberated today the situation place in a democracy, any democracy. must dismantle or formally integrate concerning Iraq on its 8739th meeting. And yes, of course, we do recognize the these armed entities under full state Here is the text (as delivered) of the challenges of operating within a fluid, control without delay. In other words: briefing to the Security Council by puzzling security context with multiple this is no excuse for political and Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special actors. However, as I have stated many governmental inaction. Representative of the Secretary- times: the ultimate responsibility for Now Mister President, General for Iraq and head of UNAMI: the peoples‘ safety and security After five months of protests, and the undeniably rests with the State. many injured and killed, it should be It is therefore imperative to put an end clear that peaceful protesters - backed Mister President, thank you so much. to these abuses. Moreover, it is by a silent majority – it should be clear Distinguished members of the Security imperative that perpetrators be that they will not budge on their Council, brought to justice. Impunity ends aspirations. Now, this should be the Iraq has not left the headlines in recent where accountability begins. political class‘ first and last concern – months, as domestic, regional and And let me emphasize: justice and but so far, we have seen few results. international events have continued to accountability are a matter of burning And let me be clear: delivering on the take their toll on the country. importance to the many Iraqis who demands of the people will require a And while we will explore these events have lost their loved ones or seen them collective effort. I again emphasize that today, I choose to begin with hope: injured, for no other reason than no Prime Minister can go it alone. • The hope of a people who remain expressing their frustration with poor Every single political actor and leader united in their determination for a economic, social and political prospects. is fully responsible for restoring the more just and prosperous future; Justice and accountability should also critical confidence of the public in their • The hope of a sovereign nation that be a pressing matter for the State of government and its institutions. refuses to become a battleground for Iraq. The rule of law must be Late last November, the Prime conflicts that are not its own; strengthened if public trust is to take Minister announced his resignation, • And the hope that Iraq may very well root. which was soon approved by find itself at the most opportune Now Mister President, Parliament and the President. moment for genuine and lasting As I have stated time and again: Iraq‘s The designation of a new Prime- political reform in a generation. problems did not occur overnight, nor Minister, and subsequent attempts to But for this to materialize, political will they be solved in an instant. form a new government, ultimately leaders and communities will have to Yet times of crisis also present failed due to distrust and disunity. This step up to the plate: placing the opportunities. And I sincerely hope that led to a complicated situation in which country‘s interest above all else, Iraqi political leaders will recognise in the Prime Minister-designate was not building domestic strength. this moment the crossroads where they able to obtain sufficiently broad And within this context, it is important either stand idle, or where they place support to form his government within not to sugar coat the current harsh themselves in the service of their 30 days. reality. countrymen and women. But I have to Within the last three days, we saw the The many brave Iraqis - who continue say: the critical window of opportunity withdrawal of the candidacy of the to pay an unimaginable price for their is closing fast. Prime Minister-designate - accepted by voices to be heard - deserve that we Now, with regard to the participation of the President -, and the announcement recognize the intolerable abuses they Iraqi women in the ongoing public by the previous and current caretaker have been subjected to. protests, it is unprecedented and marks Prime Minister that he was stepping The killings. The abductions. The a new page in the history of women's back from most of his duties while violence. The intimidation. The threats. grassroots mobilization in Iraq. calling on parliament to seek early These abhorrent human rights Political leaders should heed this call. elections in December 2020. Volume 7, Issue 2 Security Council Page 6

Security Council deliberated situation concerning Iraq on its 8739th meeting (continued)

Constitutionally, the President now has strengthening the rule of law, anti- Diyala, northern Baghdad and areas of another 15 days to nominate a new PM- corruption mechanisms: these western Iraq. designate, whose government and measures can all incentivize the it goes without saying that ISIL must programme would again be subject to domestic private sector while attracting not be allowed to regroup and recruit. parliamentary endorsement. And While foreign investment. These steps are And while constructive negotiations political consultations are ongoing, the necessary to build a healthy between Iraq‘s government and its question remains whether political environment that is conducive to broad- allies are ongoing, following the vote on parties will find a new consensus- based, fairly distributed growth and the parliamentary resolution on the candidate within these time limits. employment generation. presence of foreign troops, Iraq‘s allies Clearly, all this prolongs uncertainty Iraq must also build, repair and continue to assist the government and and causes significant challenges – upgrade critical infrastructure, and its institutions in the fight against further eroding public trust. broaden its revenue base to reduce its ISIL. Mister President, dependency on hydrocarbons. Now, Now It is obvious that a strong state One way or another: the road ahead Agriculture is already showing promise which has a monopoly on the use of remains fraught with difficulties. – good news - as a candidate for force is best equipped to face these I already mentioned the pressing need investment. And an agricultural multiple security threats. And of for accountability and justice. And revival, in the birthplace of agriculture, course, an equally powerful tool against another top priority is corruption: will not only improve employment and violent extremism is fairness and perhaps the greatest source of social cohesion (notably in liberated justice. dysfunction in Iraq, and sadly, a core rural areas) but also strengthen Iraqi Mr. President, turning to the need for feature of Iraq‘s current political food security. free, fair and credible elections. While economy. It is built into everyday And Within this context, I would also the ―electoral reset‖ is a top priority for transactions. like to highlight the creative resilience many - broad, underlying systemic A related feature of Iraq‘s political of the Iraqi people. Because If one looks reform and a strong, independent economy is its reliance on patronage beyond the statistics and legal electoral commission will prove crucial. and clientelism. This has resulted in a structures, we observe - on the street – In other words: the newly appointed ballooning, inefficient public service plenty of commercial activity. And One electoral commission will need to stand that functions more as an instrument of can only imagine what this spirit of with greater resolve in adhering to the political favour than as a servant of the innovation and entrepreneurship could principles of transparency, people. achieve if freed from the burdens of red accountability, independence and Now, A cynic would describe this tape and bribes. professionalism as they rebuild the ―payroll corruption‖ as the perfect Mister President, commission‘s institutional capacities electoral mobilization strategy, where - An important aspect of corruption is and kick-start technical electoral perversely - low turnout benefits those illicit financial flows: they not only help preparations. pursuing their own narrow, partisan explain why Iraqis continue to await Moreover, in order to firm up the and/or transactional objectives. roads, hospitals, schools, and legal electoral calendar, there is an Now It is important to tackle the employment opportunities. They also immediate need to complete the system as precisely that: a system and contribute to further destabilization, by electoral legal framework. Parliament not just a series of individuals or providing channels for the financing of must act on pending, urgent elements occurrences. Each bribe or favour organized crime and violent extremism. of the electoral law, in particular serves to reinforce the existing And with regards to violent extremism, constituency demarcation and seat structure. we cannot ignore the continued threat apportionment, hopefully bringing Therefore, full systemic reform will be of terrorism. voters closer to the candidates and necessary. And no one understands this Although ISIL has been defeated making future elected representatives better than the Iraqi woman and man territorially, it continued - in the past accountable to their constituents. whose chances of a more prosperous life two months – its attempts to increase Now Turning to Baghdad-Erbil continue to be undermined by a system its military operations in northeastern relations, notwithstanding an which ignores them. Mister President, Iraq is by no means a poor country, but as I said: private and partisan interests conspire to divert resources away from critical investment in the way forward. Iraq‘s massive oil wealth has financed a crude rentier system that sees enormous revenues converted to salaries in unproductive sectors. Now While external factors (such as regional tensions and oil price fluctuations), while they continue to weigh on the national economy, there are internal factors which Iraq can control. Reducing bureaucracy, increasing the ease of doing business, Volume 7, Issue 2 Security Council Page 7

Security Council deliberated situation concerning Iraq on its 8739th meeting (continued) encouraging preliminary deal between missing Kuwaiti property, including paralysis in decision -making, the KRG and the Federal Government the national archives. unfortunately do not give cause for on oil and revenue sharing, we continue Hopes renewed in January when new immediate optimism. The country and to await a final, long-term and human remains were discovered and its people continue to be pushed into sustainable agreement on this file as exhumed from a third grave in the unknown. well as on security co-operation and Samawa. Despite a very challenging Also, the repeated pattern of Sinjar. operational context, the Iraqi Ministry parliamentary sessions which have Mr. President, of Defence has demonstrated failed to reach quorum is exactly the I think we can all agree that the commendable focus on this important opposite of what the country needs, volatile domestic and regional climate file, leading the excavation efforts with especially during a period of acute took an extraordinary toll on Iraq in assistance from the ICRC. political crisis. The fundamental the past months. To point out the And I truly hope that the DNA mandate of an elected representative is: obvious, the state-to-state violence we identification of these newly discovered to be present, to be counted and to vote. saw play out across Iraq earlier this human remains, as well as those that Now Like I said last time: out of the year, was received as a clear and are still being analysed in Kuwait, that ongoing political crisis - a fairer, substantial threat to the country. it will prove positive and that it will stronger and inherently more resilient The modus operandi and rules of bring closure to the families and Iraq can emerge. But again, for this to engagement have shifted, and the risk relatives of those who went missing materialize: political leaders will have of rogue action by armed groups with nearly thirty years ago. to act fast, placing the country‘s unclear reporting lines is a constant The contribution of the Tripartite interest above all else. concern. Committee members through the Iraq must and can find strength in Beyond the immediate security threat, provision and analysis of satellite diversity, recognizing a cohesive society this also takes critical political imagery, supported by witness as more than the sum of its parts. attention away from urgent unfinished information, it all proved crucial in Putting out one fire after the other is domestic business. But As I have stated locating the Samawa sites. And I would no strategy. It must move from before, regional security developments like to call all members of the constant crisis management to should not eclipse domestic priorities. Committee to continue their steadfast sustainable and stable politics, building Now The question is whether Iraq will support to the efforts underway for resilience through deep and broad flourish as a venue for peace and other potential burial sites. systemic reform. And as we all know: at understanding, or suffer as the arena of Mr President, the end of the day, Mr. President, external battles. In closing, It was my intention to strength at home is a prerequisite for Mr President, conclude with words of hope. But the strength abroad. I will now turn to the issue of missing ongoing political indecisiveness and Kuwaiti, third-country nationals and dissension, leading to a further Thank you.

Secretary-General António Guterres launches an appeal for global cease-fire

New York, 23 March 2020 – United Refugees and others displaced by Nations Secretary-General, António violent conflict are doubly vulnerable. Guterres, launched today an appeal for The fury of the virus illustrates the global cease-fire‖. Here is the text of folly of war. the appeal: That is why today, I am calling for an Our world faces a common enemy: immediate global ceasefire in all COVID-19. corners of the world. The virus does not care about It is time to put armed conflict on nationality or ethnicity, faction or faith. lockdown and focus together on the It attacks all, relentlessly. true fight of our lives. Meanwhile, armed conflict rages on To warring parties, I say: around the world. Pull back from hostilities. The most vulnerable — women and Put aside mistrust and animosity. children, people with disabilities, the Silence the guns; stop the artillery; end marginalized and the displaced — pay the airstrikes. the highest price. This is crucial… among rival parties in some parts to They are also at the highest risk of To help create corridors for life-saving enable joint approaches to COVID-19. suffering devastating losses from aid. But we need much more. COVID-19. To open precious windows for End the sickness of war and fight the Let‘s not forget that in war-ravaged diplomacy. disease that is ravaging our world. countries, health systems have To bring hope to places among the most It starts by stopping the fighting collapsed. vulnerable to COVID-19. everywhere. Now. Health professionals, already few in Let us take inspiration from coalitions That is what our human family needs, number, have often been targeted. and dialogue slowly taking shape now more than ever. Volume 7, Issue 2 Global Peace Page 8 Joint appeal by the UN Secretary-General‘s Envoys to the Middle East

New York, 11 April 2020 - On 23 conflict lines and cooperate locally, Our teams will continue to focus on March, the Secretary-General launched regionally and globally to stop the rapid preventive diplomacy, on assisting all an appeal for an immediate Global spread of the virus and, where possible, efforts to respond to the health and Ceasefire, urging all warring parties to to share resources, and allow access to socio-economic consequences of the pull back from hostilities, put aside medical facilities where needed. crisis, support broad cooperation in the mistrust and animosity, and silence We call on all sides to facilitate interest of peace and the well-being of their guns. Many parties have humanitarian access and assistance to all, work relentlessly to facilitate responded positively to the Secretary- the internally displaced and refugees, humanitarian access to the most General‘s appeal, but more needs to be communities under siege, and all who vulnerable, and engage resolutely for done to translate these words into have been ravaged by war and these objectives. actions. deprivation, without prejudice or None of these efforts will succeed if the Too many in the Middle East have discrimination. This requires fast- guns of war and conflict are not endured conflict and deprivation for far tracking the passage of health and aid silenced. At a time like this, too long. Their suffering is now workers at borders and in-country and partisanship and narrow interests compounded by the COVID19 crisis and ensuring they are protected. We further must yield to the greater cause and the its likely long-lasting social, economic call on all to facilitate safe, voluntary good of the people. That is why we echo and political impacts. and dignified return of refugees and the Secretary-General in calling on all We call on all parties to engage, in good IDPs to their homes by urgent, effective parties in the Middle East to work with faith and without preconditions, on and meaningful action and measures. the UN so we can ―focus on the true negotiating immediate halts to ongoing We call for special attention to the fight of our lives.‖ hostilities, sustaining existing plight of the detained, the abducted ceasefires, putting in place more and the missing, and for humanitarian durable and comprehensive ceasefires, releases, access for humanitarian and achieving longer-term resolutions organizations, and urgent steps to Geir O. Pedersen, UN Special Envoy of to the persistent conflicts across the ensure adequate medical care and the Secretary-General for Syria / OSES region. protective measures in all places of Jan Kubis, UN Special Coordinator for We also appeal to all to exercise detention. Lebanon / UNSCOL maximum restraint, de-escalate We call on all partners at a time when Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, UN tensions and work to resolve differences all are facing immense national Special Representative of the through dialogue, negotiation, challenges, to work with the UN on Secretary-General for Iraq / UNAMI mediation or other peaceful means. We urgent international response plans Martin Griffiths, UN Special Envoy of further call on all to refrain from any and recovery measures. No country, the Secretary-General for Yemen / activities that can lead to further region or community can face the OSESGY deterioration of stability and security in challenge of COVID-19 alone. Nickolay Mladenov, UN Special any country or the region as a whole. Solidarity is required today and will be Coordiantor for the Middle East Peace We urge parties to reach out across very much needed tomorrow. Process / UNSCO

Political Consultations

New York, 3 March 2020 - United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, received his Special Representative for Iraq and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Volume 7, Issue 2 Political Consultations Page 9

Baghdad, 9 March 2020 - President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Barham Baghdad, 14 March 2020 – The Special Representative of the United Salih, received today the Special Representative of the United Nations Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met Secretary-General for Iraq, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. They today with Ammar Al-Hakeem, Head of the Al-Hikma National discussed political developments in the country and region, including the Movement. They discussed the current political, economic, security and formation of a new government. health situation in the country.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the President. Photo courtesy of the Al-Hikma National Movement.

Erbil, 16 March 2020 - The President of Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Erbil, 16 March 2020 – The Special Representative of the United Barzani, received today Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the Special Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq. They today with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Qubad discussed the political, economic, security and health situation in the Talabani. They discussed the health situation in the region in the light of country and the region. the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the KR President. Photo courtesy of the KRG.

Erbil, 16 March 2020 – The Special Representative of the United UNAMI Tweet: Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Baghdad, 17 March 2020 - The Special Representative of the United accompanied by the Deputy Special Representative/Humanitarian Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Coordinator and Resident Coordinator for Iraq, Ms. Marta Ruedas, met welcomes designation of a Prime Minister candidate to form government. with the Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Rêber Ahmed. Faced with unprecedented security, political, economic and health crises, They discussed the security, health and humanitarian situation in the Iraq desperately needs an effective Cabinet. Hard work ahead, support of Kurdistan Region. all political forces critical for national unity and success. Volume 7, Issue 2 Political Consultations Page 10

Baghdad, 23 March 2020 - The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert was received today by Baghdad, 23 March 2020 – The Special Representative of the United President Barham Salih. They discussed the efforts being made to Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the support the United met today with Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohammed Al- Nations, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), is providing to Hakim. They discussed the health situation in the country, and efforts Iraq in combating this disease. made by the United Nations and the World Health Organization to assist national authorities in fighting coronavirus pandemic. Photo courtesy of the Office of the President.

Baghdad, 4 April 2020 - Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met today with Baghdad, 05 April 2020 – The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met PM-designate, Adnan Al-Zurfi. They discussed the health and political today with the Head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Faeq situation in the country, including the formation of a new government. Zaidan. They discussed the dangers of COVID19 spread in prisons and Iraq faces major economic, security, health and social challenges. This detention centers in Iraq. stage requires a cohesive government that can swiftly tackle the multiple Photo courtesy of the Supreme Judicial Council. crises, serve Iraq‘s interests and meet the people‘s expectations.

UNAMI Tweet: Baghdad, 12 April 2020 – The Special Representative of the United Baghdad, 09 April 2020 - We recognize and appreciate the hard work of Nations Secretary-General, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met today Adnan al-Zurfi over the past weeks and welcome the designation of with the Prime-Minister designate, Mr. Mustafa al-Kadhimi. They Mustafa al-Kadhimi to form a new government. The magnitude of discussed the ongoing efforts to form a government, and the continued challenges currently facing Iraq requires a united leadership that acts cooperation between the UN and Iraq. with urgent resolve. Photo courtesy of the Office of the PM Designate. Photo courtesy of the Office of the President. Volume 7, Issue 2 Political Consultations Page 11

Fallujah, 15 April 2020 – The Special Representative of the Secretary- Baghdad, 22 April 2020 - The Special Representative of the United General for Iraq, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, was received today in Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Fallujah by the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Mr. received today a delegation of four women from the Legislative and Mohammed Al-Halbousi. They discussed the ongoing government Executive branches of Government led by Ms. Alaa Talabani, Chair of formation, the need for unity and the health challenges facing Iraq. the Women Caucus in the Council of Representatives, to discuss the Photo courtesy of the Office of the CoR Speaker. urgent need to improve the protection from domestic violence that can harm men or women, children, adults and elderly, or persons with disability. Adoption of a comprehensive law was identified as one of the priorities for the new Cabinet and Parliament and the meeting also discussed actions that can be taken immediately to facilitate protection - including in dedicated shelters, access to justice and remedies for victims at a time when confinement and impoverishment increase the vulnerability of certain categories of Iraqis.

Erbil, 26 April 2020 – The Deputy Prime Minister of Kurdistan Region, Qubad Talabani, met in Erbil today with the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis- Plasschaert, and the World Health Organization Iraq Representative, Dr. Adham Ismail. They reviewed the overall situation regarding the COVID -19 pandemic, the measures taken by the Kurdistan Regional Government to stop the spread of the COVID-19 in Kurdistan and the efforts made by the United Nations in that regard. There was agreement to continue the close coordination and cooperation in the fight against the Erbil, 27 April 2020 – The Special Representative of the United Nations virus, stressing the need to adhere to the advice and recommendations of Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, was received the health authorities. today in Erbil by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani. They discussed the current political, security, economic and Photo courtesy of Kurdistan Regional Government. health situation in the Region, with special emphasis on the formation of the new Iraqi government, Baghdad-Erbil relations and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Erbil, 27 April 2020 – The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, accompanied by the World Health Organization Iraq Representative, Dr. Adham Ismail, met in Erbil with the Minister of Health of the Kurdistan Region, Saman Erbil, 27 April 2020 – The Special Representative of the United Nations Barzanji. They discussed the health situation in the Kurdistan Region, Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met today in Iraq and the region and measures undertaken to fight against COVID-19 Erbil with the Minister of State of the Kurdistan Region, Khalid Shwani. pandemic. They discussed the political situation and Baghdad-Erbil relations. Volume 7, Issue 2 Political Consultations Page 12

Erbil, 28 April 2020 - Kurdistan Region President, Nechirvan Barzani, received today the Special Representative of the United Nations Erbil, 28 April 2020 – The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, accompanied by Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met today in the World Health Organization Iraq Representative, Dr. Adham Ismail. Erbil with the Kurdistan Region Minister of Interior, Rebar Ahmad. They discussed the political developments in Iraq including the ongoing They discussed the current security situation in the country and the activities to form the new Iraqi Government, Baghdad-Erbil relations region. and efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of the Office of President of Kurdistan Region.

COVID-19 Pandemic COVID-19 preventive measures during mass gatherings discussed with religious leaders and health officials in Iraq

Baghdad, 3 March 2020 – As millions Representative in Iraq Dr Adham measures include the use of personal are expected to visit Iraq in the coming Ismail. ―Iraq has conducted a risk protective equipment, such as masks month for religious events, WHO is assessment and health authorities are and gloves, by all shrine workers, in working with religious leaders and calling on clerics to support Iraq‘s addition to closing the site for health officials to discuss necessary decision to avoid gatherings as much as sterilization,‖ said the Secretary- preventive measures to improve possible to prevent the spread of this General of Kadhimain Holy Shrine Dr planning for mass gathering events disease. WHO supports that position,‖ Haider Hussain Al-Shammari. during visits to holy sites to protect he added. WHO is providing technical advice and visitors from possible coronavirus Iraq announced the first COVID-19 recommendations on visits to holy sites disease (COVID-19) infections. infection on 25 February 2020. This to prevent the spread of disease, ―So far, the measures taken by the number has since increased to 26 cases including COVID-19. This includes best Government of Iraq to limit the spread on 3 March, all among nationals methods for sterilizing surfaces and of COVID-19 comply with WHO coming from Islamic Republic of Iran. equipment, the use of thermal detection recommendations. Other urgent ―Strict measures have been taken by devices at entrances and checkpoints, preparations, however, are critically religious authorities at Al-Kadhimain and proper referral and isolation needed, such as designating proper Holy Shrine to preserve the safety of measures for suspected cases. isolation facilities,‖ said WHO workers and visitors alike. These

Kirkuk‘s cash-for-work beneficiaries educated on Coronavirus

Kirkuk, 11 March 2020 - After sectoral services, protection measures to combat its spread. several cases of Coronavirus disease mechanisms and empowerment On the other hand, the beneficiaries of (COVID-19) were confirmed in Kirkuk support. the sewing course prepared 400 masks Governorate, the Women The lecture shed light on Coronavirus, to be distributed in Laylan Camp in the Empowerment Organization in Kirkuk its symptoms and precautionary governorate. recently organized a lecture on the disease for beneficiaries of the Cash- for-Work Programme, implemented under the project ―Women‘s Leadership, Empowerment, Access and Protection in Crisis Response (LEAP). The programme, implemented by UN Women with the funding by the Government of Japan, aims to provide immediate and essential services to women affected by conflict. It gives beneficiaries access to economic opportunities and effective multi- Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 13

WHO technical mission visits Iraq to step up COVID-19 detection and response activities

Baghdad, 15 March 2020 – A high- level technical mission from the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded a visit to Iraq to support the Iraqi Ministry of Health response to COVID- 19 prevention and containment measures. The mission, which comprised experts from the Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region and headquarters in Geneva, held a series of meetings with national health authorities to identify the disease detection dynamics and at-risk number of cases reported as of 12 March. populations, in addition to providing March stands at 83 confirmed cases, 24 WHO has so far provided and will guidance on strengthening response recovered, and 8 deaths. further provide the Ministry of Health and control measures. There is growing concern among the at both central and regional levels with The mission also reviewed the local health authorities about the sufficient supplies of laboratory test Ministry‘s overall readiness to deal possibility of domestic transmission of kits and personal protective equipment with a potential increase in case the disease which would challenge the to allow for a quick response to severe reporting and the priority of already vulnerable health system in the cases. In addition, WHO is working establishing an Emergency Operation country, stretched by years of wars and around the clock to establish 3 Centre to speed up action now that the internal crises. The health authorities negative-pressure rooms in Baghdad, disease has been announced as a global have already banned major public Erbil and Basra to accommodate pandemic. events, suspended schools, and closed patients who might require more WHO experts visited the Central Public malls and gathering places until 21 sophisticated medical treatment. Health Laboratory to assess the national laboratory capacity and availability of test kits. They also visited the Communicable Disease Control Centre and designated health facilities in Baghdad to review the ongoing response by nationals and assess the technical support required in the coming period. Iraq reported its first case of COVID 19 – an Iranian student in Iraq on 22 February 2020 – followed by 4 cases for members of one family with a travel history to Islamic Republic of Iran. Case reporting escalated to include almost all Iraqi governorates. The total

WHO Representative in Iraq visited Imam Kadhim Shrine with the Iraq Minister of Health and Secretariat General of the Holy Shrine

Baghdad, 15 March 2020 - WHO Representative in Iraq, Dr Adham Ismail, visited Imam Kadhim Shrine with the Iraq Minister of Health and Secretariat General of the Holy Shrine. All sides stressed the importance of adherence to the preventive measures taken by the 55 Committee without panicking the public to stop the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Ismail thanked the Government of Iraq for stepping up the preventive measures to limit the transmission of the COVID-19 disease which is a big challenge given the already over-stretched health system in Iraq. Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 14

SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert: ―All sports, cultural, religious and/or other gatherings must be avoided in order to contain the rapid spread of this virus‖

Baghdad, 26 March 2020 - Message order to contain the rapid spread of this from the Special Representative of the virus. UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Ms. Physical distancing, good hygiene and, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert: where necessary, self-isolation can take ―It is difficult to overstate the a large toll on economic and emotional magnitude of the challenges facing Iraq wellbeing. At times like this, it is at the moment. Political, security, important to recall that we are all in social and economic crises have been this together. Not only all Iraqis, from compounded by the global COVID-19 across the country and from all walks pandemic which has not spared Iraq. of life, but indeed all of humanity. These are truly unprecedented times. People should not feel embarrassed if As the United Nations Secretary- they take the necessary precautions to General António Guterres recently protect themselves and others. Every stated, unprecedented times call for girl and boy, woman and man has an unprecedented preventive measures. essential role to play in this fight, and Priority one is to stop the virus from we should all be proud to play our role. spreading rapidly, and I commend the The way each and every one of us government authorities for their manages this moment will determine global ceasefire to focus on what he tireless work on the ground in pursuing how soon we can begin to return to described as ―the true fight for our this objective. But this is a fight for normal. lives‖. Surely at a time like this, each and every individual: no amount There is good news: we know what partisanship and narrow interests of government action can succeed works. We know what measures, when must yield to the greater national cause without the active involvement of the properly observed with discipline, and the good of the Iraqi people. entire population. consistency and patience, will contain The United Nations remain more than Here I would like to recall the wise the virus and see us through this ever by the side of Iraq during this words of Grand Ayatollah Ali al- crisis. Abiding by the instructions is critical phase. The World Health Sistani, who has urged Iraqis to obey key to protect yourself, your loved ones Organization (WHO) is in the lead, medical advice on physical distancing, and the community at large. providing assistance on the ground as and not to gather in large numbers, The people of Iraq have overcome such well as technical support and training. where the risk of people infecting hardship in the past that I am It is joined by the entire UN family others and spreading the virus is very confident they can weather this storm which continues to carry out its work high. I again emphasize, as I did in my with solidarity and resolve. It is my during this time of crisis. recent press conference with Minister sincere hope that political leaders will We are, as we must be, united in our of Health Jaafar Allawi and WHO at long last recognize the urgency of the determination to win the fight against Representative Dr. Adham Ismail, that situation and come together in a spirit COVID-19. all sports, cultural, religious and/or of national unity. Secretary-General Stay safe, stay strong, and look after other gatherings must be avoided in Guterres has called for an immediate each other. Thank you.‖

Newly trained women in Ninewa produce face masks to combat spread of COVID-19 in Iraq

Baghdad, 28 March 2020 - In disposable face masks in response to those free of cost in communities and January 2020, UNDP and Kurdistan the spread of COVID-19, thirty of the camps.‖ Human Rights Watch (KHRW) recently trained women were employed Not only has the sewing and tailoring collaborated to train sixty women on to use their skills to produce the masks. skills training empowered sixty women sewing and tailoring in Ninewa over After briefings on the health standards with new abilities, it has also instilled the course of a ten-day workshop. At and nature of the environment required within them hope for their futures. the time, these women could not have for mask production, the seamstresses Sustainable development projects such foreseen how their newly developed began creating thousands of masks as these are at the forefront of UNDP skills would contribute to combatting daily in controlled conditions. Iraq‘s priorities. Nora, 37, says, ―I am the deadly coronavirus disease Working swiftly to produce this vital working on developing myself in the (COVID-19) pandemic currently personal protection equipment despite sewing profession and in the future, I sweeping the globe. the curfew in Ninewa Governorate, would like to create a workplace for As of 25 March 2020, the World Health these skilled women are directly sewing or a small factory.‖ Organization has tracked over 400, 000 contributing to the mitigation of The organization and facilitation of cases of COVID-19 with over 18, 000 COVID-19 in Iraq. skills development workshops with confirmed deaths. The pandemic has Aseel, 45, says, ―We have produced Kurdistan Human Rights Watch is part affected 197 countries, areas, and thousands of pieces and the major of a project spearheaded by UNDP Iraq territories, including Iraq. When a portion is delivered to the Ninewa under the Social Cohesion Programme, pharmaceutical company contracted by Health Department. Some other which aims to improve the enabling the Ninewa Department of Health was organizations are also receiving face environment for peace and social tasked with producing five million masks from us and they distribute cohesion in all areas of Iraq. Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 15

Iraq reports a noticeable increase in COVID-19 cases since February

Baghdad, 30 March 2020 - Iraq today information, guidelines, reported over 630 cases with 46 deaths recommendations, protocols and risk since the start of the COVID19 communication materials as provided outbreak in the country on 24 February by WHO Regional and HQ offices,‖ said 2020. This makes Iraq the country with Dr. Adham Ismail, WHO the second highest number of COVID19 Representative in Iraq. ―WHO technical related deaths across the Eastern teams are putting every effort to Meditarrinean region after Iran. support health authorities in their The World Health Organization (WHO) respective efforts,‖ he added. expects a spike in tallies of infected As of 30 March, more than 630 cases within the coming 10 days due to confirmed cases, 46 deaths, and 152 the increase in lab testing capacity. recoveries were reported all over Iraq. Three laboratories became operational The first confirmed case was reported for COVID-19 testing in Najaf, Basrah, in Najaf Governorate on 24 Feb and Baghdad Medical City in Baghdad. followed by four confirmed cases for one This has increased the numbers of family in Kirkuk Governorate one day tested cases to more than 4500 tests a later. Majority of confirmed cases have day compared to a maximum of 100 per a travel history to infected countries day a few weeks ago. like Iran, China, and Europe. The Federal and Kurdistan Regional WHO continues monitoring the To access and disseminate reliable ministries of health, WHO Iraq, and situation very closely and intensifying information on COVID-19, please other partners are working together to its communication and coordination consult: disseminate facts and preventive with the Central and Federal - WHO RO (EMRO): measures against the disease, as ministries of health to maintain a http://www.emro.who.int/index.html recommended by WHO. provision of technical and logistic - W H O H Q : ―WHO is in constant communication support as possible. https://www.who.int/emergencies/disea with the FMoH and regularly shares all # # # ses/novel-coronavirus-2019

