UNAMI Herald
Volume 5, Issue 1 January - February 2018
UN Secretary-General António Guterres launches the Iraq Recovery and Resilience Programme
Kuwait City/Baghdad/New York, 14 February 2018 – UN Secretary- General António Guterres launched the Iraq Recovery and Resilience Programme today at the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq. The two-year Recovery and Resilience Programme is designed to fast-track the social dimensions of reconstruction and help ensure that people see tangible improvements in their daily lives at the start of the reconstruction process, rather than waiting years to benefit settlement and accord, based on the terrorism is unfortunately a global from large-scale infrastructure principle of citizenship with equal phenomenon. projects and structural reforms. rights, obligations, justice and This creates the conditions for the “Iraq surmounted an incredible opportunities for all, is critically Government of Iraq to be successful challenge in its defeat of ISIL, but important for a future stable, united in implementation and its many challenges still remain,” said and prosperous Iraq,” said the programme of recovery of the the UN Secretary-General António Special Representative of the United country, and this creates the Guterres. “After the last three days in Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) conditions for the international Kuwait, I feel hope for a new Iraq that for Iraq, Ján Kubiš. community to be fully mobilized in is open for business and prepared to The UN is seeking USD 482 million support of the Iraqi people. face the next challenge of rebuilding for the first year of the RRP and an I want to also express my gratitude communities while reconstructing additional USD 568 million to help for the support given to the projects schools, roads, bridges, hospitals and stabilize high-risk areas. Separately, presented by the UN – namely the public infrastructure. A prosperous partners are seeking USD 569 recovery and rehabilitation projects. Iraq will be a pillar for development million to provide life-saving This is something aimed at working and stability in the region.” assistance to 3.4 million highly very closely in cooperation with the The RRP focuses on urgent priorities– vulnerable people across Iraq Iraqi Government in support to the helping people who have suffered the through the 2018 Humanitarian programmes of the Iraqi most, revitalizing the areas at the Response Plan. Government to accelerate the social highest risk of return to violence, and * * * dimension of recovery. advancing broad political participation Following the launch the Secretary- Just to give you an example, we are and inclusive social harmony. General's addressed the press: involved in 700 projects just in the “Reconstruction is not just about “It was [inaudible] to convene a city of Mosul, in which 10,000 Iraqis rebuilding infrastructure—it’s about conference mobilizing [inaudible] are directly cooperating. This to improving people’s lives,” said United necessary to respond to that terrible demonstrate that the whole of the Nations' Humanitarian and Resident humanitarian drama. international community needs to be Coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande. Today, Kuwait assumes the mobilized to go on fully supporting The RRP includes nine components. leadership in convening the the Iraqi Government and the Iraqi Three will be implemented in high conference in solidarity with the people to guarantee the full success priority communities where violent people and the Government of Iraq. of the stabilization of the country. extremism may possibly emerge But the response to this conference In a world where unfortunately good unless steps are taken to restore and to this appeal is an news is scarce, and in a region community trust, build confidence in extraordinary proof of confidence in where unfortunately we see many the Government and open economic the Government and in the people of situations getting worse, the fact opportunities. Six of the components Iraq. The international community that Iraq is on the right track and are national in scope. These has shown the recognition that Iraq the fact that the international components focus on decentralizing is on the right track for recovery and community has shown its confidence basic services, promoting sustainable stabilization. in Iraq is a very important piece of returns, providing support to And the international community good news. survivors, accelerating community has shown its appreciation for the I want to once again strongly reconciliation and expanding political courage with which the Iraqi people congratulate the Government of Iraq and social participation. have defeated Da’esh and terrorism, for the success in attracting such a “Together with community and tribal protecting not only themselves but high-level of confidence from the reconciliation, national political protecting all of us, because international community. “ UNAMI Herald Volume 5, Issue 1 January - February 2018
In this edition ...
Security Council Lise Grande, DSRSG/RR/RC/HC, ended her term in Iraq deliberated on the situation concerning Iraq at its Baghdad, 28 February 2018 - Lise Grande, 8184th meeting Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, UN Resident New York, 20 February 2018 Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator – On its 8184th meeting the for Iraq, ended her term in Iraq. In his briefing United Nations Security to the Security Council on 20 February 2018, Council deliberated on the SRSG Jan Kubiš said: “Before concluding situation concerning Iraq. The allow me to use the opportunity to thank my statement (as prepared for outgoing Deputy and at the same time delivery) by the Special RR/RC/HC Ms. Lise Grande for the truly Representative of the outstanding work in her over three years in Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Iraq. When we praise major achievements in Ján Kubiš at this meeting ... the areas of stabilization, when we applaud hard work and significant results in the humanitarian field including in civilian-military cooperation that so successfully worked for the protection and benefit of the affected civilian population notably during the Mosul liberation campaign we need first of all to recognise the leadership and achievements of DSRSG/RR/RC/HC Lise Grande that together with her colleagues made it happen. Her work is strongly appreciated by the government and people of Iraq, by all of us”.
UNDP organized the first United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs capacity building workshop Miroslav Jenča visited Baghdad and Mosul to express continued UN to strength the IHEC support for Iraq Gender Team capacities on
g e n d e r a n d g e n d e r Baghdad, 22 January 2018 - United Nations Assistant Secretary-General mainstreaming for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča is currently on a three-day visit to Iraq. Baghdad, 1 February 2018 - Mr. Jenča met yesterday, 21 January, with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, Based on the Independent High Vice-President Osama al-Nujaifi, Speaker of Parliament Salim al-Jubouri as Electoral Commission’s (IHEC) well as the recently appointed electoral board of commissioners. They request the United Nations discussed how the UN can best contribute to Iraq, particularly on the Development Programme national and provincial council elections scheduled for 12 May 2018 … (UNDP) has developed a More on page 14 capacity building program to strength the IHEC Gender Team capacities on gender and Community centers across UNAMI Herald is published bi- gender mainstreaming… Iraq offer training courses, monthly by the Public Information More on page 12 r e c r e a t i o n a l a n d Office of the United Nations educational activities to Assistance Mission for Iraq. refugees, internally Winterization helps PIO Director: Samir Ghattas vulnerable population to displaced people and Editor-in-Chief: Ivan Djordjevic face winter challenges members of the host community Baghdad, 17 January 2018 - Editorial Board: Samir Ghattas, In preparation for the harsh Iraq, February 2018 - During a Khalid Dahab, Ivan Djordjevic, Laila winter, members of the United visit to Domiz 1 and Khanke Shamji, Celia Thompson, Sarmad Al- Nations Country Team provided camps in Duhok Governorate, on Safy. assistance to the Internally 29 January 2018, the delegation Displaced People. from the Embassy of Canada in Photos: UNAMI PIO, UNHCR, Iraq met with the Community More than 27,600 families in UNCHR, UNICEF, IOM, OCHA, Outreach Volunteers running Erbil Governorate receive cash UNFPA, WHO, UNESCO, UNOPS, community centres in the camps, and essential items to stay UN Habitat, UN Photo, Office of the with the support of UNHCR Iraq warm this winter. President of Iraq, UNWomen, KRG- and Qandil. DFR, UNIDO, UNMAS, UNDP and Vulnerable displaced and ... More on page 28 WFP. hosting families in the governorate received cash In the UNAMI Herald articles are assistance, blankets, heaters sorted according to the topic and in a and other … More on page 26 chronological order. Volume 5, Issue 1 Kuwait Conference Page 3
UN Secretary-General António Guterres statement to the Conference on reconstruction in Iraq
with aid. The international community will continue to stand with Iraq as it recovers from its national nightmare. The conflict created staggering levels of destruction. Schools, hospitals, roads and homes are still contaminated by unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices. Whole neighborhoods, even entire cities, are uninhabitable. The fighting has now stopped, but there is an enormous task ahead. Iraqis are building a new Iraq. We should all stand ready to support their efforts to build a country that is committed to unity and inclusivity at all levels and for all areas. An Iraq that is ready for wide-ranging Kuwait, 14 February 2018 – Tens of thousands of Iraqis have lost reforms, including to its public finance Following is the statement (as prepared their lives. Hundreds of thousands and security sectors. for delivery) of the United Nations have lost their homes and livelihoods. The UN system will do its part and Secretary-General António Guterres at Close to six million have been stands with you, every step of the way. the opening of the Conference on displaced. Women and girls have been Millions of displaced people have reconstruction in Iraq: targeted for sexual violence on a already returned home to rebuild their “I am delighted to be here with you staggering scale. lives. today to discuss the reconstruction of Iraqis have made a massive national But some 2.5 million people are still Iraq, a country that has suffered so effort, providing 80 per cent of the displaced. much and that has so much to humanitarian support needed for their Helping them to return home safely contribute to the world. fellow countrymen and women. and voluntarily, and with dignity, is I thank the government of Kuwait for Throughout the conflict, the Iraqi one of Iraq’s highest priorities. demonstrating, once again, its people never wavered from their The UN Development Programme’s commitment to its neighbour. legendary tradition of hospitality, as Funding Facility for Stabilization is We are all grateful to the Amir for his families and communities across the working in 25 cities and districts, role as a bridge-builder, an honest country opened their homes to those supporting the return of displaced broker, and a source of support to fleeing death and chaos. people to their homes, laying the countries in the region and around the I myself have witnessed Iraqis who groundwork for reconstruction and world. The Amir’s generosity in hosting have nothing, but somehow find the recovery. donor conferences for the people of resources to help others. Iraqis will But we must and will do more. Syria has helped raise billions of never refuse to help a stranger in Today, I am delighted to launch the dollars for humanitarian efforts. trouble. It sometimes seems that those United Nations Recovery and Kuwait’s dedication to the who have the least, give the most to Resilience programme for Iraq. humanitarian cause goes beyond Syria others. This two-year programme is designed and Iraq to include Chad, Ethiopia, The United Nations, its governmental to help the Government fast-track the Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan. and non-governmental organization social dimensions of reconstruction. Last year, Kuwait co-hosted a donor partners, and civil society have It aims to make immediate and conference for Rohingya refugees and supported national efforts, reaching tangible improvements to people’s daily host communities in Bangladesh. some two million people every month lives, rather than the long timelines Your contribution was rightly recognized by my predecessor, who designated the Amir a Humanitarian Leader and honoured the State of Kuwait as a Humanitarian Centre. Today, I would like to reiterate my appreciation and thanks. I would also like to congratulate the Government and people of Iraq on their victory against Daesh’s murderous campaign. I pay tribute to their determination and to their resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering. I wish Prime Minister Abadi every success in his efforts to build a cohesive, non-sectarian future for Iraq. Volume 5, Issue 1 Kuwait Conference Page 4
UN Secretary-General António Guterres statement to the Conference on reconstruction in Iraq
government will continue and resolve outstanding issues. The Parliamentary elections scheduled for May will be key to Iraq’s unity, political stability, reconstruction and economic recovery. The participation of women, young people, minorities and civil society in the electoral process will be critical. Iraq and its people have survived great horror and pain. The whole world owes you a debt for your struggle against the deadly global threat posed by Daesh. It is time to demonstrate our lasting gratitude and solidarity with the Iraqi associated with major infrastructure making on all political issues, from people. projects and economic reforms. reconstruction to national The United Nations, and the entire It will revitalize areas that are at risk reconciliation. international community, stands with of violence, and support broad political I call on the authorities to fully Iraq. Thank you.” participation and inclusive social implement Iraq’s National Action Plan development. on Security Council resolution 1325 on The Recovery and Resilience women, peace and security, as well as programme will help those who have the Joint Communique on conflict- suffered most. related sexual violence. It will offer hope, and opportunity. National reconciliation and unity are a Education, culture and heritage will necessity. They are also an opportunity also be key elements for successful to address the causes of violent reconstruction. UNESCO’s initiative to extremism. coordinate international efforts for the Success will require compromise for the reconstruction of the Old City of Mosul greater good. deserves our full support. That can only come through I urge all those here today to support accommodating the interests of all both these initiatives politically, and parts of Iraqi society. Agreement must with resources. be based on citizenship, equal rights Reconstruction and development and opportunities for all. programmes must go hand-in-hand Iraq’s demographic diversity is a vital with a strategy to prevent the part of its rich history. recurrence of violent extremism and All Iraqis share a remarkable past and terrorism in Iraq. a promising future. This must include full respect for I am encouraged to see progress in the human rights, including political, civil, Baghdad-Erbil dialogue, and I hope economic, social and cultural rights. that meetings between the federal There will be a major role for civil Government and Kurdistan Regional society. Counter-terrorist policies must address the factors that radicalize young people, including lack of education and opportunity. This requires national and international development programmes to prioritize training and jobs for Iraq’s young women and men. Women, girls and all those who step outside traditional gender roles have suffered terrible abuses in Iraq over recent years, from execution to torture and sexual slavery. We must continue offering them support to help them to heal. Iraq’s reconciliation process must also include accountability for the crimes that have been committed. Women must participate fully in decision- Volume 5, Issue 1 Security Council Page 5
Security Council deliberated on the situation concerning Iraq at its 8184th meeting
New York, 20 February 2018 – On its 8184th meeting the United Nations Security Council deliberated on the situation concerning Iraq. Following is the statement (as prepared for delivery) by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš at this meeting:
Mr. President, Distinguished members of the Security Council, I have the honour to introduce the second report of the Secretary-General pursuant to resolution 2367 (2017), as well as the seventeenth report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 4 of resolution 2017 (2013) on the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and property. reconstruction which will be compromised quota system and Mr. President, implemented by the UN Country Team. corruption. Only a new government, This Security Council meeting takes All this creates the conditions for the based on such approach will guarantee place just days after the Iraq Government of Iraq to be successful in the future of Iraq as a united, Reconstruction Conference, so implementation of its programme of democratic, fully sovereign and generously co-hosted by H. H. Emir of reforms, recovery and rehabilitation of independent federal state, as a factor of Kuwait, thus showing once again his the country, in cooperation with stability, cooperation and prosperity for and his country’s commitment to the notably the countries of the region, its people and for the region. humanitarian, peace and development including on such increasingly Mr. President, cause in the region and in the world. important issues transboundary water I note that several groups with armed The regional and international management. The Secretary-General formations engaged in fighting Da’esh response to the conference and its stated in his concluding remarks “ In a have announced that they will continue appeal is an extraordinary proof of world where unfortunately good news as purely civil or political continuous solidarity with and is scarce, and in the region where organisations. They have pledged to confidence in the Government and in unfortunately we see many situations integrate their troops into the the people of Iraq. By this the getting worse, the fact that Iraq is on structures of the Popular Mobilisation international community has shown its the right track and the fact that the Forces, and thus under the control of lasting appreciation of the courage with international community has shown its the Government of Iraq. For example, which the Iraqi people have defeated confidence in Iraq is a very important cleric Muqtada al-Sadr stated that his the territorial hold of Da’esh, protecting piece of good news.” Peace Brigades would be transformed not only themselves but all of us from Mr. President, into a civil organisation and called on the scourge of international terrorism. As the Security Forces continue to clear the group’s members to hand over The conference was attended by out remnants of Da’esh, Iraq is liberated areas to the Iraqi security seventy member states and increasingly focusing on the upcoming forces. international organizations and 2,000 parliamentary elections. The Iraqi In order to safeguard the democratic private sector companies, mobilized Council of Representatives approved 12 process, it is imperative that these nearly USD 30 billion to support May 2018 as the date of the elections. intentions are followed through and all reconstruction. In a series of Meanwhile, Iraq’s governorate council political parties relinquish their presentations during the three-day elections are now slated to be held on a connections to the Popular Mobilisation event, the Government of Iraq affirmed separate date, with the Council of Forces and any other armed groups. its commitment to inclusive governance Representatives voting that such The Political Parties Law of 2015 and and reform, stressed the overriding elections shall take place at least 6 the Popular Mobilisation Commission importance of community and national months after the parliamentary Law of 2016 stipulate that political reconciliation and outlined the steps it elections. parties cannot be affiliated to any is taking to shift from a state to private Many of the Iraqi political forces armed group and that members of the -sector led economy. Support is being decided to form cross-sectarian, cross- Popular Mobilisation Forces shall not provided in the form of sovereign loans, ethnic coalitions across the political be allowed to participate in any non-sovereign credit, financing, project spectrum. It is indeed essential that the political activities. Prime Minister guarantees, and other funding, elections will confirm the vision of Abadi has repeatedly underlined that including support for humanitarian Iraqis working together across the all weapons must be under the control assistance and stabilization initiatives. sectarian and ethnic divides in of the state. During the high-level segment, the UN pursuing the needed political, economic Mr. President, Secretary General launched the Iraq and social reforms based on the The Independent High Electoral Recovery and Resilience Programme principles of citizenship with equal Commission has steadily continued its (RRP), a two-year programme designed rights, justice and opportunity for all preparations for the parliamentary to fast-track the social dimensions of and good governance, void of the elections. The Commission has Volume 5, Issue 1 Security Council Page 6
Security Council deliberated on the situation concerning Iraq at its 8184th meeting (continued) registered 205 political parties; and 27 vote, should eligible IDP voters not between different components and political coalitions are approved to return to their homes in time for the groups in Iraq. contest the elections. The candidate election. The United Nations has received nomination period concluded on 15 Here I have to note with deep concern requests from the Electoral February, with the Commission now that returns to many of the areas Commission for further technical proceeding to review the list of liberated already 2-3 years ago in support and we are ready to provide candidates in coordination with Diyala, Sallah-ad-Din, Babel or the assistance. In order to assess the appropriate institutions, prior to their Baghdad belt have not taken place, yet. preparations for the elections and to finalization. The Commission has Providing a security environment by identify the specific areas and announced progress on several ongoing the Iraqi Security Forces which enables measures to be taken by the Iraqi activities, including the distribution of voters to exercise their right to vote in Electoral management bodies and by 52 % of 10.7 million electronic voter safety, free from terror, fear or the UN in their support, a second stage cards produced, the arrival of a number intimidation, is an overriding concern. of the UN Electoral Needs Assessment of electoral equipment and materials, In addition, the new electronic ballot Mission will shortly deploy to Iraq. the refurbishment of electoral facilities counting system, including the Mr. President, particularly in areas affected by conflict customization and development of the I am encouraged by the recent positive and recruitment of polling staff, software for results tabulation developments in relations between approval of polling regulations, and the continues to be a work in progress and Baghdad and Erbil. The federal information dissemination campaign requires accelerated support, including Government had formed a high-level for voters and electoral stakeholders, from the UN and other international committee to oversee negotiations over including women. The Commission has partners, in order to ensure the issues related to security, borders, also opened registration for out-of- envisaged enhanced integrity and border crossings, customs, airports, country voting. credibility of the elections. In this dams and oil. On 20 January, for the Yet, a number of challenges remain. regard, I welcome the initiative of the first time since the referendum, Prime The voluntary and dignified return of Electoral Commission to hold a Minister Abadi received a KRG IDPs under condition of safety and nationwide simulation of the voting delegation led by Prime Minister security is an issue critical for the system well before the election takes Nechirvan Barzani. Mr Abadi and Mr success and credibility of the elections. place. Barzani met again the following week, In the months ahead, the Government Observation of the elections, both in Davos and on the margins of the expects that as many as two million of domestic and international, will be a Munich Security Conference on 17 the 2.5 million who are still displaced vital component in fostering credibility February. On 4 February, the federal will return home. During his speech at and acceptance of the results. I strongly Government committee, which had the opening of the International urge domestic observer groups, as well travelled to Erbil earlier, completed its Reconstruction Conference for Iraq, the as the international community, to examination of the payroll of the Prime Minister reiterated his participate in the observation of the Ministries of Health and Education, Government’s commitment to safe, elections, and the international while the Government of Iraq voluntary and dignified return community to provide the necessary announced plans to pay some civil movements. I am also encouraged by support. servant salaries in the Kurdistan the decision of the Government to Credible and acceptable elections with region. Also in early February, the establish voluntary return committees, high voter turnout, including in the federal Government agreed in principle with humanitarian representatives, in liberated areas and in the Kurdistan to allow international flights between each Governorate to oversee the return region, and with specific measures to Kurdistan region and Saudi Arabia for process. facilitate women’s participation, will the purpose of performing Umrah. The At the same time, the Independent empower the new government to Baghdad-Erbil relationship is also High Electoral Commission is implement reforms, improve affected by the ongoing stalemate over preparing to implement special accountability and promote the 2018 Federal Budget Law. provisions to enable the displaced to inclusiveness and reconciliation UNAMI continues to engage actively with the main stakeholders in Baghdad as well as in the Kurdistan region in favour of just and sustainable solutions on the basis of the Constitution, which will also guarantee the full constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region. Prime Minister Abadi these days confirmed that the federal and regional Governments are in the final stages of negotiations as regards some concrete areas that would address urgent needs and concerns of the people of the region, starting with payment of salaries and re-opening of the airports in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. Such steps are urgently needed. The dire economic and social situation in Kurdistan triggered further protests Volume 5, Issue 1 Security Council Page 7