The fight to contain COVID-19 in Iraq

Baghdad, 1 April 2020 - Over the Iraq. ―We discussed with the health eastern Iraq were among the mobile past few years, Iraq‘s health system authorities in the Centre and health team distributing WHO health has faced many challenges, including Kurdistan Region the means of urgent messages to the public as early as 16 internal conflict and the world‘s biggest support to contain the transmission of February. mass displacement in 2014-2016, all of the disease in the country. Joint work Early mobilization campaigns to which had a tough toll on an already is underway and cooperation is at distribute WHO COVID-19 educational fragile health system. highest levels,‖ he added. materials succeeded in raising public With the detection of COVID-19 in On 2 February, WHO proactively began awareness and preparedness to protect China in December 2019, WHO strengthening national disease individual health and that of the immediately set into preparedness surveillance capacities in Iraq and community in general. gear, and arranged a series of technical providing case definition and WHO is working with the Central and meetings with emergency teams in both management training, in addition to a Regional ministries of health to Central and Regional ministries of large scale of risk communications increase and augment case health to assess health facilities' activities. management capacities, as well as resources and preparedness to respond Hundreds of thousands of prevention detection and surveillance. to a potential importation of the and transmission control messages An urgent consignment of PPEs and disease. were printed and provided to 20 laboratory test kits was delivered to The sudden eruption of the virus in directorates of health in the 18 ministries of health to enable the neighbouring Iran scaled up the risk of governorates, including the Kurdistan timely detection of cases and protect the disease spread in Iraq and Region governorates of Erbil, Dohuk, health workers in designated hospitals. necessitated faster prevention and and Suleimaniya. As of 1 April, Iraq reported a total of infection control measures especially in Mobile health teams took to main 697 confirmed cases with 51 deaths and the holy cities and pilgrimage sites, streets, public and religious places, 169 recoveries all over the country. The bordering governorates, and vulnerable remote cities and hard-to-reach villages reported figures are still moderate so communities in IDP and refugee camps. in addition to airports, border points, far, but WHO expects a spike in the ―WHO is aware of the impact of a state institutions, and camps hosting coming two weeks due to the scale up pandemic like COVID 19 on Iraq‘s refugees and internally displaced in lab testing capacity which are going health sector and recovering services, population (IDPs). to be of high importance in terms of ‖said Dr Adham Ismail, WHO Maha Salam and Najah Ahmed from infection transmission and control,‖ Representative and Head of Mission in Wasit DOH in Wasit Governorate concluded Dr. Ismail. Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 16 COVID-19: putting numbers in perspective

Baghdad, 3 April 2020 - COVID-19 is COVID-19 cases is inevitable, due to dismisses the prospect that the an unprecedented global threat that factors such as fear, cultural issues government is deliberately hiding or demands robust responses from including stigmatization, falsifying the results. The number of governments, communities and undocumented asymptomatic patients, missing cases can only be accurately individuals. lack of active surveillance and limited determined using active surveillance, The Government of Iraq, with the full testing. Many infected individuals only which the government started recently. support of the World Health seek medical treatment in advanced While the government tackles a Organization (WHO) and the entire stages of the disease. This not only complex emergency with imperfect United Nations family, mobilized early increases the spread of the virus, but data, it must also continue to defend to contain the outbreak. National, also inflates the reported death ratio. independent reporting, as media regional and local authorities Indeed, mild and recovered cases go freedom is one of the pillars of a implemented strong measures to underreported and unreported while democratic society. Transparency, reduce the number of cases and the documented late stage cases are accountability and constructive suppress the rapid transmission of the disproportionately more likely to questioning provide an opportunity for virus. These early preventive actions succumb to the disease. authorities to explain their actions, contributed to extending and delaying WHO has been closely monitoring and thus building public trust. Let us the epidemiological curve, resulting in evaluating COVID-19 laboratory remain united in the fight against comparatively fewer documented cases. results since the beginning of the COVID-19. In Iraq, as elsewhere, underreporting of spread of the virus in Iraq, and

Iraq produces COVID-19 laboratory supplies to test more cases rapidly

Basra, 5 April 2020 - In cooperation This new production, along with the like Al Zahraa Medical College, Faculty with the World Health Organization Reverse Transcriptase- PRC (RT-PCR) of Pharmacy, College of Sciences, and (WHO), the COVID-19 Crisis Cell of kits provided by WHO, has facilitated College of Agriculture, all in Basrah Basrah University in southern Iraq has the testing of hundreds of suspected governorate. ―We hope this will solve the successfully produced urgently-needed cases in southern Iraq. domestic shortage issue resulting from laboratory supplies to speed up testing ―The latest bottleneck to contain and the global demand,‖ said Dr. Saad of suspected cases. reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Iraq Shahin, President of Basra University. The global demand on supplies and has been the shortage of supplies and The Basrah Crisis Cell has also equipment to fight COVID-19 has equipment needed to collect and announced three other COVID-19 created a worldwide shortage of transport samples,‖ said Dr. Adham response measures, including an online supplies. In particular, stocks of Virus Ismail, WHO Representative in Iraq. application for COVID-19 self-reporting. Transport Medium (VTM)—a gel-like ―For this, the World Health So far, the app has been used by 4500 substance used to preserve nasal swab Organization and Basra University have applicants, of which 130 were qualified specimens while they are being coordinated efforts to produce the for further testing by the RT-PCR kits. transported to labs—have been low. essential lab products needed to test Disinfectants and sterilization material, As of 1 April, the University suspected cases, and together, we set the including hand-rub gel, have also been manufacturing team produced more overall goal for supplying the quantities produced locally with support from than 1620 VTM in addition to 3200 needed countrywide," he added. WHO and the Government of Iraq. nasal swabs. These were delivered to The new local production of VTM and As of 4 April, Iraq reported 54 deaths, health directorates in Iraq‘s Basra, swabs is a collective effort by Basra 820 confirmed cases, and 226 recoveries Muthana, Karbala, and Wasit University, WHO, and other faculties countrywide. governorates. Solidarity from Sulaymaniyah

Sulaymaniyah, 5 April 2020 - Through this UNHCR Quick Impact Project, refugees and internally displaced Iraqis in Sulaymaniyah are making Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help combat the corona virus (COVID-19). The PPEs are produced according to Department of Health's standards, and then sent to communities, health facilities and medical teams where they are needed all over the country. An average of 2,000 PPEs are produced daily and shipped to different locations in Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the rest of Iraq with the help of UNHCR partner Youth Activity Organization – YAO. Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 17 UNFPA and its partners conduct awareness sessions on COVID19 prevention methods and social distancing and produce much needed face masks

Baghdad, 19 April 2020 - At the Canada in Iraq-supported women centers, UNFPA and its partners continue to conduct awareness sessions on COVID19 prevention methods and social distancing. Furthermore, the wonderful women at the centres are helping the community by sewing medical masks, under the supervision of the Directorate of Health. Photo from The United Iraqi Medical Society - UIMS during the session on how to sew protective masks at the are taking action! medical teams where they are needed Embassy of Japan in Iraq - supported With the increasing need for face all over the country. women center in Nineveh. masks, the women and social workers The Personal Protective Equipment UNFPA is proud of its women centers, at one of the UNFPA-supported women (PPE) help combat the coronavirus not only that they help women during centers in Diyala have sown more than (COVID-19) and are produced and after the humanitarian crisis in 6,000 masks and sent them to according to the Department of Iraq, but in time of Coronavirus, they communities, health facilities and Health's standards.

Belgium, Netherlands and Sweden commit $5 million to tackle COVID-19 outbreak under UNDP Iraq‘s Funding Facility for Stabilization framework

Baghdad, 7 April 2020 –The governments of Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden have collectively committed US$5 million to support the Government of Iraq‘s response to the COVID-19 crisis, in partnership with UNDP Iraq. The funds, pledged under UNDP‘s Funding Facility for Stabilization to help rehabilitate infrastructure damaged by ISIL, will be used to support UNDP Iraq‘s initial $22 million COVID-19 response package, which is being implemented under the umbrella of UNDP‘s stabilization programme. Measures to combat the virus under this package include increasing the testing capacity of laboratories, providing personal protective equipment to healthcare workers, increasing the number of isolation wards, and undertaking assessments to establish to Belgium, the Netherlands and UNDP Iraq is known for,‖ she says. post-COVID-19 recovery strategies. Sweden for acting swiftly to commit ―Once this pandemic is under control, Focusing on the most vulnerable these funds for prevention activities to our stabilization activities will resume. communities in Iraq, activities will be stem this crisis,‖ says Resident Until then, we will work closely with the rolled out in nine hospitals selected by Representative of UNDP Iraq, Zena Ali Government of Iraq, the World Health local authorities in the underserved Ahmad. Organisation and other UN agencies to areas of Anbar, Diyala, Dohuk, Basra, ―Due to the strict curfews imposed by curb the crisis as best we can,‖ she Karbala, Najaf, Ninewa and Salah Al- the Government of Iraq, we‘ve had no added. Din. choice but to temporarily halt the UNDP Iraq is currently discussing the ―Containing the coronavirus outbreak is implementation of our stabilization remaining funding gap with other now the Government of Iraq‘s number activities. However, by capitalizing on international partners. Processes have one priority, particularly as infection the tried-and-tested processes of our been established to ensure that once rates rise, putting more pressure on the successful stabilization work, we will funds have been committed, the Iraqi healthcare system outside the respond to this unprecedented global response measures can be implemented major capitals. We‘re extremely grateful health crisis with the speed and agility immediately. Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 18 Sterilizing the streets: Local Peace Committees in Anbar join forces to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Baghdad, 8 April 2020 - Eleven Local Dawood Suleiman, discusses the Peace Committees have taken the measures taking place in his local initiative to protect their communities community. ―We carried out many from the coronavirus (COVID-19) campaigns, including visits to hospitals pandemic by sterilizing public spaces in and emergency rooms late at night to Iraq‘s Anbar governorate. monitor the readiness of medical Markets, streets, residential areas, personnel to receive urgent cases,‖ he schools, government institutions, said. ―We will also monitor prices in the mosques, and Internally Displaced markets in coordination with security Persons (IDP) camps in major areas in agencies to ensure the price of goods Anbar are being disinfected by the does not rise,‖ he added. committees through trained response While the Anbar governorate is Iraq, as part of a project undertaken by teams in coordination with Anbar‘s currently under curfew, basic food UNDP Iraq‘s Integrated Reconciliation Defense, Health and Municipalities shops are open to residents during Programme, funded by Denmark. directorates. defined time periods. Local Peace Under the programme, Local Peace Established in 2018 by UNDP Iraq to Committee members in the areas of Committees were developed to promote promote peace and stability post-ISIL, Ramadi, Habbaniyah, Fallujah, community cohesiveness in liberated the committees are made up of security Amiriyat al-Samoud, Qarma, Rawa, areas by facilitating dialogue, officers, local authority personnel, civil Anah, Haditha, Rutba, Tuaim, and mediating, and brokering local peace society organization representatives Heet continue to implement agreements between communities of and tribal sheikhs. Each committee is sterilization and communication different backgrounds. They are also led by their local Mayor, who, since the campaigns to mitigate the spread of responsible for advocating for the basic onset of the pandemic, has been COVID-19. needs of their communities. Due to the working to instruct the public to adhere About UNDP Iraq‘s peace committees current pandemic health situation, to health protection measures, and Twenty-four Local Peace Committees Local Peace Committees are now using have shifted the committees‘ focus to were formed in Anbar, Ninewa, and their resources to help protect managing the outbreak. Salah al-Din, three governorates communities from the spread of Mayor of Habbaniyah district, Ali liberated from ISIL‘s occupation in COVID-19 and its effects.

WHO commends efforts of Iraq Supreme Seminary and urges citizens to follow health measures to save lives

Baghdad, 9 April 2020 - The World health authorities efforts to contain the to perform religious rituals from their Health Organization (WHO) commends spread of COVID-19 in Iraq,‖ he added. homes until the COVID 19 outbreak in the call by the religious Supreme Iraq was expecting millions of pilgrims the country is stabilized. Seminary in Iraq to postpone religious to head to the holy city of Kerbala on 8 The Supreme Seminary in Najaf, earlier gatherings and its commitment to April 2020 in one of the biggest religious called upon Iraqis to follow the Ministry ensuring prevention measures ceremonies. Fearing this would widen of Health's directives and not to recommended by WHO and local health the range of infection, WHO and Federal underestimate the repercussions of this authorities in Iraq. Ministry of Health in Baghdad made a virus and its dangers. It also obligated The exponential spread of the new series of visits to these areas and met people to respect the lockdown and to Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the with religious seminaries in Najaf, support national health staff by staying world and the global rise in the number Kerbala, and Kadhimiya in Baghdad to home to limit the spread of infection, of infections and associated deaths mobilize support for postponing all ease the burden on health facilities, and necessitates limiting all social events religious gatherings and advising people minimize morbidity and mortality. and mass gatherings, including religious pilgrimages to holy sites. In this respect, WHO is disseminating clear recommendations to governments and the public to temporarily halt these activities in order to limit transmission of the disease. ―The Seminaries, mainly in Najaf, Kerbala, and Kadimiya are in full support of WHO and MOH recommendations. We stress the importance of staying home, avoiding gatherings, and consider social distancing to avoid the unintentional harm caused by transmitting the disease,‖ said Dr. Adham Ismail, WHO Representative in Iraq. ―WHO thanks the response of the esteemed Seminaries in Iraq and appreciate their support to Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 19 President of Iraq met with a group of national health staff at the Qasr Alsalam Palace in Baghdad to commend their significant efforts in fighting COVID-19 in Iraq

Baghdad, 14 April 2020 - President of Iraq, Dr. Barham Salih, together with Minister of Health, Dr. Jaffar Sadiq, and World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Iraq, Dr. Adham Ismail, met with a group of national health staff in Qasr Alsalam Palace in Baghdad to commend their significant efforts in fighting COVID-19 in Iraq. President of Iraq Dr. Barham Salih said: "The genuine and remarkable efforts of the national health and medical staff in Iraq will be remembered throughout history. Your guidance to your fellow Iraqis helped us overcome the challenge despite the limited capacity of the health sector". President of Iraq Dr. Barham Salih alongside the Minister of Health, Dr. Jaffar Sadiq, and WHO Representative in Iraq, Dr. Adham Ismail, applauded the national health staff in appreciation for their significant role in stressed the importance of adhering to workers still have more challenges to containing the transmission of preventive measures and to face. COVID19 in Iraq. #StayAtHome as the battle against Photos courtesy of the Office of the President of Iraq Dr. Barham Salih also COVID-19 is not yet over and health Presidency.

UNHCR hygiene cash assistance to help refugees and internally displaced people in Iraq to combat COVID-19

Baghdad, 17 April 2020 - As the global to-door visits, thus ensuring social- for $26 million to scale-up its activities pandemic continues, refugee, internally distancing and avoiding any crowding in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. displaced (IDP) and returnee that would put the camp residents at This scale-up aims to ensure that communities are at a higher risk due to risk. UNHCR field staff are part of the vulnerable refugee, IDP and returnee their difficult living conditions. distribution team, providing counseling families have access to basic hygiene To mitigate these risks, UNHCR, the to refugees, IDPs, and returnees. items in addition to conducting essential UN Refugee Agency, decided to help More than ever, additional resources are activities including health promotion over 110,000 vulnerable families (over vital to prevent the spread of the virus and awareness-raising, provision of 550,000 people) from the refugee, in Iraq and to ensure that existing medical equipment, training of health internally displaced, and returnee humanitarian programmes, on which workers, strengthening health care communities in Iraq by providing them the lives and welfare of millions of services and disinfection activities in with cash so that they can purchase people depend, continue. camps and support early detection of basic hygiene items to prevent the UNHCR in Iraq is urgently appealing positive cases. spread of COVID-19. ―During these difficult times, we must support those who were forced to flee their homes. Like all of us, they are worried for their families and for themselves, but they don‘t have the necessary means to protect themselves. Cash will help them buy basic hygiene items, which is an essential preventive measure.‖ said Philippa Candler, Acting Representative of UNHCR in Iraq. The cash distribution started on 15 April in Basirma refugee camp and will continue to cover all refugees and IDPs living in camps as well as vulnerable refugees, IDPs, and returnee families living in urban areas. In cooperation with partners, distribution is carried out through door- Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 20 UNICEF and Ministry of Health in Iraq supported sterilization campaigns in camps for vulnerable displaced populations

Baghdad, 13 April 2020 - UNICEF and Ministry of Health in Iraq supported sterilization campaigns in camps for vulnerable displaced populations along with provision of hand washing facilities, hygiene kits and dissemination of key COVID19 awareness messages

WHO hands-over urgent in-kind supplies to Ministry of Health of Kurdistan Iraq to support fighting COVID 19

Erbil, 19 April 2020 - The World Central and Regional ministries as well support COVID 19 response activities Health Organization (WHO) handed as the citizens all over Iraq,‖ said Dr. implemented by the directorates of over an urgent COVID 19 response Adham Ismail, WHO Representative in health of KRG-I. It further included a consignment of in-kind medical Iraq. shipment of 30 hospital beds sent to supplies and equipment to the Ministry The urgent shipment of supplies was Sulaymaniyah prior to the hand over of Health of the Kurdistan Region of thanked by health officials in the KRG- due to the urgency of the request. Iraq (KRG-I). I. ―We appreciate WHO support to the As of 18 April, the health authorities in The 7-truck consignment is worth Ministry of Health of Kurdistan Region KR-I reported 337 COVID 19 confirmed US$426,732 and it included 151 pallets of Iraq; it will certainly assist in cases with 4 associated deaths and 244 of medical supplies, and hospital equipping our national health staff who recoveries. consumables, in addition to 46 pallets are working hard to contain COVID 19 WHO would like to thank Kuwait and of renewable and supplementary items in the Region,‖ said Dr. Saman H. USAID for their generous contribution of the Inter-agency Emergency Health Barzangy, Minister of Health of KRG- which assisted in funding this COVID Kit (IEHK) sufficient for a population Iraq. 19 protection and treatment of approximately 200,000 persons for a The in-kind consignment is meant to consignment. minimum duration of three months. The consignment also included, three ICU ventilators and monitors along with personal protective equipment and virus transportation medium, all of which, comes in timely to support the MoH efforts in fighting and containing COVID-19 in KRG-I. ―WHO is very concerned about the health of the Iraqi people and will continue to provide the technical and logistical support required for protecting the health staff of both

UNHCR cash assistance helps refugees and IDPs to purchase hygiene items to prevent the spread of COVID19

Baghdad, 21 April 2020 – UNHCR door-to-door cash distribution is ongoing, reaching vulnerable refugees and internally displaced people in Iraq. This cash assistance aims to help them purchase hygiene items to prevent the spread of COVID19. UNHCR plans to reach over 10,000 vulnerable families. Big thanks to Zain Cash and Barzani Charity Foundation teams for their unmatched dedication, ensuring that vulnerable families receive the help they need. Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 21

Fighting COVID-19 deepens Iraq‘s humanitarian crisis - children in emergencies

Baghdad, 21 April 2020 - UNICEF- UNICEF- supported teams are arrive in Iraq as soon as global supported teams disinfecting common distributing hygiene kits and supplies logistical restrictions ease. areas in the camps hosting some of the for those who need them in Iraq. Reversing all gains most vulnerable people in Iraq. An emergency within an emergency Looking ahead, the fear is that the The COVID-19 virus has challenged Some of UNICEF‘s financial resources pandemic will exacerbate growing developed nations in ways that few for the wider humanitarian operation inequality in Iraqi society and reverse could have predicted just a few weeks have already been reallocated to focus modest gains made for children since ago. In Iraq, my colleagues and I watch on prevention and response activities in the end of widespread violence two with trepidation as Europe and the US camps for refugees and displaced years ago. struggle to contain the virus. Hospitals people. ―Without a doubt, the economic impact are overwhelmed, there‘s an acute In coordination with the Ministry of of COVID-19 will plunge the most shortage of testing and protective Health and Environment, UNICEF- vulnerable families in Iraq deeper into equipment, and the death toll continues supported teams have sterilized and poverty and children will pay the price. to rise at a shockingly rapid pace. fumigated Ninawa camps including They will be forced to work, child We ask ourselves, if it‘s that bad ―over Jedaa, Hamam Al-Alil, and Salamiyah; marriage will go up, and violence at there‖, what might happen in a fragile similar activities are also being rolled home will increase. That is what we country like Iraq where the health care out for camps in other locations. must guard against,‖ said Lasseko. system has been decimated by decades Health workers who provide critical There are also concerns that children‘s of conflict and under-investment? care in the camps are also supported health is being put at risk in other Adding to this, over 1.2 million people with personal protective equipment ways. Vaccinations campaigns have are still displaced, living in crowded that is scarce to come by. been halted or significantly slowed due formal and informal camps, where ―With all the focus on equipping to social distancing measures. In a social distancing is difficult to hospitals with protective equipment, country where only half of children implement. health workers in IDP camps were in between 12-23 months are vaccinated Teams distributing COVID-19 hygiene danger of being forgotten,‖ said Dr against preventable diseases, every kits in the camps hosting some of the Moazzem, the Chief of Health and delay in boosting immunization most vulnerable people in Iraq. Nutrition in UNICEF Iraq. coverage heightens the risk of disease As of 17 April, Iraq reported 1434 ―They were anxious for their safety at a outbreaks such as measles and polio. confirmed COVID-19 cases (80 deaths) time when every cough or cold could Livelihoods are also at risk — an inter- in all governorates or state. On average transmit the virus. We knew we had to agency hotline that provides there are about 20 to 30 new cases a quickly support them so they can information on assistance to displaced day. continue to support others,‖ he added. families showed that nearly 60 percent The government has put a nationwide Dr Moazzem and his team started of callers in the last two months were curfew in place to help contain the exploring how to obtain PPEs. They concerned about their lack of financial virus. UNICEF and other procured 4,000 kits through a local resources and diminishing employment humanitarian agencies are racing to supplier, including gloves, surgical opportunities. step up emergency preparedness and masks, coveralls, and other items for response plans, including combating the health workers. Another, 30,000 By Laila Ali, Communication Specialist dangerous misinformation that was PPE kits have been ordered and should with UNICEF Iraq. spreading like wildfire on social media. Awareness-raising campaigns have been carried out using mobile radio team to disseminate messages on handwashing and social distancing. UNICEF has also installed several communal handwashing sinks in different locations to encourage handwashing practices following the distribution hygiene items, including soaps and buckets. ―In a public health emergency, information can save lives. A key priority for UNICEF is ensuring children, young people and their families have access to accurate information on how to protect themselves and their loved ones during the pandemic,‖ said Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF‘s Representative in Iraq. ―So far, there are no COVID-19 cases in the camps where some of Iraq‘s most vulnerable people live– we must do everything we can to keep it that way,‖ she added. Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 22

UNDP Iraq supports the authorities and the Iraq Ministry of Health's efforts in fighting COVID19 pandemic

Baghdad, 22 April 2020 – In Ramadi, local authorities are establishing isolation rooms, for patients to receive adequate health services. 130 beds have also been delivered. Isolation beds in Diyala will be delivered shortly. Iraqi authorities are also conducting regular temperature checks for new arrivals and are disinfecting the entrance to Anbar, Salahaldin and Diyala governorates. The United Nations Development Programme in Iraq (UNDP Iraq) supports the authorities and the Iraq Ministry of Health‘s efforts in fighting COVID19. IOM Iraq appeals for USD 20.4 million to enhance national COVID-19 response

Baghdad, 23 April 2020 - On 11 but will have a heavy impact on Iraq respond to COVID-19 through March 2020, the World Health socioeconomic wellbeing across the short, medium and longer term Organization (WHO) declared the country if immediate response and interventions where possible. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mitigation strategies are not put in Areas of focus will include Coordination a pandemic. As of 21 April 2020, there place. This includes for an estimated and Partnerships; Tracking Mobility were 2,397,217 confirmed cases of 1.4 million internally displaced persons Impacts; Risk Communication and COVID-19 and 162,956 deaths reported (some 300,000 of whom are living in Community Engagement; Disease globally. WHO have reported that the camps and reliant on humanitarian Surveillance Systems; Public Health increase in cases of COVID-19 in the assistance) and 4.6 million people who Capacities at Points of Entry; Infection Eastern Mediterranean, including Iraq, have returned to their area of origin Prevention and Control; Case is of particular and great concern. 1,602 (around half of whom are living in Management and Continuity of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 83 areas with severe or moderately severe Essential Services; Camp Coordination deaths had been reported in Iraq by 21 living conditions). There are also and Camp Management; and April 2020. thousands of migrants in Iraq, many Protection. The organization‘s The COVID-19 crisis is not only undocumented, who are now unable to Communicating with Communities, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities work and require protection and protection and disability inclusion among vulnerable populations in Iraq, support. teams will provide essential support "Years of conflict and sanctions have and guidance across all interventions. taken a toll on the Iraqi health care IOM Iraq will leverage its wide system; the COVID-19 pandemic may network of staff and offices across Iraq, overwhelm this already weakened experience working in difficult infrastructure,‖ said IOM Iraq Chief of operating environments and its strong Mission Gerard Waite. ―There are large ties with government counterparts at IDP, refugee, returnee and migrant national, governorate and local levels, communities in Iraq that already face to employ a multi-sectoral, whole of challenges accessing health care and government and society approach. relevant information, and are still IOM Iraq‘s Response Plan is part of the recovering from the Islamic State in IOM Global Strategic Preparedness Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) crisis and and Response plan, which aims to subsequent economic downturn.‖ ensure that a well-coordinated, IOM Iraq is appealing to the comprehensive, equitable and timely international community for USD response to the crisis is in place to halt 20,450,000 to contribute to halting further transmission of the disease, further transmission of COVID-19 and limit the humanitarian and mitigating the impact of the outbreak socioeconomic effects of the pandemic, including the socio-economic impact. and support affected communities in The organization will build upon its preparing for longer term-recovery. strong operational footprint and In coordination and partnership with existing expertise in migration health, relevant local actors and authorities, integrated border management, IOM Iraq will carry out its response in community-based transition, and line with the WHO Iraq Country recovery and stabilization initiatives, Strategic Preparedness and Response including economic revitalisation Plan Against COVID-19, released on 23 activities, to support the Government of March 2020. Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 23 IOM Iraq leverages mobility data to better understand COVID-19 impact

Erbil, 27 April 2020 - As of 26 April, are more severely affected by the sub-districts reporting that the 1,763 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and COVID-19 curfew than others; the majority of people stay at home and 86 deaths had been reported in Iraq. three groups most commonly reported respect the curfew. However, there are The International Organization for to be more affected are daily labourers, some governorates where the curfew Migration (IOM) in Iraq has completed followed by Internally Displaced orders are not being well respected. a study analyzing the status of Persons (IDPs) and then the elderly. In This is a particular concern in healthcare services, public awareness 73 per cent of subdistricts, however, Baghdad, where KIs in only 15 per cent levels, access to services, movement KIs reported that provisions are being of subdistricts reported that the restrictions and the overall economic made to assist the most impacted majority respect the curfew and stay impact of the COVID-19 pandemic groups; most assistance comes from the home. across the country. host community, followed by the ―During these uncertain times, when Data for the study was collected by the national government and then the local data about the impact of the pandemic IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix government. are scarce, this study has already given (DTM) in 401 sub-districts across Iraq‘s ―The findings of this study will improve us some indications about the current 18 governorates. In early April, IOM our understanding of how the evolving state of available services, as well as Iraq‘s Rapid Assessment and Response COVID-19 situation is impacting daily the most common preoccupations Teams conducted phone interviews life,‖ said IOM Iraq Chief of Mission among diverse Iraqi communities,‖ said interviews with its well-established Gerard Waite. ―A solid evidence base Rose Marie Guevremont, IOM Iraq network of key informants (KIs) that will better inform our response to this DTM Programme Coordinator. ―There includes community leaders, mukhtars, crisis, in support of migrants, are similarities and differences to be local authorities and security forces. internally displaced persons, host noted between governorates, which When KIs were asked to report what communities and other vulnerable confirms that a targeted approach they thought would be the top three populations.‖ should be prioritized. As we continue to main issues that would be caused by The data also show that the majority of develop our short, medium and long the COVID-19 crisis in their public healthcare clinics are open and term response plans, this kind of subdistrict, the most commonly accessible across the country but information will be crucial.‖ reported issues were a delay in the residents of Thi Qar, Basrah and All information related to the study is school year (reported by 89% KIs), Missan governorates may have greater available on a new COVID-19 followed by a loss of livelihoods (81%) trouble accessing healthcare services dashboard hosted on the DTM Iraq and financial impact (44%). when needed (with public clinics website, along with the dataset and a At the national level, the situation closures reported in 40%, 18% and 13% summary of the main findings. relating to employment is severe. In 68 of sub-districts respectively). Private per cent of subdistricts, KIs reported clinics and hospitals are much less that the majority of people in their accessible at the national level, areas have lost their jobs and are facing reportedly being closed in 43 per cent of financial problems as a result. This is subdistricts. apparently most severe in Anbar (96% Following governmental orders to of KIs reporting), Basrah (94%), and restrict movement, the findings confirm Dahuk (94%) governorates. Only 4 per that schools and most government cent of KIs, located in Baghdad and services are closed throughout the Ninewa, reported that the majority of country. Psychosocial support services people in their subdistrict can work are also largely closed or otherwise from home and are still receiving their unavailable. salaries. Government-enforced curfews are KIs in 88 per cent of subdistricts reportedly well respected across the reported that some population groups country, with KIs in 76 per cent of all

WHO Iraq representative and KR parliamentarians discussed the latest developments related to COVID-19 pandemic

Erbil, 28 April 2020 - WHO Iraq Representative, Dr Adham Ismail, met in Erbil with the Deputy Speaker of the Kurdistan Parliament, Hemin Hawrami, and members of the Health Committee in the Parliament. Dr Adham and parliamentarians discussed the latest developments related to COVID-19 pandemic and after lockdown phase measures in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Photo courtesy of the Kurdistan Parliament. Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 24