Security Council deliberated on the situation concerning Iraq at its 8184th meeting (continued)
parliamentary blocs, and called for a peace to work on: meeting of the top constitutional 1. Dismantling of “Da’esh” ideology. leaders with the Parliament to discuss 2. Disseminating the values of and resolve the issue. I urge the moderation, coexistence and tolerance. Council of Representatives to adopt the 3. Solving the social problems resulting Budget Law without further delay. I from the “Da’esh” occupation, whether welcome the continued assistance of the regional, tribal or ethnic. International Monetary Fund to the Under the committee, offices for Government while it implements this women, youth, academics, religious and ambitious but necessary fiscal tribal leaders were established. adjustment. I call on the federal Despite the preoccupation of Iraqi Government and Kurdistan Regional leaders, political forces and society with Government to arrive at an agreement preparing and campaigning for the across the region. In December, on key issues such as the Kurdistan upcoming elections, I would like to protests took place in Sulaymaniyah region's budget share, the ambit of reiterate my call to them to keep up the Governorate. The demonstrations had a sovereign expenditures and Peshmerga momentum and engage in a genuine political undertone, amidst calls for a salaries, as well as the modalities for national political and reconciliation transitional (or “salvation”) government hydrocarbon management. dialogue process. This includes in the Kurdistan region. Subsequently, Mr. President, addressing the impact of Da’esh on the the Kurdistan Islamic Group, the Prime Minister al-Abadi has, on Iraqi community, combating extremist Change Movement (Gorran) and the numerous occasions, reiterated his ideologies and promoting moderation Kurdistan Islamic Union announced government’s commitment to tackling and tolerance. their withdrawal from the Kurdistan corruption. On 21 November, he noted UNAMI has engaged with Iraqi Regional Government. In an attempt to that the Supreme Council for political parties, civil society resolve the crisis, on 17 December, Countering Corruption was following organisations, women, youth, tribal and Prime Minister Barzani requested the up on investigations of individuals both community representatives to promote regional parliament to set a date for inside and outside Iraq. This Council reconciliation. In particular, UNAMI, Kurdistan parliamentary elections. met on 4 December to discuss the in collaboration with the Mr. President, performance of the General Implementation and Follow-up Regrettably, pressure on the media Inspectorate's offices in investigating Committee for National Reconciliation continues. In December, NRT TV cases of corruption. On 5 December, of the Prime Minister’s Office, station, accused of inciting violence, Prime Minister al-Abadi emphasised concluded a number of roundtable was ordered by the authorities in that countering corruption was a discussions country-wide on “National Kurdistan Region temporarily to judicial issue, and that his government Reconciliation: Prospects and suspend its broadcasts. Also in aimed to achieve justice through due Challenges” to bolster inclusive December, some offices of Al Sharqiya legal diligence. Prime Minister Abadi political dialogue throughout the TV channel were ordered to close in also announced that the Council of country. The discussions were attended other parts of Iraq. I reiterate my call Ministers would pass a law to increase by more than 350 representatives, upon the authorities to respect and the Government’s capacity to fight including 64 women, covering the protect the media. I emphasise the corruption. As part of the government’s political and social spectrum in the 13 critical role of free and impartial media anti-corruption campaign, on 25 governorates of Karbala, Babel, in any democratic society. At the same January, the Iraqi authorities took into Baghdad, Salah Al-Din, Wassit, time, the media must operate in full custody former Minister of Trade Abdel Basrah, Missan, Thi-Qar, Muthana, compliance with the law and applicable Falah al-Sudani, following his Diyala, Anbar, Najaf and Diwaniya. To rules and regulations. Hate speech and extradition from Lebanon. On 12 facilitate the UN’s expanding incitement to violence based on February he was sentenced to 21 years engagement throughout the country, religion, race or political affiliation, imprisonment. Other similar cases are UNAMI is planning this year to open have no place in a democracy. being pursued by the Iraqi authorities. an office in Mosul, in Ninewa Mr. President, Mr. President, Governorate. We will also increase Prominent among current concerns is In order to ensure that terrorists will capacity in our office in Kirkuk, the adoption of the 2018 Federal never again find fertile ground to another region of deep and violent Budget Law by the Council of operate and thrive, Iraq needs to political divisions. And my Deputy for Representatives. The government engage in inclusive national dialogue Political and Electoral Affairs will submitted the draft Law for and settlement, accompanied by a increasingly reach out towards parliamentary approval at the end of process of grassroots and community stakeholders outside Baghdad, to November. However, due to objections reconciliation. As announced by the ensure we are implementing a truly of a number of political parties government of Iraq at the Kuwaiti national remit for engagement that will including from the Kurdistan region to Conference, Prime Minister has include all provinces and diverse one or more provisions, the second recently approved the “National segments of their populations, notably reading of the Law was finalised only Initiative for Dialogue”, aimed at women and youth. on 13 February. Speaker Jubouri reaching a comprehensive agreement, As part of UNAMI’s mandate to assist subsequently stated that the Budget which the government plans to launch with national reconciliation, the Law would not be submitted for voting at an appropriate time. Moreover, the Mission continued its collaboration on until an agreement is reached between government created a standing high minority issues with the Minority the federal Government and committee on coexistence and social Department of the Implementation and Volume 5, Issue 1 Security Council Page 8
Security Council deliberated on the situation concerning Iraq at its 8184th meeting (continued)
Follow-up Committee for National Reconciliation. UNAMI participated in discussions aimed at intra- and inter- minority consolidation. In the same vein, on 23 January visiting Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Miroslav Jenča met minority leaders from the Christian, Yazidi, Shabak, Sabean Mandean and Fayli Kurds components, who urged the United Nations to advocate peaceful coexistence among religions and ethnics groups. Mr. President, Although Da'esh's so-called caliphate has been defeated, the terrorist organisation and its sleeper cells, Khurmatu in Salah al-Din governorate justice. including among IDPs, continues to in mid-October 2017, UNAMI has Mr. President, pose a threat. On 18 February, in the received a number of allegations of On 13 February the Security Council course of counter terrorism operations human rights abuses and violations. approved the Terms of Reference, in Hawija and surrounding areas, a UNAMI teams undertook two acceptable to the Government of Iraq, special force from the Popular monitoring missions to Tuz Khurmatu for the UN Investigative Team to be Mobilisation Forces was ambushed and on 7 and 14 December. established pursuant to Security over 20 fighters were martyred. Deplorably, violence in Tuz Khurmatu Council resolution 2379 (2017). A UN Intermittently, Turkish military continued. On 9 December, Aksu, assessment mission to facilitate the attacks on PKK targets in northern Jamila and Jumhori quarters in Tuz establishment of this Team is planning Iraq have continued, including in the Khurmatu City were shelled, killing a to visit Iraq at the beginning of April. past 3 days. child and wounding twelve, including The issue of Da’esh accountability is Mr. President, two women. particularly important for national From 23 November 2017 to 24 January On 8 January, the Council of reconciliation and transitional justice 2018, 193 civilians were killed and 446 Representatives formed an UNAMI has continued to prioritise others were wounded. On 27 November, investigation committee to look into the achieving justice for individuals a double suicide attack in a market in situation, including potential human affected by human rights abuses the town of Nahrawan, south-eastern rights violations. On 13 January, a committed in the ongoing armed Baghdad, resulted in the death of at brigade of the Rapid Response Division conflict, in particular serious crimes least 11 civilians and wounded 25 was deployed to the area. On 15 that may amount to war crimes, crimes others. In the bloodiest attack during January, the local police offices in against humanity and possibly the reporting period, on 15 January, in Sulaiman Bik sub-district were genocide as the government proceeds to al-Tayaran square in central Baghdad reopened. I welcome the Government's take action against perpetrators of City, two suicide attackers wearing efforts to restore calm and normality in crimes, including foreign nationals and belts laden with explosives targeted Tuz Khurmatu and to foster an women. These days the High Judicial civilians, killing 26 persons and environment conducive to the return of Council sentenced ten foreign women to wounding 90 others. displaced persons. life imprisonment for their involvement These cowardly and indiscriminate Mr. President, with Da’esh with another woman from attacks have the sole purpose of Of particular concern is the rising Turkey sentenced to death. inflicting maximum casualties among popular sentiment in favour of Given the scale of serious crimes, innocent civilians. I urge greater collective punishment of families UNAMI is pursuing a strategy at the vigilance by the authorities and closer perceived to be associated with Da’esh. national level with a view to allowing cooperation with citizens to thwart the Iraqis believed to have links with domestic courts to have jurisdiction intentions of terrorists who seek to Da’esh are increasingly subjected to over international crimes. This would derail Iraq’s recovery path after long revenge measures. For example, on 6 include legal reforms to introduce conflict. It is also worrying that December, attacks using hand grenades definitions of international crimes and civilians have continued to be targeted targeted four families in south-eastern penalties into legislation, as well as the in and around Mosul city and some Mosul. On 30 December, an armed establishment of a specialised court other liberated areas. And, following group destroyed three houses in a with a national jurisdiction to try the liberation of areas that were under village in al-Shirqat district in Salah al perpetrators in conformity with Da’esh control, as a sad legacy of its -Din, using explosives. On 8 January, international criminal law principles. former presence, explosives reportedly in Heet city, Anbar, unknown persons Such legal reform would complement planted by the terrorist organisation burned and partially destroyed three the criminal legal framework and have continued to cause civilian empty houses belonging to families provide for the establishment of casualties, notably in Kirkuk, Ninewa with members allegedly associated with specialised courts with international and Anbar Governorates. Da’esh. UNAMI urges the Iraqi principles. Mr. President, authorities to maintain the rule of law This initiative would also complement Since the outbreak of violence in the and order, to prevent vindictive acts ongoing international initiatives to ethnically diverse city of Tuz and bring those responsible for them to gather evidence on the most serious Volume 5, Issue 1 Security Council Page 9
Security Council deliberated on the situation concerning Iraq at its 8184th meeting (continued) crimes committed by Da’esh. It is vital women, peace and security agenda in require some form of humanitarian to ensure that crimes and human rights Iraq and support the implementation of assistance during 2018. Humanitarian violations and abuses including sexual the national action plan on UNSCR partners plan to reach 3.4 million violence crimes are properly 1325 and related national frameworks. highly vulnerable Iraqis during the documented to enable possible Mr. President, year, including 1.5 million displaced prosecutions where perpetrators can be I urged Iraq to reconsider the draft people in camps and informal identified and apprehended. Efforts amendments to the Personal Status settlements, 350,000 highly vulnerable towards implementing the Joint Law that alter fundamentally the legal people who cannot return home unless Communiqué on Prevention and provisions governing marriage. It is a assisted, 1.25 million Iraqis not Response to Conflict-Related Sexual matter of concern that these draft adequately covered by social protection will also contribute to the work of the amendments are silent on the systems and more than 2 million people Investigative Team. Preserving the minimum age of consent to marriage who will need protection assistance. evidence of crimes committed by Da’esh and do not apply to all components of During 2018, humanitarian operations is important to ensure that justice will Iraqi society. I recall that, in 2016, Iraq in Iraq will contract significantly. be done. UNAMI remains concerned at signed with the United Nations a Joint Government authorities are already the limitations in capacity of the Communiqué formally committing to decommissioning displaced camps and federal Government and the Kurdistan preventing and addressing conflict- gearing up social protection Regional Government to protect and related sexual violence, which foresees programmes in areas where families systematically investigate crime sites, legislative and policy reform to are returning. I am encouraged by the including mass graves. Since June strengthen protection against and major efforts being made by authorities 2014, at least 113 mass graves have response to sexual violence crimes. I to prevent retribution in return areas been discovered. Systematic urge the Government of Iraq to protect and deal with the many complicated preservation and excavation of these children by preventing the adoption of post-ISIL realities communities are sites remains critical, given that they any policies that could harm children facing. may contain evidence of the already exposed to armed conflict. Funding for the humanitarian perpetrators of these crimes, but also Mr. President, operation remains one of our highest important evidence of the identities of I welcome the Government of Iraq’s priorities. We are grateful for the the victims. resolve to hold accountable those generosity of donors who continue to Mr. President, violating legal regulations with regard ensure that humanitarian appeals in I commend the Iraqi federal to the age of recruitment to armed Iraq are some of the most generously Government and the Kurdistan forces. I also welcome the government’s funded globally. Humanitarian Regional Government for their expressed willingness to work with the partners require USD 569 million concerted efforts and strong United Nations Country Taskforce on during this year. I hope we can coordination towards the Monitoring and Reporting to develop an continue to count on donor support for implementation of the national action action plan to address violations this crucially important operation. plan on women, peace and security. In committed against children in times of Mr. President, particular, I welcome the establishment conflict. To this end, Prime Minister The problem of unexploded ordnance of a National Team on the Abadi has endorsed the establishment continues to impact returns and implementation of UNSCR 1325 on of the National Inter-Ministerial Senior reconstruction in areas across the Women, Peace and Security. Iraq’s Committee for Monitoring and country. In western Mosul, more than ability to implement its 1325 National Reporting on children affected by the 10 million tons of rubble is Action Plan will be dependent on armed conflict. The Committee will be contaminated and must be cleared, a allocation of funding and headed by the Minister of Labour and process likely to take up to ten years to implementation of related national Social Affair and will include the complete. Already, UNMAS has cleared frameworks. Women continue to be relevant line ministries as members. I over 25,000 hazards but families, underrepresented in political and commend the Government of Iraq for anxious to return, have started to reconciliation processes at the national taking these positive steps towards the remove explosive hazards from their level. With elections looming, I will termination of the recruitment and use houses, depositing them in streets and continue to advocate with Iraqi senior of children and look forward to a public spaces. We commend the political leaders for broadening of continued fruitful collaboration in Government of Iraq for their efforts to women’s political space and working towards a protected future for appointment in leadership positions children in Iraq. within political parties, as well as their Mr. President, meaningful participation in all electoral The humanitarian crisis in Iraq is processes including participating in entering a new phase. Already, three negotiations towards the government months after the end of combat formation after the national elections. I operations, more than half of the nearly urged political leaders to defend and six million civilians who were forced to protect the political, economic, social flee their homes during the conflict, 3.3 and legal space for women, to prevent million Iraqis, have returned to their obstacles hindering women’s communities. participation in political life. The UN Although combat operations halted in will continue supporting the November 2017, humanitarian needs Government of Iraq and Kurdistan remain high. Assessments confirm that Regional Government to advance the as many as 8.7 million Iraqis will Volume 5, Issue 1 Security Council Page 10
Security Council deliberated on the situation concerning Iraq at its 8184th meeting (continued) clear numerous dangerous items before determination of both countries to forge Penetrating Radar) and procurement of people return home and call on the ahead with strengthening bilateral ties. high-resolution and satellite imagery. international community to provide Despite strong support demonstrated We are also looking into ways to help training and resources to the Iraqi by Kuwait, and commitment to their focus Iraqi efforts more productively. Security Forces to deal with the international and humanitarian I would like to take this opportunity to exponentially growing stockpiles of obligation shown by Iraq, full call upon the international community explosive hazards. normalization of relations will only to consider how it can support the Mr. President, take place once all outstanding issues search for the missing Kuwaiti persons, UNDP’s Funding Facility for have been resolved. including through procurement of field Stabilization has continued to scale-up The Government of Iraq, particularly equipment and provision of forensic, its efforts to stabilise newly liberated its Ministry of Defence, are making DNA, and anthropological training and areas of Iraq. FFS is now cleared to proactive efforts, through field missions capacity-building for the Iraqi and work in 31 of the more than 40 cities and in the collection of information, to Kuwaiti technical teams. Those and districts which have been liberated reanimate the search for missing Member States in possession of by Iraqi Security Forces. Since we last Kuwaiti persons. I deeply regret that satellite imagery from 1990-1991 are reported to the Security Council, 360 the last thirteen years have not yielded particularly encouraged to come projects have either been completed or tangible results. As emphasised on forward and provide analysis and are under development bringing the many occasions before this Council, information to the Government of Iraq total number of stabilization projects to providing the answers to grieving that could assist in identification of 1,887. In Mosul alone, nearly 600 families waiting to discover the fate of burial locations. By working together stabilization projects are underway. their loved ones depends on and translating the recommendations UNDP is also continuing to accelerate commitment, action and the adoption of of the ICRC project into a concrete plan stabilization efforts in ten priority new and innovative ways to take the of action, there is hope that we will Christian towns in the Ninawa Plains. file forward. reach tangible progress, while 209 projects are underway in these Commitment and readiness for action providing valuable lessons to other areas, an increase from 164 at the end are there.. During the last session of contexts where efforts to locate and of our last reporting period. These the Tripartite mechanism, which took identify missing persons are being efforts are having significant impact. In place on 6th February in Kuwait, planned. Bartella, 445 houses have been Tripartite members praised the ICRC Mr. President, refurbished; in coming months, more review project that would serve to Contrary to the momentum than 2,100 houses will be ready to streamline and prioritise work, re- surrounding the missing persons file, receive families. The district hospital in orient activities, and guide the there has been no forward movement Hamdaniyah is now open, providing mechanism, agreeing to begin detailed on the missing property. I urge the state-of-the art health services for over discussions on how best to implement Government of Iraq to explore new 500,000 people living in the Ninawa its recommendations during the next strategies to revive the search for the Plains. In the Yazidi towns of Western sessions scheduled for the second half Kuwaiti national archives. I also Ninawa, UNDP is restoring major of April. While responsibility and the reiterate my call for Iraq and Kuwait to components of the electricity grid, brunt of the work lie with the come to an agreement on the swift including a high voltage line from Al- Government of Iraq, all members and repatriation of located Kuwaiti Awinat to Sinuni. UNAMI, as an observer, have pledged academic textbooks that have been The UN continues to support security their support by drawing upon their awaiting official handover for over a sector reform in Iraq. On 8 February, at respective expertise and available year. UNAMI stands ready to facilitate the quarterly meeting of the Security resources. UNAMI, in particular, has and observe this process. Sector Reform Strategic Partners, the identified a number of areas where it Mr. President, Office of the National Security Advisor can assist, including provision of Before concluding allow me to use the briefed on the progress being made to technical equipment (such as Ground opportunity to thank my outgoing implement the Government’s Security Deputy and at the same time RR/RC/ Sector Reform Programme. HC Ms. Lise Grande for the truly International partners, coordinated outstanding work in her over three with support from UNDP, continue to years in Iraq. When we praise major take steps to accelerate key components achievements in the areas of of the national strategy. stabilization, when we applaud hard Mr. President, work and significant results in the Allow me to now turn to the humanitarian field including in civilian seventeenth report of the Secretary- -military cooperation that so General on the issue of missing successfully worked for the protection Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and benefit of the affected civilian and missing Kuwaiti property, population notably during the Mosul including the national archives. liberation campaign we need first of all As demonstrated by the recent to recognise the leadership and International Conference organised and achievements of DSRSG/RR/RC/HC hosted by Kuwait, the relations Lise Grande that together with her between the two countries continues to colleagues made it happen. Her work is improve with each passing year. I strongly appreciated by the government would like to commend the and people of Iraq, by all of us. Volume 5, Issue 1 Elections Page 11
At Electoral Workshop, IHEC confident of delivering credible election process and UN pledges more technical support
Sulaimaniyah, 12 January 2018 - Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) faces significant challenges but will be able to surmount them and deliver a timely, fair and transparent national election on 12 May 2018, the United Nations has said, pledging continued technical support to ensure an effective and credible process that wins the confidence of Iraqi voters, politicians and the international community. The UN pledge of continued support came during a two-day workshop the IHEC held in Sulaimaniyah on 11-12 January to roll out countrywide preparations for the elections scheduled for 12 May 2018. Under the overall supervision of the new Board of Assessment Mission. emphasised. “It will remain paramount Commissioners, the event was attended Highlighting UN commitment and for IHEC to demonstrate its readiness by IHEC national and field level support towards holding timely and to deliver a robust and efficient directors. Thematic topics discussed successful elections, Ms. Walpole said operation within the current timelines.” included the use of new technologies, “Our team of technical experts The Deputy Special Representative inclusive participation by Internally continues to stand ready to support and expressed confidence in the IHEC Displaced Persons (IDPs), special assist you.” despite the significant challenges, voting, public outreach and electoral But, Ms. Walpole said, responsibility pointing to Iraq’s successful record in dispute resolution mechanisms. The lies with the IHEC. “Your roles will be holding elections under adverse governorate Directors presented their crucial in delivering a professional and conditions in the past, such as the operational and technical requirements credible electoral process. Iraqi voters, terrorist Daesh’s presence in parts of and the challenges from their local politicians and the international the country in 2014 - and highlighting perspectives, while the Board of community are looking to IHEC. Their the need to plan for all contingencies by Commissioners and national level degree of trust and confidence in you conducting a nationwide testing of directors presented the plans, timelines will define their acceptance of the voting procedures in advance of the and measures for addressing challenges election results,” Ms. Walpole elections to avoid any hiccups on from the national perspective. election day. In light of the importance of the Mr. Aamir Arain, Director of the workshop in jumpstarting the electoral Electoral Assistance Office, said the preparations, and the sensitivity of the UN has received requests from the items to be discussed, IHEC requested IHEC for more technical support. “We UN input and presence. They shared are ready,” he said, adding that some of their thoughts with senior UN officials the challenges in the 2018 elections who attended, including the Deputy range from ensuring a flawless Special Representative of the electronic counting and result Secretary-General for Iraq for Political management in a single day, to the and Electoral Affairs, Alice Walpole, security of the process, in particular and a senior team from the Electoral software and result transmission Assistance Office of the United Nations security. Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). Addressing the workshop, IHEC’s Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Riaydh al- Badran, stated that the Commission “is fully determined and has the procedural, technical and logistical potential to conduct the elections in its scheduled date.” The Chair of the Board of Commissioners, Mr. Ma’an al-Hitawi, echoed equal confidence, recalling that the commission had faced difficult tests in the past “but we are able to create the conditions to have the opportunity to conduct successful elections.” He argued for increased UN support, urging expeditious action to fulfill the requests made to the recent UN Needs Volume 5, Issue 1 Elections Page 12