UN Women: The life of Mariam Taha has not been going the usual way over the past weeks

Erbil, 29 April 2020 - The life of has become the official uniform, that who fulfills his responsibilities during Mariam Taha, a 36-year-old technical comes with a face mask, gloves, goggles my absence‖. assistant at the Central Public Health and the suit‖. Mariam notes that her responsibilities Laboratory in Erbil, the Kurdistan ―In addition to I keep washing my as a wife and a mother have increased Region of Iraq, has not been going the hands and sterilizing them all the time, during this pandemic, especially after usual way over the past weeks. I avoid crowded places and try to keep school closures. ―My four children are Since the detection of the first COVID- my distance from patients and now staying at home without schooling, 19 cases in Iraq in February 2020 and colleagues‖, Mariam said. except for one who is receiving distance the imposition of a curfew in all Despite all precautionary measures, learning online and requires time to governorates, the lives of Mariam and anxiety and fear dominate Mariam, follow up his homework‖. her family have been turned upside especially as she heads back home at According to Mariam, no COVID-19 down as her workplace has been the end of her shift. cases were recorded at the Center dedicated to solely testing suspected ―Every time I leave work, I feel anxious where she works along with 150 cases. and stressed out that I might infect my doctors, assistants and administrators, Since then, Mariam, who in normal family. Before leaving the centre, I take of whom 100 are women. times has been doing eight-hour shifts off my disposable personal protective every day, started working one day gear and I sterilize myself using every 10 days for an 11-hour shift. medical sterilization provided at the This one day not only became a long center. As soon as I arrive home, and workday away from her husband and before any physical contact with four children, but a source of anxiety anyone in my family, I shower and and fear that she might catch the wash the clothes I was having", disease and carry it to her family. Mariam explains. She works in a place where she may get The challenges Mariam is facing due to infected at any moment, and thus can the nature of her job are enormous and infect her family and colleagues. not limited to her fear of transmitting ―No matter how I try to beautify the the infection to her family. She has to situation and pretend that it is normal, stay away from home and her family what is happening makes us ponder, for long hours. worry. It makes us strictly follow the ―Although it is only one day every 10 instructions of the Ministry of Health days, it is a long and a hard one. As I in Kurdistan Region of Iraq‖. leave my five family members, worried Anxiety is now part of the daily life of how will their day go by during these Mariam, who has to take every long hours. What reassures me is that precautionary measure: ―I wear what God has blessed me with a husband

A personal take on lockdown in Baghdad‘s Green Zone

By Hilary Stauffer, head of the Here in Iraq, ―Hippos‖ refer not to drop-off or pick-up members of the Reporting, Policy and Strategy Unit in river-dwelling mammals (the Tigris is Fijian Guard Unit that keep watch on the United Nations Office for the hippo-free, as far as I know) but rather the compound. It is a reminder of life Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to the extra-large armored personnel beyond the concrete walls. It‘s a (OCHA) in Baghdad carriers that are used to transport UN memento of the outside world, of a staff to and from the airport. Free of Time Before Coronavirus, when travel Baghdad, 1 May 2020 - I didn‘t expect every conceivable comfort, including was possible, even predictable. to miss the Hippo. cushions, seatbelts, and shock Because, of course, there is life outside Currently in the middle of my ninth absorbers, each Hippo ride threatens to the compound walls, it‘s just not life as week of lockdown on the United induce nausea as the vehicle we know it in this unimaginably Nations compound in the Green Zone in laboriously descends into and climbs vibrant, multi-ethnic, multilingual, Baghdad, there are so many things that out of every pothole on the road to the multi-faith land. Iraq — a nation of I miss from my life back home, beyond airport. Chipped teeth are a danger as nearly 40 million people with a health the compound gates: Thai food and well your upper and lower jaw bang system that‘s at least 40 years out-of- stocked grocery stores are just some of together when jolting over speedbumps. them (on my last trip to the tiny shop The literal roar of the engine makes we have on the compound, I managed conversation impossible. People usually to buy laundry detergent and a look dazed when exiting a Hippo. pomegranate — it was all they had And yet now, the Hippo is the only sign left). And yes, of course, family and of external life on the compound. It friends — although if I‘m honest, my comes through twice a day, carrying loved ones have contacted me more in troop rotations of the UN Guard Units the last nine weeks than they have the from their nearby barracks. If you walk previous 15 years. around at dawn or dusk, you will see it But the Hippo — that was unexpected. lumbering around corners, stopping to Volume 7, Issue 2 COVID-19 Pandemic Page 25

A personal take on lockdown in Baghdad‘s Green Zone (continued) date (four decades of upheaval and services and jobs. Any difficulties which remains key: the Iraq Information armed conflict will take a toll) — is now existed pre-COVID-19 have now Centre — a call centre that provides facing the same killer virus that is exponentially increased. information on humanitarian assistance upending life in much richer countries. Amid this vulnerability, I‘m proud to to IDPs, returnees, asylum seekers, Since the first confirmed case was report the humanitarian system is rising refugees, and vulnerable host community detected on 24 February 2020, Iraq has to the immediate challenge. The United members — has established a dashboard cut itself off from neighbors and the Nations and its NGO partners have re- to track calls they receive about wider world. With very few resources oriented the immediate - t e r m challenges the impact of COVID-19 on available to fight COVID-19, authorities humanitarian response to address the affected people. — with the robust support of the World immediate needs posed by COVID-19. As movement restrictions and airport Health Organization (WHO) — had to Soon after the first case was detected, closures keep many international staff move quickly and commandingly to close humanitarians began awareness-raising working remotely, the COVID-19 field borders and shut airports to try and slow activities, both in IDP camps and among response in Iraq is carried out largely the transmission of the disease. Equally the wider population, spreading through the heroic efforts of national important, it imposed 24-hour-a-day messages in English, Arabic and staff, from both UN agencies and civil curfews in every major city, as well as Kurdish. Partners began scaling up society. They face daily adversities which closing internal crossing points between hygiene services to vulnerable requires patience, ingenuity and more provinces. communities and to different response than a little innate Iraqi stubbornness to It hasn‘t been easy. Iraqis are an sectors, including Health, Camp overcome. Restrictions in the movement unapologetically social people. ―Large Management, Shelter, WASH, Food of people and goods are compounding group gatherings‖ are a way of life. Yet it Security and Protection, planned how to long-standing access difficulties across has, largely, worked: nine weeks after isolate and quarantine mild-to-moderate the country, hampering humanitarians‘ the first detected case, Iraq‘s confirmed cases of COVID-19 in camps, if ability to reach people in need. COVID-19 caseload is still below 2,000 necessary. Transporting medicines and supplies people, and the death toll has not yet WHO is working closely with the between governorates and across borders topped 100. This can only be a triumph. Ministries of Health in both federal Iraq requires constant negotiation. OCHA‘s But it does come with a cost. Although and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to sub-offices are in daily contact with Iraq has the fifth largest oil reserves in support preparedness and response, and governorate counterparts to facilitate the world, it is a country with significant has created a dashboard to track the these movements wherever possible. vulnerabilities, now exacerbated by spread of the virus. Food security actors Iraq, like the rest of the world, has a long COVID-19. Half the population is under are re-calibrating which populations may way to go not just on COVID19 25, where not many have experienced become newly vulnerable as the Humanitarian needs will persist, and more than a few consecutive years lockdowns persist. With schools closed, will require the sustained support by the without privation and unrest. The the Education sector is supporting UN, partners and donors. But Iraq must country has been in the grips of a teachers to provide distance learning. be commended for the way it faced the political crisis since October 2019. And Other organizations are putting people multiple, overlapping threats, as should two years on from the end of armed to work sewing masks and PPE the UN, NGOs and civil society. It has conflict against the Islamic State of Iraq equipment. Protection partners are been my privilege to serve in whatever and Levant (ISIL), 1.4 million people are keeping close watch on reports of rising way I can, even from the confines of the still internally displaced, roughly a domestic violence, and raising the alarm compound. quarter of whom live in camps. The at the highest levels. Organizations that Nevertheless, there‘s no harm in displaced face a multiplicity of obstacles: distribute cash to the most vulnerable dreaming of life beyond the concrete destroyed and damaged homes, property are giving one-off cash grants to cover walls — of Thai food, and yes, even of contaminated by unexploded ordinance, the purchase of masks, gloves, and hand Hippos. insecurity, ethno-religious tension, sanitizer. Through it all, accountability communal mistrust, and a lack of and communication with communities World Health Day: United Nations in Iraq salutes the courage and sacrifices of Iraqi health workers

Baghdad, 7 April 2020 - As Iraq and As pointed out by the World Health following the advice and instruction of the world tackle the unprecedented Organization (WHO), COVID-19 local and national authorities by challenges of COVID-19, this year‘s confirms how important it is for all maintaining physical distance and World Health Day is like no other. health workers to have access to the proper hygiene. Today, we pay tribute to all the health most up-to-date knowledge and As we celebrate World Health Day, we workers on the front lines. They guidance in responding to such crises. pay tribute to Iraqi health workers and provide treatment and care for affected It also underscores the critical need for their colleagues across the world. They patients, selflessly risking their lives to personal protective equipment, to form the backbone of the global save ours. ensure they can safely provide care and response to the outbreak. The Amid this global pandemic, their efforts reduce their rate of infection. understanding that this is a fight for and sacrifices are recognized with COVID-19 is a global threat that each and every individual remains key: immense gratitude. The tireless and ignores differences in gender, no medical practitioner can go it alone. exemplary work of Iraqi medical education, belief, ethnicity or wealth. Their work, strengthened by the practitioners is critical to keeping The way to respond to a universal crisis solidarity, compassion and patience of citizens healthy, and their work is only is through solidarity between people. all, will see us through this crisis. more significant during the current To protect our communities, we must crisis. continue to focus on prevention, Volume 7, Issue 2 World Health Day Page 26

World Health Day: Protecting midwives to keep women and babies safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Baghdad, 7 April 2020 - On this World Health Day, we mark the first International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. Midwives are central to everything we do at UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Their life- saving skills go far beyond delivering babies; midwives educate, empower and enable women to lead healthy lives and to exercise their right to sexual and reproductive health. Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, which has already infected more than a million people worldwide, health professionals are unsung heroes working on the frontlines. Midwives risk their own lives to save those of based antenatal and post-natal care, equipment that other front-line health pregnant women and newborns. They then the more people able to avoid workers use to insulate themselves ensure safe and healthy pregnancies, transmitting or becoming infected by from contagion. taking every precaution to protect the the coronavirus. All over the world, midwives are women they serve. While the novel coronavirus sweeps the stepping up to the COVID-19 challenge. Midwives play a critical role in world, including many developing With UNFPA support, midwives in responding to public health countries with fragile health systems, hard-hit countries are working round emergencies like COVID-19. They are women continue to get pregnant and the clock to provide care for women and essential to the strong, resilient health give birth. Midwives are essential to babies. They say they will never systems we need to survive the ensure safe pregnancies and births for abandon their patients. coronavirus. It is imperative not to everyone, everywhere. They also Together with the World Health jeopardize essential sexual and provide the information and Organization and other partners, reproductive health services by contraceptive counselling that women UNFPA stands with the world‘s diverting midwives to serve as and young people need, even in times of midwives, today and every day. emergency personnel. crisis. Life goes on despite the pandemic; Midwives who serve patients outside of As frontline health workers, midwives pregnancy and childbirth are no hospitals are crucial to maintaining the are particularly vulnerable to the virus. exception. In this difficult time for all, safe distancing measures necessary to That means pregnant women and and particularly for health care curb the spread of the disease. The babies are at risk, too. We must take professionals, let's do everything in our more midwives who are ready to visit urgent action to protect midwives. This power to protect midwives so they can the homes of pregnant women in rural includes providing all midwives with continue to keep women and newborns communities or who can offer phone- the same personal protective safe.

Security

UNAMI condemns attack at Camp Taji, calls for maximum restraint

Baghdad, 12 March 2020 – The the risk of rogue action by armed only way forward. The Government of United Nations Assistance Mission for groups remains a constant concern. Iraq must exercise its full powers to Iraq (UNAMI) condemns the latest Beyond the immediate security threat, hold perpetrators accountable and rocket attack at Camp Taji which this also takes critical political prevent future attacks. resulted in loss of life and injury among attention away from urgent unfinished The UN expresses its condolences to troops of the Global Coalition in the domestic business. The last thing Iraq the families of the victims and their fight against Da‘esh (ISIL). needs is to serve as an arena for countries, and wishes the injured a These ongoing attacks are a clear and vendettas and external battles. speedy recovery. substantial threat to the country, and Maximum restraint on all sides is the

Immediate de-escalation is the only way forward

Baghdad, 13 March 2020 – The present in Iraq at the invitation of its and dialogue are the only way to build United Nations Assistance Mission for government to fight Da‘esh (ISIL) - do Iraq‘s strength and to prevent a Iraq (UNAMI) calls for immediate de- not serve the common interest of Iraq. resurgence of Da‘esh. The country and escalation on all sides. UNAMI condemns the continued loss of its people cannot afford to be used as a Sovereignty is indivisible. Attacks and life and calls upon all parties to act theatre for different power competitions retaliatory attacks, including repeated with maximum restraint in keeping and proxy conflicts. Iraqis desperately strikes on the Global Coalition forces - with international law. Partnership deserve stability and peace. Volume 7, Issue 2 Security Page 27

The Secretary-General expresses his serious concern about repeated attacks in Iraq and the region

New York, 14 March 2020 - The Secretary-General expresses his immediate steps towards de-escalating Statement attributable to the serious concern about repeated attacks the situation to prevent additional loss Spokesman for the Secretary-General, in Iraq and the region. The Secretary- of life, injury and destruction. Stephane Dujarric - on Iraq: General calls on all sides to take

Gender

The Baghdad Women Association organized in Baghdad a conference entitled ―Women's Political Participation in Iraq - Opportunities and Challenges‖

Baghdad, 22 March 2020 - Baghdad Women Association organized in Baghdad recently a conference entitled ―Women's Political Participation in Iraq - Opportunities and Challenges‖. Supported by UN Women, the conference was held in observance of International Women‘s Day under the slogan ―I am the Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights‖. The conference was attended by more than 120 participants from civil society organizations, human rights activists and media outlets, in addition to members of the Independent High ambassador, as well as representatives embassies in Iraq and UN Women Electoral Commission, the Canadian of the Swedish and the French officials. A study on the Implementation of the Iraqi National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 discussed in Baghdad

Baghdad, 23 March 2020 – The Women Awareness and the Use of Baghdad Women Association recently Standard Monitoring Models‖, was held a meeting in Baghdad to discuss a carried out under a BWA project to study on the Implementation of the examine INAP‘s implementation, Iraqi National Action Plan on United through funding by UN Women and the Nations Security Council Resolution Women's Peace and Humanitarian 1325. The study, entitled ―Dual Fund (WPHF). The meeting is the fifth Accountability of the National Action in a series of discussion sessions Plan (INAP) for the Implementation of focused on INAP. UN Security Council Resolution 1325 -

A workshop on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security organized for activists and journalists from Nineveh governorate

Dohuk, 25 March 2020 - The Iraqi Women Journalists Forum, in cooperation with UN Women, has recently organized a training workshop on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. A total of 25 activists and journalists from Nineveh governorate, who are currently residing in the northern Iraqi city of Dohuk, took part in the workshop, which comes as part of the activities of the Women‘s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). Volume 7, Issue 2 Gender Page 28

UNFPA welcomes Japanese support for women and girls in Iraq

Baghdad, 29 March 2020 - The Government of Japan contributed US$ 1.3 million towards UNFPA interventions for integrated lifesaving reproductive health and gender-based violence services to vulnerable women and girls in five governorates across Iraq. UNFPA has been adopting an integrated approach to enable women and girls to receive a comprehensive package of services, continuum of care, as well as timely referrals. quality assistance, including a new assistance package for Iraq The Japanese contribution will ensure psychosocial and referral services in amounting to USD 41 million including that 40,000 women and girls, out of the targeted five governorates. this project as assistance for women whom 25,000 are pregnant women, ―We are thankful for Japan‘s trust in and girls.‖ from the IDP, returnee, and refugees in UNFPA programme in Iraq,‖ said Dr ―With this package, the total amount of the humanitarian settings in Anbar, Oluremi Sogunro, UNFPA Japan‘s assistance to the people Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa and Salah Al- Representative to Iraq. ―Women and affected by the crisis reaches US$ 540 Din governorates, have access to girls continue to suffer from the impact million since 2014. I hope that the prevention and response to of the humanitarian crisis. Thanks to assistance from the Government and reproductive health and gender-based Japan‘s trust, we will ensure that not people of Japan will help ensure violence services which include only we provide the much-needed protection of women and girls among awareness-raising sessions and case reproductive health and gender-based IDP, returnee and refugees,‖ he added. management, as well as consultations violence services but we strengthen the Japan has been a UNFPA long- and treatment. existing national capacities to build the standing partner with contributions In addition, the new commitment will resilience of the system.‖ amounting to a total of US$ 11,852,085 enable UNFPA to improve the capacity His Excellency Mr Naofumi Hashimoto, over the last five years ensuring women of national service providers, especially Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, stated: and girls across Iraq have access to female caregivers, to deliver high- ―Japan has recently decided to provide health and protection services.

Anbar women defy COVID-19 curfew to continue handicraft learning, production

Baghdad, 21 April 2020 - The and to help them provide for COVID-19 lockdown in Iraq did not themselves and their families, as well stop beneficiaries from a women‘s as help them reduce stress resulting economic empowerment project to stop from the curfew period. their ongoing handicrafts course but The Iraqi Organisation for Woman and made them along with organizers from Future also announced that its ―Remote the Iraqi Organization for Woman and Legal Clinic‖, which enables women to Future to seek means to continue their seek the assistance of legal experts training. The trainers and beneficiaries through telephone, Facebook or are now continuing their training WhatsApp, was operational. This legal course, held through support by the clinic is part of the project ―Economic Women‘s Peace and Security Fund and Empowerment of Women Through UN Women, through the Internet and Gender Equality‖, which is being social media platforms. This online carried out through support by UN activity, according to organizers, is Women and the Women‘s Peace and enabling the beneficiaries to be Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). productive through the lockdown period

International Women‘s Day The Message from SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert to Iraqi women on International Women's Day

Baghdad, 8 March 2020 - Iraqi They stood up for the right of all Iraqis walks of life as they join hands and women have been and remain at the to a sovereign, free and a more march together. forefront of national struggles. democratic country. On this International Women's Day, I They have made great sacrifices, most They have paid a heavy price, yet their salute and stand with the women of recently in the fight against Da'esh and determination has never wavered. Iraq. The struggle is far from over, and in the quest for a better, fairer future Their efforts cross all boundaries, the fight for equality continues. for their country. uniting mothers and daughters from all #StrongWomenBetterIraq Volume 7, Issue 2 International Women‘s Day Page 29

Tailor made: stories of loss, strength and solidarity from Fallujah

Baghdad, 10 March 2020 - "I suffered trauma of what happened to her child still faces. "But my psychological and a lot from displacement. I lost five of as well as the violent shelling that she financial situations have already my children during the military witnessed in Fallujah. Like Maha, improved.‖ operations. It really harmed my mental Ansam‘s husband is ill and unable to ―Participating in something with my wellbeing,‖ says Maha, 47. ―We decided work, which made things even more colleagues from the camp and to leave Fallujah and go to a safe difficult for the family. exchanging ideas regarding sewing has place." "I used to have panic attacks. Our also led to new friendships; I very much Maha* is originally from Al Fallujah financial situation was very poor and enjoy sitting at the machine and sewing district, in Iraq‘s Anbar Governorate. the general situation around us wasn‘t women's clothing, and the grant I Like many others from her hometown, good at all,‖ Ansam adds. ―I was receive for training others helps a lot.‖ Maha was displaced when militants receiving a financial grant from an The sewing workshops in Amiriyat al- from the Islamic State of Iraq and the NGO, but it wasn‘t enough for Fallujah camp were organized by IOM Levant (ISIL) occupied Anbar; she fled anything." Iraq with humanitarian funding from with her husband, two of her daughters Sura*, 21, also lives in Amiriyat al- the European Union. and her granddaughters. The family Fallujah camp. She left her home in ―I used to watch my friends knit and I came to Amiriyat al-Fallujah camp in Heet and went to Al-Qaim district in loved it; I wished that I could do it like 2016. 2014; military operations forced her to them. Recently, I heard that IOM Iraq Anbar Governorate is home to some of flee again in 2016. had announced courses in knitting and the first cities occupied by ISIL "All the movement and displacement I decided to enroll to learn the basics,‖ militants. An estimated 36,384 people has affected us greatly, and disrupted said Nisreen. The 22-year-old has lived are still displaced from Anbar as of my schooling,‖ Sura says. ―This is a sad with her family in Amriyat Al-Fallujah February 2020. thing for me. My wish is to go back to since they were displaced from Al- For women like Maha, who are the school, but that‘s hard to do currently." Ramadi, Anbar in 2014. breadwinners for their families, "I heard that there are workshops that ―Now my knitting skills rival those of employment opportunities are limited. teach sewing skills and I was my friends, and I can make a variety of With humanitarian support of the EU, encouraged to participate. I started items including warm winter clothes. I the International Organization for learning and my abilities quickly am thinking of starting my own Migration (IOM) in Iraq holds several improved," Sura adds. knitwear business to generate an training workshops for displaced Sura still dreams of going back to income as I raise my six-year-old son,‖ women in Amiriyat Al-Fallujah camp, school, but the sewing activity provided she added. to teach them skills that can help them her with a creative outlet and she is Nisreen is learning knitting skills earn an income. thinking of opening her own tailoring alongside four other women and girls in "When I first came to Amiriyat al- shop. For her, and for Ansam, the Amr iyat Al- Fallujah‘s Kitting Fallujah camp, I used to sew to earn chance to work on designs and make Workshop, run by IOM Iraq with some money to support my remaining clothes that can help others in their support from EU Civil Protection and family,‖ Maha explains. ―My husband is community are sources of joy after all Humanitarian Aid - ECHO. an old man and he has a lot of chronic the difficulties they have faced. *Names and some identifying details diseases. Even as I moved [from place "I hope to return to Al-Qaim, but the have been changed to protect the to place] I kept sewing because this is house we lived in is severely damaged. privacy of individuals. the only thing that helps me overcome We need a lot of money to rebuild it and my sadness since losing my children." we don‘t have the means to rehabilitate After attending a few sessions of the it," says Ansam, of the challenges she By Rafal Abdulateef, IOM Iraq sewing workshop Maha, who was already an accomplished seamstress, started leading them herself and training other women. "About 40 female trainees have graduated from my workshops. I still check their work and I‘m trying to transfer all my [know-how] onto them,‖ Maha says. Ansam* was one of Maha‘s students; she was displaced from Al-Qaim district in 2017 and came to Amiriyat al-Fallujah camp with her family in the same year. "My children and I have been dealing with mental health challenges since ISIL attacked our town. My daughter is blind and has a brain injury — she was outside on the roof of our home when shelling started around us, and the force of it scared her so much that she fell," Ansam explains. When Ansam, 41, came to Amiriyat al- Fallujah, she was still dealing with the Volume 7, Issue 2 International Women‘s Day Page 30

UN-Habitat‘s trainee Suzan embraces new opportunities as a Community Mediator

Baghdad, 15 March 2020 - A young woman from a religious minority group in Ninewa overcomes many challenges with support from colleagues and training opportunities provided by UN- Habitat. Suzan, a bright, ambitious and outgoing young woman from Hamdaniya, Ninewa Governorate, a student of business administration and accounting, has recently discovered her new passion towards resolving property disputes through mediation. Being experienced in working with people through her previous job as a journalist, Suzan felt confident to apply for the training opportunity in mediation, a methodology in solving property disputes that has been for the first time introduced in Iraq through mediator, helps preserve amicable ―In my first mediation assignment in UN-Habitat‘s project ―Mediation and relations and build peace and dialogue Bartella, the people I dealt with were Peaceful Resolution of Housing, Land between communities, and furthermore from a community which is completely and Property Disputes‖, implemented it also contributes to the sustainable different from mine in terms of customs in partnership with Caritas Czech return of IDPs. and traditions. I certainly had to be Republic. The project ran in ―Mediation is still a new concept in Iraq careful with my appearance. I had to Hamdaniya and Telkeif districts of but it is proving to be effective,‖ says wear clothes similar to theirs, even Ninewa Governorate from July 2019 to Suzan who worked on 17 cases so far, makeup and hairstyle needed to be February 2020 as part of a larger out of which 15 were successfully adjusted. Even later I always tried to programme ―Support to Housing, Land solved by signing a written agreement look simple. And I was also very careful and Property Rights for IDPs in between conflicting parties. when choosing my words,‖ says Suzan, Nineveh‖. Other Community Mediators had a while expressing gratitude to her male Suzan was one of 14 community similar success. In total, all 14 colleague Falah who guided her and members, out of which six females, who mediators solved successfully 286 out of provided with background information went through an intensive training 343 received cases during the project. about the customs and traditions in course as per international standards, However, these efforts have not been different areas. applied to the local context, and became without challenges. Suzan‘s first Remaining impartial and neutral is one of the first certified Community mediation case, and so far the most essential while mediating in a conflict, Mediators in Iraq. challenging one as she says, was in although Suzan accepts this was ―The training in mediation was a Bartella, a small city east of Mosul. The difficult in some cases. The mutual milestone in my career and helped me dispute over land between two friends support of her fellow Mediators was change my life,‖ says Suzan, who escalated and required involvement of a also essential to overcome the wishes to continue her career in this third party. difficulties she faced while becoming a direction after graduation from college. ―I was very concerned because it was Community Mediator. Suzan doesn‘t Due to forced displacement, damage my first mediation session and it was in hide her gratitude and appreciation to and destruction of housing and a community that‘s different from her colleagues, who were to her like a unlawful seizure of property under the mine. Luckily, I wasn‘t alone, my family – supportive and encouraging. ISIL occupation, property disputes are colleague Falah was with me, who She bravely accepts all challenges and a common issue in conflict-affected helped me overcome the anxiety.‖ treats them as opportunities and areas in Iraq. Many returnees are now Being young, a female and also born as motivation to explore her own missing property records and a Christian in a culturally very diverse capabilities and grow both as a person documentation which was either lost environment, Suzan faced numerous and as a young professional. during the conflict or even deliberately challenges in approaching her new role. Suzan, who lives in a family of 12 destroyed. Proving ownership rights Conservative norms, and particularly members, says that her community is over housing and land has been a big socially accepted gender roles, were an now used to see her in her new role as a challenge for the land owners, while important factor for the new mediators Mediator, and even some community the authorities in Ninewa also face to take into consideration. members approach her unofficially for difficulties to restore the damaged or ―Being a female especially made it advice. ―That is something that makes missing ownership documentation difficult to change the community‘s me especially happy,‖ says Suzan. without property records. Under this perspective and accept me as a Her message to other young people, scenario, solving property disputes has Mediator.‖ especially women, is to be brave while proven challenging both through While preparing for mediation sessions, approaching life challenges, and not be private and official channels. Mediation she paid attention to even smallest afraid to seek help if needed. as an innovative method to resolve details that she felt may affect how property disputes between private people perceive her and accept her as a parties, with the help of a trained mediator. By Dejan Drobnjak, UN Habitat Volume 7, Issue 2 International Women‘s Day Page 31

Discussing the role of women in the peaceful movement in Babel and Basra

Baghdad, 16 March 2020 - Ehtiraf focused on highlighting the peaceful Foundation for Young Leaders movement in which women organized two seminars in Babel and participated in demonstration squares Basra on 4 and 7 March 2020 on "The throughout the governorates of the Role of Women in the peaceful middle Euphrates and the south, and movement". also on women‘s role at this stage and The two seminars, sponsored by the their continued provision of assistance UN Women to celebrate International and support to men in the Women's Day, discussed issues demonstration squares, according to a including sustainable development statement by the organizers. goals, Security Council Resolution 1325 The second goal was to bring together of 2000 on women, peace and security, decision-makers and opinion leaders to and women's participation in political achieve better results and a clearer and social movement in light of social, vision on the role of the women tribal, religious, and governmental movement in demonstrations, while at from playing their role in many areas, influences. the same time focusing on the including the political, leadership and Participants in the two seminars importance of women's participation in administrative areas. focused on the pros and cons of political decision-making in the future. The discussions also highlighted the women's participation in the ongoing The discussions were about the importance of legislating more laws protest movement in Iraq and the necessity of the continued participation that support and increase the measures needed to enhance the safe of Iraqi and Babel women in the protection of women, enhance their role environment for women. demonstrations until many demands in peace negotiations, and rebuild the The first goal of the two seminars are fulfilled, as women are still absent areas liberated from ISIS. "Iraqi women: role model and strength"

Baghdad, 21 March 2020 - Sawa included the support of women in the Human Rights Organization recently economic and political decision, and the held many activities on the occasion of integration of the members of the Iraqi International Women's Day, sponsored Network for UNSCR 1325 and the by UN Women and under the slogan members of Alliance 1325 in interactive "Iraqi Women: Role model and participation and from several strength". governorates, for cooperation and joint One of these activities was a meeting coordination. held to discuss "Political and economic The Iraqi Network for UNSCR 1325 participation of Iraqi women" in includes a group of organizations, Samawa governorate. bodies and associations working on During the meeting, they reviewed the implementing the United Nations reality of women's political and Security Council Resolution No. 1325, economic participation and the adopted in 2000, on women, security challenges they face in decision- and peace. making. The meeting was attended by many Diwaniyah, Najaf, Wasit, Anbar, The recommendations and conclusions organizations of the Iraqi Network for Nasiriyah, and Muthanna, in addition that could be implemented during the UNSCR 1325, and alliance 1325 from to a number of activists and specialists coming stage were outlined, mainly the governorates of Baghdad, Basra, in the political and economic fields.