UNDP organized the first capacity building workshop to strength the IHEC Gender Team capacities on gender and gender mainstreaming
Baghdad, 1 February 2018 - Based Walpole said: parliamentary elections in 2014 saw on the Independent High Electoral “Women’s political participation in Iraq only 42% of women casting a ballot - a Commission’s (IHEC) request the is characterized by progress as well as further decline in women’s turnout United Nations Development setbacks. In terms of representation at compared to previous elections. Programme (UNDP) has developed a national and local governance levels, To reverse this disappointing trend, we capacity building program to strength Iraq has some of the highest rates of all need to be much more sensitive to the IHEC Gender Team capacities on female representation in the world. Of the challenges facing women in gender and gender mainstreaming; course, in the Council of engaging with the electoral process. I develop the vision and goals of the Representatives this is largely welcome the formation of the IHEC gender team and its structure; and to attributable to the use of a 25% quota Gender Committee, aimed at support the gender team to set its that guarantees nomination and mainstreaming women’s participation works plan for 2018. election of a minimum number of and promoting gender equality within Within this framework, the first women. the Independent High Electoral workshop was held today in Baghdad The path for most women into political Commission internal structures, for over twenty members of the IHEC activity, and even just to vote, is a procedures and policies. Gender Team (both female and male). difficult one, made more complex in The UN has supported IHEC for many The workshop was addressed by the Iraq’s case by the prevailing cultural years – through difficult times and Chairperson of the Board of the attitudes that restrict women’s numerous challenges. We remain by Commissioners of IHEC, Mr. Maan Al- participation in decision making, the your side in this huge endeavor to Hitawi, the Deputy Special lack of internal political party deliver free, fair and transparent Representative of the Secretary- democracy, and the double threat of elections in four months’ time. Our General for Iraq for Political Affairs sectarian- and gender-based violence team of technical experts continues to and Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice that affect women as candidates, be ready to support and assist you; the Walpole, and UNDP’s Country elected officials and voters. Special representative and I myself Director, Mr. Mounir Tabet. In Iraq, women comprise the majority remain actively engaged and wish you In her opening remarks, DSRSG of the total population but the last success in the months ahead.” Volume 5, Issue 1 Elections Page 13
DSRSG Walpole visits internally displaced families in Baghdad; underlines importance of exercising right of voting in upcoming elections
Baghdad, 08 February 2018 - Deputy DSRSG Walpole spoke to women and Special Representative of the United young people in the camps, describing Nations Secretary-General (DSRSG) for the experience as very moving. She Iraq for Political and Electoral Affairs, reiterated the importance of including Ms. Alice Walpole, visited some the vulnerable in making decisions internally displaced families living in about their future, warmly encouraging Abu Ghraib district (Al-Amal, Al-Ahali the young first-time voters to seize the and Al-Shams camps), Baghdad. opportunity to come out and vote in The visit was jointly organised by the May. United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the International Organization for Migration and focused on preparations for the internally displaced to be enabled to vote in the upcoming national elections in May. During the visit, DSRSG Walpole discussed some of the major and ongoing challenges facing displaced communities and was able to witness firsthand the conditions under which they continue to live. “We have a duty to support those who have lost their homes and are far away from their communities,” said Ms. Walpole. “In particular, those who were disempowered under Da’esh should be enabled to make their voices heard through the electoral process. Participating in these elections is a constitutional right,” she added. Volume 5, Issue 1 Elections Page 14
DSRSG Walpole visits internally displaced people in Kirkuk; emphasizes participation in upcoming poll in May Kirkuk, 20 February 2018 – Iraqis who have been displaced by recent conflict have an inalienable right to vote, and they should be enabled to participate in the upcoming poll and have a voice in charting the future of their country, the UN Deputy Special Representative for Iraq emphasized during a visit today to a temporary camp for the displaced in Kirkuk. The visit by the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Iraq for Political and Electoral Affairs, Ms. Alice Walpole, to the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Laylan-1 camp in Kirkuk, was aimed at highlighting the importance of the participation of IDPs in the elections and to encourage them to exercise their right to choose their representatives in parliament. The visit was jointly organised by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the Iraq Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). During the visit, DSRSG Walpole met with elections,” said Ms. Walpole, who camp to enable those not yet registered displaced families, and took the recently visited other camps for the to sign up. The United Nations opportunity to hear about their displaced outside Baghdad to advocate continues to provide technical support preparations for voting. for the inclusion of IDPs and other and advice to the IHEC on election “I continue to emphasize the central vulnerable groups in a free and fair preparations. importance of the participation of the electoral process. She echoed the need Ms. Walpole reiterated the internally displaced in the upcoming for special measures to be in place to constitutional right of all Iraqis to ensure that first time voters and the participate in the elections and vulnerable be enabled to register and encouraged voters to make the effort to vote in the elections scheduled for 12 come out to vote. “I will continue to May 2018. advocate for the internally displaced to The Director of the Independent High be able to vote for the future of Iraq. Electoral Commission (IHEC) in Indeed, I strongly encourage all voters Kirkuk, Mr. Qais Mohammed to demonstrate their commitment to Khorshid, was on hand to help reassure their country’s future by turning out in camp residents that the IHEC will large numbers on Election Day.” provide mechanisms for the internally While in Kirkuk, DSRSG Walpole also displaced to vote in dedicated voting held meetings with the Acting stations within their camps. He also Governor and local politicians to confirmed that mobile registration discuss the political situation and the teams would make a further visit to the upcoming elections. Volume 5, Issue 1 Political Affairs Page 15
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča visited Baghdad and Mosul to express continued UN support for Iraq
Baghdad, 22 January 2018 - United schools and hospitals re-opening, Nations Assistant Secretary-General residents strolling freely around as for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča is families on the streets and vehicles on currently on a three-day visit to Iraq. their way back home from Mr. Jenča met yesterday, 21 January, displacements camps packed with home with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, furniture and personal items. We must Vice-President Osama al-Nujaifi, all work together to build on what has Speaker of Parliament Salim al- been achieved and never again let Jubouri as well as the recently terrorism have a foothold in this great, appointed electoral board of ancient land. The UN will spare no commissioners. They discussed how the effort to assist the people in taking UN can best contribute to Iraq, back their lives and rebuilding their particularly on the national and hometowns in peace and prosperity”, he complex in the liberated areas that had provincial council elections scheduled stated. served as one of ISIL’s last for 12 May 2018, developments in the Mr. Jenča met with local officials, headquarters and as a laboratory and relations between the federal including the Mayor of Mosul, to factory for asymmetric explosives. Government and the Kurdistan underscore that the United Nations Clearing and restoring this life- Regional Government, stabilization and stands by all Iraqis, notably the essential building is one of the many reconstruction of Iraq as well as the citizens of Ninewa, including projects UN Mine Action Service and upcoming international reconstruction Christians, Yezidis, Shabaks and other the UN Development Programme are conference for Iraq in Kuwait, and minority groups, who have borne the working on jointly, so that people can Iraq’s reconciliation processes. brunt of ISIL’s terror. “I am here today return to their daily lives and have Today, Mr. Jenča is visiting Mosul. He to congratulate the proud people of access to basic health care services. “I has witnessed firsthand the resilience Ninewa and all Iraqis on their historic am stunned by what I saw today in of the city’s people and their victory over ISIL. This victory would Mosul and by the stories I heard of how determination to rise from and not have been achieved without the difficult life was under ISIL, but I rebuilding their lives after more than unity of the people of Iraq. Unity is a found solace by the expressions of hope three years of suffering under ISIL’s precondition for reconciliation and co- and determination I heard from the terrorist regime. He visited the existence at all levels, which are same people who want to live in peace devastated neighbourhoods of Mosul, essential for winning the peace in Iraq,” and dignity, free of fear and where ISIL once led its so-called Mr. Jenča said. intimidation”, Mr. Jenča concluded “caliphate”. “I saw local markets, Mr. Jenča also visited a hospital after today’s visit.
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča completes visit to Iraq
Baghdad, 24 January 2018 – United prosperous future for their country. Mr. Jenča discussed the scheduled Nations Assistant Secretary-General In Baghdad, Mr. Jenča met with Prime parliamentary elections and for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča Minister Haider al-Abadi, Speaker of encouraged the Iraqi authorities to completed a three-day visit to Iraq Parliament Salim al-Jubouri, Vice- create a safe and conducive during which he met Iraqi leaders and Presidents Osama al-Nujaifi, Ayad environment to ensure credible other interlocutors in Baghdad and Allawi and Nouri al-Maliki, Foreign elections. He welcomed that the toured liberated Mosul where he met Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, political national elections would take place in officials and inspected critical UN leader Ammar al-Hakim, Chairman of accordance with the constitutional demining, stabilization and the Iraqi National Reconciliation timeline, on 12 May 2018. H e rehabilitation activities. He praised Commission, Mohammad Salman, the confirmed the continued strong Iraqis for triumphing over Daesh recently appointed electoral board of commitment of the United Nations to terrorists and urged them to seize the commissioners, women civil society, support the Independent High opportunity of peace and press ahead minority leaders as well as diplomatic Electoral Commission’s work to with efforts toward building a community. Volume 5, Issue 1 Political Affairs Page 16
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča completes visit to Iraq (continued) enhance the inclusiveness, transparency and acceptability of the elections. During his visit, Mr. Jenča discussed the prospects for a genuine national reconciliation process, and explored opportunities for ensuring the full inclusion of all ethnic and religious groups, including Christians, Yezidis, Shabaks, Sabeans and Fayli Kurds. “In my meetings, I highlighted to interlocutors that Iraq’s demographic diversity is a vital part of its history violence in Iraq. their country”, he said. and its richness. Protecting minority Mr. Jenča further underscored the He appealed to the international communities’ rights is crucial, and Organization’s determination to community to actively participate in people must look after each other like continue support for all Iraqis, the Conference to support the brother and sister”, he said. including for those who have suffered Government of Iraq in its reforms and Mr. Jenča stressed in meetings with under ISIL’s terrorist regime for more rehabilitation efforts that would enable Iraqi authorities the importance of than three years. “The people of Iraq it to deliver services as well as to women’s full and effective participation now have the opportunity to open a ensure a better and dignified future for in decision-making, spanning the entire new chapter, blessed with peace, all Iraqis. Mr. Jenča finally highlighted spectrum of political issues, from dignity and prosperity. I visited Mosul the Conference as a clear sign of Iraq’s reconstruction to national and witnessed the enormous levels of prospering relations with regional and reconciliation. He called on the destruction, but also hope. I saw life international partners, which are vital Government of Iraq to fully implement coming back to Mosul. We stand with for promoting stability in Iraq and the Iraq’s National Action Plan on Security all Iraqis in their endeavors to rebuild region. Council resolution 1325 (2000) as well as the recently signed Joint Communiqué on prevention of and response to conflict-related sexual
Political Consultations
The leadership of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and UN Country Team had an intensive period of political consultations with the leading stakeholders in Iraq and the region.
Baghdad, 04 January 2018 – The Deputy Special Representative of Baghdad, 06 January 2018 – The Special Representative of the the Secretary-General for Iraq (DSRSG) for Political Affairs and Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, accompanied by his Deputy, Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice Walpole, met the newly appointed Ms. Alice Walpole, met with the Speaker of the Iraqi House of President, the Spokesperson and staff of the Iraqi High Commission for Representatives, H.E. Mr. Salim Al-Jubouri. The current political Human Rights (IHCHR). They discussed the key role of IHCHR in situation in the country was discussed. Special emphasis was paid to the promoting the protection of human rights in Iraq, and UNAMI’s ongoing preparations of the forthcoming elections. technical support for the Commission. Volume 5, Issue 1 Political consultations Page 17
Baghdad, 8 January 2018 – The Special Representative of the Baghdad, 08 January 2017 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, met with the Secretary- Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, accompanied by his Deputy General of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haqq (AAH), Qais al-Khaz’ali. The meeting Ms. Alice Walpole, met with Ammar Al-Hakim, Chairman of the Iraqi focused on the upcoming elections, implementation of the Popular National Alliance. The current political, security and humanitarian Mobilisation Commission Law and Political Parties Law, and the situation in the country were discussed. Special emphasis was paid to situation in the liberated areas. The need to counter extremist ideologies the preparations of the forthcoming elections. and prevent a re-emergence of ISIL was also discussed.
Baghdad, 10 January 2018 - The Special Representative of the Baghdad, 9 January 2018 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, accompanied by his Deputy Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, met today with Mahdi Al- Alaq, the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers. They discussed Ms. Alice Walpole met with H.E. Mr. Ayad Allawi, Vice President of the the political situation in Iraq, including the forthcoming elections, and Republic of Iraq. They discussed the overall political situation, Baghdad – Erbil relations and gave particularly focus on election preparations. the preparations for the Reconstruction conference taking place in Kuwait next month.
Baghdad, 10 January 2018 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, accompanied by his Deputy Kuwait, 11 January 2018 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, was received by H.E. Deputy for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice Walpole, was received today by H.E. Dr. Fuad Masoum, President of the Republic of Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The two sides reviewed latest developments Iraq. They discussed the political situation in Iraq, Baghdad – Erbil relations and highlighted the importance of preserving the related to regional relations, the preparations of the upcoming constitutional timing of the elections and work to restore stability and Conference for Reconstruction of Iraq and touched upon the file of Kuwaiti Missing Persons and Property. services to all liberated areas.
Photo: Courtesy of the Office of the President. Photo courtesy of KUNA. Volume 5, Issue 1 Political consultations Page 18
Sulaymaniyah, 12 January 2018 - Continuing her introductory Sulaymaniyah, 12 January 2018 - The Deputy Special meetings with various political actors in Kurdistan Region, Deputy Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Affairs and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice Walpole, met today with Mr. Omar Sayd Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice Walpole, met today with Dr. Ali, General Coordinator of Gorran Movement. They discussed the Haval Abubaker, Governor of Sulaymaniyah. They discussed the political developments in KR and Iraq in general as well as Baghdad- political developments in KR and Iraq in general as well as Baghdad- Erbil relations and elections in Iraq. Erbil relations and elections in Iraq.
Sulaymaniyah, 12 January 2018 – The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Affairs and Mosul, 14 January 2018 - The Deputy Special Representative of the Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice Walpole, met today with Dr. Barham Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Salih, chairman of the Coalition for Democracy and Justice and former Ms. Alice Walpole, met with Mr. Bashar al-Kiki, Chairman of the KR Prime Minister. They discussed the political developments in KR Nineveh Provincial Council. Current political and security situation in and Iraq in general as well as Baghdad-Erbil relations and elections in the Province were discussed, including the forthcoming elections. Iraq.
Erbil, 15 January 2018 – The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Mosul, 14 January 2018 - The Deputy Special Representative of the Ms. Alice Walpole met with Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Department of Foreign Relations in the Kurdistan Regional Ms. Alice Walpole, met with Dr. Muzahim Qassim Al-Khayatt, the Government. They discussed the current political situation in Iraq, President of Ninewa University. Current political and security situation Baghdad-Erbil relations, preparations for elections, and the role and in the governorate were discussed. mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
Photos courtesy of the DFR KRG. Volume 5, Issue 1 Political consultations Page 19
Moscow, Russian Federation, 16 January 2018 - The Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, received the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, Ján Kubiš. They discussed the prospects for Baghdad, 18 January 2018 - His Excellency Prime Minister, Dr. future developments in Iraq in the context of the completed military Haider Al-Abadi, received the Special Representative of the Secretary- operation to eliminate the terrorist ISIS, the situation around Iraqi General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš. They discussed the political situation Kurdistan, and the tasks related to the country’s post-conflict in the country, Baghdad - Erbil relations, efforts to reconstruct liberated development, notably the elections areas and the forthcoming elections. On the same day, Special Presidential Representative for the Middle Photo courtesy of the Office of the Prime Minister. East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov held in- depth consultations with Mr. Kubiš at the Russian Foreign Ministry. Photo: Courtesy of the MOFA of the Russian Federation.
Baghdad, 24 January 2018 – The Deputy Special Representative of Baghdad, 22 January 2018 - The Special Representative of the the Secretary-General for Iraq/Humanitarian Coordinator/Resident Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Mr. Ján Kubiš met with the Chief of Coordinator, Lise Grande attended the “Governance & Decentralization Iraq Federal Supreme Court, Judge Medhat Mahmoud, with whom he in Iraq: The Road to National Reconciliation and Development” discussed the recent Supreme Court's verdict on the election date. conference and delivered a presentation on decentralization and Baghdad-Erbil relations were also discussed. national reconciliation. The conference was organized by the Institute on Governance (IoG) and supported by the Government of Canada.
Tehran, 28 January 2018 - On 27 and 28 January, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Ján Kubiš, visited Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, where he met with Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs - H.E. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iranian Supreme Leader's top aide for international affairs - Mr. Ali Akbar Velayati, and other Iranian officials.
Discussions were held on the current situation in Iraq and the region, Baghdad-Erbil relations, political developments in the Kurdistan Region, the forthcoming elections, and the upcoming Iraq Reconstruction and Development Conference to be held in Kuwait from 12-14 February 2018.
Photos: Courtesy of Iranian Press. Volume 5, Issue 1 Political Consultations Page 20
SRSG for Iraq Ján Kubiš remarks to the press corps in Tehran
Tehran, 28 January 2018 - SRSG for confirming full support of the United be able to play this role more and more Iraq Ján Kubiš remarks to the press Nations for the sovereignty and prominently in fostering stability and corps during his visit to Tehran, territorial integrity of Iraq, we also cooperation in the region as well as in Islamic Republic of Iran: added the economic and social the future.” “First of all, I would like to thank, most component. And we discussed needs to cordially, Dr. Velayati and the Islamic do everything possible to see progress Republic of Iran for warmly receiving in economic and social development of me for my regular consultation - this is Iraq in reforms, in fighting corruption, maybe the fifth or sixth time that I am in attracting investment that would here, in my capacity as the Head of the give to the people of the country of Iraq UN Mission in Iraq. more and more opportunities to enter And I was very happy that our views the economic life and as we know this is coincided. The developments in Iraq are very important for the young people of on the right track; they are moving to the country because the country is the next stage - important stage of more and more younger. development, to the elections - after the These positive developments in Iraq are Iraqi people, supported by friends, important also in making it a factor of defeated the territorial hold of Daesh stability in development and over some part of the territory of Iraq. cooperation in the whole region. And And this is positive. this is a natural role of Iraq that Iraq But to the security, political played in many parts of the history of developments - while, once again, the region and we hope that Iraq will
Baghdad, 30 January 2018 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, co-chaired with the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Dr. Mahdi Al-Allaq, and Chairman of the National Investment Authority, Dr. Sami Araji, a meeting on the final preparations for the forthcoming Kuwait Baghdad, 30 January 2018 – The Special Representative of the Conference. Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš met with the delegation of The meeting was attended by ambassadors of Arab and European the Turkmen Coordination Committee led by Mr. Ershad Al Salihi. They countries in Iraq. Present were also the Director of the Iraq Office of the discussed the current political situation in the country with the special World Bank, Ms. Yara Salem and the United Nations Humanitarian emphasis on the forthcoming elections and return of Turkmen IDPs to Coordinator, Ms. Lise Grande. the liberated areas. SRSG Kubiš, congratulated Iraq on its recent victories against Daesh Photo: Courtesy of Turkmen Coordination Committee and called on all countries to contribute not only to the stability of Iraq but to contribute to the development of the region as a whole. Photo: Courtesy of the General Secretariat for the Council of Ministers
Erbil, 04 February 2018 - The Special Representative of the Secretary -General for Iraq, Jan Kubiš, accompanied by his Deputy for Political Baghdad, 31 January 2018 - The Special Representative of the Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice Walpole, met today with the Secretary-General for Iraq, Ján Kubiš, met with Qasim al-Araji, Iraqi prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani. The Minister of the Interior. The current security situation in the country current political, security and humanitarian situation in the country was discussed as well as security preparations for the upcoming and the region were discussed. Special emphasis was paid to the elections. Baghdad- Erbil relations were also discussed. Baghdad-Erbil relations and preparations for the forthcoming elections. Photos courtesy of the KRG. Volume 5, Issue 1 Political consultations Page 21
Karbala/Najaf, 1 February 2018 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Ján Kubiš, travelled today to Karbala and Najaf. In Karbala, SRSG Kubiš met with the official representative of Grand Ayatollah Sistani, Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai, and in Najaf, SRSG Kubiš met with HE Muqtada al-Sadr. In both meetings, Iraq’s political, security and economic situation, as well as the upcoming elections and regional relations, were discussed.