Human Rights Iraqi judges take part in UN Women workshop on access to justice by GBV survivors

Erbil, 1 March 2020 - A four-day The workshop focused on the best way workshop organized by UN Women on to use the guidelines to train justice access to justice by survivors of gender- professionals on means of handling based violence concluded in Erbil on gender-based and conflict-related Saturday. sexual violence cases. Judges from various parts of Iraq took The workshop, attended by 28 Iraqi part in the workshop with the aim of judges, was held in collaboration with validating and using gender-sensitive international organisations partnering legal procedures and guidelines aimed with UN Women in Iraq. at helping magistrates and prosecutors to receive, assess and report cases of gender-based violence. Volume 7, Issue 2 Human Rights Page 32

UNAMI hate speech event with UN Under-Secretary-General Adama Dieng

Dieng, who is leading the UN‘s global efforts to combat hate speech, is able to join us today as my co-chair. Mr Dieng has been the UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor for the Prevention of Genocide since September 2012. This is his second visit to Iraq in that role. He has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in human rights and international criminal justice, having previously served as the Registrar of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and as the Secretary-General of the International Commission of Jurists. He has worked on behalf of the United Nations in Haiti and Malawi; Baghdad, 3 March 2020 - The global agreed that there is a shared and was the driving force behind the increase in hate speech as a vehicle to responsibility to prevent and prosecute establishment of the African Court on express and transfer xenophobia, hate speech, including in private Human and People's Rights. Mr Dieng racism and intolerance is deeply homes, classrooms, newsrooms and is here in Iraq at the invitation of our troubling. social media, places of worship and colleagues in UNITAD, the United (The UN defines hate speech as ―any other public venues. Nations Investigative Team to promote kind of communication in speech, USG Dieng concluded the discussion Accountability for crimes committed by writing or behaviour which attacks or with a reminder that ―eternal Da‘esh – which has given us this uses pejorative or discriminatory vigilance‖ was the price to be paid for excellent opportunity to hear his language with reference to a person or freedom, and everyone must remain insights on the new United Nations a group on the basis of their religion, vigilant in opposing hate speech. He global Strategy and Action Plan on hate ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, launched an appeal for all Iraqis to speech. descent, gender or other identity band together against hatred, The United Nations' focus on hate factor.‖) The UN aims to support its discrimination and violent extremism. speech reflects deep concern about the member states to address the root growth worldwide of hate speech as a causes and drivers of hate speech and ***** vehicle to express and transfer effectively respond to the impact of xenophobia, racism and intolerance. hate speech on society. Tackling hate Introduction by Ms. Alice Walpole, Tackling hate speech helps promote speech helps promote peaceful, Deputy Special Representative of the peaceful, inclusive societies; helps inclusive societies; helps combat Secretary-General for Iraq, at the combat violence against women and violence against women and minorities event: minorities and other serious violations and other serious violations of human Under Secretary-General Dieng, of human rights; and plays a key role in rights; and plays a key role in Distinguished guests and colleagues, countering atrocity crimes and even countering atrocity crimes and even Welcome to this afternoon's discussion terrorism. The UN aims to support its terrorism. on combating hate speech. Thank you member states in addressing the root On 3 March, the UNAMI Human to the team in our Human Rights Office causes and drivers of hate speech and Rights Office brought together, in the for taking the initiative to organise this effectively responding to the impact of presence of UN Under-Secretary- event. hate speech in society. Mr Dieng will General Adama Dieng, UN Special I am delighted that United Nations speak further on that. Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Under Secretary-General Adama Here in Iraq, the UN Assistance and the UN global focal point on hate speech, representatives from Iraqi human rights organisations, media monitoring bodies and legal associations, and representatives of diverse communities, to take stock of the dangers that hate speech represents to Iraqi society. Participants discussed cultural factors, legacies of the past including recent armed conflict and acts of terrorism, patterns of discrimination, and current legislation. They offered ideas on how hate speech might be addressed and countered. The role of the Communications and Media Commission and courts in developing regulatory and judicial responses, respectively, was highlighted. All Volume 7, Issue 2 Human Rights Page 33

UNAMI hate speech event … (continued)

Mission (UNAMI) has compiled its own freedom of opinion and expression. action plan on combatting hate speech. Here in Iraq, we must work to prevent We are mainstreaming measures to alleged concerns about hate speech counter hate speech, in line with being used to justify any limitation (or international human rights norms and prohibition) of freedom of expression, a standards, into our programmes and vital feature of a free and democratic activities, working with local society. stakeholders and interlocutors. We are Some of you may be aware of UNAMI‘s aware that the causes and drivers of current activities to combat hate hate speech in Iraq are many. They speech. Such activities are already a may include lack of peace and security; core aspect of many of our areas of political competition and the operation, such as human rights sectarianism in Iraqi politics; protection; supporting sustainable unemployment and economic peace and societal cohesion; countering uncertainty; poor education; terrorism and the spread of violent weaknesses in the rule of law; societal extremism; preventing and addressing tolerance and non-discrimination. We anxieties related to the loss of cultural gender-based violence; supporting free will promote discussion on combatting values or terrorism or crime; as well as and fair electoral processes; protection hate speech as part of our consultations structural root causes of human rights and reintegration of the displaced and on women, peace and security, violations, such as discrimination and refuges; and protection of minorities. I including in our support to the Second inequalities between communities or see many opportunities ahead of us to National Action Plan under UN between men and women. expand these activities. As a few Security Council resolution 1325. In countering hate speech, we must examples, as Iraq prepares for Importantly, the UN recognises that nonetheless be careful to respect elections, we will be promoting a code much of the meaningful action to of good conduct which will reject the combat hate speech in Iraq must use of hate speech in electoral necessarily be undertaken by Iraqi campaigning. We have a project with actors, including the government. Our young community activists to equip intention therefore is to engage in them to express their views, concerns dialogue with our stakeholders - to and ideas in a peaceful and shape activities and identify areas constructive manner. We hope to where we can offer targeted support to support efforts to strengthen the those working to counter hate speech. capacity of security forces to provide For that reason, thank you all very protection to communities in a manner much for joining us today: I will be that respects human rights, including most interested to hear your thoughts protection from hate speech. We plan to and advice on how we can together use our partnerships with media combat hate speech in Iraq. organisations to promote the values of Thank you.

―We want to live like other Iraqis‖ - Roma representatives meet with UNAMI Human Rights Office and IHCHR

Baghdad, 09 March 2020 - Representatives of the ‗Roma of Iraq‘, an ancient ethnic community, took their concerns to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR), seeking their support in advocating with the Government to improve their living conditions and guarantee them their rightful place in Iraqi society. The ‗Roma of Iraq‘, known in Arabic as ghajar, reportedly of ancient Indian origin, have long complained of prejudice, discrimination and poor living conditions. Their exact number is unknown as they, along with other communities, have never been counted based on their ethnicity. Six of their Sheikhs, each representing one of the Office of the IHCHR Commissioner on community and the support that HRO Roma tribes, met with the UNAMI Racial Discrimination, with the aim to and IHCHR could give to the Human Rights Office (HRO) and the identify the challenges affecting this Government in addressing their Volume 7, Issue 2 Human Rights Page 34

―We want to live like other Iraqis‖ - Roma representatives meet with UNAMI Human Rights Office and IHCHR (continued) unfulfilled rights. The most pressing be compensated. The Sheikhs to support the project to completion and challenges their people face, according requested HRO and IHCHR to advocate to tackle other challenges raised. to the Sheikhs, include: an unresolved with the Government to allocate them The Sheikhs were also invited to issue regarding their naturalization land for housing and to provide them designate one representative who will before 2003 that is still deemed employment to improve their standard join the Minority Rights Working ―exceptional‖ and singles them out from of living. They said they have lived in Group established in August 2019. The other Iraqis; poor housing facilities in Iraq for centuries and deserve equal Working Group advocates for the Baghdad and other Governorates opportunities.Roma settlement implementation of the January 2019 caused by the confiscation of their A taskforce to resolve such issues was recommendations of the UN Committee properties given to them by the created earlier this year, comprising on Elimination of Racial Government before 2003; systematic the Co-existence and Societal Peace Discrimination. The latter expressed denial of employment opportunities on Committee under the Prime Minister‘s concern about the Roma having the basis of their ethnicity; lack of Office, IHCHR and two NGOs together difficulties in accessing employment, political representation at all levels of with UNAMI. The taskforce is already health care, housing and education and Government and the bureaucracy that working on a housing project in recommended that Iraq redoubles has made it impossible for those who Baghdad for the community, with plans efforts to improve the integration of lost their relatives in military service or underway. The taskforce will partner Roma into society, including by who died as a result of terrorist acts to with the relevant Government entities ensuring access to the above services.

"Looks don‘t matter, but a beautiful soul"

Baghdad, 24 March 2020 - Israa, 25, lives with her 13 person family in Al- Khater village, eastern Thi-Qar governorate. Since birth, she has had a benign facial tumour in her right cheek. She underwent several operations to remove it, but sadly all failed. Her family could not afford additional, costly treatments, and Israa was bullied at school. She had to leave class for two years, but was still ridiculed in the village. But Israa had a dream. She insisted on returning to school. She worked hard and obtained a diploma in accounting. The economic situation and lack of job didn‘t give up, and applied again. This Israa aspires to be successful and set opportunities were not Israa‘s only time, she got the job. Israa prepares an example for women, including those challenges. Prospective employers meals for children and loads them onto with disfigurements and disabilities. repeatedly turned her down, based on the warehouse trucks, ready to deliver She wants to inspire everyone, even the way she looked. to schools. those who laughed at her, at how she When Israa heard about WFP‘s School ―My job may be simple, but I love it. I overcame the odds, and is able to work Feeding Programme, she applied for a am able to support my family. I work to support her family. job with Al-Mortaqa Foundation, WFP‘s for the School Feeding Programme and partner in Thi-Qar. Her first help children get good and healthy By Nibras Haddad, WFP Field Monitor application was unsuccessful. But she food.‖ Team

Former child bride, once sold to pay debts, finds a new start

Kurdistan, Iraq, 1 April 2020 – that she was "just a bargaining chip," pregnant three times, and each time Intisar* was only 15 years old when her she said. she delivered a girl. parents forced her into a marriage. She "He mistreated me for 22 years, and I Preference for sons is widespread in her described it as an act of commerce: never dared say a word. He would community, with daughters often They sold her to another family to pay physically hurt me, beat me for any considered a burden while sons are off a debt. ―It is the worst feeling in the reason, insult me using the most considered a sign of their father‘s world to be traded off like that by the disrespectful words. I remember one virility and potential wage earners for people who are supposed to protect night, he kept hitting me with a cane, the household. you,‖ said the now-37-year-old Intisar, screaming at me ‗You are a nobody – I ―Giving birth to girls was apparently during a recent interview. own you. You are worthless.‘ I cried my ultimate sin. He kept accusing me Her husband was 25 years her senior, every night for 16 years,‖ she recalled. of being a failure of a woman and would and immediately abusive. He never Punished for having girls even starve me for a week after I give missed an opportunity to remind her To make matters worse, Intisar became birth,‖ she said. Volume 7, Issue 2 Human Rights Page 35

Former child bride, once sold to pay debts, finds a new start (continued)

But in the end, it was her daughters counselling, referrals to health and She also has a new support network. who gave her the strength to leave. social services, and case management ―At the centre, I made friends: women After years of watching their mother for survivors of violence, as well as who, just like me, are fighting their suffer, they intervened. referrals to legal services provided by battles every day. They, too, are ―My daughters came to me one day and n e a r b y n o n - governmental survivors of domestic violence. I feel begged me to leave their father. They organizations. they understand my pain. The centre said they appreciate the sacrifice I did It serves roughly 20 to 25 survivors of has become my home and these women for them but they can‘t bear see me in gender-based violence each month. have become my family.‖ these conditions.‖ Overall, Intisar is on the road to She thought a lot about what becoming A new start recovery. a divorced woman would entail – from Today, Intisar lives with her daughters ―I am proud of the scars I have on my the difficult legal process of securing and is in the middle of the process of body. I am proud of having taken a her independence to facing the stigma obtaining a divorce. decision to start over again, to forget a and possible harassment that can come She has been attending activities at the heart-breaking past and the pain I with being divorced. Starting all over women‘s centre for three months and is carried for years,‖ she said. ―I now again scared her but she knew that receiving psychosocial support there. know how worthy I am of a decent and staying was no longer an option. ―I‘ve met with the social worker eight happy life.‖ Her daughters also showed her the times, and she gave me great advice. path forward. She made me feel that I deserve a *Name changed for privacy and ―It was my daughters who told me second chance in life,‖ Intisar said. protection about the women‘s centre,‖ she explained, referring to a support facility for women and girls, supported by UNFPA with funding from Norway. ―They told me that I should not be embarking this new journey without the proper support and that the only way to move forward with my life is to seek professional advice and be surrounded by women who have similar stories,‖ Intisar said. The centre provides a safe space for women and girls to share their fears, hopes and experiences. It also offers

UNESCO stresses importance of safety of journalists amid COVID- 19 pandemic

Paris/Baghdad, 2 April 2020 - The international standards on freedom of of ensuring an enabling environment UNESCO Assistant Director-General expression. for press freedom in order for for Communication and Information Aside from concerns about physical journalists to report independently on today voiced concerns about the safety safety, journalists are working under the crisis, and he encouraged of journalists when reporting on the considerable psychological stress. While governments to increase the amount of global COVID-19 health crisis. some journalists are working under the information available to the public. ―The role of journalists in informing the pressure of covering the constantly ―The UNESCO Director-General‘s public during the ongoing crisis is evolving situation, others are worried report on the safety of journalists and absolutely pivotal,‖ said Chakchouk, about job security. the issue of impunity, to be launched emphasizing that journalistic work can Freelance journalists are especially later this year, will highlight the issue save lives in the current emergency vulnerable in terms of physical and of protecting journalists during this situation. psychological safety, as they do not pandemic,‖ announced Chakchouk. ―Journalists‘ physical and psychological always have access to the same UNESCO and its partners are safety should come first,‖ stated resources and support as staff developing a series of initiatives, to be Chakchouk. Media organizations journalists. launched in the coming weeks, to should make sure that journalists are Chakchouk affirmed that press freedom address these concerns. trained on sanitary precautions and is now more important than ever and UNESCO promotes the safety of equipped with protective material. called on all Member States to ensure journalists through global awareness- When sending journalists to report on that journalists can report on COVID- raising, capacity building and a range the virus, their safety must be a 19 without interference. ―In times of of actions, notably in the framework of priority. health crises, the importance of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of He also recalled that states and duty accurate and reliable journalism cannot Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. bearers should ensure safety of be overstated‖, he said. Since 1993, at least 193 journalists journalists in covering the health crisis The UNESCO Assistant Director- were killed in Iraq, according to and its social implications, as per General also underlined the importance numbers confirmed by UNESCO. Volume 7, Issue 2 Human Rights Page 36

UNESCO stresses importance of safety of journalists amid COVID- 19 pandemic (continued)

According to NGOs, the numbers are risk of again becoming a place where Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, even higher, with up to 50% of journalists should fear for their lives. which was formed at the order of the journalist killings worldwide during the That is why the Dutch embassy Prime Minister in 2016. A Special ten years between 2006 and 2016 supports UNESCO and Free Press Investigative Unit for the Protection of taking place in Iraq. Since then, Unlimited (FPU) to improve the Journalists has been set up. violence against journalists has gone protection of journalists in Iraq. In October, the Netherlands and down, with 9 journalists killed between Under the project, UNESCO and FPU UNESCO host the World Press 2017 and 2019. This is partly thanks to have spearheaded the implementation Freedom Conference, which provides an measures taken by the government. of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety opportunity to journalists, civil society However, this year there have already of Journalists and the Issue of representatives, national authorities, been 6 media workers killed (UNESCO Impunity, in close cooperation with the academics and the broader public to figures). This includes Ahmed Abd al- Iraqi authorities, media discuss emerging challenges to press Samad and Safaa Ghali, who were representatives, as well as national and freedom and journalists‘ safety and tragically killed by gunfire from a international specialized NGOs. The work together on identifying solutions. moving vehicle while covering the project has supported the Iraqi This year‘s theme is ‗Journalism protests in Basra in January. Iraq is at National Committee for the Safety of without Fear or Favour‘.

UNHCR held a specialized training on working with LGBTI persons in the humanitarian context for the United Nations and partner‘s staff in Baghdad

Baghdad, 7 April 2020 - UNHCR, the Understanding challenges faced by response plans. Creating a safe space UN Refugee Agency stands up for equal LGBTI individuals is key to ensure where every individual feels included rights and fair treatment for Lesbian, their adequate inclusion in all and valued can unlock the unique Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and humanitarian and development potential of each one of us. Intersex (LGBTI) people everywhere. Fair treatment and protection from violence and abuse are things that many of us take for granted. Yet for millions of LGBTI people, justice and safety is far from guaranteed, particularly under displacement scenarios. Last week, UNHCR held a specialized training on working with LGBTI persons in the humanitarian context for the United Nations and partner‘s staff in Baghdad to sensitize them on sexual orientation and gender identity vis a vis our pairs and persons of concern. Open Letter from the Regional Directors of UNDP, UNWOMEN, UNFPA and ESCWA in the Arab states region to governments in the region

Baghdad, 10 April 2020 - At the restrictions, including curfews, to augmenting hotline access, ensuring beginning of this week, the United address the COVID-19 pandemic. At remote case management, and Nations Secretary-General issued an the same time, we need to be conscious providing essential health, social appeal to stop violence everywhere of the need to ‗do no harm‘. We have services and justice and policing, as including violence in the home. As seen reductions in services for courts in some countries of the region Directors of the four United Nations survivors of Domestic Violence across have been forced to close. Inclusive Agencies who have been working the region and, in some countries, we solutions must be designed to reach the together to highlight the importance of have witnessed large increases in the women furthest behind and be Gender Justice and Equality before the numbers of calls to hotlines or other survivor-centred, while referral law[1] as a clear path towards support services. pathways should be updated to reflect achieving the Sustainable Development We urge governments to strengthen the current situation. Goals, we call upon states in the Arab already existing services and to provide The Arab States are host to large states region to respond to the alternative solutions to ensure the numbers of refugees and internally Secretary-General‘s appeal. security and safety of women and girls displaced persons as well as vulnerable Many countries of the region have inside their homes and to assist women migrant workers. Women and implemented strict movement survivors during this time, including girls in these settings face multiple Volume 7, Issue 2 Human Rights Page 37 Open Letter from the Regional Directors of UNDP, UNWOMEN, UNFPA and ESCWA in the Arab states region to governments in the region (continued) burdens and risks in accessing services. that are open. and in the home, women are More efforts are needed to ensure their • Now is the time to send out predominantly the carers of the elderly, safety and well-being. the message to all citizens that ALL people with disabilities and children. We, the regional directors of UNDP, forms of violence, including abuse of With more people quarantined at home, UN Women, UNFPA and the Executive women and children in the home, will the burden of unpaid care for women Secretary of ESCWA urge governments not be tolerated and to provide support will most likely increase. in the region to ensure that their to those struggling in times of Therefore, we call on all governments message on zero tolerance to Domestic restricted movement. in the region to assess and respond to Violence is highlighted in their public • Now is the time to provide the needs of all care workers, and to announcements and policies, including safe accommodation for women in need. ensure that essential services for a commitment to increase investment • Now is the time to ensure that survivors of domestic violence are in services and organisations that responding to and combatting Domestic maintained and accessible to all women provide services to survivors of Violence is prioritized among local and and girls. Ensuring gender justice and domestic violence. With support from national security and justice systems. equality before the law remains a vital the four United Nations agencies, they • Now is the time to ensure that path to implementing the SDGs and are also invited to learn from emerging women are included in essential protecting all people, everywhere. good practices in the region and decision making about the response to worldwide. the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Mehrinaz El Awady, Cluster Leader • Now is the time to put in place • Now is the time to ensure that Gender Justice, Population and accessible alternative support services, essential health provision for maternity Inclusive Development UNESCWA such as hotlines or psycho-social services is maintained, in addition to Dr. Moez Doraid, Regional Director a.i., counselling, to reach all Domestic other sexual and reproductive services. UN Women Arab States Violence survivors, while ensuring The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a Sarah Poole, Regional Director a.i. their safety. This can be done through health crisis; it is also a crisis of care. UNDP Arab States alternative facilities, such as Globally women represent more than Dr. Luay Shabaneh, Regional Director pharmacies and selected grocery stores 70 per cent of all health care workers UNFPA, Arab States

UN in Iraq raises the alarm: Time to endorse the anti-domestic violence law

Baghdad, 16 April 2020 - The UN in during the COVID-19 pandemic. violence. Iraq urges the Iraqi Parliament to Over the last week, multiple reports As United Nations Secretary-General, speed up the endorsement of the Anti- emerged of the rape of a woman with António Guterres said, "Many women Domestic Violence Law amid alarming special needs, spousal abuse, under lockdown for COVID-19 face reports of a rise in gender-based and immolation and self-immolation as well violence where they should be safest: in domestic violence cases perpetrated as self-inflicted injuries due to spousal their own homes. Today I appeal for across the country, especially with abuse, sexual harassment of minors, peace in homes around the world. I increased household tensions as a and suicide due to domestic abuse urge all governments to put women's result of the confinement due to the among other crimes. Such crimes raise safety first as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. the alarm for the urgency to endorse pandemic." The United Nations Population Fund the Anti-Domestic Violence Law in We reiterate the Secretary General‘s (UNFPA), the United Nations Office of Iraq. call and ask the authorities in Iraq to the High Commissioner for Human The UN in Iraq calls upon authorities prioritise the protection of women and Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations to ensure that the judicial systems children as part of their COVID-19 Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the continue to prosecute abusers, invest response. United Nations Entity for Gender more in hotline and online services, The adoption of a law on Domestic Equality and the Empowerment of support the role of civil society Violence will help to ensure that Women (UN Women) offices in Iraq organisations, keep shelter doors open perpetrators of gender-based violence express their concern at the rising for women fleeing abuse and punish in Iraq, such as those who carried out number in domestic violence cases perpetrators of any gender-based the heinous incidents seen in recent Volume 7, Issue 2 Human Rights Page 38 UN in Iraq raises the alarm: Time to endorse the anti-domestic violence law (continued)

past, are held accountable. UNFPA Representative in Iraq, Dr UNICEF Representative in Iraq, Violence against women and girls is a Oluremi Sogunro Hamida Ramadhani Lasseko crime and should not go unpunished. OHCHR Representative in Iraq, UN Women Representative in Iraq, The women and girls of Iraq deserve Danielle Bell Dina Zorba better.

UNITAD President Salih receives Special Adviser Khan

Baghdad, 20 February 2020 - In his meeting today with H.E. Barham Salih, President of the Republic of Iraq, Special Adviser Karim Khan welcomed the President‘s continued strong support for UNITAD‘s work in holding Da'esh criminals accountable for their crimes. They discussed the importance of commencing the return of identified Yazidi remains to Kojo, and underlined the need to move forward in adopting legislation to allow for the prosecution of Da‘esh perpetrators for crimes that may amount to crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide in Iraqi courts. UNITAD welcomes the announcement by the Medico-Legal and Mass Grave Directorates

Baghdad, 28 February 2020 - finally be returned to their families in family members be informed in UNITAD welcomes the announcement Kojo. advance, and added that these remains by the Medico-Legal and Mass Grave As additional remains are identified, should be returned as soon as they are Directorates that the remains of 62 Special Adviser Karim A. Khan identified. Yazidi victims were identified and can stresses how essential it is that all

USG Dieng meet President Salih

Baghdad, 1 March 2020 - President of Iraq, Barham Salih, received United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Adama Dieng, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, and Special Adviser Karim A. Khan. Together they reaffirmed that victims of ISIL crimes from all communities must be recognized and supported. President Salih underlined his commitment to continue to support both. Volume 7, Issue 2 UNITAD Page 39

Baghdad, 2 March 2020 – Under-Secretary-General Dieng and Special Baghdad, 1 March 2020 - Special Adviser Karim Khan and USG Adviser Karim Khan were received by Foreign Minister Mohammed Al Adama Dieng met with Judge Faiq Zidan, Chairman of the Supreme Hakim today. They discussed UNITAD's role in delivering justice for Judiciary Council. They emphasized the crucial role of accountability in victims and the imperative of ensuring the needs of survivors and fostering long-term peace and noted the excellent cooperation between Iraq and UNITAD in this pursuit. impacted communities are placed at the heart of all accountability efforts.

Dohuk, 3 March 2020 – Under-Secretary-General Dieng and Special Baghdad, 2 March 2020 - USG Dieng with Special Adviser Khan met Adviser Karim Khan began their second day in Dohuk, with a meeting with His Eminence Archbishop Nicodemus Daoud M. Sharaf of the with Yazidi survivors of Da'esh crimes at Khanke refugee camp. SA Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese in Mosul, Kirkuk and the Kurdistan region. Khan underlined the commitment of UNITAD to support efforts to hold those responsible accountable and emphasized the courage of those They agreed on the need to engage the Orthodox and broader Christian coming forward with their accounts. USG Dieng emphasized the role of community as partners in UNITAD‘s work and that support should be education in building common understanding across communities, provided to all survivors of ISIL crimes. The USG also emphasized the serving as an effective tool in preventing the reoccurrence of such crimes. need to address the needs of all vulnerable communities in Iraq as a Dieng and Khan also met with His Holiness Baba Sheikh Khurto Hajji. basis for long term peace and stability. They honored the perseverance of the Yazidi community to seek and obtain justice as a strong act of resilience in response to ISIL crimes

Erbil, 4 March 2020 - In meetings with President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Region, Under-Secretary- General Adama Dieng and Special Adviser Karim Khan of UNITAD emphasized accountability and inclusion as essential preconditions for peace for all minorities in Iraq. Volume 7, Issue 2 Security Council Page 40 Iraqi religious authorities adopt Interfaith Statement on the victims of ISIL

Baghdad, 9 March 2020 - United communities had endured as a result of men, women or children. I am Nations Under-Secretary-General sexual and gender-based violence and particularly grateful to the religious (USG) and Special Adviser on the in underlining their commitment to leaders for reiterating their Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, ensure that survivors of such crimes unequivocal support for UNITAD and and Special Adviser (SA) and Head of are fully supported and do not suffer its mandate to vindicate the rights of the United Nations Investigative Team from any form of stigmatization. Noting victims and survivors to justice.‖ to promote accountability for crimes the particular suffering endured by USG Dieng stated ―This Interfaith committed by Da‘esh/ISIL in Iraq, children impacted by the crimes of Statement constitutes a strong symbol Karim A. A. Khan Q.C., commended ISIL, the religious leaders recognized of unity and a renewed call to deepen religious leaders for endorsing an that such children are blameless and efforts to address concerns from all Interfaith Statement on the Victims of should benefit from love and kindness. citizens of Iraq in their quest for a ISIL. The critical importance of ensuring future together and in peace. It also The Statement followed extensive that ISIL members are held represents a strong endorsement from engagement with religious authorities individually responsible for crimes these religious communities of the by UNITAD which continued during committed, through fair trials in a imperative to hold ISIL members USG Dieng‘s visit to Iraq between 1–6 court of law, as well as the responsible for their crimes‖. March. The statement is the first time investigation of cases of those Reflecting his engagement with Iraqi religious leaders have formally disappeared and abducted by ISIL, is religious authorities across Iraq during endorsed a common statement on the further underlined in the Statement. In the visit, as well as the statement made need for justice and the rights of this regard, all religious authorities by Sheikh Ahmed Hasan al-Taha upon victims and survivors of ISIL. USG expressed their strong collective signature, USG Dieng further noted Dieng and SA Khan applauded its support for the work of UNITAD. that efforts were also needed to ensure adoption by His Excellency Sheikh Dr. USG Dieng and SA Khan emphasized that accountability is delivered for all Ahmed Hassan al-Taha Chairman of that the collective endorsement of this crimes committed against members of the Iraq Jurisprudence Council, His statement reflected the religious all communities in Iraq. He noted that Eminence Sheikh Abdul Mahdi Al- leaders‘ joint effort in advancing such work would serve to strengthen Karbala‘i, His Holiness Baba Sheikh accountability for crimes committed by the basis for stable and peaceful Khurto Hajji Ismail Yazidi Supreme ISIL and prioritizing the need for relations across Iraq, and that in his Spiritual Leader, and His Beatitude justice and accountability – as well as capacity as Special Adviser on the Louis Raphaël I Sako, Patriarch of empathy and solidarity for all victims. Prevention of Genocide, he will Babylon of the Chaldeans and Head of They stressed the crucial role religious continue to engage with national the Chaldean Catholic Church. leaders can play in fostering a peaceful governments, UN partners and other In the Statement, religious leaders and inclusive society and noted their actors to promote justice for all victims repudiate and condemn the violence of essential role in ensuring effective as well as recognition of their suffering. ISIL as completely contrary to their support to the survivors of ISIL, Upon endorsing the Statement during a respective faiths. It also underscores countering violent ideology, mistrust meeting with USG Dieng and SA Khan that members of all religions across and fear, and in bringing people on 6 March, His Eminence Sheikh Iraq have been impacted by the crimes together on the common ground of Abdul Mahdi Al-Karbala‘i described the of Da‘esh, and that all survivors must humanity. meeting as ―an historic day‖ and he be supported in their efforts to continue SA Khan stated ―This Statement called upon other religious their lives within their communities. constitutes an extremely important communities to also endorse the The Statement also recognizes the moment, representing as it does, a Statement. In the same vein, Cardinal many acts of heroism in which coming together of leaders from the Sako proposed a follow-up conference to members of their respective Christian, Sunni, Shia and Yazidi broaden the endorsement for the communities rose up in defense of those communities, around universal values Statement by other religious from other religious and ethnic represented and promoted by their communities and build upon it. backgrounds. respective faiths. Justice for the victims USG Dieng and SA Khan noted that USG Dieng and SA Khan were of ISIL, support for survivors and an the adoption of the Statement particularly pleased that the religious emphasis on inclusion and support in represented the beginning of a process leaders spoke with one voice in preference to exclusion, stigmatization of further engagement with other acknowledging the tremendous and derision are important elements to religious leaders in Iraq and both suffering members of their ensure support for survivors – whether emphasized that the statement Volume 7, Issue 2 UNITAD Page 41 Iraqi religious authorities adopt Interfaith Statement on the victims of ISIL (continued) remains open for signature and that USG Adama Dieng and Special Adviser in condemning ISIL crimes & any and all faith leaders who wish to Karim Khan welcome Kaka'i underlining commitment to support all sign or endorse the Statement and leadership's signature of the landmark survivors Iraq. implement the principles reflected Interfaith Statement of Victims of within it are welcome to do so. Da'esh, joining other religious leaders

* * * * *

Baghdad, 20 March 2020 – Under- Adviser Khan further noted that the Holiness Baba Sheikh Kurto Hajji Secretary-General Adama Dieng and Statement, for the first time, provided a Ismail, Yazidi Supreme Spiritual Special Adviser Karim A.A. Khan QC common commitment by religious Leader. today applauded the endorsement of communities across Iraq to ensure that The Interfaith Statement was agreed the ―Interfaith Statement on the all victims of ISIL, including those following extensive engagement with Victims of ISIL‖ by the leadership of impacted by sexual and gender-based religious authorities by Special Adviser the Kaka‘i community in Iraq. violence as well as children affected by Khan as well as the visit of Under- Upon signature of the Interfaith their crimes, are fully supported and do Secretary-General Dieng between 1-6 Statement by Mr. Sardar Arimand not suffer from any stigmatization. March. Fattah Agha, of the Kaka‘I Community, Mr. Sardar Arimand Fattah Agha, of Under-Secretary-General Dieng and Under-Secretary-General Dieng and the Kaka‘I community joins other Special Adviser Khan emphasized that Special Adviser Khan emphasized the religious leaders who have endorsed the Interfaith Statement remains a landmark status of the Statement in the Statement, including His Beatitude living document, and they called upon collectively condemning and Louis Raphael I Sako, Patriarch of all religious leaders in Iraq to sign and repudiating the violence of Da‘esh. Babylon of the Chaldeans and Head of endorse this historic document. Doing Senior religious leaders in Iraq the Chaldean Catholic Church, His so would demonstrate again the emphasized that the ideology of hatred Eminence Sheikh Abdul Mahdi Al- essential unity of all faiths in espoused by Da‘esh and crimes Karbala‘i, Representative of the Shia denouncing Da‘esh acts that constitute committed are contrary to the core religious authority in Karbala, His international crimes and underscore principles of their individual faiths and Excellency Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Hassan the need for justice and support for the basic tenets of humanity. Under- al-Taha, Chairman of the Iraq victims and survivors of these crimes. Secretary-General Dieng and Special Jurisprudence Council, and His Inter-faith Statement on the Victims of Da‘esh

We, religious leaders from communities rose up in defense of those from promote accountability for crimes across Iraq, underline our common different religious and ethnic committed by Da‘esh, pursuant to commitment to support survivors of backgrounds; United Nations Security Council crimes committed by Da‘esh and ensure Recognize the tremendous suffering resolution 2379 (2017); their effective reintegration into our endured by those members of our Underline that the exposure of Da‘esh respective communities, thereby communities that have been victims of crimes in a court of law is essential, as strengthening the basis for healing and crimes of sexual and gender-based well as investigating the cases of reconciliation in Iraq. violence and underline our commitment disappeared persons and those Upon this meeting, held under the to ensure that survivors of such crimes abducted by Da‘esh, not only as a auspices of the United Nations Special are fully supported and do not suffer means of delivering justice for its Adviser and Head of the United from any form of stigmatization; victims, but also as a tool in promoting Nations Investigative Team to promote Emphasize that all children impacted understanding of the severity and scale accountability for crimes committed by by the crimes of Da‘esh, are innocent of its violence and thereby preventing Da‘esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the children of God. We underline that, future revisionism; Levant (UNITAD), Mr. Karim Asad whatever pain these children have Underline our common commitment Ahmad Khan Q.C, and the United suffered, they are blameless and should and our collective stamina in efforts to Nations Special Adviser on the benefit from love and kindness. We promote justice, tolerance, Prevention of Genocide, Mr. Adama further recognize the suffering of those reconciliation and forgiveness as the Dieng, we: communities whose children were most effective way of combating the Condemn the violence of Da‘esh as abducted by Da‘esh and call for all legacy of Da‘esh crimes in Iraq and a contrary to the core principles of our those taken to be returned to their key step in preventing the reemergence religious faiths as well as the rightful families; of the causes that might lead to the fundamental values of humanity; Recognize that justice will only be recurrence of Da‘esh or other similar Underline that members of all religions delivered for victims of Da‘esh by groups. across Iraq have been impacted by the ensuring that individual members of crimes of Da‘esh and that all survivors Da‘esh are held responsible for their must be supported in their efforts to crimes, as well as ensuring the return continue their lives within their of displaced persons who were forced to communities; flee as a result of the crimes of Da‘esh Note that crimes of Da‘esh also gave and in this regard underline our strong rise to acts of heroism in which collective support for the work of the members of our respective communities United Nations Investigative Team to Volume 7, Issue 2 UNITAD Page 42 Special Adviser Karim A. A. Khan QC meets Kingdom of Belgium‘s Ambassador to Iraq

Baghdad, 10 March 2020 - Special regards to the provision of expert statement, religious leaders underlined Adviser, Karim A. A. Khan QC, met Belgium support to the Investigative how essential it is to hold ISIL with H.E. Filip Vanden Bulcke, Team was also highlighted. members accountable for their crimes Kingdom of Belgium‘s Ambassador to The Special Adviser presented as a prerequisite to stability. Iraq, this afternoon. The Special Ambassador Bulcke with a copy of the Adviser took the opportunity to brief landmark interfaith statement that the ambassador on the ongoing work of Christian, Shia, Sunni and Yazidi UNITAD in the field, particularly with religious leaders adopted and endorsed regards to its investigations and efforts on support for victims of ISIL. to collect evidence in relation to the He highlighted the significance of the crimes of Da‘esh in Iraq. unified manner in which different This meeting touched upon ways religious leaders came together to UNITAD can provide support to the denounce ISIL ideology as absolutely Belgium authorities in relation to their repugnant to the core religious national effort to hold Da‘esh suspects teachings that they represent. accountable. Ongoing discussions with He also noted that through the

The European Union and UNITAD sign Agreement to support digitization of evidence of ISIL crimes in Iraq

Baghdad, 7 April 2020 - The United This will strengthen the evidentiary basis crimes will serve to deepen the evidential Nation Investigative Team to Promote for UNITAD and Iraqi national foundations available for ISIL Accountability for Crimes Committed by authorities in developing comprehensive prosecutions. By establishing a Da‘esh/ISIL (UNITAD) and the European case-files supporting domestic proceedings comprehensive documentary record of Union (EU) announced today the signing brought against ISIL members for crimes these acts, we also contribute to global of a Contribution Agreement through that may constitute crimes against efforts to promote peace and security by which the EU will fund a project to humanity, war crimes and genocide, in ensuring that the ideologically bankrupt support the digitization and archiving of line with international standards. nature of ISIL is exposed.‖ evidentiary materials of ISIL crimes held UNITAD is implementing this project The Special Adviser added that doing all by Iraqi authorities. with support from the government of Iraq this will help ensure justice and that the The EU‘s contribution of 3.5 million EUR and in consultation with the Iraqi gravity of these crimes – and the to this project represents the largest National Coordinating Committee. As an sacrifices made by Iraqi citizens – are not extrabudgetary contribution received by initial step, UNITAD will conduct forgotten. ―The victims, survivors – and UNITAD to date. detailed mapping of existing evidentiary indeed humanity – deserve no less. Through this project, UNITAD will material, before developing a detailed Accordingly, I record my gratitude to the provide technical assistance and support digitization plan. EU for its generous contribution and to to national authorities and those in the Special Adviser Karim A. A. Khan QC, the Government of Iraq for its support of Kurdistan Region, to establish a Head of UNITAD, thanked the EU for its this project‖ he concluded. comprehensive, indexed inventories of generous support and underlined ―The The EU funding for the project will run evidence relevant to ISIL crimes preservation and organization of for 18 months, starting on March 26, committed in Iraq. evidentiary material in relation to ISIL 2020. The Netherlands continues to support accountability for ISIS crimes in Iraq through its support to UNITAD

Baghdad, 8 April 2020 - The contribution. specialized clinical psychologists to Netherlands continues to support ―The horrible crimes of ISIS cannot go prepare and help vulnerable victims accountability for ISIS crimes in Iraq unpunished‖, said Ambassador and witnesses during interviews in line through its support to UNITAD. This Strating. ―Accountability is key, not with international standards‖. month, the Dutch contribution for just for the victims, but for Iraq as a witness & victim protection and whole, in order to close this chapter of support was renewed. The support from its history and prevent a repeat. the Netherlands, given since 2018, UNITAD does crucial work in enabled the establishment of a Witness gathering and storing evidence for Protection and Support Unit. In trials. The Netherlands will continue to addition, the Netherlands has provided provide support for this effort‖. a specific contribution for outreach to ―I am grateful for the continued Yazidi communities, late 2019. The new support from The Netherlands‖. Special contributions total EUR 700.000. Advisor Khan added. ―Support from the Ambassador Eric Strating met with Netherlands has augmented the ability UNITAD Special Advisor Karim Khan of UNITAD to implement a victim- last month to discuss the work of centered approach in its criminal UNITAD and the new Dutch investigations, including the hiring of Volume 7, Issue 2 UNITAD Page 43

A message of solidarity and support from UNITAD Special Adviser

Baghdad, 10 April 2020 - At this is having on the survivors of ISIL, who moment, the world is facing an continue to suffer in various ways from unprecedented challenge, and the crimes inflicted upon them and governments are working to address it their communities. My Team and I by adopting various measures and express solidarity with these survivors interventions to keep their citizens as well as our heartfelt prayers. safe. UNITAD is complying in full with the The alarming rate in which the measures the Government of Iraq and COVID-19 virus has spread and its the KRG have put in place to restrict deadly impact are placing exceptional the spread of the virus, while demands on Iraq and countries around harnessing technology to continue our the world. investigations and remain in contact My heart goes out to those directly with survivors, so as to discharge our impacted by the spread of the COVID- mandate as effectively as possible. 19 virus, and the disruption it is having We look forward to the day when the indeed, to all the people of Iraq. on their livelihoods and that of their pandemic recedes thus allowing My Team and I remain committed to families and communities. restrictions to be lifted. Our thoughts fulfill the promise made to them of I am particularly concerned about the and prayers for good health go out to justice and holding the perpetrators of disproportionate impact this pandemic the survivors and victims of ISIL and, ISIL crimes accountable.

Humanitarian

Property and land dispute cases in Ninewa Governorate are being peacefully solved through mediation

throughout the process that have peaceful resolution of conflict works, contributed to build valuable what are their roles when addressing a institutional knowledge and capacity in dispute, and what are the benefit for all mediation and social cohesion in involved parties. Female Mediators communities where mediation was not were also concerned about how the a practice in the past.‖ community would perceive them, with Targeting housing, land and property some even worried that their own disputes, and with a special focus on families would not be supportive. the support to ethnic and religious ―The professional training that we minorities, mediation is one of the most received improved my self-confidence innovative mechanisms in Iraq that and communication skills. It also aims at empowering members of the helped me to be more courageous. As a community to solve their conflicts in an result, I knew how to deal with amicable way. challenges during cases applying the For the first time in Iraq, 14 young knowledge and skills acquired from the people, including 6 females, from the amazing international mediator who Baghdad, 1 March 2020 - local communities have successfully trained us,‖ said Saly Mattu Bhnam, Outstanding result of over 80% of cases completed a specialized training on one of the 14 Community Mediators. registered to solve property and land alternative mechanisms of conflict Both male and female Mediators disputes in Hamdanyia and Telkeif resolution also known as mediation worked closely to address any gender- districts of Ninewa Governorate have based on international standards and related perceptions and show that they been successfully solved through became certified Community were all working as equals in a team. mediation process, facilitating Mediators. As a result of the successful As for the families, they are all now the reconciliation and peacebuilding in the training and despite the challenges Mediators‘ main supporters. region. that mediators faced while working on The achievements of the Community UN-Habitat, in partnership with diverse property dispute cases, the Mediators are even more valuable Caritas Czech Republic, implemented achievements were remarkable and the knowing that they were addressing an initiative in these two districts titled positive impact in the communities is complicated cases in very heterogenous ―Mediation and Peaceful Resolution of evident with 286 out of 343 received communities, while they themselves Housing, Land and Property Disputes‖, cases solved with support from the come from diverse ethnic and religious which ran from July 2019 to February project. backgrounds. 2020. During the ceremony, the Community Trained to apply international During the closing ceremony on 20 Mediators shared their stories and standards on mediation, and along with February 2020 in Hamdanyia to mark challenges faced throughout the very clear principles of neutrality and the successful completion of the process, describing the difficulty to impartiality, Community Mediators initiative, Mr. Muslim Qazimi, UN- explain the new mediation approach to have in a short time earned people‘s Habitat‘s Housing, Land and Property the community members as the hardest trust, which allowed them to address Rights Coordinator, thanked local part. Another big challenge for them at conflicts that could not be solved authorities for ―their support and trust the beginning was to explain how through other channels. Volume 7, Issue 2 Humanitarian Page 44 IOM Iraq extends support to help IDPs overcome their challenges, and contribute to stable and safe communities

Dohuk, 1 March 2020 - On 25 displayed paintings, photographs and The motivational panel was organized February, Better World Organization books, while a band with members from with IOM Iraq‘s support, and funded by for Community Development hosted a the IDP community performed for the the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster motivational panel for IDPs in Kabarto audience. Assistance. 2 camp, Dohuk Governorate. The panel included women and youth speakers from both IDP and host communities, who shared stories about their challenges and their personal successes. This was done to encourage and motivate youth and women in the camp to become active community members, while they are still living in displacement. There are around 350,000 persons living in protracted displacement in camps across Duhok Governorate; some face mental health problems due to accumulated stress and family or community tensions. During the event a small exhibition Greenhouses - a Quick Impact Project from UNHCR that supports refugees and the host community

Sulaymaniyah, 2 March 2020 - In Sulaymaniyah, 23 greenhouses were handed over to refugees at the Arbat refugee camp. The greenhouses make available to the local market fresh vegetables. A Quick Impact Project from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency that supports refugees and the host community. Equipped with seeds and a drip irrigation system, these refugees are supplying the local market with fresh vegetables and providing for their families.

UN-Habitat to provide critical support to 6,000 out-of-camp displaced Iraqis in the Fallujah Sub-districts of Al-Garma, Al Saqlawiyah and Markaz Fallujah

Baghdad, 4 March 2020 - In three their living situation by providing the the Coordination of Humanitarian )مكتب األمم المتحدة لتنسيق الشؤون اإلنسبنيت Fallujah sub-districts, Al-Garma, Al means to upgrade and repair their Affairs and the United Nations Highفي العراق(, .Saqlawiyah and Markaz Fallujah, the basic shelters United Nations Human Settlements The Iraqis with the highest needs, and Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR Programme (UN-Habitat) and its who do not have the resources to Iraq) for the provision of NFI kits. partner, the Engineering Association improve their situation, will be for the Development and Environment identified through a socio-economic (EADE), will provide help for 6,000 vulnerability assessment. Following the struggling Iraqis to improve their living assessment, non-food item (NFI) kits conditions. and shelter repair kits will be provided, Displaced Iraqi families and other helping these families to repair their vulnerable people living in critical homes and regain a sense of dignity. shelter conditions suffer from a lack of UN-Habitat would like to thank the dignity, safety, security, privacy and donors that generously fund the Iraq protection from harsh weather Humanitarian Fund (IHF), its partner conditions such as the recent abnormal the Engineering Association for the )الجمعيت snowfall in some areas of Iraq. Development and Environment the Global Shelterالهندسيت للتطىير و البيئت(, This project will help displaced Iraqis living outside of IDP camps, to improve Cluster, the United Nations Office for Volume 7, Issue 2 Humanitarian Page 45

UNHCR welcomes funding from Japan to assist vulnerable displaced persons in Iraq

Baghdad, 5 March 2020 - UNHCR, including this project as assistance for the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the IDPs, returnees and Syrian refugees. generous contribution of USD 5 million With this package, the total amount of from the Government and people of Japan‘s assistance to the people Japan to protect and assist internally affected by the crisis reaches USD 540 displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, million since 2014. I hope that the and refugees across Iraq. This brings assistance from the Government and Japan‘s total contribution to Iraq people of Japan will help provide during the past six years to USD 100 necessary services to the vulnerable million. people in need.‖ With Japan‘s support, UNHCR will ―The Government of Japan has been ensure the provision of legal assistance one of UNHCR‘s most important to up to 6,000 internally displaced contributors in recent years. The individuals and 2,800 Syrian refugees, longstanding and ongoing cooperation along with improved protection between Japan and UNHCR has monitoring and enhanced access to civil enabled the operation to continue documentation, as well as with providing protection and humanitarian psychosocial counselling and assistance to thousands of vulnerable While the situation in Iraq has notably strengthened prevention and response displaced families in Iraq. This improved during the past years and the activities for sexual and gender-based assistance shows the strong and country is steadily transitioning and violence. unwavering commitment of Japan to advancing into a new post-conflict H.E. Mr. Hashimoto, Ambassador of address the needs of displaced phase, thousands of vulnerable Japan to the Republic of Iraq, populations in Iraq as the country displaced families remain in dire need expressed Japan‘s commitment to works towards stabilisation and of humanitarian assistance. With over providing assistance to vulnerable recovery. With ongoing support, we will 1.4 million displaced Iraqis, 4.6 million displaced individuals in Iraq and continue to assist and protect those returnees, and 288,000 refugees, needs emphasized, ―Japan has recently affected by displacement.‖ said Philippa are huge and ongoing assistance is decided new assistance package for Candler, UNHCR Acting essential to continue ensuring a stable Iraq amounting to USD 41 million Representative in Iraq. and peaceful recovery.

UN-Habitat assisting female-headed households

Development‘, implemented by UNDP in partnership with UN-Habitat. Nadefa, a 45-year-old single mother with five children, from Sinjar, during the recent war was left without a husband and without a house. She did her best to support her children, but living in a burned down house was devastating. Now, the family‘s living conditions are improving after their house has been selected and is being rehabilitated by UN-Habitat among other 199 houses in Sinjar alone, out of which 26 houses are occupied by female-headed households. The rehabilitation work is undertaken within the programme titled Baghdad, 10 March 2020 - Malia is a this year, out of which 20 per cent are ―Strengthening the Long-Term widow from Al Bohishma occupied by female-headed households. Resilience of Subnational Authorities in neighbourhood in the rural town of ―My husband and my three sons were countries affected by the Syrian and Yathrib, Governorate of Salah Al Din. martyred during the ISIL occupation,‖ Iraqi Crises‖ funded by the EU She struggles on a daily basis to says Malia, ―I now live with four Regional Trust Fund in Response to the support her six children, one of whom daughters and two sons and we are Syrian Crisis, the ‗Madad Fund‘, and was badly injured in the recent fighting looking forward to our home being implemented by UNDP and UN- that devastated this area and left him rehabilitated soon‖. Habitat. Over 950 houses in Erbil, permanently disabled. Malia is The upgrading of the water network Dohuk, Sumel, Mosul and Sinjar have thankful because her home was and rehabilitation of houses in Yathrib been selected for rehabilitation through recently connected by UN-HABITAT to Sub-District are part of the area-based the Socio-Economic Vulnerability a new potable water network extension set of integrated projects being Assessment Tool SEVAT based on the and their severely damaged house is undertaken under the EU-funded level of damage of the houses and the among over 100 houses in Yathrib programme ‗Supporting Recovery and vulnerability of target refugees, IDPs assessed and selected for rehabilitation Stability in Iraq through Local and host community members. Volume 7, Issue 2 Humanitarian Page 46

World Food Programme continues implementation of its School Feeding programme in Iraq

Baghdad, 12 March 2020 - 12 March the World Food Programme, its help the poor people and help my is the International School Feeding partners, and all those who have family.‖ Day! contributed to bringing smiles and joy ***** Better nourished children can focus on to their faces and other students. ―I am Omer and his friend Hamza, both ten learning in school and are at lower risk now thinking about my future,‖ says of developing poor health conditions. Yusuf. WFP‘s School Feeding Programme ***** launched in December for the academic I visited Tariq al Hussein mixed school year 2019-2020. It has expanded to in Hamza (Qad83), which has 253 330,000 schoolchildren in over 1,000 young students. The school is made up schools across 11 governorates of Iraq. of caravans and located in a rural area. WFP appreciates and celebrates the The families there are very poor and success of the programme in some of them Bedouin, who used to collaboration with the Ministries of move during winter to another area in Education and Health, who have made Najaf to feed their animals in green School Feeding possible! pastures. And here are few stories from Iraq. The Tariq al Hussein headmaster Mr. One of the heroes of our story today is Salim was so grateful to implement the Yusuf. He and his younger siblings lost School Feeding programme. He added their father at an early age, five years that in his area the children used to years old, are students at Al Ta‘azur ago. They suffer extreme poverty due to leave school completely and work as primary school in Jibab Island, west of a lack of breadwinners in the family. shepherds, to help their families. ―Now Ana district in Anbar. They are from Their mother long since emigrated and I find the students arrive early morning poor families who rely on fishing or their stepmom had begun to take care before school opening, and each five farming to support their lives. Illiteracy of them. After a while, she too left and minutes a student comes to me and levels are among the highest in Iraq. the boys moved to their late father‘s asks: What are you going to distribute The years pass by, but Omer and mud hut, on the outskirts of the city. today Sir? Another student asks Hamza are still in the first grade, as Yusuf is approaching 11 years old. He impatiently: Don‘t you think the food they were careless to drop out, staying studies in the 3rd grade of primary truck is late today?‖ behind for many years for simple school, but was going to leave school for Manar Qassim‘s story attracted my reasons. two years, because of his family‘s dire attention. After the School Feeding programme living conditions. Yusuf and his started, I met them at the brothers Ammar and Hamza have Headmaster‘s office and asked: What is become the breadwinners for their two the secret behind your regular younger sisters. attendance at school? And how come, as As their mud house was isolated and your Headmaster has informed me, you they had no one older to protect them, look so glad to come to school every they became fearful and uncertain, and day?‖ They replied with bashful half- decided to move to the middle of the smiles, ―We come every day to eat, play city, to a rental house despite their and learn, as nowadays we feel so glad financial hardship. ―This was so we to have healthy meals with a variety of could feel safe and secure,‖ recounts items that encourage us to attend Yusuf. Then the school year began, and daily.‖ Yusuf and his brothers were present for It is worth mentioning that one of the several days, but then disappeared, major challenges faced by Omer and his prompting the school staff and students Manar is seven years old in Grade 2. friend is transportation. They arrive to investigate what happened. They She is an orphan, Mr. Salim told me. every day by fishing boat, wearing no discovered that the boys worked all day Her mother died when she was just life vests and sometimes, they have to to make the rent for their home, and three months old. Manar had no choice wait around an hour after school for a cover the basic needs that kept them but to leave school last December, to fisherman to pick them up and steer alive but were insufficient. join her Bedouin family in Najaf during them home. The school staff and classmates told the winter. But when her family heard, The school headmaster told me about him and his brothers about the School from relatives in the area, that the many dropout students who recently Feeding programme, which provides School Feeding programme is being re-joined the school, just because they regular meals to students, thus implemented in her school, they heard about the School Feeding meals. avoiding the need to leave school to decided to send her back to re-join The Headmaster appreciated the effort work to fill their stomachs. The staff school again and to live with her uncle‘s of Ministry of Education along with and fellow students encouraged Yusuf family in Hamza. Manar is one of the WFP, to launch such a programme to to continue studying and helped him most intelligent students at her school, serve the needs of Iraqi students. organize his time between studying and and all her teachers like her working outside. Yusuf and his personality. She is a very optimistic brothers have returned to Hatem Al- and ambitious person, who seeks to By Heyad Musa, Abdulwahid Hameed Ta‘i School for Boys. Today, they extend continue her education to be ―an and Thaer Al Salman (WFP Field their sincere thanks and gratitude to important person in the future and Monitor Team) Volume 7, Issue 2 Humanitarian Page 47

Assistance delivered to Mosul after violent storm hits Iraq

Erbil, 20 March 2020 - An unusually powerful storm has swept through the Middle East. The storm brought torrential rains that caused flooding in parts of northern and eastern Iraq on 18 March. Mosul, in Ninewa Governorate, was particularly hard-hit and local civil defense authorities moved quickly to evacuate residents in danger — the city was significantly damaged during the conflict with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, making it difficult for the remaining infrastructure to withstand the violent storm. It was also reported that a displaced family of five died in Diyala Governorate, eastern Iraq, after their house collapsed from the force of the storm. The Government of Iraq and the possible with support from USAID. On Friday (20/3) the International Kurdistan Regional Government are Heavy rainstorms with strong winds Organization for Migration (IOM) in currently implementing curfews and drench also Duhok Governorate. While Iraq organized a distribution of non- preventive measures that restrict there were no casualties in camps for food item (NFI) kits to affected families movement between governorates, Syrian refugees and displaced Iraqis, in Mosul, many of whom are now making it difficult to reach affected- the punishing rain caused floods staying with relatives in safe locations. communities with supplies. IOM Iraq cutting off access to parts of camps The kits include blankets, kitchen sets, continues to work with the local along with collapse of some tents and jerry cans, hygiene kits and plastic authorities to ensure that damage to personal belongings. sheets. Informational material about humanitarian aid can be delivered and UNHCR and partners worked as managing the spread of the that vulnerable individuals can be quickly as possible to respond to those Coronavirus was included with each assisted. whose shelters were damaged or NFI kit. The distribution of NFI kits was made destroyed and need basic relief items.

Community-led solutions essential to sustainable returns of IDPs with perceived affiliation: IOM Iraq study

when the military campaign to expel Iraq Chief of Mission Gerard Waite. ISIL reached the area. ―When some of these individuals were As of February 2020, over 1.4 million displaced, and later attempted to go people have returned to Anbar. home, they were displaced again when However, tensions exist between those their communities of origin rejected who fled during ISIL‘s initial advance them for this perceived affiliation.‖ and those who remained, many of Internally displaced persons (IDPs) whom would become displaced later on who are rejected by their communities during military campaign to retake are unable to return and therefore risk areas under ISIL control. Many remaining exiled from their families in the group that remained are communities or displaced for extended often perceived to have affiliations with periods. Social acceptance of those who ISIL, regardless of any actual remained living under ISIL occupation affiliation or sympathies with ISIL. is critical to prevent further grievances A new study by the International and new cycles of conflict; however, this Organization for Migration (IOM) in cannot be achieved without Iraq analyses the responses of six acknowledging the perspective of communities in Falluja district of victims. Anbar governorate to the return of The research investigates three key displaced community members with areas: the factors that contribute to perceived affiliation. The communities high or low levels of acceptance of IDPs Erbil, 26 March 2020 - Anbar, in — Saqlawiya Center, Albu Shejeel, Al with perceived affiliation; mechanisms western Iraq, is the country‘s largest Abba, Karma Center, Al Husi, and put in place by communities to manage governorate by area. In early 2014, the Fhelat — were directly affected by the return of IDPs with perceived Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant ISIL conflict. affiliation; and obstacles limiting the (ISIL) seized control of Anbar from the ―There is still a sense in certain sustainable return of IDPs with Iraqi Government; nearly half a million communities that those who remained perceived affiliation. The research people fled the ISIL advance between in Anbar under ISIL, or have family or forms part of IOM‘s broader work January and May 2014. A second wave tribal ties to perceived affiliates, are supporting durable solutions to of displacement took place in 2016 ISIL sympathizers,‖ explained IOM internal displacement in Iraq. Volume 7, Issue 2 Humanitarian Page 48

IOM: Vocational training opening new opportunities for IDPs

Baghdad, 31 March 2020 - ―I am ―I used to watch my friends knit and I planning to open my own beauty salon, loved it; I wished that I could do it like so I decided to join this free course to them. Recently, I heard that IOM Iraq enhance the skills that I have in had announced courses in knitting, and hairdressing and cosmetics. I will also I decided to enroll to learn the basics,‖ hire Ru‘aa, who I met in this class, to said Nisreen. The 22-year-old has lived work with me in the saloon that I will with her family in Amriyat Al-Fallujah do when we finish this course,‖, said since they were displaced from Al- Fatima, a 19-year-old from Basra. Ramadi, Anbar in 2014. Fatima and 10 other female students ―Now my knitting skills rival those of are learning hairdressing and my friends, and I can make a variety of cosmetics skills, as part of the Training items including warm winter clothes. I and Mentoring project for Women's am thinking of starting my own Empowerment in Basra. This project is knitwear business to generate an implemented by the International income as I raise my six-year-old son,‖ Organization for Mmigration, with she added. support from Mitsubishi Corporation, Nisreen is learning knitting skills the camp, as part of its camp in collaboration with the Iraqi Ministry alongside four other women and girls in management support team‘s of Labour and Social Affairs. Amr iyat Al- Fallujah‘s Kitting Community Mobilization activities. Workshop, run by IOM Iraq with Following the training, the participants support from EU Civil Protection and started working in the workshop Humanitarian Aid - ECHO. through a cash-for-work program — ―Since I was a child, I have been in love they will produce items such as shelves, with the shapes that blacksmiths are doors, windows and more that will be able to create. I eventually started my provided to IDPs in the camp free of own blacksmith shop and it was a good charge. job. Then ISIS entered the Jurf al- "After we were displaced, I stopped Sakhr area in 2014 and I was working for a long time. This workshop displaced; since then I have been living added a lot to my knowledge of in camps,‖ said Isaac, 25, who lives smithery; now I have a lot of new with his family in Amriyat Al Fallujah, creative ideas and my wish is to go Anbar. back to my home town and open my Isaac and 19 other IDPs in Amriyat Al- workshop again.‖ Fallujah recently participated in a The blacksmith workshop in Amriyat training course in smithery. The Al Fallujah was also supported by training was held at IOM‘s workshop in ECHO. Floods in Mosul did not wait for COVID-19 movement restrictions to be lifted managed to obtain a special permission from the local authorities to reach the site and assess the situation with the sector municipality staff and community representatives. Ten workers from the area were recruited for two days to dig and remove the tons of accumulated dirt that blocked the main manhole. The team also handed over boxes of hand sanitizing gel, gloves, and 500 face masks to municipal staff and workers. Due to the unavailability of medical masks in Mosul, the team had them locally tailored in 24 hours, demonstrating how even while asked to stay apart to fight the pandemic, communities will come together in solidarity to lend each Mosul, 7 April 2020 - Last week, as rose dramatically in the streets and other a hand. most citizens were confined at home by entered their homes. Prompted by a This initiative was conducted under the government decree, many areas in the desperate call for help made by the EU-funded programme ‗Supporting north of Iraq experienced torrential residents of Maghreb, a west Mosul Recovery and Stability in Iraq through rain and subsequent flashfloods. As if neighbourhood where UNHabitat is Local Development‘, implemented by the COVID19 pandemic outbreak and conducting an area-based urban United Nations Development economic crisis were not enough, people recovery project funded by the Programme - UNDP in partnership in Mosul stood helpless as water levels European Union, its field team with UN-Habitat. Volume 7, Issue 2 Humanitarian Page 49

Prior to the curfew enacted in response to COVID-19, 500 struggling Iraqi families in Markaz Fallujah, Fallujah sub-district, were provided with basic non-food items by the UN-Habitat and its partner

Baghdad, 5 April 2020 - Quilts. Mattresses. Solar lamps. Water jerry cans. Cooking stoves. Imagine being displaced from your home and not having these basic items to stay warm, safe, hydrated, clean and fed. As the world rushes to the shops to stock up on supplies to get through national lockdowns and quarantines, IDPs, who often live day-to-day, do not have the same option. They are highly sensitive to changes in access to food, water, or services, particularly those not living in camps. In early March, prior to the curfew enacted in response to COVID-19, 500 struggling Iraqi families in Markaz Fallujah, Fallujah sub-district, were provided with basic non-food items by for the health of our families and donors that generously fund the Iraq the United Nations Human communities, we must also remember Humanitarian Fund (IHF), its partner the Globalالجمعيت الهندسيت للتطىير و البيئت, Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) the vulnerable, the isolated, and those and its partner, the Engineering who need community support, Shelter Cluster, the United Nations Association for the Development and particularly the elderly, the disabled, Office for the Coordination of )مكتب األمم المتحدة Environment (EADE), supported by the and households headed by woman,‖ Humanitarian Affairs and theلتنسيق الشؤون اإلنسبنيت في العراق(, United Nations High Commissioner for said UN-Habitat Iraq Head of Country Refugees (UNHCR). Programme, Mr. Wael Al-Ashhab. UNHCR Iraq for the provision of NFI ―While we share our collective concerns UN-Habitat would like to thank the kits.