Sulaymaniyah, 04 February 2018 - The Special Representative of the Sulaymaniyah, 04 February 2018 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Jan Kubiš, accompanied by his Deputy for Secretary-General for Iraq, Jan Kubiš, accompanied by his Deputy for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice Walpole, met today Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice Walpole, met today with the General Coordinator of the Change Movement (Gorran), Omar with the Deputy Secretary-General of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Sayid Ali. The current political and security situation in the region was (PUK), Kosrat Rasul. discussed. Special emphasis was paid to the Baghdad-Erbil relations and preparations for the forthcoming elections. Photo courtesy of PUK. Photo courtesy of the Gorran Movement.
Baghdad, 4 February 2018 – The Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr. Salim Al-Jibouri received today a delegation from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) headed by Mr. Sulaymaniyah, 04 February 2018 - The Special Representative of the Ramanathan Balakrishnan, Resident Representative of the United Secretary-General for Iraq, Jan Kubiš, accompanied by his Deputy for Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Ms. Erie Tanikuji, Social Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice Walpole, met today Diversity Specialist. with the Head of the Democracy and Justice Alliance, Barham Salih. During the meeting, the Housing Fund plans to review the reconstruction of liberated areas and efforts to end the housing problem in the country were discussed. Volume 5, Issue 1 Political consultations Page 22
Amman, Jordan, 5 February 2018 – The Special Representative of Baghdad, 05 February 2018 – The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Ján Kubiš, was received today in the Secretary-General for Iraq (DSRSG) for Political Affairs and Amman by the Jordan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ayman al-Safadi. Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice Walpole, met today with members of the They discussed the current political and security developments in Iraq Iraqi Turkmen Front and representatives in the Council of and the region. Representatives from Kirkuk, Hasan Turan and Hasan Ozmen. The Photo courtesy of HKJ Foreign Ministry. current political situation was discussed, with a particular focus on the forthcoming elections.
Ambassador Silliman and Lise Grande of UNDP visit the Ninewa Plains
Ninewa Plains, 9 February 2018 – Today the Ambassador of the United States of America to Iraq, H.E. Mr. Douglas Silliman, joined the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for Iraq and UNDP Resident Representative, Lise Grande, for a visit to several sites in the Ninewa Plains to highlight the U.S. - UN partnership in supporting the Iraqi government’s efforts to help its most vulnerable people return home following the liberation of their territory from ISIS.
Ambassador Silliman and DSRSG/RC/HC Grande first toured the Karamless Primary Health Center, refurbished by the UNDP, which will soon install medical equipment and a new generator. The U.S. government has invested $190.3 million since 2015 to support stabilization efforts through UNDP Iraq.
They also toured the newly-opened Hamdaniya Hospital. The 200-bed hospital, which was damaged and looted during ISIS occupation, will provide essential health care services to the minority communities of the Ninewa Plains. The U.S. government will fund the $2.6 million second phase of the rehabilitation of the hospital and related medical equipment.
Ambassador Silliman and UNDP’s RC Lise Grande during the day also met with Archbishop Yohanna Petros Mouche in Al Hamdaniya and with Father Thabit Habib in Karamless to discuss the situation of the Christian community in the Ninewa Plains.
Photos courtesy of UNDP and U.S. Embassy in Iraq. Volume 5, Issue 1 Political consultations Page 23
Baghdad, 15 February 2018 - The Gender Advisor in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Ms. Baghdad, 05 February 2018 – The Deputy Special Representative of Mmabatlharo Dihemo, met today with the delegation from Al-Hikmah the Secretary-General for Iraq (DSRSG) for Political Affairs and National Movement comprising of Dr. Ijraa Aoda, the Chair of the Al- Electoral Assistance, Ms. Alice Walpole, met today with members of Hikmah Supreme Council for Empowering Women, Raed Hadadd, Parliament from the Wataniya bloc, Sheikh Abdul-Karim Abtan and Deputy Head of Foreign Relations and member of the political relations Hamid Al-Mutlaq. During the meeting the current political situation, Committee as well as Ms. Ghadhir Kadhum. They discussed women’s including the forthcoming elections, was discussed. political development within Al-Hikmah National Movement, including support for women’s effective and meaningful participation in the political and electoral processes.
Baghdad, 27 February 2018 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, met today in Baghdad with the Turkmen Shia religious leaders, Sheikhs Mohammed Taqi Al Mawla and Jassim Al Mandalawi. They discussed Baghdad, 27 February 2018 – The Special Representative of the the ways to advocate for the reintegration of survivors of conflict related Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, sexual violence and protect their children. met today in Baghdad with the Head of the Baghdad Office of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ambassador Saleh Al The visit of the Special Representative is undertaken at the invitation of Sha’arri. The possibilities of collaboration between the OIC and the the Government of Iraq, in the context of the Security Council Office of the Special Representative to prevent and address conflict- resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1960 (2010), 2106 (2013) and 2331 related sexual violence were discussed. (2016), and following the signature of a ‘Joint Communique’ between the United Nations and the Government of Iraq on 23 September 2016 as a framework of cooperation to prevent and address conflict-related sexual violence committed in the country.
Baghdad, 28 February 2018 – The Special Representative of the Baghdad, 28 February 2018 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, met today in Baghdad with the Sunni religious leaders, Sheikh Dr. met today in Baghdad with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Abdulateef Al Hmaim, Dr. Anas Al Esawi, Sheikh Mustafa Al Bayatee, Iraq, Erfan Mahmoud Al-Hayali. SRSG Patten commends Iraq for Dr. Amar Kamil and Dr. Abid Alsalam Dawood. SRSG Patten the victory but requested the support the Ministry of Defence ensure congratulated the Sunni clergy for the issuance of a fatwa facilitating accountability for all perpetrators of sexual violence as “Daesh will be the reintegration of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. They defeated only when all the perpetrators are accounted for the crimes also discussed the need to protect children, especially those whose birth committed”. could not be registered, and how to shift the stigma from the victims to the perpetuators of these horrendous crimes. Photos courtesy of the Ministry of Defence. Volume 5, Issue 1 Security Page 24
UN’s Kubiš strongly condemns cowardly terrorist bombing in Baghdad
Baghdad, 15 January 2018 - The a speedy recovery. threat to the country, in particular to Special Representative of the United “This ghastly and cowardly twin suicide ordinary citizens who continue to suffer Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for bombing indiscriminately targeted a from their attacks. I urge greater Iraq, Ján Kubiš, strongly condemns the busy square in Baghdad during the vigilance by the authorities and terrorist suicide bombings in Baghdad morning rush hour with the sole strengthened unity among the Iraqi this morning in which scores of purpose of inflicting maximum people to thwart the aims of terrorists civilians were killed or wounded. casualties among innocent civilians,” like Da’esh who seek to derail the The SRSG extends his sincere Mr. Kubiš said. “The terrorists have country’s recovery after a long conflict.” condolences to the families of those who been defeated recently on the lost their lives and wishes those injured battlefield but they continue to pose a The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the twin terrorist attacks in Baghdad
New York, 15 January 2018 - The his deepest sympathies to the families stand by the Government and people of United Nations Secretary-General of the victims and wishes a speedy Iraq in their efforts to fight terrorism António Guterres condemns in the recovery to those injured. and rebuild their country. strongest terms the twin terrorist The Secretary-General reiterates that attacks in Baghdad today. He expresses the United Nations will continue to
UN casualty figures for Iraq for the month of January 2018
Baghdad, 01 February 2018 – A total 7 injured. UNAMI has not been able to life,” said the Special Representative of of 115 Iraqi civilians (not including obtain the civilian casualty figures from the United Nations Secretary-General police) were killed and another 250 the Anbar Health Department for the (SRSG) for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš. “We injured in acts of terrorism, violence month of January. must all continue to be vigilant in and armed conflict in Iraq in January "Terrorists continue to target civilians opposing this destructive violence”. 2018*, according to casualty figures in irregular strikes, even though their *CAVEATS: UNAMI has been limited recorded by the United Nations capabilities have been largely in effectively verifying casualties in Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). destroyed. The twin suicide bombings certain areas; in some cases, UNAMI Baghdad was the worst affected on 15 January at Baghdad’s Tayran could only partially verify certain Governorate, with 323 civilian Square, which left numerous casualties incidents. For these reasons, the casualties (90 killed, 233 injured). among innocent workers and figures reported have to be considered Diyala followed, with 8 killed and 15 passersby, are proof of their as the absolute minimum. injured; and Ninewa, with 13 killed and indiscriminate disregard for human
UN casualty figures for Iraq for the month of February 2018
Baghdad, 02 March 2018 – A total of Governorate, with 195 civilian in effectively verifying casualties in 91 Iraqi civilians were killed and casualties (49 killed, 146 injured). certain areas; in some cases, UNAMI another 208 injured in acts of Anbar Governorate followed, with 14 could only partially verify certain terrorism, violence and armed conflict killed and 37 injured, and Diyala had incidents. For these reasons, the in Iraq in February 2018*, according to 12 killed and 11 injured. figures reported have to be considered casualty figures recorded by the United *CAVEATS: UNAMI has been hindered as the absolute minimum. Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The figures include ordinary civilians and others who can be considered civilian at the time of death or injury - police in non-combat function, civil defence, Personal Security Details, facilities protection police, and fire department personnel. Of the overall figures for February, the number of civilians killed (not including police) was 86, while the number of injured (not including police) was 202. Baghdad was the worst affected Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 25
New skill set, new opportunities - How the World Food Programme (WFP) is helping Syrian refugees in Iraq get jobs, start anew, and become self-reliant
Baghdad, 28 December 2017 - For several years, thousands of Syrian refugees have been away from home, living in camps or host communities in neighbouring countries such as Iraq and struggling to fit in and provide for themselves and their families. WFP has been actively providing cash-based food assistance to about 57,000 refugees living in Iraqi camps. Now, a new project is helping some of them learn new computer-related skills that will help find employment in a broad spectrum of jobs locally and on the web. The main goal is to support hope that this training supports me my life,” she says. refugees’ ability to become less and provides me with the opportunity Even though Shabeen passed all the dependent on external assistance and to prepare for my medical studies in the tests on the previous round, she was give them back some of the freedoms future.” unable to join her colleagues due to her and individuality they have lost. The pilot program was first launched husband’s refusal to let her out of the “We left our comfortable home and last year in Lebanon. Following its house. replaced it with a tent in the desert.” success, it was replicated in other Shabeen, like many others, seeks to Noora Na’mat Hussein, 18, came to places. WFP aims to train more than gain benefit from the training and be Iraq from Syria in 2013 and settled 500 Syrian refugees living in camps able to support herself in the future. with her family in the Arbat refugee and in host communities in Iraq alone. The bright side is the fact that there is camp in northern Iraq. Life was Keen on improving her skills and in a large international demand from the difficult for the family of five and search for a better future, another private sector for relatively low-skilled, Noora, 13 at the time, had an especially young refugee in the Arbat camp is so but labour-intensive digital services. hard time being away from her school happy she joined the programme. “I Anas Abdulbadi Hussein, 31, is another and friends. thought this was just an English participant who fled his home in “The first few years were the hardest,” course, but then I learnt there will be Qamishli in 2012 and works as a Noora says. “We left our comfortable computer training as well, which is community mobiliser with the Arbat home and replaced it with a tent in the even better,” says 21-year-old Shabeen camp management. He helps with the desert. I had nothing to do and my Hasan Ali from Syria’s Qamishli. “I recruitment and outreach for the parents were very protective so we expect that once I learn and get enough project in the camp. never went out or mingled much.” experience, I can start teaching my own “We are learning how to create Fast forward to 2017 and Noora, among lessons and courses for children.” websites and update content, and also other refugees, is happily engaged in Shabeen went through many hardships have English classes for those who need “Tech For Food”; a livelihood program to be able to attend the program. She to learn and improve their language,” launched by WFP. The program aims to had to deal with an abusive husband he says. teach young refugees vital, technical who refused to let her leave the house Together with the private sector, WFP skills that would help them find work and join a mixed program. He also is connecting Syrian refugees with in the IT and tech industry, be it as made her quit her previous job as a internet-based work opportunities. This online freelancers or employees in local mobilizer with WFP’s partner, World will enable them use their newly companies and firms. Vision, in Arbat camp. acquired skills to make a living, “My parents were very supportive and “He was very strict and did not let me improve their lives and become less- they encouraged me to learn as much (attend) the classes. There have been dependent on food assistance in the as possible since it’s not that easy to some arguments and I will be divorced future. learn this on my own,” she adds. “I soon, so I thought I should get on with Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 26
Iraq Humanitarian Fund Dashboard (1 Jan - 31 Dec 2017)
Baghdad, 10 January 2018 - The million from Germany and $12,000 about-ocha-i…/iraq-humanitarian-fund Iraq Humanitarian fund (IHF) from Cyprus, which enabled time- (formerly Iraq Humanitarian Pooled sensitive reserve allocations that are Fund) is a pooled fund led by the currently in pipeline (these will be Humanitarian Coordinator and reflected in the next update). managed by OCHA. Established in The IHF facilitates timely resource June 2014, the IHF quickly became one mobilization for the most critical of the largest country-based pooled humanitarian needs as defined by the funds in the world. The Fund supports Humanitarian Response Plan, while humanitarian partners respond to the retaining flexibility to allocate funds to complex and dynamic crisis in Iraq, unforeseen emergency needs and including through direct funding to critical gaps as they emerge. In 2017, national frontline responders. the Fund allocated $71.7 million, Between 1 January to 31 December including $47.1 million through a 2017, the IHF received US$77.1 million Standard Allocation and $24.7 million in contributions with a carry forward through six Reserve Allocations. from 2016 of $44.2 million, the Combined, these allocations currently cumulative contributions in the year support 127 projects through 62 stand at $121.3million. Since the last partners. update the fund received generous For more information about the Fund, contributions of an additional $34.8 please visit: http://www.unocha.org/…/
Number of returns exceeds number of displaced Iraqis: UN Migration Agency
Erbil, 13 January 2018 – For the first time since the beginning of the Iraq crisis in December 2013, the number of people returning to their area of origin has surpassed the number of people displaced in the country. Over the past four years, the country has been deeply affected by the conflict with ISIL, which led to the displacement of nearly six million people. Prime Minister Abadi announced Iraq’s victory over ISIL on 9 December 2017; by the end of 2017 IOM, the UN Migration Agency, identified 3.2 million people, who have returned back to their place of origin, while a staggering 2.6 million remained displaced. Following the improvement of the security situation in retaken areas, a Migration and Displacement; both sites “Iraqis who remain displaced are sizable number of internally displaced are located in the southeast of Ninewa among the most vulnerable, as they Iraqis have returned to their location of governorate. face obstacles to return, including origin, mainly to the Governorates of The sites are still sheltering more than damage or destruction of their home Anbar (38 per cent; more than 1.2 71,000 internally displaced persons, and local infrastructure, financial million people), Ninewa (30 per cent; who receive relief kits, medical services limitations and other constraints,” said nearly 975,000 people), and Salah al- and psychosocial support from IOM, Gerard Waite, IOM Iraq Chief of Din (14 per cent; nearly 460,000 and a variety of other services from Mission. people). These three governorates were other humanitarian partners. Studies by IOM Iraq DTM that analyze the worst affected by ISIL’s occupation, Intra-Governorate returns of internally displacement and return movements of and count for 86 per cent of the current displaced persons account for 55 per conflict-affected people across Iraq and displaced population in the country. cent of returnees; this has been a investigate the factors limiting the Shortly after the operation to retake common trend across the most affected IDPs willingness to return to their Mosul was launched in October 2016, Governorates and is likely to continue place of origin include the Integrated IOM Iraq constructed two emergency as the number of displaced people Location Assessment (December 2017) displacement sites, one in Haj Ali and remains high. In fact, the most and Obstacles to Return in Retaken one in Qayara, with combined capacity significant concentration of IDPs is Areas of Iraq (June 2017). of sheltering 110,000 internally currently in Ninewa (57 per cent) with IOM Iraq DTM data about displaced persons (IDPs). The sites an intra-governorate internally displacement across Iraq can be were constructed in partnership with displaced people population of 97 per accessed at: http://iraqdtm.iom.int the Government’s Ministry of cent. Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 27 Winterization helps vulnerable population to face winter challenges
Baghdad, 17 January 2018 - In Kirkuk Governorate welcome cash new winter clothes! She and her family preparation for the harsh winter, assistance from UNHCR and its fled Syria in 2013. Five years later, this members of the United Nations partners, Zain Cash and AsiaHawala, ten-year-old is attending school in Country Team provided assistance to to help them tackle the challenges northern Iraq where her family is the Internally Displaced People. posed by harsh winter conditions. living. More than 27,600 families in Erbil “My husband lost his job recently, and Funding for winter clothing for Governorate receive cash and essential we did not know how to afford paying refugees and displaced people comes items to stay warm this winter. for things we need for the colder from the Government of Germany, and Vulnerable displaced and hosting months” said Afnan Khalid, aged 32, is being distributed in northern Iraq by families in the governorate received from Laylan-3 displacement camp. a number of partners including the cash assistance, blankets, heaters and “With the cash assistance I can Barzani Charity Foundation. other essential items from UNHCR and purchase what I need to keep my its partners in November and family warm,” she added. December. Some 15,600 families in Thanks to the generosity of donors, the camps and host communities received winter cash assistance in January winter cash assistance through reached 5,500 displaced families in UNHCR’s partner Qandil, and a Kirkuk, helping them to withstand the further 12,019 displaced families in cold weather. camps received winter items through It's hard to reach the village of Qaim. It UNHCR’s partner Joint Crisis is situated in an unstable area close to Coordination Centre – JCC. the Syrian border and accessible only Thanks to the generosity of donors, the by bridge. But the bridge has been cash assistance and winter items destroyed. reached almost 166,000 vulnerable So, UNICEF worked with partners to Iraqis in Erbil, helping them to hire boats to bring winter school withstand the cold weather. uniforms to the children of Qaim. Displaced Iraqis in five camps in Khadija is over the moon to have some
#FoodforThought: Cheil KSA and WFP team up to raise awareness about hunger in the Middle East
Jeddah, 18 January 2018 - The hunger by helping raise awareness,” Iraq as well as helping Syrian refugees award-winning marketing solutions says Head of Communications and in neighbouring countries rebuild their agency Cheil KSA launched today a Partnerships in the Middle East Abeer lives. social media campaign in the Middle Etefa. “This campaign would act as a WFP is also providing school meals to East to support the United Nations daily reminder to people around the more than two million vulnerable World Food Programme (WFP) in world that someone’s plate is empty children in Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, building a world with zero hunger. today.” Iraq, Sudan and Yemen, giving them a Cheil is creating and managing this In a world where we produce enough chance to receive a formal education social media awareness campaign that food to feed everyone, 815 million through food assistance. engages some of the Middle East’s people across the globe still go to bed most-renowned food bloggers. Focused hungry every night. Eradicating on global hunger, the series of thought- hunger by 2030 would mean that we provoking visuals will be posted on key have to rethink how we grow, share social media platforms aiming to raise and consume our food. awareness and increase public In 2015, the global community adopted engagement. the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable “Our agency’s mission is to create Ideas Development to improve people’s lives that Move. By following this approach, by 2030 WFP aligns itself with two of we wanted to move emotions toward the 17 global Sustainable Development the people who need the most support,” Goals: SDG2 – Zero Hunger, which says Cheil KSA’s Creative Director aims to eradicate hunger by 2030, and Laith Abdel Hafez. SDG17, which promotes both public As a global leader in the area of and private partnerships. corporate partnerships, WFP works WFP is the world's largest closely with a variety of partners to humanitarian agency fighting hunger help fight global hunger and has a worldwide, delivering food assistance in history of helping companies express emergencies and working with their social responsibility through communities to improve nutrition and initiatives that benefit communities in build resilience. Due to ongoing need and achieve a measurable, conflicts, more than half of the WFP positive impact. budget goes to the Middle East region “We can build stronger communities and the Arab world. WFP is delivering that understand the value of food and food and providing cash assistance to food assistance, and the impact of millions of people in Yemen, Syria and Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 28 Community-based quick impact project provides skills training in Thi-Qar Governorate
Baghdad, 19 January 2018 - A community. The scheme was a great vocational training project for success, and several participants vulnerable people in Thi-Qar came to a secured new jobs before the project was close earlier this month, with all complete. participants successfully completing Quick impact projects are small-scale the course. The month-long project, community-based projects that support funded by UNHCR and implemented reintegration and rehabilitation efforts. by the Iraqi Salvation Humanitarian Funded by UNHCR, they aim to benefit Organization (ISHO), provided painting fragile, reforming communities and and decorating training and start-up feed into longer-term recovery kits to vulnerable people in the programmes. The role of legal representation to obtaining legal identity: Ibrahim's story
Al-Salaam Camp, Baghdad, 21 Mayor, Neighbourhood Council, Anti- in Al-Salaam Camp since June 2016 to January 2018 - Ibrahim is a young Terrorism Office and National Security provide free legal aid services to its husband and father, born in Baghdad Office. He was provided with letters 3,000 displaced residents. Located 80 but raised in East Mosul. He and his certifying him as clear of any terrorism kilometres south of Baghdad, Al - wife, Kadijah, had their first child in offense, and accordingly allowed to Salaam Camp is but one of many 2015 during the occupation of the continue his journey. displaced settlements in and around Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant When Ibrahim and his family arrived at Iraq. (ISIL). They did not obtain birth Alabaichi, a small town outside of Two weeks after placing his phone call, certificates at the time of their child’s Baghdad, they faced another checkpoint a DKO attorney, Raja, took Ibrahim birth, nor did they marry in the courts where the documents obtained in under her care. They signed a power of or seek a marriage contract. Ibrahim Qayara were not sufficient. The attorney document, and then visited the was openly defiant towards ISIL, authorities required him to be escorted family court to file a request for a wearing short pants and calling friends by a family member from Baghdad or be marriage and a verification of lineage on the cell phone in public. “As a vouched for by a military officer. Unable resolution. The court accepted the case. consequence, ISIL soldiers publicly to host, the Aunt led the family to a The hearing took place two weeks later, whipped me on two occasions,” he said. displacement camp in Baghdad proper. and the family court judge sent the case Marriage out of courts is an offence A few days later and in the absence of a to the investigative judge. under the Iraq Personal Status Law and marriage certificate, when the couple's “The investigative judge said he will punishable by imprisonment for up to 6 second child was born, they were not have to put me in jail for marrying out of months. As such, Ibrahim and Kadijah able to obtain a birth certificate for the court [according to the Penal Code and were placed in significant jeopardy for newborn. Criminal Procedures Code]. But I had a failing to obtain marriage contract, and Several days later, security authorities guardian who vouched for the suffered anxiously under the weight of visited Ibrahim as part of their efforts to authenticity of the marriage,” Ibrahim application procedures, which were verify national identity cards of all said. Raja went to the hospital to confusing to everyday people. Camp residents. Without any form of provide further documents related to the A few months after the Government of official identification, Ibrahim said: couple’s child, and then to the forensics Iraq (GoI) launched its campaign to “Kadijah and the babies were not department to prove the baby’s lineage. liberate Mosul, Ibrahim and his family, accounted for in any of the documents. Raja and Ibrahim went to the National including his mother and father, Unless we provide the authorities with ID Department in Baghdad to verify his chartered a taxi and left for Baghdad, marriage certificates and a document to birth, name, age, marital status and where his Aunt was living. After passing verify lineage of our children within a family relationships, and obtain an through a local checkpoint, the family month, we would be asked to leave the official letter of certification. “Ibrahim members, along with nearly hundred camp.” was lucky to be born in Baghdad; others, boarded large buses and lorries, Legal identity recognizes one’s existence internally displaced people born in and headed onward to Qayara. “At a before the law. Similarly, legal identity Ramadi, Mosul and other areas of Iraq checkpoint there, we were told that we documents are closely connected to the must travel back to their place of birth could not proceed to Baghdad unless we basic human right to be recognized to obtain their documents, though this is obtain security clearances from the local everywhere as a person before the law. rarely done in practice,” Raja said. authorities,” Ibrahim recalled. Over the In fact, the importance of such “After nearly 10 visits to various offices next couple of days, Ibrahim and his documents explains why legal identity around the capital, we showed up once father went to the Qayara’s Office of the provision is identified as a priority in more at the family court, presenting four the Sustainable Development Goals, different documents for the judge’s under Goal 16 that stipulates for consideration. A week later, Ibrahim providing access to justice for all and Khadijah finally received their amongst other targets. marriage certificate.” This conclusion, One morning, Ibrahim noticed a sign in made possible through legal support camp with Dar al-Khibra Organization’s facilitated by UNDP and DKO, resolved (DKO) contact information. In a stressful situation for Ibrahim and his partnership with the United Nations family, and allowed his wife Kadijah to Development Programme (UNDP), be on the legal footing to enjoy her full DKO, amongst others, has been working legal rights as a citizen of Iraq. Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 29 Thousands of displaced Iraqis obtain vital legal documents with UNHCR’s help
Baghdad, 22 January 2018 - partners, thousands of displaced issued for people displaced from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is families received new or replacement Hawiga. assisting displaced families across Iraq documents in governorates across Iraq Due to effective collaboration between to acquire essential legal documents in 2017. To ensure people receive the UNHCR and the Iraqi authorities, they need to access public services and documents they need as quickly as documents are issued through assistance. More than 18,600 possible, UNHCR and partners Protection Assistance and vulnerable Iraqis received legal supported the authorities to establish Reintegration Centres or through documents and over 23,300 benefited mobile operations in recently-retaken mobile courts and mobile from legal assistance related to areas as soon as it was feasible, documentation teams. UNHCR’s documentation with the support of starting from Mosul and Ninewa. protection partners work tirelessly UNHCR and its partners during 2017. Hawiga in Kirkuk Governorate was through their legal staff to facilitate the During the years of extremist control retaken from extremist control in issuance of documents from the and recent conflict, thousands of Iraqis October 2017. By November, a mobile relevant Residency Departments. lost civic status, residency and identity civil documentation team from the UNHCR would like to recognize donors documents or were issued documents Residency Department was operating like DfID and ECHO who provide unrecognized by the government. Many in the city. By the end of the year 552 funding earmarked for legal protection civic records were lost or destroyed, documents were issued, with close to services, and the multiple donors who leaving people without the legal 1,000 more in the pipeline. Some 5,500 provide unearmarked funding. Thanks identity that is crucial to rebuilding missing documents still need to be to their generosity UNHCR can support their lives. UNHCR is working with the relevant government entities and with partners to replace these records. “For displaced people, these documents are stepping stones on the road to recovery,” said Bruno Geddo, UNHCR Representative in Iraq. “Without legal documents Iraqis face manifold problems in their everyday lives, like accessing public services including social welfare benefits, moving safely through checkpoints, securing employment and exercising their rights.” With the support of UNHCR and its
Community centers across Iraq offer training courses, recreational and educational activities to refugees, internally displaced people and members of the host community
Iraq, February 2018 - During a visit to Domiz 1 and Khanke camps in Duhok Governorate, on 29 January 2018, the delegation from the Embassy of Canada in Iraq met with the Community Outreach Volunteers running community centres in the camps, with the support of UNHCR Iraq and Qandil. The volunteers, made up of members of the displaced and host communities, run training courses in the camps and host communities. There are 12 community centres across Duhok Governorate, where training courses, recreational and educational activities are offered to refugees, internally displaced people and members of the host community. During 2017, over 1,000 people Kurdish language courses. On 8 February 2018 a new community completed training courses The generosity of donors like Canada centre where women and girls can programmes in the centres, increasing which provides broadly earmarked learn new skills opened in Laylan-2 their job options. The training courses funding allows UNHCR to establish camp in Kirkuk. The centre will train run in 2017 ranged from handicrafts these community centres and run over 1,000 vulnerable women on skills and sewing, through barbering and training courses for vulnerable people including sewing, hairdressing and hairdressing to IT, literacy, maths and in Iraq as they get back on their feet. making handicrafts. Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 30 Community centers across Iraq offer training courses, recreational and educational activities … (continued)
There are three community centres services. across Kirkuk governorate where IOM, the UN Migration Agency, in training courses and recreational and cooperation with the Government of educational activities are offered to Iraq, the Norwegian Refugee Council refugees, displaced persons and and humanitarian partners have set up members of the host community. This the two mobile Community Information one, opened by UNHCR and Centres. International Relief and Development, The UNFPA-supported Women Centres will help vulnerable girls and women as in Iraq not only provide psychosocial a step towards rebuilding their lives. support to young women but also offers UNHCR Iraq addresses vulnerability them a safe space to play sports and by delivering equitable and quality develop talents. services essential for the success and Zarifa's new-found skill with a needle sustainability of social cohesion has helped her take care of her family. initiatives. She and her family are displaced from Community Information Centres are Hawija and are now living in Kirkuk. serving conflict-affected communities in She heard about NRC - Norwegian Mosul by providing information on Refugee Council's community centre services offered by local government through her neighbor and decided to that she had produced. Soon others and humanitarian organizations, join a needle-work course. became interested in her work. including health, legal, employment Zarifa’s talent for needle-work was Zarifa is now a needle-work trainer in and livelihoods. quickly noticed by the teacher and she the center and is able to take care of After nearly three years under ISIL soon became a motivation for others as her family and her husband who is a control – and a nine-month long battle they learned from her. person with special needs. to retake the city – the people of Mosul, One day, an employee from a local Zarifa still works in NRC’s community including displaced persons returning NGO that works to improve women’s center and says she would like to to their homes, are struggling to access capacities bought some of the items remain working there as long as the center is open. Faiza is a widow and mother of four children who lost her husband during the military operations to retake Hawija. Faiza attended the sewing course until she was able to sew two blouses by herself and sell them to other women. Eventually, Faiza was able to buy a second hand sewing machine. Currently, Faiza sews for all those living in her neighborhood in the camp. Through the money that she earns she is able to provide for her family. These livelihoods activities were funded by the Government of Italy.
Community members produce videos to encourage tolerance and social cohesion Baghdad, 5 February 2018 – The United Nations Migration Agency (IOM) recently engaged community members from four Iraqi governorates: Baghdad, Diyala (Baquba), Kirkuk, and Ninewa (Zummar), in the production of videos to encourage tolerance and social cohesion. The video themes focus on people’s shared humanity and the common challenges that displaced Iraqis and host community members face across Iraq. This awareness and communications campaign is part of a series of IOM interventions to promote dialogue between communities and to strengthen their social and human https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list= The initiative is funded by European capital. You can access the playlist of PL_BO-- Commission - Civil Protection & the videos at HPde0kSAsQvK9mchqfhbfp1nKOW Humanitarian Aid Operations - ECHO. Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 31
Community Information Centers serve impacted communities in Mosul: IOM
Mohammed Al-Turki from Al-Tahrir district of Mosul. “I asked for help to sort out my marriage certificate which was not completed because of the difficulties we were facing while our area was controlled by ISIL. NRC provided me with legal advice and took my case to court. They even covered the cost of the paperwork and photographs that I needed, so I will have my family documents as well as the marriage certificate soon.” While Mosul was under ISIL control, Al-Turki got married and became the father of two children. However, he chose not to go to ISIL courts for birth Mosul, 3 February 2018 - After identified needs and gaps. certificates or to register the marriage. nearly three years under ISIL control – “As many Mosul residents return to He, along with many others in the city, and a nine-month long battle to retake their areas following displacement, now need to obtain official documents. the city – the people of Mosul, including they have a variety of needs, and The CICs welcome more than 20 displaced persons returning to their require information on where to access visitors per day in the East Mosul homes, are struggling to access services,” said IOM CIC staff member neighbourhood of Al - T a h r i r services. Yasmin Rezaq. “The CIC can advise neighbourhood and West Mosul To assist the people of Mosul, IOM, the and refer those in need who come to us neighbourhood of Wadi Hajar. Since UN Migration Agency, in cooperation seeking services. Information is key to the CICs began operations at the with the Government of Iraq, and recovery for people rebuilding their beginning of 2018, nearly 300 humanitarian partners have set up lives in Mosul.” individuals have visited the centres. mobile Community Information “People often request help drafting When Iraqi security forces recaptured Centres (CICs). lease agreements, negotiating with east Mosul in December 2016, Noora The CICs operate out of mobile landlords, inheritance issues, land Hamid and her family were displaced caravans that visit neighbourhoods in registration, seeking compensation for for over a month, living in a camp. Mosul twice weekly. The centres are destroyed property, locating original When they returned they found their open to everyone and provide essential title deeds, and settling disputes such house damaged by the conflict and information and referrals to services as forced evictions,” said Nadia looted. offered by local government and Hardman, a Project Manager with the “One day when I asked a friend about humanitarian organizations including Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) how to find a source of income, someone health, legal, employment and whose lawyers provide information and directed me to the Community livelihoods. legal counselling in the centres. Information Centres,” Hamid said. The centres aim to serve large numbers “Through information and legal “Later, I received a business package of people, particularly in hard to reach counselling, the CICs serve as a from IOM to run my small home-based areas, where access to services is communication channel to the bakery. I’m very grateful for the help, hindered by distance, lack of means or communities.” which included an oven, a freezer, lack of security. The centres track “I heard from my neighbours about the mincer, saj for baking bread, gas requests and services provided, and Community Information Centre… that canister and a generator.” aim to improve their services based on they facilitate many issues,” said “These centres play a critical role in helping people, when they need guidance,” added Al-Turki. “The thousands who return to Mosul are exhausted after spending months in harsh conditions during displacement. They are often unemployed, have financial difficulties and have no idea how to handle their paperwork, medical issues, legal cases and so on. These centres are essential for meeting their information needs,” he added. According to IOM Iraq’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), more than a million people were displaced from Mosul district due to the conflict with ISIL, which ended in the summer of 2017. For more information on displacement across Iraq, visit the IOM Iraq DTM Portal: http://iraqdtm.iom.int Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 32 UN-Habitat provided legal assistance to 1,015 vulnerable households in Mosul to address their housing, land and property rights claims
Mosul, 08 February 2018 - UN- provide them with a safe and Habitat in collaboration with its comfortable space to raise their issues implementing partner, the local NGO and concerns. Mahdia Hamed Ismail, Mercy Hands for Humanitarian Aid, highlighted how she benefited from the concluded the activities funded by the help: 2017 Iraq Humanitarian Pooled Fund “My house was flattened in East Mosul to address housing, land and property by the war. We were sitting on the floor rights (HLP) of vulnerable people in and we still are as we neither filed nor Mosul. received any compensation. UN- Under this project, UN-Habitat Habitat's legal partners visited my assessed ten neighbourhoods in East house, took my information, helped me Mosul where many displaced persons fill in the compensation application, from the west of the city have settled. and filed the claim in court on my and/or community - based land The surveys covered 3,083 houses, behalf. I would like to thank them for mitigation mechanisms. The reaching a total of 19,261 individuals, keeping us in mind, and for making the authorities in Mosul face many and aimed to identify HLP incidents effort to support us.” challenges in responding to the high and needs of vulnerable households in As a result of the strong commitment number of claims related to HLP East Mosul. Accordingly, 61% of the and work ethic of the community violations, which are a major driving surveyed households reported that representatives (Mukhtars), as well as force of conflict and social tension. The their house was partially or fully other local authorities, including the cost of not promptly addressing these destroyed, while more than 33% had no Mosul court, the project was able to issues will be too much to bear in the legal occupancy/ownership documents provide legal assistance on lease and future. linked to their current residence. As ownership issues to 1,015 vulnerable In this regard, the housing registration such, UN-Habitat undertook an families, 29% of which were female- directorate will be re-established and information dissemination and headed households. functioning in Hay Al-Zuhur on 17 awareness raising campaign related to The majority of the households who February 2018, which marks a households’ HLP rights and available have been impacted by the previous significant step in facilitating the redress mechanisms through the hostilities are in need of support with production/restoration of occupancy, distribution of leaflets, as well as filing their claims at court. HLP issues rental, or ownership documents. UN- awareness raising sessions with are a major challenge for returnees and Habitat is committed to support the beneficiaries seeking information on households in areas previously efforts of the authorities and increase HLP. Among those, seven sessions were controlled by ISIL, and can only be its HLP interventions in Mosul, and conducted exclusively for females to solved by legal representation in courts, other areas in Iraq in 2018. Iraq Humanitarian Community launches the Real-Time Accountability Partnership girls from GBV-related threats across reiterated: ‘We are all committed to the country. These agencies are the address GBV within the context in Iraq United Nations Population Fund (…) RTAP will help accelerate effective (UNFPA), United Nations Office for action across the humanitarian Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs community to prevent GBV and (UNOCHA), United Nations Children mitigate its risks.’ Fund (UNICEF), United Nations High The attendees were then introduced to Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the RTAP implementation tool, the USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Action Framework, and how the Assistance (OFDA), and International initiative will be monitored throughout Rescue Committee (IRC). In Iraq, the the implementation period. initiative will target different In the closing remarks, Wendy Erbil, 11 February 2018 – On 31st of humanitarian Clusters, donors, and Taueber, IRC Iraq Country Director, January, the Humanitarian GBV-focused local and international applauded the life-saving work of the Community in Iraq launched the Real- organizations. humanitarian community in Iraq, Time Accountability Partnership Ms. Lise Grande, Humanitarian calling the Agencies to build on the (RTAP), a multi-agency initiative for Coordinator for Iraq said: “As past successes and enhance the support addressing gender-based violence humanitarians, we need to hold to the coordinated and effective GBV (GBV) in emergencies. The RTAP aims ourselves accountable for responding to response across the country. “‘As a at institutionalizing actions to address the unique needs of women and girls in community, we have had our hands full and prioritize GBV across the conflict. RTAP will help us to do this.” over the past 18 months with waves of humanitarian response. Addressing the audience, Mr. conflict, displacement, and response to RTAP is a joint collaboration between Ramanathan Balakrishnan, the severe trauma and need. (…) The six key humanitarian agencies that all UNFPA Representative in Iraq, on positive developments of the past year aim at harnessing the collective power behalf of the organisations working are encouraging, but they will only be of the humanitarian community to together on Sexual and Gender Based sustained if we capitalize on this ensure the protection of women and Violence prevention and response, momentum.” Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 33 Press statement by Mr. Bruno Geddo, UNHCR Representative in Iraq, on the voluntary, safe and sustainable return of displaced Iraqis
Baghdad, 12 February 2018 - “For going back to a house, it is going back UNHCR, the Kuwait conference offers to a community. a key forum to reiterate the importance Sustainable return is not just about of voluntary, safe and sustainable bricks and mortar. Rebuilding and return of Iraqi IDPs and raise restoring communities is a complex resources to support the government’s effort, covering everything from efforts towards this goal. This in turn is clearing explosive hazards to repairing an integral part of wider plans by the damage to infrastructure to restoring UN system to support the Iraqi basic services, and facilitating social authorities as they rebuild the country. cohesion so that communities can again Large-scale fighting is over, but the begin to flourish. Thus safe and legacy of conflict remains. The events sustainable return is a major that unfolded during the years of contributing factor to longer term extremist control and the military stability and peace. campaign to remove them left a Iraq is turning a crucial corner in its dramatic imprint on the landscape of turbulent history. The country rid itself Iraq, and on the psyche of its people. of ISIL, an enormous achievement that The scars left during these years lie the international community must fully across the country: proud cities are recognize. Now the authorities are heavily damaged, communities are turning towards the huge task of The Kuwait Conference is a unique scattered, and a generation of children rebuilding its towns and cities, opportunity to present our plans to are at risk of being lost. Some 2.6 institutions, and communities. donor countries and to encourage the million people are still displaced. For To support Iraq as it transitions out of private sector to invest further. We Iraq to move forwards people must be crisis UN agencies have devised a two- have a collective responsibility to able to return to their homes. Some 3.3 year Recovery and Resilience continue to support Iraq at this crucial million Iraqis have already returned, Programme. To carry this programme stage. We must not leave the people of often in difficult circumstances. We forward we must ensure there are Iraq in the lurch because war is over. must remember that return is not just adequate resources for the task. This vital job cannot be left half done.”