Belgium and Italy support WFP‘s assistance to displaced families and refugees in Iraq

Baghdad, 22 April 2020 - The United Ambassador of Belgium to Jordan and Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Iraq Filip Vanden Bulcke. ―We are keen welcomes two generous contributions to support a comprehensive Food from the Governments of Belgium and Security system in Iraq through our Italy of €1 million each (US$1.1 million) multiyear and flexible funding to WFP, to assist internally displaced people to respond to people in need of (IDPs) and Syrian refugees in Iraq. humanitarian food assistance.‖ ―The vulnerable situation of IDPs and ―As people‘s needs grow in the current refugees in Iraq is now further context, WFP extends its gratitude to exacerbated by COVID-19. Italy the Governments of Belgium and Italy remains committed to supporting WFP for such strong and enduring in its work to reach affected partnerships,‖ said WFP communities, helping people meet their Representative in Iraq Abdirahman food needs. Particularly in the current shops boosting the local economy, Meygag. ―These funds are helping us context, where many people have lost which is being badly affected by ensure that the most vulnerable IDPs day jobs or cannot work, food assistance COVID-19. and Syrian refugees have enough to eat remains vital,‖ said the Italian Restrictions imposed to face COVID-19 and prevent them from spiraling into Ambassador to Iraq Bruno Pasquino. in the country have pushed food prices hunger and poverty during this very Both contributions – committed pre- higher while at the same time people‘s difficult time.‖ COVID-19 crisis – will enable WFP to incomes diminished as they are unable Despite the retaking of areas that had distribute monthly cash -based to work. WFP is seeking US$31.9 been occupied by the Islamic State in transfers through electronic vouchers million to help meet the increased Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), 1.4 million (―e-vouchers‖) and ―mobile money,‖ to needs of families affected by COVID-19. people continue to be displaced, 81,300 of the most vulnerable IDPs and ―By addressing the food needs and hampered from returning to their Syrian refugees – who had to flee their assisting communities in strengthening homes due to severe damage, a lack of homes and still live in camps. Cash their coping mechanisms, WFP plays a basic services and security issues. Due assistance gives people the freedom to significant role in a number of to violence in neighboring Syria, Iraq buy the food of their choice and at the countries and as such, is a key partner continues to host around 247,500 same time sustains demand in local of Belgian humanitarian aid,‖ said Syrian refugees. Volume 7, Issue 2 Humanitarian Page 50

In March UN Habitat and its partners were able to complete a distribution of non-food items to a total of 1,000 struggling Iraqi families in Anbar

Organization (WHO) and phone numbers they can call to ask questions, such as the Iraq Information Centre hotline, managed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), on behalf of the Humanitarian Country Team. ―Accurate information about the spread of COVID-19 is critical, particularly in urban areas and informal settlements where people live very close to one another, and social distancing is simply not possible. UN-Habitat is distributing accurate information to Iraqis wherever possible during these difficult times,‖ said UN-Habitat Iraq Head of Country Programme, Mr. Wael Al-Ashhab. In March, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) and its partner were able to complete a distribution of non-food items to a total of 1,000 struggling Iraqi families in Anbar. UN-Habitat would like to thank the donors that generously fund the Baghdad, 23 April 2020 - As traffic assistance packages. Iraq Humanitarian Fund (IHF), its reduced and towns became quiet, at Carrying out distributions of items in partner Engineering Association for the least one truck was still moving in the the early days of COVID-19 response Development and Environment, the streets of Fallujah. In late March, basic required limiting contact between Global Shelter Cluster, the United household items were slowly and people and using protective items such Nations Office for the Coordination of carefully loaded onto trucks and driven as gloves and masks. However, it was Humanitarian Affairs (United Nations to identified shelters. Street by street, also an opportunity to provide people OCHA), and the United Nations High shelter by shelter, family by family, with accurate information about Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR people came out to collect their COVID-19 from the World Health Iraq) for the provision of NFI kits.

Stabilization and Development

UNFPA presents its new Country Programme Document to donors, authorities and potential implementing partners

Erbil, 25 February 2020 - UNFPA held on 23-24 February, a two-day meeting with donors, government entities and potential implementing partners in Erbil, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, to introduce to them the UNFPA new Country Programme Document and discuss the development of its implementation framework. On the first day, the UNFPA team presented to the attendees the Fund‘s framework for the reproductive health, gender and gender-based violence, youth, as well as the population and development programmes, with contribution from the monitoring and evaluation and the communications teams. The presentations were followed by a of the different programmes. team on what can be offered to women, deeper group thematic discussion on On the second day, the thematic groups girls, and youth on policy making but the expectations and strategies for each held discussions with the programmes also services. Volume 7, Issue 2 Stabilization and Development Page 51

Stronger than iron - stories of determination and resilience

Mosul, 1 March 2020 - Established in 1979, Al-Hadidi Iron Turning Factory in Mosul was well known across Iraq for its high-quality work — specialized in the production of mechanized wells and water systems. At its peak in the 1980s, the factory had customers throughout the country and employed 40 people. Hamdi*, 49, is the factory‘s current owner. He started visiting Al-Hadidi as a child, accompanying his father who established the business; now, he is an experienced mechanic with grand ambitions for the family business. ―Many families made a living through this factory, including ours,‖ said Hamdi. trauma.‖ IOM Iraq supports target sectors that For almost 40 years, it seemed like When Mosul was retaken, Hamdi have a high impact on the economic nothing could slow the factory‘s roll - reopened his business, but it had lost recovery and job creation. Al-Hadidi neither the conflicts of the 1980s, nor all of its former glory. Part of the Iron Turning Factory is an example of the economic sanctions imposed on Iraq building was destroyed, none of the the economic impact of EDF initiatives: in the 1990s. skilled workers had come back and, the rehabilitation will positively impact Then, in 2014, ISIL arrived in Mosul. most painfully, his brother - a the value chain connected to irrigation The Al-Hadidi Iron Turning Factory competent mechanic - was no longer facilities, which were also damaged lost its way while Mosul, Iraq‘s second able to work. during the conflict, thus creating largest city, was occupied by the The International Organization for additional employment opportunities in Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Migration (IOM) selected the Al-Hadidi the sector. The factory was hit by missiles during Iron Turning Factory as a beneficiary Finally, through the EDF, IOM Iraq the battle to recapture the city, and the of a grant through its Enterprise supports the Chamber of Commerce building‘s structural integrity was Development Fund (EDF) project, and and the Ministry of Labour and Social damaged. Hamdi was given a USD 33,000 grant Affairs (MoLSA) as they help The business also suffered from a loss in two installments. businesses comply with Iraqi labour of manpower — most of the employees ―This was the biggest opportunity of my laws and working standards relevant to left Mosul after ISIL took over. One life. I was feeling so low. We lost so the sector. employee, Samad, was displaced to much during the conflict; coping was Al-Hadidi Iron Turning Factory is Erbil with his family; during the not easy,‖ said Hamdi. ―This grant supported by EDF, an initiative co- fighting his house was hit by a mortar helped me get back on my feet, and I funded by KfW - The German and his daughter was severely injured. feel even stronger now." Development Bank. The factory remained open, but only Hamdi rehabilitated the factory‘s Hamdi‘s family remained. building and hired four employees with * Names and some identifying details ―We were afraid that if we closed the the first installment. With the second, have been changed to protect the factory, ISIL would occupy it, so we he bought equipment and hired seven privacy of individuals. pretended we were still working at full more employees. steam,‖ Hamdi explained. Things got Rehabilitation of local businesses Story by Sazan Gawdan with complicated when ISIL militants encourages the return of Internally contributions from Avand Hasan/IOM showed up at the factory one day, and Displaced Persons, which is the core Iraq - Photo credit: Hersh Yaseen/IOM kidnapped Hamdi's brother to pressure tenet of the EDF project. Samad, the Iraq the family into manufacturing torture former Al-Hadidi employee who moved devices. to Erbil to seek medical treatment for ―They wanted me to produce weapons his injured daughter, is one example. and all sorts of vile torture ―The reopening of Al-Hadidi factory has instruments. That was the most helped me in two ways: I returned to horrific experience of my life,‖ Hamdi my home and got my job back, and now continued. ―I couldn‘t leave Mosul, so I that we are here, a nongovernmental just hid from them until the city was organization will be covering my liberated.‖ daughter‘s medical expenses,‖ Samad* ISIL requested a high ransom to said. release Hamdi‘s brother; Hamdi and In addition to encouraging sustainable his siblings managed to collect the returns and reintegration, initiatives requested amount and secure their like the EDF boost the local economy by brother‘s release. making high-quality local products ―But my brother doesn‘t know us available again, thus decreasing anymore,‖ Hamdi lamented. ―The drugs dependence on imports. they gave him and the torture they By investing in the private sector and inflicted upon him left him with severe enhancing local production capacity, Volume 7, Issue 2 Stabilization and Development Page 52

―Be clean and stay healthy‖ – delivery of a health and hygiene awareness-raising campaign in Yathrib Sub-District, Salah Al Din governorate

partner Human Relief Foundation (HRF). The itinerant sessions were designed by professional HRF hygiene trainers who developed an interactive and fun approach to promote good sanitation and personal hygiene practices. These included handwashing and dental hygiene, treatment of unsafe water, handling and safe storage of drinking water, sanitation, lice and scabies treatment, typhoid and diarrhea prevention, water conservation, and the safe disposal of solid, organic and toxic waste. As part of the outreach campaign, 400 households received a small Health & Hygiene Kit. This initiative was undertaken as part of the on-going area-based programme that was launched in 2019 in post-conflict urban Baghdad, 1 March 2020 - In District, UN-Habitat has successfully areas, under the EU - f u n de d February 2020, in parallel to the delivered a Community Health & programme ‗Supporting Recovery and extension of the potable water network Hygiene Awareness-Raising Campaign Stability in Iraq through Local in the residential area of Al-Bohishma, targeting women, youth and children of Development‘, implemented by UNDP located to the east of Yathrib Sub- the area through its implementing in partnership with UN-Habitat.

UNICEF partners with the Republic of Korea to provide water and sanitation services for the most vulnerable children in Iraq

Baghdad, 4 March 2020 – Approximately 3 million children and young people across Iraq need humanitarian support as they try to recover from years of conflict and violence. The Republic of Korea has partnered with UNICEF and contributed US$1 million to provide water and sanitation services to the most vulnerable children living in displacement camps in Anbar, Ninewa and Salah al Din—areas hardest hit by the violence. ―An estimated 30 per cent of displaced children live in camps, where humanitarian needs are greatest. The contribution from the Republic of Korea will ensure we are able to continue providing critical services such as safe drinking water as well as maintaining sanitation facilities to promote hygiene and protect children from preventable diseases,‖ said Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF‘s Representative in Iraq. In addition to the provision of safe o care and maintenance for the hygiene awareness sessions will take drinking water for nearly 60,000 people sanitation facilities, including repair of place to help maintain positive in the displacement camps, the latrines, showers, toilet pans, and practices in the targeted population. contribution from the Korea will septic tanks; In 2019, the Water, Hygiene and support the following activities: o waste collection services; Sanitation Cluster (WASH) co-led by o care and maintenance of the o dissemination of information, UNICEF and other non-governmental existing water systems including the education, and communication organizations reached over 1.8 million network, taps, water tanks and water materials on water conservation, safe people with safe water in Ninewa, purification units; purification and storage of water, and Salah al Din and Anbar. Volume 7, Issue 2 Stabilization and Development Page 53

The Government of Japan and UNESCO sign agreement on job creation for youth in Mosul

Baghdad, 3 March 2020 - The as assistance for youth in Mosul. With Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. this package, the total amount of Hashimoto Naofumi, and Japan‘s assistance to the people Representative of UNESCO to Iraq, affected by the crisis reaches USD 540 Mr. Paolo Fontani, signed today an million since 2014. I hope that the agreement in Baghdad in support of the assistance from the Government and project to support job creation for youth people of Japan will help foster in Mosul. The project aims to foster sustainable job creation for youth in sustainable job creation for youth Mosul in reconstruction efforts‖. supporting the return of IDPs through Japan has long been a valued donor to quality TVET training for skilled UNESCO in Iraq. In 2019, the construction workers. Government of Japan supported the The project will be implemented in project "Voices of the children of Old synergy with other UNESCO activities innovative contribution: ―UNESCO is Mosul: the rehabilitation and under the umbrella initiative ‗Revive very grateful to the Government and management of primary schools in the Spirit of Mosul‘ to coordinate the people of Japan. The project will historic urban context emerging from international efforts in revitalizing empower young people in Mosul conflict". The project lays the ground educational and cultural institutions in through supporting employment and for a holistic approach to the Mosul, in close cooperation with the self-employment and reduce the prevention of violent extremism in Government and the people of Iraq. likelihood of marginalization and primary education with the provision of This project will have linkages to the extremism.‖ training to support the four key EU project ―Reviving Mosul and Basra Ambassador Hashimoto highlighted: elements that influence the experience Old Cities‖. ―Japan has recently decided new of children's learning: parents, Director and Representative of assistance package for Iraq amounting teachers, school principals and school UNESCO Iraq Office praised this to USD 41 million including this project policies and procedures.

Approximately 1 million children in Iraq to receive health and nutrition support, thanks to a new contribution from Japan

amounting to USD 41 million including this project as assistance for children and mothers. With this package, the total amount of Japan‘s assistance to people affected by the crisis reaches USD 540 million since 2014. ―I hope that the assistance from the Government and people of Japan will help enhance access to basic health and nutrition services for vulnerable children and mothers,‖ he added.

Iraq‘s health sector has been severely decimated by years conflict and under investments, leaving the most vulnerable children and families struggling to access lifesaving services. In Ninewah and Salaheddin, two Baghdad, 11 March 2020 –Japan has against preventable diseases and governorates that were heavily contributed US $ 4.4 million to support families are able to access adequate impacted by the violence, only 50 UNICEF‘s health and nutrition healthcare,‖ said Hamida Lasseko, percent and 60 percent of health programmes for some of Iraq‘s most UNICEF‘s Representative in Iraq. centers, respectively, are fully vulnerable children and their families. The contribution will ensure over 1 functioning. This has placed enormous The grant will target population in million highly vulnerable children pressure on functioning health facilities displacement camps as well as seven under five are immunized against as they try to cope with growing governorates impacted by conflict and preventable diseases. Refugees and demands as more and more families displacement, including Dohuk, Erbil, pregnant women will also be supported leave displacement camp and return to Suleimaniyah, Kirkuk, Ninewah, with a comprehensive package of their homes. Salahaddin, and Anbar. health and nutrition assistance. In addition, the contribution will also ―Japan is a friend to the children of H.E. Mr. Hashimoto Naofumi, be used to support approximately 100 Iraq. We are thankful for their support Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of health centers in the targeted during this critical period where we Iraq, said: governorates with new equipment and must act with a sense of urgency to ―Japan has recently decided to provide cold chain storage to ensure proper ensure that children are vaccinated a new assistance package for Iraq storage of vaccination. Volume 7, Issue 2 Stabilization and Development Page 54

‗How training in digital and English-language skills changed my life‘

Yasser, a Syrian refugee in Iraq recalls with no job opportunities. his journey from longing to study to At that time I met my friend, who becoming a web designer through invited me to sell balloons at traffic WFP‘s EMPACT scheme. lights. Suddenly, this was the best job I‘d had so far. It was enough to pay the Baghdad, 11 March 2020 - Hi, I‘m rent for my house. But it had a Yasser. I‘m 23, from Damascus, Syria. downside, which was: this job was very I left Syria in 2011 — because of the embarrassing. war — and moved to Lebanon. I stayed Later, I got an opportunity to work in a in Lebanon with my family for a year. I kitchen as a butcher again and I started working as a butcher. Then I developed my skills enough to end up tried to study, but it was difficult for as a general chef. One day, there was me because I had to support my family. an announcement in the refugee camp, So I quit studying. I left the butcher‘s about EMPACT courses in the and started working in a market, as a American University of Sulaymaniyah. customer assistant. Then I moved to a Immediately, I applied, and I got poultry shop, then back to the accepted. butcher‘s. After that, we had to move to I started learning English and social- Cairo. Life in Egypt was anything but media marketing. I was the first in all easy. None of us could work at that my class. Then I graduated to the time. advanced stage of the programme, and large base of clients, in and outside Then we decided to move again, to Iraq. I started learning how to design a Iraq. We were not very lucky when we came website, on WordPress. I am really lucky to have had the to Iraq because, suddenly, ISIL came Even before I graduated, I got my first chance to attend this amazing and the situation became more difficult. professional job, at Click digital agency, programme, and I really encourage I tried going back to school, but again, I as a web designer and social media anyone with a dream to attend it. had to help my father, to support my specialist. EMPACT continued to EMPACT — Empowerment in Action! family. support me, by providing a laptop for — is funded by the German Federal The next job I had was working in a my first job. Ministry for Economic Cooperation and concrete-block factory in Iraq. After a Now, after more than one year, I am an Development (BMZ) month, the factory shut down, and I Account Executive, team leader and lost my job. It was winter and cold, quality controller at Click. I have a By Sharon Rapose, WFP Iraq.

Incorporating climate change into the recovery and reconstruction of public facilities - ‗Building Back Better‘ in Heet

Baghdad, 16 March 2020 - UN- can reach in July (52°C), the team have reduce the ecological footprint of the Habitat has recently launched the introduced a set of retrofitting project, contractors were encouraged to renovation of Al Nejoom Primary measures to improve the thermal use as much as possible materials School in the Baker neighbourhood in comfort of the building. These include sourced from the local market and the city of Heet, Anbar Governorate. roof insulation, fitting of shading produced in Iraq. This initiative is While the two-story structure did not devices above classroom windows, new undertaken under the EU-funded suffer any serious physical damage fans and vents, solar water heater, and programme ‗Supporting Recovery and during the conflict with ISIL, the the installation of shading sails over Stability in Iraq through Local building was in a state of general sections of the schoolyard. Also, in an Development‘, implemented by UNDP disrepair and unfit for its purpose. The effort to support the local economy and in partnership with UN-Habitat. school currently operates in two shifts and serves 520 pupils, with an average of 43 pupils per class. Rehabilitation works include the overhaul of its leaking roof, repairs to the looted electrical system, the makeover of windows and doors, and the renovation of its run-down sanitary facilities. The availability of proper toilets and clean water can encourage children, especially girls, to go to school and remain in the school system. Availability of proper handwashing facilities is also of special importance these days to support the preventive measure of the Covid-19 outbreak. In consideration of the climatic context of Heet and the peak temperatures it Volume 7, Issue 2 Stabilization and Development Page 55

IOM Iraq to rehabilitate water facility in Basra

Basra, 16 March 2020 - In recent years, water scarcity in Basra's al- Qurna district had affected its population of 100,000, led to the displacement of over 100 families and affected agriculture and livestock businesses. With support from Qatar IOM Iraq willقطر الخيريت, Charity rehabilitate the plant. ―When successful, the benefit of the project will reach more than 100,000 residents and have a positive impact on the whole the district,‖ said Arab Al- Jazairi, Assistant to the Governor of Basra, during the kick-off ceremony on 9 March.

Water for all

Baghdad, 22 March 2020 - On World ―There was no water or electricity, so I generate enough income, and try to buy Water Day, we remember all the called my neighbors to try and salvage more sheep. I was not able to use the families affected by climate change, whatever remaining pipes their lands primitive system that I salvaged from and the importance of water for all. still had, to build a small water system old pipes, but now I can water my Qassem, a farmer in Sinjar, Ninewa, from the borehole that was still intact.‖ plants more efficiently and grow more had to flee his village in 2014 due to the WFP and partner Action Against crops.‖ conflict. He and his family found refuge Hunger - Middle East‘s project with in a camp in Zakho, Duhok Qassem and other participants helped Interview and photo by Aida Burnett- governorate. When it was eventually prepare their land for cultivation. The Cargill, Nazar Barakat & Ahmed safer to return, years later, he took the project provided Qassem‘s family with a Rezeq, WFP Iraq first opportunity to go home. drip irrigation system and a ―My land means everything to me. As greenhouse. Other participants soon as I heard that some villages were installed or repaired livestock shelters freed from ISIL, I had to go back and or beehives, and grew kitchen gardens. try to farm a small plot of land, to Training and mentoring covered resume our lives.‖ But they had to start farming techniques, food security, and again from nothing: ―My sheep were irrigation using the repaired or new gone, everything in my house was systems. Qassem started by planting looted. Imagine that they even took the onions in winter. water pump from my farm. Talking ―This really helped me pick myself up about what I saw then makes me want and resume my life as a farmer. I hope to cry, even today!‖ that things will work out, so that I can

Mosul metalworker helps Old City neighbours after displacement

Mosul, 25 March 2020 - Ashwaq skips breaches, including public beatings and and worked. ―It is 6,000 years old, and I cheerfully past the rubble of destroyed executions. want to bring life back to it‖. buildings in Mosul‘s Old City, holding When the battle to retake the city was Mosul is the largest city in Ninewa her father‘s hand as he shows her the launched in October 2016, Saad and his governorate, where around 1.7 million streets their family have called home family fled to another part of Mosul. formerly displaced Iraqis have now for generations. After years of They managed to avoid the worst of the returned to their homes. Yet more than occupation and displacement, she no fighting, which left much of the historic 334,000 people remain displaced. longer recognizes her own Old City in ruins. When the fighting finally ended, more neighbourhood. Now, with financial help to rehabilitate than 40,000 homes in Mosul were in Now nine years old, Ashwaq was just their damaged home, the family are need of rehabilitation. four when ISIS took over the city. For finally moving back into their old Through its cash - f o r - s h e l t e r the first three years of occupation, her neighbourhood. The support comes programme, which provides for up to father Saad kept her indoors with her through a cash-for-shelter programme US$4,000 for essential repairs, siblings to protect them from the led by UNHCR, the UN Refugee UNHCR has so far helped to fix up authoritarian rule imposed on local Agency. some 765 homes, ensuring safe shelter residents. They faced restrictions on ―I was very keen on going back [to] my for more than 7,000 people. But given everything from what they could wear old neighbourhood, which goes back to the scale of the destruction, it will take to whether they could use mobile Assyrian times,‖ Saad said of the many years of continued support before phones, with severe penalties for historic area of Mosul where he lived things return to normal. Volume 7, Issue 2 Stabilization and Development Page 56

Mosul metalworker helps Old City neighbours … (continued)

As he points out major landmarks to Ashwaq, such as the bridge over the Tigris River and some of the ancient homes along its banks, Saad recalls what life was like here in more peaceful times. ―People went on picnics near the river. My friends and I used to play football on the riverbank. Life was good and prosperous in Mosul back then.‖ Saad‘s first priority after moving back into his rehabilitated home was to reopen his metal welding workshop, which his father established back in 1978 before passing it on to his son. Before the conflict, most of his business heaters for a small cost, while many With people and commerce slowly consisted of making specialist people who could not afford to pay me, I returning to the neighbourhood, Saad aluminium ducts and ventilators for helped for free,‖ he explained. recently resumed making parts for home heating and air-conditioning He also made around 350 simple wood- central air-conditioning and heating systems. But there was little demand burning stoves using sheet metal, systems for the first time in more than for such comparative luxuries during which he sold to those who had no six years. the city‘s occupation and the difficult other means of keeping warm for US$5, He hopes this encouraging sign marks years that followed. barely enough to cover his costs. the start of a better life for his family When he first reopened the shop, he ―We are all citizens of Mosul.‖ and the city, and his daughter Ashwaq found that the needs of the few ―This helped people – not only homes will once again come to recognize the neighbours returning to the area were but also shops were reopened,‖ Saad neighbourhood she had forgotten as more basic, and he found a way to said. ―People deserve a second chance. home. resume his work while lending a Most of them are poor and they need a ―All what I want is for my children to helping hand. helping hand. We are all citizens of live a good life and that I am able to ―I went back to my workshop and felt Mosul. Those of us who are able to provide a comfortable life for them. I that I can help people who returned by should help those who are less hope they have a good future in Mosul.‖ fixing their damaged water tanks and fortunate than us.‖ By Firas Al-Khateeb, UNHCR Iraq Japan provides an additional $3.6 million for UN-Habitat‘s reconstruction and peacebuilding programme in Iraq

Baghdad, 2 April 2020 - The United recently decided to provide a new and the Government of Japan for their Nations Human Settlements assistance package for Iraq amounting continuous generous support which Programme (UN-Habitat) welcomes an to USD 41 million including this project allows integration of the New Urban additional contribution of USD 3.6 as assistance for conflict-affected areas Agenda and physical interventions for million from the Government of Japan in Ninewa Governorate. With this post-conflict reconstruction and to support reconstruction and package, the total amount of Japan‘s peacebuilding. In line with the New peacebuilding in Iraq through the assistance to the people affected by the Urban Agenda, UN-Habitat is rehabilitation of war-damaged houses crisis reaches USD 540 million since committed to promote adequate and construction of low-cost housing 2014. I hope that the assistance from services, accommodation and decent job units in Sinjar, Ninewa Governorate. the Government and people of Japan opportunities for conflict-affected Under the new phase of this project, will help rebuild livelihoods of affected persons in urban settings. UN-Habitat will improve living communities through rehabilitating With a contribution of approximately conditions in Sinjar through a community infrastructure and housing $55 million since 2015, the Government comprehensive urban recovery units‖. of Japan has been a vital partner to approach, including (a) rehabilitation of UN-Habitat is grateful to the people UN-Habitat‘s Iraq Programme. public spaces and infrastructure, (b) construction of low-cost housing units to accommodate returnees whose houses are totally destroyed and have not received any support for rehabilitation or reconstruction of their houses, and (c) vocational training. Graduates of the vocational training will be employed for rehabilitation and construction activities implemented by UN-Habitat, which will contribute to rebuilding their livelihoods. His Excellency Mr. Hashimoto Naofumi, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Iraq, stated: ―Japan has Volume 7, Issue 2 Stabilization and Development Page 57

"We can do it!" - building safer homes in Iraq's IDP Camps

Baghdad, 5 April 2020 - The shelters many employment opportunities, they women may be excluded from such that make up Jad‘ah 5 camp, in Iraq‘s only get to do tailoring work which work opportunities for cultural reasons. Ninewa Governorate, all have the same doesn‘t pay much.‖ ―Some of the women who didn‘t architecture: tents made of a metal IOM Iraq aimed to include a large participate in the project were critical frame; an inner cover; a layer of number of women in the project, to and said this isn‘t ‗women‘s work‘; some insulation; an outer cover; front and work alongside the men and earn fair families don‘t allow women to work,‖ back doors. Sandbags are placed and equal wages for their families. said Shifa. ―But my husband and I both around the base outside, to weigh down With the understanding that all took part; the women who participated the tarpaulins and keep the structures programming must be gender- were comfortable working with men in place. responsive, female engineers from IOM and the men were comfortable working In Jad‘ah 1 and Jad‘ah 5 (separate Iraq‘s Camp Management and Shelter with us.‖ sections of the same camp) these programmes hosted focus group ―We did this together, as brothers and modest constructions are still home to discussions for women in Jad‘ah 5 in sisters, and I learned a lot from this 20,000 internally displaced persons April 2019 to better understand their experience,‖ she added. (IDPs); across Iraq, there are an needs. Participants were asked, IDPs in the Jad'ah camps still have estimated 1.4 million IDPs, 24 per cent amongst other things, whether they many needs to be met — primarily of them live in camp settings. wanted to work and about the types of financial. Shifa, Iman and several other Shifa Abdulla‘s tent in Jad‘ah 5 houses jobs they were willing to do. During the women who attended a follow-up focus eight people: she has lived there with discussions, it also emerged that the group discussion in early March 2020 her husband and six daughters since women had struggled to find work in reported that the money they earned being displaced from Mosul in 2017. the past, because no one had taken the through the tent repair activity helped ―When we came to the camp, the tent time to ask them if they were willing or them support their families – so they was in a bad state,‖ Shifa, 35, able to do certain tasks. hope such initiatives take place again. explained; in 2019, the roof of her tent Building the capacities and resilience of The exercise also contributed to their started leaking. ―We asked for help women, girls, men and boys is a key communities‘ acceptance of women as many times, but nothing happened.‖ part of any humanitarian response. equals and breadwinners in their own Many tents in the camp, constructed by IOM Iraq prioritized women‘s right, while enhancing the women‘s the Government of Iraq in 2016, needed participation, and the cash-for-work self-confidence. to be repaired or replaced but a lack of project provided an opportunity for the The participants reported that there resources made it difficult to address women to learn new skills while was a lot of solidarity between the these needs. Through the Iraq earning some money to meet their teams — if an older woman couldn't Humanitarian Fund (IHF) – a country- families‘ needs. carry out certain tasks, everyone would based pooled fund led by the ―We learned how to dismantle and set come to help her. If one team grew tired Humanitarian Coordinator and up the tents on our own, and with the from the day's tasks, another team managed by OCHA – the International right materials we can do it again if would quickly step in to take their Organization for Migration (IOM) needed,‖ added Iman. ―The project place. received a grant in 2019 to replace all managers treated us well, the wages ―We met many people through this tents in the Jad‘ah camps since they were good and our tents are more activity and made new friends,‖ Iman were beyond their life expectancy. comfortable now.‖ concluded. ―Any work that IOM offers The project‘s priority was to replace the During the focus group sessions, in future, we will learn how to do it.‖ tents‘ soft covers, while reusing the participants were asked whether they original metallic frames, and add new were comfortable working alongside sandbags around the exterior bases to men; in many contexts, construction Written by Vanessa Okoth-Obbo, IOM prevent rainwater from entering the jobs are viewed as ―men‘s work‖ and Iraq/Photography by Yad Abdulqader tents during the wet season. Another objective was to engage the camps‘ residents as much as possible, through a Cash for Work scheme designed to provide work opportunities. Starting in October 2019, teams of workers dismantled and then replaced all parts of the tents during two-week shifts (six working days each) before rotating to allow new teams to work. This schedule was put in place to include as many families as possible in the project. ―My daughter and I were both able to work for a few days, and it helped a lot,‖ said Iman Abdulla, 43, who also lives in Jad‘ah 5. Iman is the head of her household, and her daughter is a widow; employment options can be limited for women in these situations. ―Women, especially widows, don‘t have Volume 7, Issue 2 Stabilization and Development Page 58

UN-Habitat Iraq completed the rehabilitation and handing over of 47 housing units in Dohuk, Sumel, Mosul and Sinjar

Baghdad, 15 April 2020 - UN-Habitat Iraq has recently completed the rehabilitation and handing over of 47 housing units in Dohuk, Sumel, Mosul and Sinjar. Around 300 men, women, boys and girls now have access to improved and safer housing conditions in their respective communities. The rehabilitated houses are part of the larger rehabilitation of 490 housing units occupied by IDPs, refugees and host community members and are undertaken under the programme titled ―Strengthening the Long-Term Resilience of Subnational Authorities in countries affected by the Syrian and Iraqi Crises‖ funded by the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the same programme will be resumed once 947 beneficiary families and their Syrian Crisis, the ‗Madad Fund‘ and the lockdown is over. respective communities with advice on implemented by UN-Habitat in In response to the COVID-19 pandemic how to stay healthy and avoid the partnership with UNDP. The and its effect on the programme, UN- spread of COVID-19 virus in their rehabilitation of other houses under the Habitat has proactively reached out to communities.