Iraq: 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan - Advance Executive Summary
The humanitarian crisis in Iraq is multi-directional; at the same time that entering a new phase. Combat hundreds of thousands of people have operations against the Islamic State of been fleeing their homes, hundreds of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have ended thousands have been returning. and hundreds of thousands of displaced The pace and scale of displacement people are returning to their homes and have made the Iraq crisis one of the communities. largest and most volatile in the world. Retaken areas are being cleared of Civilians have been at extreme risk explosive hazards and rubble and major throughout, from aerial bombardment, efforts are underway to restore artillery barrage, cross-fire, snipers, electricity, water and sewage grids, re- and unexploded ordnance. Tens of establish the Government’s social thousands of civilians have been used protection floor, jump-start local as human shields and hundreds of economies and open schools and health thousands have survived siege-like centres. Displaced camps are being conditions. consolidated and decommissioned and The military operation to retake Mosul, modalities are being put in place for starting in October 2016 and ending ensuring that the highly vulnerable nine months later in July 2017, was the families who are currently receiving longest urban battle since World War assistance from humanitarian partners II. In accordance with the army’s are covered under the Government’s humanitarian concept of operations, Baghdad, 14 February 2018 – The new Poverty Reduction Strategy. one million civilians were safely United Nations Office for the The human toll of four years of evacuated from the city in the largest Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs intensive, virtually non-stop combat managed evacuation from a combat (OCHA) has published today 2018 has been enormous. In 2014, 2.5 million zone in modern history. Humanitarian Response Plan for Iraq. civilians were displaced inside Iraq; in Humanitarians were on the frontlines Here is the text of the Advance 2015, more than one million people fled and in emergency camps throughout, Executive Summary of the Plan: their homes; in 2016, an additional liaising with Iraqi security forces to The majority of displaced families are 700,000 people fled and in 2017, 1.7 ensure civilians were evacuated safely expected to return to their communities million civilians were newly displaced. and providing life-saving assistance to by the end of the year. Population movements have been the 1.7 million people who either fled or Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 34 Iraq: 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan - Advance Executive Summary (continued) stayed in their homes. Priority was nearly 70 per cent of household income. given to reaching civilians as soon as The poverty rate in the areas most they crossed to safety; a reported impacted by the fighting exceeds 40 per 20,000 severely wounded people were cent. Poor households and close to one- referred to hospitals during the third of displaced families are currently offensive, including 12,700 people who relying on negative coping strategies. were stabilized at frontline trauma Nearly 1.9 million Iraqis are food posts managed by health partners. insecure; 7.3 million people require It will take years to rebuild Iraq. health care; 5.2 million protection Damage and loss assessments support; 5.4 million water and conducted by the Ministry of Planning sanitation assistance and 4.1 million accommodation are highly vulnerable and analysed by the World Bank people need shelter. and host communities throughout the estimate that reconstruction will take Although the conflict has ended, country, most particularly in the at least 10 years and cost well over multiple, unpredictable volatile Kurdistan Region, are facing US$88 billion. dynamics are expected to continue widespread unemployment and The health and education sectors have throughout 2018. Asymmetric attacks deteriorating public services. been particularly hardhit. The number cannot be ruled out, particularly in During 2018, and beyond, millions of of consultations performed in health areas where ISIL retains local support, people are likely to need protection clinics has increased eightfold since resulting in new displacement and support as families and communities 2014. Thirty-six per cent of health impacting returns. New sources of grapple with post-conflict realities. centres in Salah al-Din are damaged or instability may possibly emerge, linked Retaliation against people associated destroyed and only half of health to delays in reconciliation and political with ISIL and sectarian-related facilities in Ninewa are fully functional. tensions, including in disputed areas. violence are problems in sensitive Schools in conflict-affected areas are As many as two million displaced Iraqis areas. Families without civil operating double and triple shifts. Last are likely to return to their homes documentation are struggling to access year alone, more than 150 schools were during 2018. Although major efforts are the Government’s social protection floor damaged or destroyed. Nearly 50 per being made by the Government of Iraq and claim compensation. Hundreds of cent of children in displaced camps do and Kurdistan Regional Government to thousands of people who have been not have access to quality education incentivize and facilitate returns, many brutalized by violence, including and 3.2 million children attend school vulnerable families are unable to women and children, require irregularly or not at all. return without assistance. Displaced specialized support and services, many Agricultural production has declined 40 people from areas which are not yet of which are only partially available. per cent compared to pre-conflict levels stable are likely to delay going home Full report can be accessed at when crop production, including wheat, until conditions improve and will https://reliefweb.int/report/iraq/iraq- barley, maize, fruits and vegetables in continue to need support. Families 2018-humanitarian-response-plan- Ninewa and Salah al-Din provided living in camps and substandard advance-executive-summary-enar
Heavy rains affected IDP camps; humanitarians rush to help
Baghdad, 18 February 2018 – After later. Some camps are still under assessment the heavy rains in the last few days, The CCCM Cluster in Iraq strives to and CCCM cluster is continuing to the Camp Coordination and Camp establish and maintain coordination collect data on the situation. Management (CCCM) Cluster Iraq is mechanisms to support the equitable Currently 30 Camps and Sub-camps coordinating with partners to support delivery of assistance and services to have reported significant flooding. and organize drainage in flood affected IDPs. 24 camps have reported significant IDP camps. Following the heavy rain storms in damaged on shelters and 7 have CCCM is checking the level of flooding mid-February in Iraq, the CCCM reported damage on the communal inside the camps. 4 camps reported Cluster has mapped the IDP camps infrastructure of the camp. flooding for the moment. Partners, like affected by flooding and reported For the Kurdistan region, IRD, are already doing drainage. damage to communal infrastructure Sulaymaniyah camps have been more Affected shelters will be monitored and shelter. affected than the IDP camps in Duhok. Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 35 700 families in West Mosul receive housing units from UNHCR with funds from the people of Japan
Baghdad, 22 February 2018 - Some 700 families in Mosul whose homes were destroyed in the recent conflict now have a new place to live. Temporary housing units were set up in 26 neighbourhoods in the west of the city, which saw extensive destruction in the battle to retake the city from extremist control. During the battle for Mosul, almost 1 million Iraqis fled the fighting, seeking safety in nearby camps and host communities. After the fighting ended people began to return to the city, but for many citizens of Mosul, their homes were too badly damaged for them to return. Approximately 18,000 people benefited grant assistance help the displaced and “So many displaced Iraqis want to go from the cash assistance, while 4,200 returnees secure their shelters and the home and restart their lives,” said people are housed in the new housing basic needs as a response to the Bruno Geddo, UNHCR Representative units. The units were formally handed transitional phase for further in Iraq. “Rebuilding Mosul is an over to their new occupants by Mr stabilization and reconstruction of the immense task that will take years. The Geddo at a ceremony in Mosul on 21 city.” housing units will provide shelter for up February. “Thanks to the generosity of the to three years to Iraqis returning to H.E. Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japanese people, 700 families now have their communities. This will give them Japan to Iraq said, “We remain a housing solution that keeps out the breathing space to make longer term concerned about the unstable winter cold,” said Mr Geddo. “Although plans.” humanitarian situation in West Mosul the emergency is now over, we have a The people of Japan generously donated even after its liberation from the battle, responsibility to continue to support the US$ 4.5 million to camp management where many of the houses were people of Iraq. Sustainable return is a services, cash assistance and temporary completely destroyed or heavily cornerstone of the transition towards a housing programmes to support damaged.” He added, “Japan strongly better future. We must not let them displaced people and returnees in Mosul hopes the provision of housing units and down at this critical juncture.” cope with the harsh winter conditions. cash assistance through this emergency
UNHCR welcomes new pledges from Japan to protect and assist displaced Iraqis and Syrian refugees
Baghdad, 26 February 2018 - camps. Displaced and returning Iraqis Acknowledging the generous UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, will further benefit from access to legal contribution from the people of Japan, welcomes new pledges from the people assistance and documentation, and Bruno Geddo, UNHCR Representative of Japan. Some US$ 19 million is action to prevent sexual and gender- in Iraq, said: “This is a critical moment pledged for 2018, amounting to $15 based violence. By supporting over for Iraq. Over 3 million people have million to protect and assist displaced 100,000 vulnerable Iraqis - whether returned to their homes, but 2.5 million and returning Iraqis, and $4 million for they are displaced or have returned are still displaced. A further 240,000 the Syrian refugee response. Since the home - and over 22,000 Syrian Syrian refugees need sustainable start of the recent conflict in Iraq in refugees, this vital funding helps people solutions. The country is turning a 2014, Japan has generously donated get back on their feet as Iraq corner, but many people are still $73 million to UNHCR, supporting transitions out of crisis. vulnerable and will need support for vital assistance to millions of people Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan some time to come. Thanks to the forced to flee their homes by conflict. to Iraq, said: “It is the fourth year in a generosity of the Japanese people, The generosity of Japan helps UNHCR row since Japan started the assistance vulnerable Iraqis and Syrian refugees to carry out its double mandate in the for vulnerable Iraqi and Syrian people will not be forgotten.” changing climate of Iraq. For UNHCR, affected by conflict through its finding sustainable solutions for Supplementary Budget. This assistance displaced people and refugees is now a shows Japan’s strong and faithful priority in Iraq, while simultaneously commitment to addressing the basic maintaining emergency assistance and needs in the camps and the areas of protection for people who remain in return in Iraq”. He added, “The camps. Japan provides vital funding for assistance to UNHCR comes as part of quick impact projects in return areas the new package of humanitarian and and host communities that facilitate stabilization efforts to Iraq amounting sustainable returns and social cohesion. to approximately $100 million. Japan is Shelter and cash assistance supports determined to serve displaced and vulnerable IDPs and refugees who returning people, refugees and host cannot yet return home, as does communities in Iraq, while supporting maintaining care and assistance in Iraq’s efforts for its development.” Volume 5, Issue 1 Humanitarian Page 36 With support from Japan, UNICEF is responding the recovery needs of children in areas worst hit by violence in Iraq
Baghdad, 26 February 2018 - 500,000 people. “The assistance to UNICEF comes as Although the immediate violence has The generous contribution will also part of the new package of come to an end, the needs of children in enable UNICEF to sustain its humanitarian and stabilization efforts Iraq remain immense – 4 million humanitarian support to displaced to Iraq amounting to approximately children need assistance. children and their families living in $100 million. Japan is determined to Families in conflict affected areas or camps. serve displaced people, returnees and those returning to their areas of origin “It is the fourth year in a row since refugees as well as host communities in are facing massive challenges in Japan started the assistance for Iraq, while supporting Iraq’s efforts for rebuilding their lives. vulnerable Iraqi and Syrian people its development”. While access to basic services is slowly affected by the violence in these In coordination with the Government of improving, many neighborhoods in countries through its Supplementary Iraq, UNICEF is providing basic Ninewa, Anbar, Kirkuk and Salah Al- Budget. This assistance shows Japan’s services in former conflict-affected Din do not have sufficient number of strong and faithful commitment to areas and in camps for the displaced, schools or learning spaces nor do they addressing the basic needs in the and providing protection and have daily access to safe water. camps and the areas of return in Iraq,” psychosocial assistance to all children “Hundreds of schools have been heavily said Mr. Fumio Iwai, Japan’s in need. damaged and are no longer fit for Ambassador to Iraq. purpose. Those schools that are functional are operating in two or three shifts to accommodate the needs of children,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF’s Representative in Iraq. A new contribution of 5.1 million USD from the Government of Japan will enable UNICEF to rehabilitate damaged schools in areas worst hit by the violence, train teachers, provide learning materials and improve access to clean drinking water for over
Stabilization & Development A home to return to in Bartela, Iraq
Bartela, 18 December 2017 - UNDP’s flee with his wife and daughter, along rehabilitation work in their house. “I do Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS) with thousands of his neighbours, not feel sadness or anger towards ISIL in Iraq is working with local frantically seeking refuge in the nearby any more. I just want to go back home contractors to restore 2,100 houses in Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Muneer and and get on with my life. Only now I feel Bartela as part of ongoing stabilization his neighbours are part of a group of that I can.” efforts. Work is almost complete on the Syriac Christians who have lived in At the request of the Prime Minister of badly damaged house that Muneer and around Bartela for over two Iraq, UNDP’s Funding Facility for Bahnom and his wife Sabeeha once millennia. Over the past 30 years, Stabilization was created in June 2015 called home. Housing repair crews are Muneer and his wife built their home to stabilize areas liberated from ISIL. working to repair fire damage to incrementally on a government-allotted FFS helps the Government to re- internal and external walls, rewire the piece of land granted as part of his civil establish services, jump-start local house and replace all the doors and service benefits. They saved every “fils” markets and create conditions so that windows. from their multiple jobs to add a room families can return home. FFS works One evening in October 2016, as he here or buy some essential household quickly, through the local private watched intently the liberation of his items there. Their modest home was sector, helping to avoid a vacuum that hometown of Bartela on television, their castle. Abandoning it to ISIL was creates disappointment among local Muneer saw his home burn on the one of the toughest experiences of their populations and contributes to the re- screen with many others in his old lives. emergence of extremism. neighbourhood. Apparently they were Muneer and the family finally settled all set ablaze intentionally by the with his brother in Kirkuk. When they Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant arrived, his brother was already (ISIL). hosting seven other displaced families. Bartela is one of many small, They stayed in his brother’s predominantly Christian communities overcrowded house for over two years, in the Ninewah plains in North Iraq every day hearing about the atrocities that have endured grave atrocities for ISIL was committing against their more than 2 years under ISIL rule. fellow Christians in the Ninewah “We knew that ISIL had taken Mosul Plains. and that we could no longer stay,” “We now have a home to return to!” remarked Muneer, remembering that exclaimed Muneer, overjoyed as he and fateful night, in 2014, that he had to Sabeeha inspected ongoing Volume 5, Issue 1 Stabilization & Development Page 37
Generations For Peace and UNFPA launch a new partnership in Iraq
Amman, Jordan/Erbil, Iraq, 2 around the world, include topics such beyond shows that supporting youth- January 2018 - The United Nations as peace-building theory; community led activities helps to reduce violence, Population Fund (UNFPA) in Iraq and needs assessments and conflict strengthen resilience and support Generations For Peace have launched a analysis; participatory programme positive peace-building efforts to new partnership to support design, monitoring and evaluation to rebuild the social fabric of transformational leadership training show impact. The exercises also focus communities. This is an important for youth leaders from six cities in Iraq. on advocacy and peace-building piece of the puzzle, and it is needed in The partnership is UNFPA’s first-ever narratives; child protection, human parallel with efforts to rebuild physical support to Generations For Peace. This rights, and gender equality; as well as infrastructure and strengthen state collaboration aims at training youth practice in the facilitation of innovative institutions to provide effective service leaders in transformational leadership, Sport For Peace approaches for youth delivery.” to prepare them to lead trust-building engagement and development of life On the partnership, Mr. Ramanathan activities in their own communities to skills and social cohesion. Balakrishnan, Representative of overcome conflict and foster social Dr. Mohanned Arabiat, President of UNFPA in Iraq, said: “Young people cohesion and resilience as part of Iraq’s Generations For Peace, explained the make up a quarter of the world’s recovery and development effort. importance of the programme: “This is population and more than 600 million The first training, for thirty youth an important new partnership for young people currently live in conflict- leaders from Anbar, Baghdad, Dhi Qar, Generations For Peace and we are very affected states, such as Iraq. Youth are Ninawa, Salah Eddin and Waset grateful for UNFPA’s support. Iraq has amongst the most affected by violence, selected by the Ministry of Youth and been suffering for decades and there and bear enormous and long-lasting Sports in Iraq runs from 26 to 31 exists a deficit of trust between groups, human, social and economic costs of December 2017 in Amman, Jordan. A and between citizens and the state. violence. UNFPA strongly believes in second training, for 75 youth leaders, Work is urgently needed at the grass advocating for their rights and will take place from 10 to 14 January roots level to engage youth, to rebuild empowering youth to make informed 2018 in Baghdad. The trainings which trust and social cohesion, and to decisions, so they can realise their full are based on Generations For Peace’s strengthen community capacities to potential and contribute to economic ten years’ experience on youth-led address needs and resolve differences and social transformation. Empowering peace building and conflict without resorting to violence. Our young people is one of the smartest transformation in the region and experience across the region and investments a country can make and this is why we are committed to partnering with Generations For Peace in Iraq. As leaders of the next generation, youth in Iraq can help strengthen the social fabric and create a sustainable future.” Iraq has enjoyed only brief periods of order and respite from high levels of violence since the 2003. There are more than 3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Iraq and instability has hindered efforts to rebuild an economy shattered by decades of conflict and sanctions.
With the launch of a trilingual mobile application, millions of users can stay informed of UNDP’s support to Iraq
Baghdad, 19 January 2018 - The well informed of UNDP’s support to the United Nations Development people of Iraq, but also to reach out to a Programme (UNDP) in Iraq launched a wider global audience. With its user- trilingual mobile application for iOS friendly design, the application is very and Android to become the first ever informative in terms of highlighting UNDP Country Office to have such an UNDP’s work and impact as well as the application and one of a few within the country’s progress towards respective UN community worldwide. Sustainable Development Goals." UNDP Iraq’s Communications Unit led The mobile application features news, the development process of this impact stories, publications, a media application with support on library, infographs and visualized data information technology from the in Arabic, Kurdish and English Regional Hub. The Unit explained: languages. It is now available for free “Out of over 37.2 million Iraqis, more download from App Store and Google than 30.2 million are mobile users*. Play. The UNDP Iraq mobile application was *World Bank developed not only to keep Iraqi users Volume 5, Issue 1 Stabilization & Development Page 38
The Secretary General of the Council of Ministers is briefed on the possibilities provided by the National Platform for Reconstruction and Development
Baghdad, 28 January 2018 - The Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Mahdi Al-Aalak was briefed on the potential of the National Platform for Reconstruction and Development, which is due to be launched soon. This came during a meeting with Undersecretary of the Ministry of Planning d. Maher Johan and Director of the United Nations Program for Settlements in Iraq (HABITAT UN) Irfan Ali and the team involved in the implementation of the platform in cooperation with the Central Bureau of Statistics in the Ministry of Planning. sectors and services to create recovery implications, as well as the At the meeting the mechanism to assist areas that help the sustainable return establishment of integrated the government, its institutions and of displaced people. The platform rehabilitation and development plans, international partners in preparing the provides many analytical tools to based on the analysis of data and requirements for recording and extract statistical information, charts spatial reality, identifying the monitoring of the implementation of and detailed maps. development gaps of different sectors rehabilitation and reconstruction The platform also presents damage on the one hand and the detection of projects for liberated cities in Iraq and data in the public and residential overlap in the implementation of were discussed. sectors facilitating analysis of the projects to consolidate efforts and The platform supports the focus on key feasibility of the projects and their visions for future plans. Additional 200 rehabilitated houses by UN-Habitat handed over in Ramadi and Fallujah Baghdad, 28 January 2018 - On 28 appreciation to UN-Habitat and the Japan continues its efforts to support January 2018, the United Nations Government of Japan for their active vulnerable people in close cooperation Human Settlements Programme (UN- contribution to stabilization, recovery with UN-Habitat.” Habitat) officially handed over total and reconstruction. They noted that the Head of UN-Habitat Iraq, Dr. Erfan Ali 200 housing units in Ramadi and need for support is still massive, and referred that the handing over of the Fallujah, Anbar Governorate, hoped that there will be continued 200 rehabilitated damaged houses in rehabilitated under the project titled engagement to provide adequate Ramadi and Fallujah and the “Promoting Urban Recovery and housing to returning families. employment of the residents of the Resilience in Newly Liberated Areas in H.E. Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of targeted neighborhoods in the Iraq” generously funded by the Japan to Iraq said, “I believe that this assessment and the implementation of Government of Japan. may be just a beginning for the the works would directly contribute to In Al-Andalus neighborhood, Ramadi, returnees to resume their lives through peaceful and sustainable urban and Al-Jamhouriya neighborhood, this project funded by Japan, but is recovery of these areas. Dr. Ali added Fallujah, 200 war-damaged houses of surely the first and significant step that UN-Habitat has recently vulnerable returnees that were toward reconstruction because concluded the housing damage categorized by UN-Habitat engineers rehabilitation of housing is crucial for assessment in Ramadi and launched as “major damage” and “severely household as a base of every activity.” new low-cost core housing projects to damaged” based on the guidelines He added “Recognizing reconstruction support the returnees whose houses are developed under the Shelter Cluster of Ramadi and Fallujah, the areas fully destroyed in Ramadi, Fallujah and were selected to be rehabilitated, in heavily damaged by the battle, requires Gharma. addition to approximately 2,000 war- an immense task in the coming period, damaged houses that have been rehabilitated by UN-Habitat since 2016 in newly liberated areas across Iraq. From rehabilitation of these 200 houses, total 1,684 vulnerable returnees benefitted, including 160 members of the returning families who were employed to undertake the rehabilitation works to support their livelihoods and to engage them in the rebuilding of their communities. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Aowsaj, the Mayor of Ramadi, and Mr. Issa Alsayer the Mayor of Fallujah, expressed their Volume 5, Issue 1 Stabilization & Development Page 39
New bridge opens in Yathrib, serving over 70,000 people Baghdad, 29 January 2018 - Some villages, facilitating access to clean UNHCR Representative in Iraq. “The 70,800 people in Yathrib sub-district of drinking water for 40,000 people. extensive damage to homes and public Salah al-Din will benefit from a new Temporary housing units now provide services exacerbated social tensions. pedestrian bridge that opened in mid- shelter for 350 families in Yathrib town Rebuilding infrastructure and January. The bridge, built by UNHCR and 250 families in neighbouring Ishaqi repairing services for the whole and its partners, is an essential village for up to three years, while their community is a springboard to help crossing point for the Tigris River, homes are rebuilt. UNHCR also reconciliation efforts reach further and connecting the east and west of Yathrib provided 12 transformers to help make returns sustainable.” city. improve electricity distribution in the UNHCR and the Iraqi Salvation Since the old bridge was destroyed local local villages, making electricity Humanitarian Organization (ISHO) inhabitants made long detours to cross available to homes in the district for up completed the construction of four the river. The new bridge makes a huge to 12 hours a day. pedestrian bridges in Dijlah district in difference to people going about their “Yathrib suffered immensely during the Salah al-Din Governorate. The project daily lives. recent conflict,” said Bruno Geddo, aims to benefit 36,000 people. The new bridge is one of a series of quick impact projects in Yathrib. Quick impact projects are small-scale community-based projects that support reintegration and rehabilitation efforts to facilitate the safe and sustainable return of displaced people. Funded by UNHCR, they aim to benefit formerly displaced communities coming back together, and feed into longer-term recovery programmes. In addition to the pedestrian bridge, a new vehicle bridge restored by UNHCR will ease the transport of goods in the area. Another project rehabilitated water purification units serving nine USA supports stabilization in Iraq with US$75 million contribution Baghdad, 29 January 2018 – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has contributed an additional US$ 75 million to The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). US$ 75 million will go to UNDP’s Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS). This brings the total United States contribution to UNDP to US$ 198.65 million since 2015. UNDP’s FFS finances fast-track initiatives to stabilize areas liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) to safeguard against the resurgence of violence and extremism, facilitate returns and lay the groundwork for reconstruction and recovery. UNDP Resident Representative for Iraq, Ms. Lise Grande, said: “The Nineveh Plains, and this is why this - safely, voluntarily, and with dignity," progress that is being made is tangible very generous contribution is so said Ambassador Silliman. - you can see it everywhere in newly important for Iraq.” Established in June 2015, FFS is liberated areas. Electricity grids are The United States’ Ambassador to Iraq, working in newly liberated areas in starting to work, water systems are Douglas Silliman stressed that the Anbar, Salah al-Din, Nineveh and being repaired, schools are opening, USA’s commitment to the Iraqi people Diyala Governorates in order to health centres are functioning and did not end with the eradication of safeguard against the emergence of people are getting back to work. More ISIS. “Communities in the liberated violent extremism, facilitate returns than half of the nearly six million areas now face the daunting challenge and lay the groundwork for people who fled their homes during the of rebuilding their lives and restoring reconstruction and recovery. Two- conflict have returned to their their cultural heritage. These funds thirds of the more than 1,600 projects communities and started rebuilding will help restore basic services like currently underway are in Nineveh their lives. There’s no question that a water and electricity so that Iraqi Governorate including 500 in Mosul huge amount still needs to be done, families of all ethnic and religious and 280 throughout the Nineveh most importantly in Mosul and the backgrounds can return to their homes Plains. Volume 5, Issue 1 Stabilization & Development Page 40
European Union contributes $58.96 million for Iraq stabilization Baghdad, 31 January 2018 – The development dimension. This is a pre- At the request of the Government of European Union has contributed an condition for reconciliation, for the Iraq, UNDP established the Funding additional US$ 58.96 million (EUR 50 return of the many internally displaced Facility for Stabilization in June 2015 million) to UNDP’s Funding Facility for who are eager to come back and for the to facilitate the return of displaced Stabilization (FFS), which finances fast longer-term stability in Iraq. This Iraqis, lay the groundwork for -track initiatives to stabilize areas package will finance fast-track reconstruction and recovery, and liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq initiatives and at the same time safeguard against the resurgence of and the Levant (ISIL). This brings the strengthen the Government's strategic violence and extremism. The Facility European Union’s total contribution coordination mechanisms so as to currently has more than 1,600 projects since 2015 to US$ 73.8 million (EUR 64 ensure a common approach to clearance underway in 23 liberated cities and million). of explosive hazards. At this critical districts, helping local authorities to Based on priorities identified by the juncture, it illustrates very well that quickly rehabilitate essential local authorities, FFS helps quickly EU - a key partner - stands at the side infrastructure. More than 95 percent of repair public infrastructure, provides of the Iraqi people and authorities who all stabilization projects are done by grants to small businesses, boosts the have shown courage and resilience in the local private sector employing local capacity of local government, promotes their fight against Da’esh." labour. civil engagement, and provides short- term employment through public works schemes. UNDP Resident Representative for Iraq, Ms. Lise Grande, said: “The tasks facing Iraq are enormous. Stabilizing newly liberated areas so people can return home is at the very top of the list of the country’s urgent priorities. We very grateful to the European Union for this very generous contribution-it comes at exactly the right time.” European Union Ambassador to Iraq, H.E. Ramon Blecua said: "The EU continues its support in stabilising the liberated areas by improving the political, humanitarian, security and Securing water for sustainable development
Baghdad, 31 January 2018 - With tablets. UNICEF is about to start feed into longer-term recovery the support of Department for rehabilitating local water treatment programmes. International Development (DFID) UK, facilities so people will have a A UNICEF mobile water treatment UNICEF held on 12 January 2018 an sustainable water source. unit helps to keep tankers full in event at Al-Mustansiriya University in UNHCR and Swedish Humanitarian Hawija while UNICEF works with Baghdad with the aim to raise the Relief (SHR) recently installed two partners to rehabilitate three water awareness of water conservation and water purification units in Abu Ghraib treatment plants in the area. UNICEF improving general hygiene practices to district in Baghdad governorate. The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene promote good health. project aims to provide access to clean (WASH) activities in Hawija are made UNICEF is working with the drinking water for 4,200 people. possible in part by the USAID's Office International Committee of the Red Quick impact projects are small-scale of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance and Cross (ICRC) Iraq in Kirkuk to community-based projects that support the European Union Civil Protection distribute water purification tablets to reintegration and rehabilitation efforts. and Humanitarian aid operations. displaced people. Since October 2017, Funded by UNHCR, they aim to benefit more than 30,000 people have received fragile, reforming communities and Volume 5, Issue 1 Stabilization & Development Page 41
5 Million residents in Baghdad to benefit from improved water supply and wastewater services
Washington, 31 January 2018 – A US$210 million new World Bank project will improve the quality of drinking water supply and wastewater services to 5 million residents in Baghdad who suffer from water shortages and the outbreak of waterborne diseases due to inadequate infrastructure, rapid population growth, and the inflow of internally displaced people. The Baghdad Water Supply and Sewerage Improvement Project, approved today by the World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors will support the Mayoralty of Baghdad and the Baghdad Water and Sewerage Authorities through improvement in months. Baghdad is one of the Abdulhamid Azad, Lead Water utility management, and generate governorates impacted by outbreaks of Resources Specialist and Project Team employment during the construction, waterborne diseases. Leakage from Leader. This project will improve the operation and maintenance stages of sewer pipes contaminates potable city’s water and sanitations services as implementation. The project will also water networks and groundwater well as support the Baghdad Water and help reduce the incidence of water- aquifers, which aggravates health and Sewerage Authorities in improving borne diseases and improve the quality environmental problems. Contaminated their institutional knowledge and of life, health, and sanitation. water supply and improper disposal of preparedness in relation to water “The recently completed National sewage force families to spend a security and urban water management. Water and Land Strategy (2015-2035) significant fraction of their income on Also, the project will finance capacity- indicates that Baghdad will need medical treatment and to purchase building activities targeted to female substantial investments in its water bottled water. technical and managerial staff to supply and wastewater treatment “Water supply and sanitation have increase their professional skills and systems over the next 20 years. Given immediate and major impacts on the allow for career advancement within limited availability of public funding, quality of life of citizens”, said Thikra the Water and Sewerage Authorities.” attracting commercial finance will be Alwash, Mayor of Baghdad. “We are The project will finance the critical for implementing this ambitious committed to improving public services construction of a service reservoir with strategy”, said Saroj Kumar Jha, World for the residents of Baghdad and to a total capacity of 135,000 cubic meters, Bank Mashreq Regional Director. “In alleviating the burden households face which will help the city manage its close coordination with the on a daily basis in getting clean and water supply better in case of climate- International Finance Corporation, this reliable water supply. We are confident induced droughts. The project will also project will focus on creating a more that improved access to these services rehabilitate existing sewerage pumping favorable business environment, and on can significantly strengthen people stations thus reducing the public supporting the preparation of trust and confidence in the state and health effects of untreated wastewater feasibility studies and transactions to contribute to building social cohesion discharged into the Tigris. The project enable private sector participation in when it is most needed”. will contribute to the reduction of the water sector.” “Major cities like Baghdad face a physical losses by replacing about 130 The residents of Baghdad deal with growing population but have km of water supply distribution daily water service interruptions, inadequate water infrastructure and network and the creation of district especially during the hot summer service delivery capacity”, said metering areas. UNHCR with its partners and generous donors provide shelters for returning families
Baghdad, February 2018 - Sheriff are there,” says Hajj. “The shelters Hajj is a Syrian refugee who has been have a private kitchen and shower, living in Kawergosk camp with his which provides my wife and daughters family since August 2013. He recently with necessary privacy. They are more moved with his wife and six children to spacious, have separate rooms, and improved concrete shelters within the even a small patch of land to grow camp. plants.” “We’ve been waiting for almost five UNHCR and its partners, in support of years to move out of the tents,”, says government agencies, have constructed Hajj. “There isn’t a lot of space in the 315 improved shelters in Kawergosk tents. We needed two because we’re a camp to replace the remaining tents. large family.” Families moved in during the month of Hajj and his family are very happy with December, just before the weather got the new structures. “All the facilities very cold. Volume 5, Issue 1 Stabilization and Development Page 42
UNHCR with its partners and generous donors provide shelters for returning families (continued)
*** plastered, the house was rewired, housing units from UNHCR and its Sufian Mohammed Salih fled Salah al- windows and several floors were partner, the Iraqi Salvation Din with his wife, four children and replaced, and doors were installed. Humanitarian Organization (ISHO). three disabled brothers in September They are among 129 families in Abu These have been set up a few meters 2014 when fighting reached their Ghraib to receive support to from their old homes. village. rehabilitate their homes. After seven months in displacement, UNHCR advocates for voluntary, safe the family returned to their home. “Our and dignified returns, while at the first thought was relief because our same time continuing to provide house was still standing,” recalled services to displaced people sheltering Sufian, “but when we entered, in camps and out-of-camp settings. everything was burnt. We just found the ashes of our belongings.” Sufian’s family is among 336 vulnerable families in Salah al-Din who received shelter assistance from UNHCR and its partner, Iraqi Salvation Humanitarian Organization (ISHO). In addition, more than 600 *** sturdy housing units were provided for Aziz Alwan, a farmer, fled Yousfiya in families whose houses are badly 2014. He and his family spent three damaged or destroyed. years in a displacement camp. When he “We’re very grateful for the help we’ve returned home in June 2017, he found received,” said Sufian. “My brothers his home reduced to rubble. and children will feel warm again.” *** Aziz and his family received a sturdy Thanks to the generosity of donors, Waleed Jameel, a farmer, fled his home housing unit from UNHCR and its UNHCR is able to provide assistance to in Abu Ghraib in 2014, when fighting partner, Canadian Aid Organization. support vulnerable families. for control of the city intensified. After Now Aziz and his wife and children can more than two years in displacement, resume farming their land, and plant the family returned home. vegetables to sell. “We came back to find our house “Our home represents our safety and completely destroyed,” said Waleed. stability. We’ll be able to all live “My family built that house brick-by- together again, and sleep soundly at brick. All our hard work was reduced to night,” said Aziz optimistically. rubble.” *** Waleed’s extended family of 30 people Kadhima Ali, a widow, fled her home in received four sturdy refugee housing Yousfiya when extremist groups units from UNHCR and its partner, arrived in the city in 2014. She spent Canadian Aid Organization, which the next three years living in a tent. have been put up just a few metres When the conflict was declared over from the ruins of their old family home. she returned home, only to find her *** Now they have somewhere to live house demolished. The walls of Ismaeel Mahmood’s house Waleed and his family can resume “I lived in that house for more than 50 are pock-marked with bullet holes, farming their land, and planting years” said Kadhima. “We lost causing parts of the walls and roof to vegetables to sell. everything. My house and farm are collapse. The house stands on what was His wife, Asmaa, remains hopeful. She completely destroyed.” once the frontline in a battle to retake made homely touches to their housing Kadhima received a sturdy housing the city. unit with a carpet and a few mattresses unit from UNHCR and its partner, “We left here in 2014 because the retrieved from the rubble of their Canadian Aid Organization which she fighting was becoming so fierce,” said former home. set up close to her original home. Ismaeel. “We left with only the clothes *** UNHCR advocates for voluntary, safe on our backs. We had nothing else. We Khansa Ibrahim, mother of eight, fled and dignified returns, while continuing kept moving to different places and her home to escape clashes in Yathrib to provide services to displaced people lived in tents. My four children stopped district of Salah al-Din governorate in sheltering in camps and out-of-camp going to school.” 2014. After more than two years in settings. Last year, the family finally returned displacement, the family returned home, where they faced more home. challenges. “We found a rocket in the “It was very difficult to see my house middle of the living room,” recalls completely destroyed, thinking how to Ismael. “Two rooms were completely repair it without my husband,” says destroyed.” Khansa. “I am solely responsible for UNHCR, with its partner, Canadian this large family. I can’t afford to repair Aid Organization, facilitated Ismaeel’s the house,” she adds. family to carry out some basic repairs Khansa and her family are among 350 to their home. Two rooms were re- families in Yathrib who received sturdy Volume 5, Issue 1 Stabilization & Development Page 43
Denmark supports stabilization in Iraq with US$21.4 million contribution
Baghdad, 4 February 2018 - The success in liberating Iraq from ISIL, Iraq, UNDP established the Funding Government of The Kingdom of with support from the International Facility for Stabilization in June 2015 Denmark has contributed an additional Coalition. Rehabilitation of critical to facilitate the return of displaced US$ 21.4 million (DKK 135 million) to infrastructure and reestablishing Iraqis, lay the groundwork for UNDP’s Funding Facility for public services remain critical to enable reconstruction and recovery, and Stabilization (FFS), which finances fast the return of people displaced by the safeguard against the resurgence of -track initiatives to stabilize areas conflict. This additional contribution to violence and extremism. The Facility liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq the Funding Facility for Stabilization, currently has more than 1,600 projects and the Levant (ISIL). This brings together with our funding for mine underway in 23 liberated cities and Denmark’s total contribution since action and our support to strengthen districts, helping local authorities to 2015 to US$ 38.1 million (DKK 246 the capacity of the Iraqi Security quickly rehabilitate essential million). Forces, demonstrates Denmark’s infrastructure. More than 95 percent of UNDP Resident Representative for continued commitment to support all stabilization projects are done by Iraq, Ms. Lise Grande, said: “It is truly stability in Iraq." the local private sector employing local impressive to see the progress that is At the request of the Government of labour. being made in newly liberated areas. More than half of all of the nearly six million people who fled their homes during the conflict have returned. Accelerating stabilization so the 2.6 million people who are still displaced can go home and rebuild their lives is one of Iraq’s highest priorities.” The Danish Ambassador to Iraq, H.E. Gert Meinecke, said: “Denmark congratulates the Iraqi people and the Iraqi Security Forces on the continued US$300 Million to improve livelihoods and create jobs for 1.5 Million poor households in Iraq Washington, 6 February 2018 – A “The Social Fund for Development project on the government side. “It US$300 million World Bank project emphasizes the Government of Iraq’s provides a mechanism to target our will improve the living conditions of efforts toward stabilization and support to poor and vulnerable over 1.5 million poor households in Iraq recovery,” said Saroj Kumar Jha, World households in a transparent, by increasing access to basic services Bank Mashreq Regional Director. “It accountable, and participatory manner and creating employment opportunities builds on the results of the which will help strengthen social at the community level. Approved today comprehensive social protection reform cohesion and reinforce trust between by the World Bank Group’s Board of program launched in 2014 and is in line citizens and the state.” Executive Directors, the Social Fund with the Iraq Poverty Reduction The SFD will prioritize an inclusive for Development will finance Strategy which aims to alleviate and participatory approach in the community level subprojects in poverty, promote equity, and foster selection of sub-projects, with a special education, health, water, small-scale opportunities for the Iraqi people.” attention to actively engaging women economic infrastructure, and access to The project will allow local and vulnerable groups in the decision- markets. communities, with the support of non- making process. “Citizen engagement The recent war against ISIS, coupled governmental organizations and local mechanisms will ensure that with the decline in oil prices since 2014, government officials, to develop communities take the lead, thus have severely impacted Iraq at the Community Action Plans that reflect reinforcing social accountability. Non- humanitarian, social, and economic people’s needs and priorities. These governmental organizations will also levels. Poverty and unemployment plans would then be validated by local play a key role in helping the rates increased, gains achieved in governments and assigned funding. communities to organize themselves health and education were reversed, The SFD will prioritize simple, and identify their priorities, as well as and agriculture production decreased, environmentally friendly and labor in the execution of sub-projects,” said undermining the country’s food intensive sub-projects that maximize Ghassan Alkhoja, World Bank Senior sufficiency. Furthermore, millions of the use of local materials. Financing is Social Protection Specialist and Project Iraqis became internally displaced due anticipated to benefit over 600 Team Leader. to the conflict or were forced to migrate communities and villages through Project implementation will begin in to urban areas looking for jobs and 1,700 projects. Muthanna, Salahideen, and Dohuk, support. In this context, the Social “The Social Fund for Development is a reflecting the impact of poverty, Fund for Development project (SFD) key instrument of Iraq’s poverty conflict, and displacement on these aims to address the pressing needs of reduction strategy,” said Dr. Mehdi Al- three governorates. Operations will the poor and most vulnerable and Alak, Secretary General of the General then scale-up to reach all of Iraq’s 18 provide them with livelihood Secretariat of the Council of Ministers governorates in five years. opportunities and rapid employment and Chairman of the SFD National across all of Iraq. Technical Team that prepared the Volume 5, Issue 1 Stabilization and Development Page 44 Japan to support livelihoods, food production and resilience of conflict-affected farmers in Iraq