Debris-recycling initiative seeks to bolster return of displaced in Iraq, amidst growing risks of COVID-19 outbreak

conflict with so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Around two-thirds of this debris consists of concrete, blocks and stones that can be recycled, while the rest is mudbricks. A major challenge in handling this debris stems from the potential presence of unexploded ordnance. Meanwhile, life is slowly picking-up in some of Kirkuk‘s 135 destroyed villages. ―It‘s a citizen-led effort,‖ said Ibrahim Khalaf, a prominent community member from Buwaiter, a village that was razed to the ground in June 2015. Baghdad, 17 April 2020 - With ―The impact of the epidemic is Buwaiter is one of many villages along support from the Government of Japan, exacerbated by the conditions in which the front lines separating militants the UN Environment Programme the displaced live,‖ said Dr. Jassim from the so-called Islamic State in Iraq (UNEP) is joining forces with the Hamadi, Deputy Health and and the Levant (ISIL) in southern International Organization for Environment Minister. ―Their cramped Kirkuk from Kurdish Peshmerga forces Migration (IOM) to launch an living circumstances, both in formal in the north. This large belt of land, innovative debris-recycling project that camps and densely populated informal that stretches over 65 kilometres and will help displaced persons in Kirkuk settlements, and difficulty in accessing divides Kirkuk Governorate in half, Governorate, northern Iraq, return to basic services – especially healthcare – was until recently a no man‘s land their homes. makes them extremely vulnerable to emptied of its inhabitants as entire ―With almost 10,000 destroyed houses the spread of the virus.‖ villages were levelled flat. in Kirkuk Governorate, our priority is Emphasizing that ―the presence of huge ―People are trying to do what they can to enable [displaced persons] to return volumes of debris on peoples‘ properties to rebuild their homes with their and rebuild their demolished homes,‖ is the main obstacle preventing the meager resources,‖ Khalaf said. He said Ali Humadi, Kirkuk‘s Assistant return of at least 80 per cent of cases‖, further asserted that ―that just Governor for Technical Affairs. Ali Humadi welcomed sustainable removing the debris from one house can The plight of the approximately 1.4 solutions to the debris problem and the cost around 2.5 million Iraqi dinars million Internally Displaced Persons redoubling of efforts to facilitate (USD 2,000).‖ This amount is well (IDPs) in Iraq has taken on a new returns given the ongoing public health beyond the means of many families urgency, as they are widely recognized emergency. affected by the conflict, and around half to be some of the most vulnerable Kirkuk authorities estimate that from of Buwaiter‘s nearly 1,000 inhabitants communities to the novel coronavirus 2014 to 2017, around 8-9 million tonnes are unable to return as a result. pandemic. of debris were created during the IOM Iraq estimates that there are still Volume 7, Issue 2 Stabilization and Development Page 59

Debris-recycling initiative seeks to bolster return of displaced in Iraq, amidst growing risks of COVID-19 outbreak (continued)

around 60,000 IDPs in Kirkuk. carrying out more cost-effective assistance package for Iraq amounting ―The most important thing now is to reconstruction by reusing crushed to USD 41 million including this project clear all this debris, and if possible, rubble, and better environmental as assistance for debris recycling in help people reconstruct their homes,‖ management. Kirkuk Governorate. Khalaf noted. The project is being implemented in With this package, the total amount of ―We are at a loss for what to do with all close collaboration with the Kirkuk Japan‘s assistance to the people this debris,‖ said Hassan Nassif, the authorities and the Ministry of Health affected by the crisis reaches USD 540 head of Multaqa sub-district whose 35 and Environment, and benefits from million since 2014‖. villages, including Buwaiter, were valuable facilitation support from the He went on to say, ―Japan is pleased to wiped out during the conflict. He went United Nations Assistance Mission for invest in addressing this overlooked on to decry ―the chaotic dumping of Iraq (UNAMI). debris problem and support a debris in seasonal wadis and despoiling ―Crushing the rubble is a pragmatic sustainable return process that of agricultural land, which will surely and straightforward answer, offering a integrates the humanitarian, create problems for the future‖. ray of hope in dealing with our massive reconstruction and environmental By practically demonstrating the challenges, including creating jobs for angles of the question.‖ potential for debris recycling through displaced youth,‖ Nassif added. ―We As part of this one-year project, which this pilot project, UNEP aims to apply stand ready to support this initiative starts this month, UNEP also plans to a circular vision to the debris problem, and look forward to expanding this work closely with Kirkuk Governorate‘s transforming it into part of the solution recycling approach in Multaqa and recently created Debris Working Group in partnership with IOM. This includes Kirkuk.‖ and the Environment Ministry to not only facilitating safe returns, but H.E. Hashimoto Naofumi, Ambassador strengthen their capacity to develop also generating livelihood opportunities of Japan to Iraq, said: , ―Japan has and apply optimal debris management through Cash for Work activities, recently decided to provide a new plans.

Security Sector Reform

Evaluating perceptions of security and police in Iraq: IOM study

Police in Iraq analyses key similarities and differences in three communities — Baradiyah (Basra Governorate), Hamdaniyah (Ninewa Governorate), and Jubeil (Anbar Governorate) — across five areas: perceptions of security; perceptions of actors present in the communities and their impact on security; strategies for dispute resolution; perceptions of police; and gender differences in civilian-police relations. ―Understanding the perceptions, attitudes and concerns that community Erbil, 14 April 2020 - Since 2003, Iraq effects of IOM‘s Community Policing members expressed in each community has experienced cyclical episodes of Programme, which aims to improve can help to identify more efficient, intra-state violence and continuous, safety and security by building trust feasible and sustainable approaches to collective calls for improved governance and cooperation between Iraqi civilians rebuilding trust between the police and and adherence to the rule of law. Public and law enforcement institutions. their communities, thus restoring distrust of state security actors is a ―The Community Policing Programme accountable institutions, at the local major policy challenge and barrier to is an important part of IOM Iraq‘s and central level,‖ said Olga Aymerich, sustainable peace-building, because migration management portfolio, as it Research Officer at IOM Iraq. ―This is a widespread distrust of the police and helps build more resilient and secure vital entry point to improving security other state security actors discourages communities,‖ said Placido Silipigni, outcomes and reveals the need for citizens from reporting crimes and Head of IOM Iraq‘s Migration initiatives that strengthen this other problems to state authorities Management Unit. ―This study offers relationship. while paving the way for multiple non- insight into the programme‘s effects in This baseline report is based on data state security actors, with varying diverse contexts; it helps to further from a door-to-door first way of survey degrees of accountability, to support the development of an evidence conducted in July-August 2019, before occasionally fulfil the roles of legitimate base that will guide the design and the implementation of the Community and accountable security providers. implementation of future activities, at Policing Programme. The endline The International Organization for the local and central level, in order to survey was conducted in December Migration (IOM) in Iraq partnered with maximize the impact of the 2019 after the Community Policing Yale Law School‘s Center for Global interventions.‖ Programme implementation and will be Legal Challenges (GLC) to study the Evaluating Perceptions of Security and analysed in a subsequent report. Volume 7, Issue 2 Security Sector Reform Page 60

Government of Japan furthers support for security and development nexus in Iraq

Baghdad, 29 April 2020 - The Government of Iraq in leveraging the individuals were reached with social Government of Japan is supporting the Security-Development Nexus (SDN) to cohesion; mediation; peacebuilding; International Organization for promote stabilization in some of Iraq‘s mental health and psychosocial support Migration (IOM) in Iraq‘s continued most vulnerable communities. IOM will activities or took part in training efforts to leverage the security- place a particular focus on supporting sessions. Twenty-eight small and development nexus in Iraq, providing the socio-economic reintegration of self- medium enterprises in Tel Afar and IOM with a further USD 3.63 million in demobilized former combatants who Najaf received financial support, while funding for 2020-21. are seeking to re-establish their lives in 134 people received individual Iraq is grappling with the cumulative areas of origin. livelihood support. Five new effects of past conflicts on its ―Japan has recently decided to provide Community Policing Forums were development, which has left the a new assistance package for Iraq established by the Ministry of Interior country vulnerable to renewed conflict. amounting to USD 41 million, (MOI) with IOM Iraq‘s assistance — Now, once again, Iraq is facing including this project to reinforce the three in Ninewa, and two in Najaf. concurrent crises which threaten its Security-Development Nexus,‖ said In addition to social cohesion, mental security and development: the COVID- H.E. Naofumi Hashimoto, Ambassador health and psychosocial support, small 19 outbreak; the collapse in global oil of Japan to Iraq. ―With this package, and medium enterprise and livelihood prices, on which the Iraqi economy the total amount of Japan‘s assistance support, IOM Iraq‘s initiatives in heavily depends; and political deadlock to the people affected by the crisis has support of the SDN will focus on which has left the country with a reached USD 540 million since 2014.‖ establishing and enhancing Community caretaker government since December ―Years of conflict have had an impact Policing Forums, alongside the MOI, to 2019. on Iraq‘s economic and social improve communication and trust ―The turbulence that has hit Iraq over development, while social and economic between community members and law the past six months illustrates that decline has been a significant enforcement actors. there is still a critical need to address destabilizing factor. A holistic approach economic, social, and security drivers of is needed in the security and instability in vulnerable communities development domains,‖ he added. to prevent the country from backsliding The project, ―Leveraging the Security into conflict,‖ said IOM Iraq Chief of Development Nexus in Iraq: Support Mission, Gerard Waite. ―With the for Community Stabilization in Conflict Government of Japan‘s support, IOM Affected Communities‖, will build upon continues to leverage the security- lessons learned and good practices development nexus to break the cycle of gathered under the 2019-20 GoJ- conflict.‖ supported pilot project ―Supporting the With this support from the Government Security Development Nexus in Iraq‖. of Japan, IOM Iraq will support the Under that project, over 8,500

Mine Action

UNMAS increases awareness and technical capacity on mainstreaming gender into mine action activities

Baghdad, 7 March 2020 - UNMAS foundation will be developed to cycle of NMAA activities for an effective Iraq has been working in tandem with mainstream gender considerations and and inclusive response to explosive the National Mine Action Authorities to women‘s empowerment in the project hazards in Iraq. increase awareness and technical capacity on mainstreaming gender into mine action activities and increasing women‘s empowerment within the sector. Through direct collaboration with the Directorate of Mine Action Gender Unit, training and workshops have been delivered, bringing together different explosive hazard management entities from the Government of Iraq. It is essential that women‘s participation in decision making roles is enhanced and that their unique and different needs and experiences are mainstreaming throughout activities. Through an Action Plan and the contextualized use of the Gender in Mine Action Guidelines, a strong Volume 7, Issue 2 Mine Action Page 61

UNMAS and the Directorate of Mine Action (DMA) organized a workshop on Gender in Mine Action in Baghdad

Baghdad, 6 March 2020 - UNMAS in Health and Environment, and Mr. challenges from the field. collaboration with the Directorate of Francis O‘Grady, UNMAS Iraq Head of UNMAS Iraq would like to take the Mine Action (DMA) recently organized Projects. opportunity to thank the government of a workshop on Gender in Mine Action The workshop aimed to raise Canada for its support to gender in Baghdad. awareness and engage participants in mainstreaming activities in the More than 50 representatives from presentations and discussions on the country. governmental entities including the importance of considering the Iraqi Ministry of Health & particular needs, experiences, voices Environment, the Prime Minister and the necessary participation of both Office, the Ministry of Interior, the women and men in mine action Ministry of Defense and the Swedish activities, toward effective explosive Embassy as well as from non- hazard management in Iraq. governmental organizations such as The day began with an overview of UNICEF, Handicap International, gender concepts and a deep dive into Danish Church Aid, Baghdad gender mainstreaming and women‘s Organization, the Iraqi Health and empowerment, followed by a session on Social Care Organization and international and national guidance Norwegian People's Aid participated in and tools for mainstreaming gender in the workshop. mine action, a presentation by the Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. DMA Gender unit as well as a Jassim Abd AlAziz, Deputy Minister of discussion about success stories and

UNMAS participated at the ‗National and international debate on effective and efficient advocacy: The KRG experience‘ panel discussion Erbil, 10 March 2020 - UNMAS equitable and inclusive institutions. Senior Programme Manager, Pehr The forum was divided into five panel Lodhammar, recently participated in discussions highlighting different topics the ‗National and International Debate such as Effective Advocacy: Successful on Effective and Efficient Advocacy: Examples, Stakeholders, and The KRG Experience‘ in Erbil. This Challenges, and Achieving National forum brings together government and Regional Advocacy Goals: Policy representatives, International Non- Advancement, among others. Pehr Governmental Organizations, Lodhammar participated in the second academics, thinks tanks, and panel on International Observations on researchers for the purpose of Good Governance Practices in the discussing effective advocacy and policy Kurdistan Region of Iraq, along with guidance to enhance government representatives from UNAMI as well as policies and practices for a further the US and Korean consulates. transparent, accountable, responsive,

UNMAS and Directorate of Mine Action discussed ongoing developments in Iraq‘s mine action sector and the latest updates on projects and operations in the pipeline

Baghdad, 12 March 2020 - UNMAS discussed numerous topics, including Iraq Senior Programme Manager, Mr. amending and updating the National Pehr Lodhammar, recently met with Mine Action Strategy and Standards, the Director General of the Directorate allocation of budget towards mine of Mine Action (DMA), Mr. Khalid action operations in country, grant Rashad, to discuss ongoing modalities, as well as areas of developments in Iraq‘s mine action improvement for enhanced sector and the latest updates on coordination. projects and operations in the pipeline. UNMAS would like to thank DMA for The meeting also provided an their efforts in coordinating mine action opportunity for UNMAS to introduce activities in Iraq, and for their role in its new Senior Project Officer, Ms. facilitating safe environments for Emire Khidayer, to DMA. vulnerable communities. Mr. Rashad and Mr. Lodhammar Volume 7, Issue 2 Mine Action Page 62

UNMAS Iraq Operations Management Team (OMT) working group members recently participated in a training on ―Stock Take and Opportunity Analysis and Online Platform User‖

Baghdad, 14 March 2020 - "The goal platform with better key performance funds to be spent in programming and of reform is a 21st-century United indicators, and improved processes. less in internal business operations. Nations focused more on people and To help initiating the UN Iraq BOS The training was delivered by UNMAS less on process, more on delivery and update for 2020-21, the Operations Iraq Technical Support Team Lead, less on bureaucracy," Secretary- Management Team (OMT) working Mika Toivonen, who participated in the General António Guterres. group members recently participated in BOS Train-the-Trainer course in The impact of UN programmes at the a training on Stock Take & Amman in November 2019, and was country level is directly related to the Opportunity Analysis and Online qualified as BOS 2.0 Instructor. effectiveness, efficiency and cost of the Platform User. operations that support them. The Sumer, Samee and Shna from UNMAS lower the cost of business operations, Iraq are part of the OMT working the more resources remain within the groups for Human Resources, programme budget. The Business Administration, Finance, Procurement, Operating Strategy (BOS) was included Logistics and Information and to the UN reform, and each UN Communication Technology to identify Country Team has been tasked to opportunities to work as one business transform its BOS to the new Online unit, with a view to enabling more UNMAS held an induction training on ―Humanitarian Mine Action for Mine Action Center personnel‖ for the Directorate of Mine Action (DMA) Mosul staff

Baghdad, 15 March 2020 - UNMAS an overview of UNMAS activities in terminology which will helps recently held a two-day induction explosive hazard management, risk significantly with our work.‖ training on ―Humanitarian Mine Action education, international conventions, UNMAS Iraq would like to thank the for Mine Action Center Personnel‖ for humanitarian mine action pillars, Federal Republic of Germany for its the Directorate of Mine Action (DMA) gender mainstreaming, integration and contribution to training and technical Mosul staff in Erbil. The workshop is equal opportunities, quality support initiatives in country. part of a series of training and management as well as other topics. technical support initiatives Commenting on the training, one of the undertaken by UNMAS and tailored for participants said: ―The sessions were the Government of Iraq to generate a very useful and comprehensive, new cohort of skilled Iraqis well- including many different aspects of positioned to tackle mine action mine action that we found to be challenges faced by the country today. beneficial. In addition, we were The course provided participants with introduced to technical mine action Japan‘s contribution to UNMAS risk education initiatives enhances awareness of explosive hazard threats in vulnerable communities

Baghdad, 31 March 2020 – The local citizens are informed of the remains uncleared throughout the United Nations Mine Action Service dangers posed by explosive hazards, and retaken areas, particularly in the Old (UNMAS) welcomes an additional are aware of suspicious items, thus City of Mosul, which is littered with contribution of USD 345,454 from the equipping them with precautionary IEDs that pose a significant threat to Government of Japan to further measures that could potentially save the affected communities, with children mitigate the threat posed by explosive lives. being especially vulnerable.‖ said Mr. hazards in support of the provision, H.E. Mr. Hashimoto Naofumi, Pehr Lodhammar, UNMAS Senior facilitation and enablement of Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Programme Manager in Iraq. ―Whether humanitarian and stabilization support. Iraq, stated: ―Japan has recently decided through direct explosive hazard UNMAS, working in tandem with its to provide a new assistance package for management, or risk education implementing partners, continues to Iraq amounting to USD 41 million initiatives, Japan‘s generous maintain a weighted presence in Iraq, including this project as assistance for contribution will go a long way in especially in the areas retaken from the explosive hazard management. supporting humanitarian and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant With this package, the total amount of stabilization efforts in the country.‖ (ISIL). This contribution from the Japan‘s assistance to the people affected The Government of Japan is an Government of Japan will support by the crisis reaches USD 540 million essential contributor to UNMAS UNMAS explosive hazard management since 2014. explosive hazard management activities activities in Iraq, which includes risk I hope that the assistance from the in Iraq and has donated over USD 14 education initiatives that target Government and people of Japan will million since 2016. vulnerable women, men, girls and boys help displaced people safely return to who live in or will return to retaken areas.‖ contaminated areas. This ensures that ―Significant explosive contamination Volume 7, Issue 2 Mine Action Page 63

Clearing Mosul‘s mines

Mosul, 04 April 2020 - In the battle to explosive remnants of war (ERW). IOM kill. While IEDs are easy to assemble, liberate Iraq from the Islamic State of Iraq routinely coordinates with they prove a challenge to render safe, Iraq and the Levant (also known as UNMAS to provide essential specifically due to their dynamic Da‘esh), Mosul - Iraq‘s second largest information about the risks of explosive nature. Any houseware item can be city and cultural epicenter - was hazards in affected communities. turned into an IED, with children hardest hit. Last year, IOM Iraq completed a pilot especially vulnerable. To help rebuild this iconic city and project in West Mosul, focused on ERW make safe the surrounding areas, the decontamination and removal of debris. After clearance comes recovery United Nations Mine Action Service The activity has expanded in 2020; (UNMAS) works alongside the United debris will be cleared from more UNDP Iraq has completed more than Nations Development Programme completely destroyed households in the 2,300 stabilization projects in 31 (UNDP), the International Al Zanjili neighbourhood of West Mosul liberated towns and districts in Iraq, Organization for Migration (IOM), the and explosive hazards will be removed helping local authorities to quickly United Nations World Food Programme from the sites, in partnership with rehabilitate essential infrastructure (WFP), and others to remove explosive Tetra Tech. and services like schools, hospitals, ordnance and other hazardous objects Residents near Mosul prepare land to roads, water networks, and electricity remaining from the conflict, enabling plant olive trees as part of WFP‘s systems. These efforts have contributed the restoration of critical community livelihoods and resilience programmes. to the return of more than 4.6 million services and infrastructure such as The projects help people find work IDPs. schools, hospitals, roads, water again when they return home from IOM Iraq works to address the drivers systems, and electricity networks. camps, enable access to water, and of conflict, displacement and irregular Almost three years after Mosul‘s allow communities to recommence migration, by strengthening liberation, approximately 62,000 farming. The land has been cleared of Government capacity to provide explosive hazards have been cleared explosive hazards, thanks to WFP‘s services; initiatives that rebuild trust across more than 1,422 sites in Mosul. close partnership with UNMAS, between communities; increasing UNMAS clearance teams search for experts from the private sector, and opportunities for community and civil explosives in Mosul‘s historic old city, other partners. society interaction. Stabilization and which, after its liberation, contained Ensuring areas are safe from explosive recovery programmes include approximately 10 million tonnes of hazards means that participants in community engagement; livelihood and rubble - the equivalent of three Giza WFP‘s programmes have been able to job creation; mental health and pyramids. After streets were cleared for safely plant vegetables and fruit in psychosocial support in conflict-affected mines, UNDP employed thousands of ―kitchen gardens,‖ which help families communities; social cohesion projects; locals to remove the rubble. meet their household food needs, and and infrastructure rehabilitation Al Shifa Hospital Complex in West secure an income by selling their excess among others. Mosul was one of Da‘esh‘s headquarters produce. Fellow participants in the WFP is supporting 70,000 returnees and was heavily bombed in the battle to programme have planted harvestable from camps and host communities liberate the city. Five specialist health trees, and constructed and planted in through scaled-up, longer-term facilities on the complex are currently greenhouses. Many have improved livelihood and resilience activities such being rehabilitated by UNDP, including their access to water through restored as restoring irrigation systems, the Oncology Hospital, the biggest canals nearby, and new or repaired agricultural inputs and training facility for cancer patients in Ninewa. irrigation. opportunities. Such activities help UNMAS experts hold an explosive Safely growing in newly created or vulnerable people and their hazard training course for contractors repaired greenhouses helps vulnerable communities get back to work, and in West Mosul. The workers, employed families and their communities start meet their food requirements. by UNDP to remove rubble, are trained farming again, after returning from For this International Day for Mine on how to recognize and react to the camps. Awareness and Assistance in Mine threat of mines and improvised Action (IMAD2020), UNMAS, UNDP, explosive devices. Stabilizing Iraq after Da‘esh IOM, and WFP, would like to thank all The hospital was previously the largest of the front-line personnel who risk center for healthcare in the city and At the request of the Government of their lives on a daily basis to clear was heavily damaged during fighting Iraq, UNDP established the Funding critical infrastructure in contaminated between Iraqi forces and Da‘esh during Facility for Stabilization (FFS) in June areas. 2017. At the time, reconstruction 2015 to facilitate the return of projects were in process to rehabilitate displaced Iraqis, lay the groundwork By UNMAS, UNDP, IOM, and WFP the vast facility after UNMAS cleared for reconstruction and recovery, and the area of explosive contaminants safeguard against the resurgence of from the area. Due to the size of the violence and extremism, through the complex, both clearance operations and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure. reconstruction were happening Clearance first simultaneously. Before any reconstruction and For many IDPs, destroyed housing is rehabilitation tasks can commence, the one of the biggest obstacles to their area must first be cleared from return. Addressing this issue is explosive hazards - improvised challenging and sensitive in post- explosive devices (IEDs) in particular, conflict Iraq, especially due to high that are easily made, camouflaged, and levels of site contamination with turned into deadly weapons intended to Volume 7, Issue 2 Mine Action Page 64

UNMAS held a training course on ―Basic Humanitarian Mine Action Management‖ for national government stakeholders in Diyala

Baghdad, 7 April 2020 - In cooperation with the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Center (JCMC), last month, UNMAS held a two-day training course on ―Basic Humanitarian Mine Action Management‖ for national government stakeholders in Diyala, Iraq. The training is part of a series of training and technical support initiatives undertaken by UNMAS and tailored for the Government of Iraq to generate a new cohort of skilled Iraqis well- positioned to tackle mine action challenges faced by the country today. explosive ordnance disposal/improvised national and international mine action The training was delivered for 33 staff explosive device disposal, gender standards, standard working practices, (23 men, 10 women) representing mainstreaming, integration and equal and the standing operation procedures, several key departments, ministries, opportunities, quality management as among others. This will help us in and municipalities across the public well as other topics. conducting our jobs.‖ sector. The course provided Lamia Ghadban, Head of the Governor UNMAS Iraq would like to thank the participants with an overview of Office and a participant in the training, Federal Republic of Germany for its UNMAS Iraq activities in explosive said: ―The workshop was substantive contribution to training and technical hazard management, risk education, and informative, introducing us to the support initiatives in the country.

Healthcare

The race to improve suicide prevention in Iraq

involved young people under the age of 30. Pre-existing mental health issues have been cited as factors in suicidal cases across the country. However, years of violence in Iraq may also have contributed to the rise of suicide among young people. This rise is due to an increase in mental health problems — including depression and anxiety — in particular among displaced and returnee communities. ―According to our surveys, most of the people who went through displacement Baghdad, 19 March 2020 - When she gradually became quieter and more were mentally exhausted, even after Basheer* got married, his wedding — reclusive. they returned to their areas of origin,‖ held in a camp for Internally Displaced ―Living in a camp for her was equal to said Dr Imad Abdulrazaq, Director of Persons (IDPs) in Duhok Governorate confinement, sitting in this small tent Mental Health at the Iraqi Ministry of — brought great joy to his loved ones. watching the days go by waiting for Health. ―About 25 per cent showed It was the first wedding in his extended something to change,‖ said her father. symptoms of medium to severe family since the Islamic State in Iraq One day, she took her life. depression, with suicidal or aggressive and the Levant (ISIL) launched an A 2016 WHO estimate shows that thoughts.‖ attack on Sinjar, his hometown, in worldwide roughly 800,000 people ―Many displaced people are still living 2014. commit suicide each year, putting the in camps and cannot return to their A week later, Basheer was dead. The average suicide rate at 10.5 per 100,000 homes. This situation requires mental young man had committed suicide; to people. In Iraq, 447 cases were recorded health services and livelihood support, this day, neither his family nor the in 2018 — a rate of 1.7 cases per so that these people can get back to police understand why. 100,000 people. their normal lives,‖ Dr Abdulrazaq Zaynab*, 16, was originally from Tel While these numbers may be low, a added. Afar. Her family was displaced to a recent study by the Iraqi Ministry of A displaced Yazidi family near their camp in Kirkuk Governorate, where Health shows that suicide is on the tent in Duhok Governorate‘s Shekhan they lived in this modest tent (pictured rise. The 2018 figures represent a 64 camp. Anjam Rasool/IOM Iraq, 2019 right). Her father believes that years of per cent increase from the number of Sakar Sabir is a suicidologist with living in the small space in a camp cases recorded by the Ministry of Azhee, a local NGO based in Erbil that caused Zaynab‘s behaviour to change: Health in 2015 (290), and most supports families who have lost loved Volume 7, Issue 2 Healthcare Page 65

The race to improve suicide prevention in Iraq (continued) ones due to suicide. ―People who don‘t invest their time in activities that are depression. Anjam Rasool/IOM Iraq, have a healthy mental state will be meaningful or that generate income, so 2019. more prone to suicidal tendencies, and they think their life has no value," Dr Ayman is a trained psychologist the displaced communities have been Omed added. working at this community centre; he through a lot in the past five years. In Kirkuk Governorate a local NGO, sees both Buhar and Faris for Many of them need support,‖ she said. Iraqi Human Rights Centre, noted in a consultations. He believes that But mental health issues are not the statement (Arabic) posted to their everyone in Shariya – IDPs and host only causes of suicide. ―More often than Facebook page on 5 February 2019 that community members – is in need of not, other factors exist such as social there were 44 cases of suicide in 2019 awareness raising, psycho-education issues that can cause the mental health in Kirkuk alone, which represents and psychosocial support to prevent problems and [contribute to the about 10 per cent of the 2018 figure for suicide, because often the victims and development of] suicidal tendencies,‖ the whole of Iraq. their families do not realize that they Sabir added. Kirkuk is also home to a large number have mental health issues. Figures from the Iraqi Ministry of of displaced persons and returnees. ―Many families dismiss the symptoms Health show that nearly 60 per cent of Faris* was only 14 when his family fled as insignificant,‖ Ayman said. ―Faris‘ the suicide cases in Iraq involve a ISIL‘s 2014 onslaught on Sinjar. He family thought he was just trying to get mental health problem. Other reasons lives with his family in an improvised attention, that he was being dramatic. include ―poor economic situations, home set up in a public space in But his symptoms were very serious.‖ depression, and domestic violence,‖ Dr Shariya, Duhok Governorate. Because The widespread stigmatization of Abdulrazaq said. of his precarious mental health suicide means that many individuals Sakar Sabir believes that the available condition, he has tried to commit don‘t seek support when they are in numbers of suicide cases in Iraq are suicide several times. distress, and these conditions may only a fragment of the actual numbers ―It‘s been five years since we fled. We develop into severe mental health due to heavy underreporting. Often, never thought our life would be like problems. numbers provided by different this. Before ISIL, life was good. The ―[Suicide] is considered a taboo subject government bodies show discrepancies; best thing was that we belonged there, in Iraq. Victims‘ families will call it an for example, the Kurdistan Regional and we had a home,‖ he explained. accident; [they‘ll say] that someone fell, Government‘s (KRG) police figures ―No one thought that we would suffer a or someone was burned while using the show that the number of suicides in the genocide. After we fled, everything stove,‖ said Dr. Rezan, Director of region was 239 in 2018, while the KRG changed forever. We have no home Mental Health in the Erbil Department Ministry of Interior has a figure of 300 now; all my friends are scattered. It‘s of Health. for the same year. Raber Y. Aziz/IOM just not the same life. And here we When patients and their families avoid Iraq, October 2019. don‘t have job opportunities.‖ seeing doctors and seeking help, simple Suicide in IDP and Returnee Buhar* is a Yazidi girl from Sinjar; her cases of depression or anxiety can Communities family has lived in Duhok‘s Shariya progress from low to high severity. Finding data about suicide rates within Camp since 2014. In 2019 she slipped ―Later they develop suicidal thoughts IDP and returnee communities is a into a depression, and attempted which turn into plans. Then they might challenge, since not all Iraqi suicide multiple times. send signals [about the plans], and that governorates record this data. ―We are among family and friends here, may end up in suicide if these signals However, the Department of Health in but this is not where we belong. We fled are neglected,‖ said Dr. Imad, from the Duhok – which hosts some 250,000 to this place because we didn‘t have a Iraqi Ministry of Health. IDPs – has noted some disturbing choice,‖ she explained. ―Days just keep Fighting this stigma will require a figures over the past two years, passing by and our lives are difficult. I perception change about suicide, but showing suicide rates in camps to be miss my home. [After] ISIL attacked more importantly about mental health five times higher than the nationwide us, everything I loved was gone.‖ issues, because prevention can take average. ―We keep thinking about our families place when a condition is addressed Between 2017 and 2018, 42 cases of and friends and those taken by ISIL, early. suicide inside camps — with a ratio of about our difficulties as displaced This will require awareness raising on four female victims to one male — were persons. Life in a tent is not a life. My a large scale. recorded by the Duhok Department of dad has a disability and none of us has Ayman‘s team reached out to Faris‘ Health, or 8.46 cases per 100,000 a job,‖ she added. family to educate them about people. A survey by the same Buhar was eventually referred to a symptoms of depression; the family was Department also found that depression, clinical psychiatrist and hospitalized in receptive and took Faris‘s condition anxiety and psychosis are widespread Duhok. She was put on medication to more seriously. Some individuals are in displaced communities. help alleviate her depression; and able to visit the psychosocial support ―Some of the cases [involve] clinical receives further treatment from a centre in Shariya, while others are conditions, but most times a psychologist working at the community referred to the centre by family and psychosocial reason leads to depression. centre in Shariya for psychosocial friends. The centre also identifies cases IDPs have been [in camps] for a long assistance — led by local organization through family visits and outreach time, and it comes down to their ability DAK, with support from the activities in the community. to cope with their situation,‖ said Dr International Organization for DAK, an IOM Iraq implementing Omed, the focal point for Mental Migration (IOM). partner, provides a range of family and Health Services at the Duhok Buhar and other visitors to the Shariya community-based activities, and Department of Health. Centre engage in recreational activities focused non-specialized services ―Many displaced persons are struggling such as reading, tailoring, sports and including awareness meetings, group to find job opportunities and can‘t others to help them overcome discussions, informal activities, Volume 7, Issue 2 Healthcare Page 66

The race to improve suicide prevention in Iraq (continued)

vocational courses, recreational has 639 mental health workers — or crucial to teach families to pay activities, cultural activities, sport 1.77 specialized workers per 100,000 attention to their own mental health, activities, and emotional support people. seek support if they identify symptoms sessions. IOM Iraq has similar centres In 2019 IOM Iraq, in cooperation with of depression and fight stigmatization. in seven governorates across Iraq. the Ministry of Health, organized a ―We are trying to help these people help comprehensive training for nurses from themselves because no matter what we Challenges and Needs Gaps primary health care centres, and a do, if they do not know how to identify workshop to build capacity among symptoms and seek support, and if they Iraq is one of 80 countries worldwide specialized psychiatrists don‘t listen, their situations will not that has a suicide prevention strategy, ―The workshop allowed us to develop a improve,‖ he said. but the lack of credible statistics about guidebook that has specialized and The outcomes were more positive for mental health and suicide — which are non-specialized entries to help MHPSS Faris and Buhar because they received essential for understanding the scale of workers provide better services, safely appropriate treatment to help them needs and planning an adequate interact with mental health patients, manage their mental health problems. response — needs to be addressed first. manage high risk and emergency cases Intensifying the efforts to raise ―The ministry is planning to open and refer patients for specialized care,‖ awareness of mental health problems, Mental Health and Psychosocial said Dr. Imad. fighting stigma, and training more Support (MHPSS) units in every The capacity building activities were specialized therapists to provide better Primary Health Care Centre, where organized in different governorates services are all crucial actions to take people can receive services and trained across the country. in order to reduce suicide rates staff can collect data to determine the Awareness raising was done through amongst Iraq‘s displaced populations. patients‘ mental health conditions,‖ interactive sessions between the IOM Iraq's MHPSS capacity building said Dr. Rezan, from Erbil‘s community and IOM Iraq facilitators; and awareness raising initiatives were Department of Health, ―because only misconceptions about prevention and made possible with funding from the then something can be done to prevent response to suicide cases were UK Government. suicide.‖ challenged, and participants‘ personal *Names and some identifying details But plans to expand available MHPSS experiences were discussed and have been changed to protect the services, and carry out far-reaching analyzed. privacy of individuals. awareness campaigns will require a Ayman, the therapist at community tremendous work force, which Iraq centre in Shariya town, thinks that Written by Raber Y. Aziz, with currently does not have. According to carrying out awareness raising contributions from Anjam Rasool/IOM WHO‘s 2017 Mental Health Atlas, Iraq campaigns at the community level is Iraq

UNICEF and WHO sound the alarm on the health dangers of children in Iraq missing routine immunization during the Covid-19 pandemic officials,‖ said Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF Iraq Representative. Immunization is the key to ending child deaths from a range of diseases such as measles and polio, thereby giving children a chance to grow up healthy and reach their full potential. ―We cannot afford to go backwards on our achievements. While we are still to have a vaccine for covid19, let us take full advantage of the vaccines that are available by ensuring that children in Iraq are immunized on time‖ added World Health Organization (WHO) Iraq Representative Dr Adham Ismail. Baghdad, 26 April 2020 – In Iraq, protecting Iraqi children from COVID- Vaccinations rates in Iraq have been less than half of children between the 19 while at the same time ensuring low in recent years due to decades ages of 12 and 23 months are fully that we continue to protect children conflict and under-investment in health immunized against preventable from preventable diseases. In these services. diseases and only two-thirds are unprecedented times, our message to UNICEF and WHO are calling on the protected against measles. Disruption parents is to make sure children Government of Iraq to increase of immunization services caused by the receive their routine immunizations investment in health services and to ongoing covid19 pandemic is likely to while following national and local start planning intensified further reduce measles coverage by an guidance on COVID-19 preventive immunization activities, including additional 20 per cent, leaving the most measures including physical campaigns, to identify and reach vulnerable children at risk of disease distancing, hand washing, and proper children with missed vaccine doses, outbreak. coughing and sneezing hygiene as once the pandemic is fully under- ―We need to be fully engaged in advised by the government and health control. Volume 7, Issue 2 Culture Page 67

Heads of UNESCO Iraq and Ministry of Culture discussed the ongoing works in Al-Nouri Mosque

Baghdad, 3 March 2020 - Mr. Paolo Fontani, Director of UNESCO Iraq, met with the Minister of Culture, Dr. Abdulameer Al-Hamdani, to discuss the ongoing works in Al-Nouri Mosque. Mr Fontani was accompanied by Mr Mounir Bouchenaki, special advisor to UNESCO Director General Azoulay, and Ms Maria Rita Acetoso, Senior Specialist in charge of Al-Nouri Mosque reconstruction. The UNESCO team presented to the partners the work that UNESCO has been doing in Mosul including rubble removal and demining of Al-Nouri Mosque, stabilization measures and documentation and preservation of and authorities regarding the future authorities on the reconstruction and architectural remains. He emphasized reconstruction model of the Mosque rehabilitation of the historic Al-Nouri that UNESCO is looking for a broader and Minaret. Mosque in order to preserve Iraq‘s consensus among the local population UNESCO will work closely with Iraqi unique cultural heritage.

Young Moslawis paint Mosul neighborhood blue to emulate chefchaouen

Mashahada neighborhood love it, the community is very happy‖. ―The color blue was chosen because it comforts the local population,‖ added Al-Shekhawy, we were inspired by Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco. The project took only two weeks to complete. ―This will leave a print and hopefully this initiative can be implemented in other areas in Mosul,‖ added Ahmad Omar, a resident of the Al-Mashahada neighborhood, also known as the ―blue neighborhood‖. Mosul is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is one of the largest cities in Iraq, rich in history, heritage, and Mosul, 25 March 2020 - ―Rwad Al damage due to conflict. culture. In Arabic, the name Mosul Ataa‖ , a group of Iraqi youth in Mosul, ―The initiative put a smile on peoples means "the one that connects‖. For repainted an old neighborhood to face,‖ said Myassar Al-Shekhawy, an millennia, Mosul was a strategic emulate Chefchaouen‘s signature blue active volunteer in Mosul that took part crossing point on the Tigris River, after the city sustained significant in the initiative. ―The residents of Al- connecting north to south, east to west..

Music in Mosul, more than just a tune

Mosul, 15 April 2020 - In June 2014, the Musical Traditions of Mosul. civilizations, is a mosaic that the music died in Mosul. It was then "We are a people of love, of beauty, of represents all of Iraq.‖ that violent extremists laid claim to the civilization, of music. Music is a world Revive the Musical Traditions of Mosul city on the banks of the Tigris, a city of beauty for all of humanity, and it is a seeks to refocus public attention on the known for its deep and diverse culture major part of Mosul and of Iraq". Ehsan diversity of the musical traditions of life. Music was banned. Akram Al Habib, 39, violinist. Mosul. The province of Ninewah in Iraq As part of its flagship initiative to ―Music is life,‖ said Ehsan Akram Al is home to many religious, cultural and Revive the Spirit of Mosul through Habib, a 39-year-old violinist from ethnic minorities, each with their heritage, cultural life and education, Mosul who saw the beauty of music specific songs and musical forms, and UNESCO is in the early stages of robbed from his city. ―Mosul, with the even musical instruments that find implementing a programme to Revive diversity of its religions and themselves at the intersection of Volume 7, Issue 2 Culture Page 68

Music in Mosul, more than just a tune (continue)

history, musical expression and This will lead to identifying masters of young musicians in these different tradition. ―We are a people of love, of at least four different musical practices musical practices will be established. beauty, of civilization, of music. Music who are able to perform and teach. This ―Action for Hope‖ is a non-profit is a world of beauty for all of humanity, phase will be followed by a seminar to organization that is led by Basma El and it is a major part of Mosul and of discuss teaching methodologies and Husseiny, a member of UNESCO‘s Iraq,‖ said Ehsan. performance styles among professional expert facility for the implementation The programme is part of a project musicians and music educators from of the 2005 Convention on the entitled ―Listening to Iraq‖, which Iraq and other countries in the region. Promotion and Protection of the UNESCO is implementing in Mosul Finally, a training programme for Diversity of Cultural Expressions. with our partner ―Action for Hope‖, an NGO that was created in 2013 to empower vulnerable populations by celebrating cultural diversity and strengthening social cohesion, as well as recreating the vitality of the arts scene in Mosul and in Iraq in general. ―By bringing back music to Mosul,‖ said Ehsan, ―we are trying to bring back life to our city.‖ UNESCO has also undertaken preliminary steps to research and map diverse musical practices, building on previous efforts by Iraqi musicians. UNESCO and ICCROM sign an agreement on capacity building for the reconstruction of Mosul‘s cultural heritage

Baghdad, 20 April 2020 – The reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Mosul‘s heritage values. International Centre for the Study of Old City and, as a result, ensure long- The capacity building programme will the Preservation and Restoration of term livelihood opportunities. be implemented though a practical on- Cultural Property (ICCROM), through The programme targets both young the-job training modality where its Regional Conservation Office in professionals from various disciplines trainees will actively participate in the Sharjah (UAE), will provide a two-year such as architecture, engineering or reconstruction of the city‘s historic capacity building programme for urban planning, and craftspeople such landmarks and houses, and will receive professionals and craftspeople to as masons, carpenters, or stone carvers. a stipend. contribute to the reconstruction of Young professionals will be trained on The institutional capacity building Mosul‘s Old City. This programme is heritage management and scheme falls into the framework of the possible thanks to the financial support conservation, providing them with Revive the spirit of Mosul initiative, of the Government of the United Arab technical competencies needed to UNESCO‘s response for the recovery of Emirates and the European Union and participate in the physical one of Iraq‘s iconic cities. The initiative is part of the UNESCO initiative to reconstruction of the city. The aims at contributing to community Revive the Spirit of Mosul. programme will also prepare a number reconciliation and peace building This ICCROM-UNESCO partnership of skilled building craftspeople to through the recovery of the living aims at strengthening the expertise of contribute towards the long-term environment and rehabilitation of the local young professionals and reconstruction needs of the Old City, city‘s heritage sites. The initiative craftspeople in order to equip them taking into consideration the places special emphasis in empowering with the required skills for the protection, revival and evolution of the population as agents of change involved in the process of rebuilding their city through culture and education. This partnership between UNESCO and ICCROM will reinforce local expertise that can participate in the reconstruction, ensuring both ownership and long-term livelihood opportunities for the people of Iraq. This ICCROM-UNESCO partnership will specifically support the UAE funded project Reviving the Spirit of Mosul by rebuilding its historic landmarks namely the Al-Nouri Mosque and its Al-Hadba Minaret, as well as the Al-Tahera Church and Al- Saa‘a Church and European Union funded project Reviving Mosul and Basra Old Cities. Volume 7, Issue 2 Culture Page 69

Reconstruction of the Al-Nouri Mosque Complex in Mosul moves ahead to architectural decisions after first phase is completed

Paris, 21 April 2020 – The Joint leaning Al-Hadba Minaret, built more phase of the project that began in early Steering Committee of UNESCO‘s than 840 years ago. This historic and 2019 and lasted a year. It consisted of rehabilitation and reconstruction project defining structure was all but leveled by clearing and demining the site, of the Al Hadba Minaret and the Al- violent extremists who occupied the city documenting and assessing it, stabilizing Nouri Mosque of Mosul on Tuesday from 2014 to 2017. The project also parts that could be salvaged as well as determined future steps for the provides employment opportunities and overall planning. reconstruction of the two architectural job training. It is an integral part of In October 2019, UNESCO, the UAE and landmarks of the Old City of Mosul UNESCO‘s flagship initiative Revive the the Government of Iraq agreed to (Iraq). Spirit of Mosul, launched in February undertake the reconstruction of two The decision, taken during the third 2018, as the Organization‘s response for churches in the Old City of Mosul: the Al- session of the Steering Committee, the recovery of one of Iraq‘s most iconic Tahera Syriac Catholic Church and the marked the launch of the second phase of cities, through the revival of education, Conventual Church of Our Lady of the UNESCO‘s Revive the Spirit of Mosul heritage and cultural life. Clock, with a view to reviving the initiative. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, the cultural diversity that has characterized Following the meeting, UNESCO United Arab Emirates‘ Minister of the history of Mosul over the centuries. Director-General Audrey Azoulay said Culture and Knowledge Development of The President of the Sunni Waqf of Iraq, that ―today marks the culmination of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Saad Kambash for his part said that many months of hard work, but also of welcomed progress in the reconstruction ―rebuilding Al-Nouri Mosque, Al-Hadba cooperation, dedication and project saying, ―we have come a long way Minaret and Al saa‘a and Al Tahera determination to ensure that we all move since the project‘s inception. […] We have Churches, is an essential part of the ahead together, side by side, to revive the witnessed significant developments on process of reviving the Spirit of Mosul spirit of Mosul. At the end of phase one of the ground, and I believe the local and spreading hope to enhance the the reconstruction of the Al-Nouri community in Mosul is satisfied with the community cohesion‖ Mosque complex, I wish to reiterate project.‖ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the third UNESCO‘s firm commitment to the The Minister of Culture and Knowledge meeting of the Joint Steering Committee successful implementation of the project Development of the United Arab was held virtually. It was co-chaired by for Mosul, for Iraq, and for the world.‖ Emirates (UAE), Noura bint Mohammed the Minister of Culture of Iraq, Acting for the Committee, UNESCO will Al Kaabi commented the decision saying, Abdulameer Al-Hamdani, Minister of launch an international architectural ―we have come a long way since the Culture and Knowledge Development of competition for the reconstruction of Al- project‘s inception. This progress would the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Noura Nouri Mosque. The competition will take have not been possible without the bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, and the on board the input of the residents of relentless efforts made by the technical Assistant Director-General for Culture of Mosul who will be invited to take part in committee and the steering committee. UNESCO, Ernesto Ottone R., with the a large-scale consultation concerning the […] We have witnessed significant participation of the President of the main reconstruction options for the developments on the ground. Al Nouri Sunni Waqf of Iraq, Saad Kambash, the Minaret and the Mosque. The timetable Mosque represents a historical and a Representative of the Christian Waqf, of these activities will depend on the cultural asset.‖ Safaa Saffo, and Nicolas Tixier, of the ongoing response to COVID-19 in Mosul. ―We are all aiming for the same goal,‖ Provincial Dominican Order. The second phase of the Revive the Spirit explained the Ministeer, ―and we shall The Assistant Director-General for of Mosul Project involving the agree on the principle of safeguarding Culture of UNESCO, Ernesto Ottone R., consolidation of the remaining base and this cultural heritage. The project has for his part said that ―Mosul always was reconstruction of the Minaret and invested a great deal in the local a crossroads of cultures, proud of its Mosque, will begin once field and soil community. We will continue to engage identity and diversity. The project investigations are completed and after an Maslawis throughout the process and are underway pays tribute to the courage of extensive consultation with the local committed to train and hire more Iraqis the Moslawis who, spontaneously, in the community on the design of the edifice as part of the project.‖ face of violence, formed a human shield to and on whether to make the Minaret lean Tuesday‘s meeting of the Joint Steering protect their common heritage.‖ to one side as the original did. Committee marks the end of the first At this stage, the Joint Steering Committee endorsed the reconstruction of the Al Hadba Minaret in its original location and opted for an intermediate solution for Al Nouri Mosque, aimed at maintaining the visual aspects of the building as it was before its destruction in 2017. Recalling that ―Al Nouri Mosque is a cultural asset, an archaeological and historical monument,‖ Iraq‘s Minister of Culture expressed ―a strong desire to maintain the authenticity of Al Nouri Mosque with the least of modification.‖ The project, supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aims to restore and reconstruct the historic landmarks of Mosul, notably the emblematic Al-Nouri Mosque and its celebrated, 45-meter tall Volume 7, Issue 2 Culture Page 70

With the official approval from The Dominican order, UNESCO will now start the stabilization and rehabilitation of The Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Hour in Mosul

Mosul, 24 April 2020 - With the functions. ‗Reviving the Spirit of Mosul by official approval from The Dominican Its architectural and heritage value is rebuilding its historic landmarks‘, order, UNESCO – in close collaboration important as well. Each viewer coming along with the Al Tahera Syriac with relevant authorities - will now from Nineveh or Al-Farouq Street Catholic Church and the Al Nouri start the stabilization and would see the Al-Hadba Minaret first Mosque complex. rehabilitation of The Conventual then the bell tower of the Conventual UNESCO is fostering reconciliation and Church of Our Lady of the Hour in Church of Our Lady of the Hour, or social cohesion in Mosul through the Mosul. This Project‘s component will vice-versa. This architectural and restoration and reconstruction of include all the phases of a urban feature is engraved in the emblematic historical sites as part of stabilization/rehabilitation project memory and history of the people and UNESCO‘s international initiative (from site clearance and initial survey of the city and is emblematic of the ―Revive the Spirit of Mosul‖. The to the preparation of the detailed cultural diversity and peaceful co- rehabilitation of this church is design for the actual execution of the existence between its communities. important not only because of its value works), which will create a unique ‗on In October 2019, the stabilization and as cultural heritage, but also as a the-job training‘ opportunity for local rehabilitation of the Conventual testimony to the diversity of the city, a heritage professionals and craftsmen. Church of Our Lady of the Hour was proud crossroads of cultures and a In fact, the actual implementation of included as one of the main outputs in peaceful haven for different religious this component will be closely the UAE funded UNESCO Project communities over the centuries. integrated with the long-term capacity building program foreseen within the scope of the Project. The Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Hour (Al-Saa‘a Church) lies at the heart of the Old City of Mosul, at the junction of the two main streets that cut through the historic urban fabric. Built at the end of the XIX century, it has always been considered as one of the iconic landmarks of the Old City of Mosul. Centre of many spiritual, cultural and educational activities, the church became a living example of the brotherhood between Moslawis, covering religious, cultural and social UNESCO begins onsite works in the old city of Mosul within the EU funded project to revive Mosul Old City

Mosul, 28 April 2020 – In close clearing the grounds is more than just to preserve their historic integrity. coordination with the Iraqi Armed the removal of old stones. In fact, This initiative is made possible with Forces, UNESCO initiated the first amidst the rubble there are valuable the generous support of the European phase of activities by clearing the pieces that could be reused during Union and coordinated work with the rubble and UXOs from the first 34 reconstruction. This is another example Government of Iraq, local partners and selected houses around the Al-Nouri of UNESCO‘s commitment to restoring international experts. It is being Mosque in Mosul, Iraq. The process of the structures with every effort taken undertaken as a major part of UNESCO‘s Initiative to Revive the Spirit of Mosul. This initiative includes three main strategic areas: education, cultural life and heritage. UNESCO has undertaken the delicate task of reconstruction from amidst the ruins, while ensuring strict adherence to the historic integrity of the structures. The purpose of the project is to promote livelihood opportunities for youth in Iraq and in particular among the communities of the Old City of Mosul and to contribute to the restoration of the historic urban landscape while contributing to social cohesion and inter-community reconciliation. Volume 7, Issue 2 People Page 71

Life on the front line

Baghdad, 30 April 2020 - Protestors on the streets and a government lockdown of all media is all in a day‘s work for Norwich High School alumna Alice Walpole. ―Yes, now is a perfect time to talk… Yes, now is a perfect time to talk… Yes, now is a perfect time to talk… Yes, now is a perfect time to …‖ A chilly Friday morning in London towards the end of last year, and we are trying to speak via WhatsApp to Norwich High School alumna Alice Walpole at the United Nations Assistance Mission for words, women‘s empowerment builds been. Our headmistress, the redoubtable Iraq (UNAMI) in Baghdad. After political stability, boosts productivity and Dorothy Bartholomew, made us believe listening to the same phrase on a loop for increases economic diversification, in that we could do anything we wanted a few minutes, we send her an email to addition to other positive development with our lives.‖ let her know of the problems in outcomes. UNAMI is working with And the challenges? connecting. This is when we learn that female advisers from all walks of life, to ―The toughest challenge for me is being just moments before our aborted call, the get women‘s voices heard in Iraq‘s away from my six children. I miss them Iraqi government had closed down all national dialogue. UN Secretary-General all the time we‘re not together. But I do social media platforms and much of the Antonio Guterres is dedicated to get home for a week, and sometimes internet in response to the hundreds of improving gender parity within the UN longer, every six weeks or so. And I know thousands of protestors who had taken to itself, and has been successful in that my children – who are all in their the streets of their capital to demand establishing it at a senior level. twenties now – fully support me and more jobs, an end to corruption and ―Iraq has a huge cadre of energetic, understand the value of the work I do. better public services. experienced women. It cannot afford to ―We live in an era of increasing UN Assistant Secretary-General Alice ignore the talents of 50% of its nationalism – the building of barriers – Walpole is Deputy Special Representative population.‖ across the world. I believe in (Political Affairs and Electoral ―We‘re now working to get it to filter internationalism and multilateralism. Assistance) in UNAMI, a frontline role through the organisation,‖ says Alice, The organisation that most embodies this where she is uniquely positioned to effect ―although unsurprisingly, there can be global interconnectedness is the UN. So change in a country that is desperate to difficulties in reaching gender parity in now, with countries closing in on move forward. Once we were able to some fields.‖ It follows that while some themselves, the UN‘s work is more reach her on the phone, she explained: posts will attract all applicants, there are important than ever. It‘s a privilege to ―Iraqis are wonderful people, diverse, still some, for example on security and work for this organisation.‖ proud and resilient. The country has engineering teams, that remain Alice Walpole emerged from terrible conflict and there‘s predominantly the preserve of men. The Hon Alice Walpole OBE is the a chance now for it to build a stable and Equally, Iraq as a posting can prove Deputy Special Representative (Political prosperous future. Our role, under a tricky. As a designated ‗non-family duty Affairs and Electoral Assistance) of the mandate from the UN Security Council, station‘, many people will be put off. ―It‘s United Nations Assistance Mission for is to advise, assist and support in that true that we face challenges in Iraq to Iraq (UNAMI). She has previously served development.‖ recruit and retain female staff, but for as British Ambassador to Luxembourg The bigger picture she paints shows the those that do come, we are trying to do all and to Mali and Niger, and as British scale of the work to be done, particularly we can to accommodate them,‖ she says, Consul-General in Basra, Iraq. She has in the realm of women‘s advancement.― and mentions mentoring, a female doctor also served in various capacities in Women here have been largely excluded and yoga classes as some of the London, New York, Brussels and Dar es from the political sphere, despite quotas provisions now being offered on the Salaam with the British Foreign Office. for female MPs,‖ she says. ―With just one Baghdad compound. Not to mention an She was appointed OBE in the 2017 New female minister, there are very few entirely female senior leadership team. Year Honours for Services to British women in the national decision-making Alice talks about showcasing the work of Diplomacy. process. This includes the judiciary, female colleagues, so that ―people don‘t Established at the request of the senior civil service roles, diplomacy, think of the UN in the field as just male government of Iraq, UNAMI has been on academia and so forth. Essentially, the peacekeepers‖. the ground since 2003, working to fulfil a top echelons in all professions are What was it that drew Alice to this world wide-ranging mandate. Elements include severely underrepresented by women. in the first place? advising and assisting the government on ―Iraq has a huge cadre of energetic, ―My mother was a politician and she had advancing political dialogue and national experienced women. It cannot afford to a career when a lot of women in the UK reconciliation, assisting in the electoral ignore the talents of 50% of its did not. I was brought up in a family with process, facilitating regional dialogue population.‖ strong female role models and a long between Iraq and its neighbours and An increase in the number of women in history of public service. Norwich High promoting the protection of human rights decision-making roles would offer School had very much the same ethos, and judicial and legal reforms. The significant social and economic benefits; and actively encouraged us to engage operation is one of the UN‘s biggest: it‘s widely documented that those with society. We were taught by strong- costing $100m a year, requiring almost countries where girls finish their minded, independent women; it was a 1,000 national and international staff, education and are enabled to join the very good launching-off point. It wasn‘t and working closely with UN agencies workforce will enjoy greater economic until I got to university that I realised including UNDP, UNICEF and growth and social stability. In other how radical some of that thinking had UNESCO. Volume 7, Issue 2 Education Page 72

UNESCO, UNICEF and Ministry of Education discussed the development and rollout of a comprehensive Education Management Information System (EMIS) for Iraq

Baghdad, 04 March 2020 - UNESCO management tool to capture and utilize monitoring and improved planning, and together with UNICEF met with the education data, for nationwide more effective delivery of services. Ministry of Education‘s Deputy Director General for Planning and the Ministry‘s EMIS Technical Committee to discuss the development and rollout of a comprehensive Education Management Information System (EMIS) for Iraq. The availability of relevant, timely and critical data strengthens government‘s ability to improve education through evidence-based policy and decision making. Through its EU funded EMIS project, the UNESCO Office in Iraq is supporting the MoE to develop and rollout a comprehensive Education Management Information System (EMIS). EMIS functions as a

Timeline

Message from the Special Representative of the UN Secretary- General for Iraq, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, to the people of the Kurdistan Region and Iraqis as a whole, on the occasion of Nowruz

Baghdad, 20 March 2020 - Nowruz, at home as COVID-19 can only be traditionally a time of renewal and a fought with the full cooperation of each celebration of history and identity for and every individual. Kurds and many other people around I would like to wish you a Happy the world, comes at a particularly Nowruz. Let us all find hope in the challenging time this year. light of spring: may it shine bright Normally, families and friends would across generations, communities and gather and celebrate in colourful public borders, bringing peace, good health displays as they welcome the arrival of and unity. spring, but this year we will celebrate Nowroztan Pirozbet

UNAMI on Twitter

Baghdad, 12 April 2020 - Warmest occasion of Easter. Despite these to COVID-19, may the occasion bring greetings to Iraqi Christians on the difficult days and the restrictions due joy to all. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Baghdad, 15 April 2020 - Best wishes new year. May new light bring peace, to the Yezidi community on the Yezidi safety and health.

UN Iraq Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert extends her best wishes for a peaceful, healthy Ramadan

Baghdad, 23 April 2020 – The holy lockdowns, curfews, and physical month of Ramadan is a time for peace distancing, Ramadan remains an and reflection which Muslims dedicate opportunity to pause, cherish what we to praying and fasting, emphasizing have, look after each other and find forgiveness and charity towards those peace of mind. The UN family in Iraq less fortunate. As COVID-19 continues wishes you a safe and healthy to take a heavy economic and emotional Ramadan. Better days lie ahead. toll in Iraq and around the globe, with Ramadan Kareem.