Baghdad/Rome, 08 February 2018 - Some 1 260 people from vulnerable people needing to sell fundamental Vulnerable families in areas recently farming families, including households assets, such as livestock, agricultural retaken from the Islamic State of Iraq headed by women, will receive equipment or land, to meet their food and the Levant (ISIL) will soon have backyard gardening kits (planting needs. the means to produce fresh and containers, vegetable seeds, fertilizers Under the Humanitarian Response nutritious vegetables thanks to and gardening hand tools) and training. Plan 2018 and the Iraq Recovery and generous support from the Government Another 1 740 people will be supported Resilience Programme 2018–2019, FAO of Japan. through greenhouses vegetable growing is seeking urgent funding of $107 Japan’s support of $1.5 million will kits (seeds, tools and fertilizer) and million to assist 2.2 million people benefit 3 000 people in conflict-affected training by FAO and the Ministry of through returns packages (multi- Anbar, Kirkuk, Ninewa and Salah al- Agriculture in vegetable production, purpose cash, agricultural inputs and Din governorates. The families, who including harvesting, storage, cash for work), rehabilitating irrigation either remained during conflict or processing and marketing. The systems, storage and processing recently returned to their homes, will greenhouses will remain with facilities, and Department of receive inputs, equipment and training communities at the end of the project. Agriculture infrastructure and assets, for backyard gardening and greenhouse “Japan’s strong, continued support for preventing the spread of trans- production to quickly improve food FAO in Iraq comes at a critical time for boundary animal and plant pests and availability, dietary diversity and the country,” said Fadel El-Zubi, FAO diseases, and promoting water resource income, and increase self-reliance. Representative in Iraq. “With almost management. FAO’s work, in H.E. Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of all areas controlled by ISIL retaken by coordination with the Iraqi Japan to Iraq, said, “It is the fourth the Government at the end of 2017, the government, supports families year in a row since Japan started the focus is shifting to recovery and returning to retaken areas, families assistance for vulnerable Iraqi and resilience. Through creating self- who remained during conflict, Syrian people affected by ISIL through employment opportunities, improving internally displaced people, host its Supplementary Budget. This income and purchasing power, this communities and refugees from Syria. assistance shows Japan’s strong and project supports social stability and will faithful commitment to addressing the directly contribute to the peaceful and basic needs in the camps and the areas sustainable rural recovery of these of return in Iraq.” areas.” He added, “The assistance to FAO Benefits of the project include reducing comes as part of the new package of the risk of rural-urban migration due to humanitarian and stabilization efforts families needing to search for new to Iraq amounting to approximately livelihood opportunities in towns and $100 million. Japan is determined to cities. Through reintroducing cash serve displaced and returning people, flows into conflict - a f f e c t e d refugees and host communities in Iraq, communities, the project will also while supporting Iraq’s efforts for its revitalize local markets, and jumpstart development”. economic development. This prevents Sweden increases its support to stabilize newly liberated areas in Iraq
Baghdad, 8 February 2018 – The total contribution since 2015 to US$ 26 component to ensure the military effort Government of The Kingdom of Sweden million (SEK 212.1 million). against ISIL. It is our sincere hope that has contributed an additional US$ 12 UNDP Resident Representative for stabilization will lay the foundation for million (SEK 100 million) to UNDP’s Iraq, Ms. Lise Grande, said: “Enormous a more peaceful and inclusive society. Funding Facility for Stabilization progress is being made in the areas Beyond and in addition to stabilization, (FFS), which finances initiatives for that have been newly liberated. It’s Iraq will remain a prioritised country rapid stabilization of areas liberated wonderful to see people choosing to go for Swedish Development Cooperation.” from the Islamic State of Iraq and the home and start rebuilding their lives At the request of the Government of Levant (ISIL). This brings Sweden’s and communities. At this stage in Iraq, Iraq, UNDP established the Funding nothing is more important. The scale of Facility for Stabilization in June 2015 destruction and damage cannot be to facilitate the return of displaced underestimated, however, particularly Iraqis, lay the groundwork for in Mosul, and this is why this generous reconstruction and recovery, and contribution from Sweden comes at safeguard against the emergence of exactly the right time.” violent extremism. The Facility “Sweden is firmly committed to currently has more than 1,600 projects supporting the Government of Iraq’s underway in 23 liberated cities and efforts of providing essential services districts, helping local authorities to that benefit all Iraqis in the newly quickly rehabilitate essential liberated areas,” said H.E. Pontus infrastructure. More than 95 percent of Melander, the Ambassador of Sweden all stabilization projects are done by to Iraq. “UNDPs Funding Facility for the local private sector employing local Stabilization is indeed a crucial labour. Volume 5, Issue 1 Stabilization and Development Page 45
The Netherlands continue support to UNHCR
Fallujah, 10 February 2018 - Iraqi's remain displaced. The Netherlands Chargé d'Affaires Marielle Netherlands is a global top-10 donor to Geraedts and political secretary UNHCR, which provides many of them Michiel Emmelkamp visited a UNHCR- shelter, including health care and camp for displaced Iraqi's near Fallujah education. This work will remain this week. While many Iraqi's have important in the forthcoming period been able to return home after the and therefore the Netherlands will defeat of ISIS, around 2,6 million continue this assistance. The Government of Japan renews its trust in UNFPA with a US$ 2 million contribution
Erbil, 10 February 2018 – The to Iraq amounting to approximately Government of Japan announced a US$ US$100 million. Japan is determined to 2 million contribution to the United serve displaced/returning people, Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in refugees and host communities in Iraq, Iraq in support of the Fund’s while supporting Iraq’s efforts for its reproductive health (RH) and gender- development”. based violence (GBV) programmes On his part, Mr. Ramanathan across the country. Balakrishnan, UNFPA Representative Within the humanitarian context in to Iraq, said: “As families return to Iraq, even as people are returning to their homes, providing psychosocial their homes, strengthening support to GBV survivors and health reproductive health facilities and services to women and girls is crucial. gender-based violence response services With the support from the Government becomes paramount. The Government Announcing the aid, Mr. Fumio Iwai, of Japan, UNFPA will target 50,000 of Japan’s contribution comes at a time Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, said: “It internally displaced people, residents, where women and girls still face is the fourth year in a row since Japan returnees and Syrian refugees. The considerable challenges in accessing started the assistance for vulnerable US$ 2 million contribution will enable GBV and RH services. The 2018 Iraqi/Syrian people affected by ISIL continuous operations of women Humanitarian Response Plan estimates through its Supplementary Budget. centres and reproductive health that 8.7 million people would be in need This assistance shows Japan’s strong facilities in the governorates of Ninewa, of humanitarian assistance in the and faithful commitment to addressing Salahudin, Anbar, Diyala, Duhok, Erbil course of the year, of whom the basic needs in the camps and the and Sulaymaniyah.” approximately 2 million would be areas of return in Iraq”. The Government of Japan has been a women of reproductive age in need of He added, “The assistance to UNFPA key partner to UNFPA, contributing a reproductive health and gender-based comes as part of the new package of total of US$ 9,212,800 million over the violence response services. humanitarian and stabilization efforts last three years in support of the “Cash-for-Work” program enables farmers to grow fresh products, reducing their reliance on aid
Baghdad, 12 February 2018 - and the battle to retake the city. programmes for clean-up crews. A lot of Thanks to Canada, World Food Markets, schools and basic services work still needs to be done, yet 2,400 programme (WFP) plays a role in were destroyed, but nearly 9,000 people residents are expected to return within reviving agriculture in western Iraq by have already returned. Schools are the coming two weeks. With the help of helping people in Garma sub-district to being rebuilt, a water treatment plant the authorities of Salah al-Din and repair about 36 km of damaged and repaired and hospitals rehabilitated. To UNDP, Baiji might soon be the thriving clogged irrigation canals by get the people of Baiji to work again, town it once was. implementing “Cash-for-Work” system, UNDP is offering “Cash-for-Work” which will enable farmers to grow fresh products, reducing their reliance on aid. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with its partner Mercy Hands is rebuilding Iraq by creating jobs and strengthening food security through their joint project "Cash for Work". Under the program framework, workers from local vulnerable families are rehabilitating irrigation canals and greenhouses in Fallujah. Baiji is coming back to life after being left in tatters from the ISIL occupation Volume 5, Issue 1 Stabilization & Development Page 46
FAO Iraq calls for urgent funding to assist 1.6 million people through the Iraq Recovery and Resilience Programme 2018-2019
Baghdad - Kuwait, 12 February 2018 – About 12 million Iraqis – almost a third of the country’s population - reside in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Restoring the crucial agriculture sector that has been severely damaged by ISIL’s takeover of vast areas of Iraq is critical to the country’s recovery from years of conflict and to its long-term prosperity. To achieve that, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has put forward a wide-ranging programme of assistance that ranges from rehabilitating irrigation systems to veterinary services, and is seeking urgent funding to assist 1.6 million rural inhabitants in 2018-2019. was disrupted, and food prices at added that FAO will work with It is estimated that Iraq has lost 40 markets increased. partners through two components to percent of agricultural production over With the destruction of ISIL’s structure restore the crucial agriculture sector the past four years that ISIL controlled at the end of 2017 a n d Ir a q and water system, and revitalizing vast areas of northern and transitioning towards recovery and communities. The first component northwestern Iraq. The violence forced resilience, it is imperative to restore includes three lines of efforts, people to abandon farms, destroying or the agriculture sector, which is the rehabilitating the irrigation systems, damaging harvests. Infrastructure such second largest contributor to the water treatment plants and pumping as water supply for drinking and country’s gross domestic product and is stations, rehabilitating the storage and agricultural production was damaged critical to improving food production, processing facilities, and preventing the or destroyed. Agricultural equipment, generating livelihoods and restoring spread of crop and livestock diseases. seeds, crops, stored harvests and the resilience of Iraq’s rural population. While the second component focuses on livestock were looted. Farmers were Mr. Fadel El Zubi, FAO Representative revitalizing communities through unable to plant for the next in Iraq said “ Under the Iraq Recovery providing multi - purpose cash agricultural season due to conflict and and Resilience Programme 2018–2019, assistance, agricultural inputs and cash contamination of land with unexploded (FAO) is calling for urgent funding to for work for returnee farmers, ordnance. Food production and supply assist 1.6 million people in Iraq’’. He rehabilitating the agricultural World Bank’s commitment to Iraq reaches US$4.7 billion
Kuwait, 14 February 2018 - The already created thousands of jobs for are the investments that will remain World Bank Group and the Iraqis and the new projects are long after the reconstruction process Government of Iraq signed two projects expected to create millions more. has ended.” today totaling US$510 million to help “We will mobilize the full range of the In the leadup to the conference, the the Iraqi people by improving living World Bank Group’s expertise to invest Iraqi government unveiled its National conditions, enhancing water supplies, in a new, stronger Iraq,” President Kim Reconstruction and Development and creating jobs. The two projects said in a speech at the opening of the Framework. The framework aims to along with the ongoing US$750 million Iraq Reconstruction Conference. “We both redress the impact of the current Emergency Operation for Development will continue to work with our crisis and prevent future crises by program and other planned international partners to ensure the addressing the structural causes of commitments, will increase the World smooth and sustainable transition from conflict. By promoting the critical Bank’s total commitment to Iraq to stabilization through recovery to reforms needed to establish a new US$4.7 billion, compared to US$600 reconstruction." social contract, the framework provides million four years ago. The World Bank is committed to a roadmap for rebuilding trust between Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi scaling up its support for Iraq citizens and the government. and World Bank Group President Jim reconstruction and development subject Yong Kim attended the signing to availability of resources. In addition ceremony for the two projects, which to the financial support, the World took place on the sidelines of the Iraq Bank Group has been actively engaging Reconstruction Conference hosted by with the Iraqi Government through the State of Kuwait. providing technical assistance for Iraq’s The increased Bank commitment will recovery and to lay the foundation for help support immediate restoration of private sector investments in Iraq. education and health services, “We will work hand in hand with the rebuilding important roads and private sector to support Iraq,” said bridges, and rehabilitation of electricity Kim. “We must all invest in Iraq’s and water systems. The ongoing smart and ambitious youth. We must emergency reconstruction projects have invest in Iraq’s resilient women. These Volume 5, Issue 1 Stabilization & Development Page 47 Reconstruction needed as displaced Iraqis continue to return: IOM Iraq
Kuwait, 20 February 2018 – As the individuals), Salah al-Din (12,400), recent Kuwait International Ninewa (7,500) and Kirkuk (800). Iraq’s Conference for the Reconstruction of urgent need for fast - t r a c k Iraq came to a close, IOM, the UN reconstruction to assist the Migration Agency, reported that reintegration of IDPs in their areas of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in origin was also discussed at the recent Iraq continue to return home by the Kuwait International Conference for thousands. Reconstruction of Iraq this past week. According to IOM’s latest Displacement “As Iraq enters the recovery phase after Tracking Matrix (DTM) report, as of 31 three years of conflict, we should January 2018 more than 3.3 million remember that real reconstruction of Iraqis have returned to their areas of In January 2018, the three the country will not only be based on origin, while nearly 2.5 million people governorates reporting the biggest rebuilding infrastructure,” said IOM continue to live in displacement. New decreases in IDP numbers were Iraq Chief of Mission Gerard Waite. IOM figures show that return Ninewa (- 6 per cent), Baghdad (- 12 “Provision of specialized support to all movements are ongoing – in January per cent), and Anbar (- 17 per cent). who survived the conflict is also another 125,000 returnees were Together, they account for almost two- needed, alongside reconstruction of identified – mainly to the four thirds of the nationwide decrease of infrastructure.” governorates of Ninewa, Salah al-Din, IDPs (more than 145,000). Of the During the Kuwait conference, the UN Kirkuk and Anbar. remaining 2.47 million IDPs in Iraq, launched a two-year Recovery and Since the start of the crisis in early only half (51 per cent) are reportedly Resilience Programme, in which IOM 2014, with ISIL later holding large housed in private settings, while more Iraq takes part, to assist the Iraqi parts of central Iraq and the than a quarter (26 per cent) still live in government in addressing the multiple subsequent conflict to retake these camps. needs for rebuilding and reconstruction areas, nearly six million Iraqis have Though Ninewa Governorate accounts in the country. The UN Secretary been displaced. Their communities for two-thirds (nearly 84,000) of the General spoke about the programme in have suffered widespread devastation new returnees identified in January, his speech at the conference. and damage. IOM has noted that not all returnees to IOM Iraq, in partnership with the In January 2018, for the first time in Mosul city stay there. Government of Iraq, is focusing its more than three years, there were more Due to lack of security, services and recovery assistance on areas of return. returnees than internally displaced livelihood opportunities in west Mosul, This assistance includes mobile people. In the last three years, Anbar approximately 600 families returned in community information centres, light Governorate has received the largest January to Haj Ali camp. infrastructure projects, housing number of returnees in the country, Returnees living in critical shelters, rehabilitation, strengthening health due to improved security, rehabilitation including informal settlements and facilities, relief kit distribution and of services and rebuilding of unfinished buildings, are concentrated livelihood support. infrastructures. in four governorates – Diyala (21,500 IFC and Central Bank of Iraq to strengthen corporate governance in the banking sector Baghdad, 20 February 2018 – The sustainability and make them more growth,” said Ziad Badr IFC Principal International Financial Corporation investment-friendly, enabling banks to Country Officer in Iraq. “Improved (IFC), a member of the World Bank not only boost efficiency, but also practices help attract direct Group, and the Central Bank of Iraq increase profit.” investments and ultimately stimulate are launching a series of specialized The initiatives are part of IFC’s social welfare and economic growth.” workshops, starting today, to raise strategy to spur private sector growth IFC has been working to improve corporate governance standards in in Iraq and scale up support for fragile corporate governance in Iraq since Iraqi banks and strengthen the and conflict-affected states, where 2014. As well as working with local country’s banking sector. private sector investment is key. For institutions, in May 2017, I F C IFC’s advisory services team will companies operating in conflict-affected launched the country’s first support the Central Bank in environments, strong corporate independent institute of directors—the implementing its new mandatory governance can be vital for Kurdistani Institute of Directors corporate governance banking sustainability. (KIoD)—alongside the Erbil Chamber guidelines. IFC will initially train all “Our aim is to foster a positive of Commerce and Trade, which advises key managers in the Central Bank and corporate governance culture within on best practice and strengthening the then roll out workshops to board which banks in Iraq can operate, to role of independent directors and members from all the country’s banks. strengthen the sector and drive boards. Topics include understanding the IFC’s advisory work in Iraq focuses on unique nature of governance in the building the capacity of financial sector, the right composition of boards, institutions, supporting governments, and risk management best practice. helping private firms improve their Aly Al Alaq, Governor of the Central environmental, social, and governance bank said: “Helping banks implement standards, and mobilizing private sound corporate governance practices investments through public-private will increase the sector’s resilience and partnerships. Volume 5, Issue 1 Security Sector Reform Page 48 IOM and MoI agreed on entering a new MoU
Baghdad, 25 December 2017 - The the country’s migration and boarder International Organization for management capacities and enable the Migration and the Government of Iraq, local law enforcement actors to further Ministry of Interior, today officially develop their engagement with agreed on entering a new communities by increasingly utilizing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and implementing the Community to continue the objectives, expand the Policing model. scope of the activities covered and The newly signed MoU follows the first extend the duration of the former one, MoU on Supporting Human Rights and signed in 2014. the Rule of Law in Iraq through The decision to foster the relation Enhanced Cooperation between Police between the two parties was taken in and Communities which was signed on light of changes in the Iraqi context 1 April 2014. and the necessity to further strengthen Strengthening Community Policing project aims to improve peace and security in Iraq
Amriyat Al-Fallujah, 29 January correct entity for referral: law 2018 - A delegation from the German enforcement, civil society, Embassy visited Community Policing governmental bodies or the Forums (CPF) in Amriyat Al-Fallujah, communities themselves. Anbar, to observe how these forums Implemented by the United Nations help resolve sensitive and security Migration Agency (IOM) and funded by related cases. the German Federal Foreign Office, the Through mediation and dialogue Strengthening Community Policing Community Policing Forums are able to project aims to improve peace and solve many cases that would otherwise security in Iraq by fostering not be brought forward. If further cooperation and information sharing attention is needed after discussion, between police and local communities. cases are resolved by identifying the Mine Action Germany now UNMAS’ largest contributor for clearance of explosive hazards in Iraq
Baghdad, 09 January 2018 – The resulted in complex and extensive Fallujah, Mosul, Tel Afar and Hawija, United Nations Mine Action Service explosive hazard contamination and the threat posed by explosive hazards (UNMAS) welcomes an additional has displaced more than three million remains a significant concern. contribution of € 17 million ($20.2 people since 2014. Explosive hazards Considering the extent of the million) from the Government of present a significant risk for contamination, it is estimated that Germany towards survey and clearance individuals returning to their these areas will still need many years of explosive hazards in support of communities, as well as those providing of survey and clearance operations humanitarian and stabilization the initial response, especially in urban before being declared free from the initiatives. The overall contribution, areas where explosive items are buried threat of explosives. totalling € 44.2 million ($52.5 million) in rubble and debris from collapsed “Mine action saves lives. The German since 2016, makes the Government of buildings. Humanitarian actors are Government is committed to mine Germany the most significant donor to challenged to safely provide assistance action in Iraq and will continue to UNMAS in Iraq. and people have been forced to abandon support UNMAS to work closely with The recent contribution of € 10 million their homes due to explosive hazards. the Government of Iraq to mitigate the to enable Humanitarian efforts and Critical infrastructure, such as water threat posed by explosive hazards” said additional € 7 million to enable treatment plants and hospitals, cannot Dr. Cyrill Nunn, Germany’s Stabilization initiatives is timely as the be utilized to support communities Ambassador to Iraq. “Mine action is Government of Iraq seeks to facilitate until explosive hazards are cleared and essential to facilitate the safe return of the return of over more than three the facilities made safe prior to displaced people to their homes, and million people to their homes in rehabilitation. As people continue to enable humanitarian and stabilization liberated areas. UNMAS will focus on return to major cities such as Ramadi, activities”, the German Ambassador risk education and clearance of public added. spaces to support the safe, dignified Mr. Pehr Lodhammar, Senior and voluntary return of Iraqis as well Programme Manager, UNMAS Iraq clear critical infrastructure providing stated that “The generous contribution electricity, water, health and education from the Government of Germany will services. Activities will be focussed in support the critical work of UNMAS to Anbar, Salahadin, Kirkuk and Ninewa enable the safe, dignified and voluntary Governorates. return home of hundreds of thousands The conflict with ISIL in Iraq has of Iraqis to liberated areas.” Volume 5, Issue 1 Mine Action Page 49 UNMAS welcomes an additional contribution from the UK to enable the safe, dignified and voluntary return of people to Mosul
Baghdad, 31 January 2018 - The UK response. Government has donated an additional Jon Wilks, British Ambassador to Iraq, 1 million GBP (1.3 million USD) to the said: “The survey and clearance work United Nations Mine Action Service carried out by UNMAS is vital to the (UNMAS), increasing the UK total safety of returning Internally Displaced contribution to 14.2 million GBP (20 Persons (IDPs) in Iraq. This latest million USD). The additional funding contribution demonstrates the UK’s will boost UNMAS support to enduring commitment to UNMAS’ work stabilization efforts by increasing and to supporting humanitarian and survey and clearance of critical stabilisation efforts in Iraq.” infrastructure in liberated areas. This “Continuous support from the United is important before rehabilitation can Kingdom allows UNMAS to further commence and crucial for the safe, extend its support and activities to dignified and voluntary returns of with the Directorate for Mine Action enable stabilization priorities and displaced people. and Iraqi Security Forces to humanitarian activities, encouraging The contribution will be used to deploy complement the clearance work that the safe return of Internally Displaced additional assets to Mosul during the has already taken place by the People (IDPs) to areas previously months of January, February and Government of Iraq following the occupied by ISIL”, stated Pehr March, in line with emergency liberation of Mosul. Lodhammar, UNMAS Senior operational needs. UNMAS began Close collaboration with UNDP to Programme Manager in Iraq. survey and clearance operations in provide survey and clearance Thanks to the generous contribution Mosul’s Old City in late November capacities, as well as threat from the UK Government, UNMAS’ 2017. UNMAS efforts to ensure a assessments, are an integral part of the work has been made possible. UNMAS coordinated stabilization response into Funding Facility for Stabilization's will continue ensuring that explosive Mosul have accelerated activities. (FFS) rapid needs assessment process hazards are cleared in support of Following planning meetings between in Mosul. Between 1 December and 16 stabilization efforts and enabling access the Government, UNMAS, UNDP, UN December 2017, UNMAS received 139 for humanitarian activities across Iraq. Habitat, UNEP, and UNESCO, additional tasks from FFS, conducting The total contribution of 14.2 million UNMAS has now provided survey and survey and clearance in water GBP (20 million USD) is supporting clearance teams in five districts in the treatment plants, hospitals and this life saving work in liberated areas Old City. education centers. The additional funds of Anbar, Salah ah-Din, Ninewa and UNMAS works in close collaboration will go towards continuing this Kirkuk governorates. UNMAS Iraq ‘clearance mission’ seen as ‘tipping point’ between past conflict and a normal future
Kuwait City, 13 February 2018– said. Lives and livelihoods in Iraq’s liberated “We eliminate threats along roads, areas are being restored at long last. under bridges, from power and water In Fallujah, as many as 1,800 vehicles plants, from schools, from critical and 100 pedestrians per hour can cross infrastructure, so that those displaced the re-opened ‘new bridge’ linking by conflict can return to their homes, Baghdad with Al-Anbar Province. The begin again to work, to educate their fibre optic cable connecting more than children, to contribute to society, to live 3,000 customers with Baghdad has a normal life,” said Pehr Lodhammar, been restored. The Jadidah fuel station, UNMAS Senior Programme Manager, which had been closed for three years, prior to the Kuwait International now pumps an average of more than Conference for the Reconstruction of 31,000 litres for 300 vehicles per day. Iraq. In Mosul, the Al Qaysoor Water Lodhammar says conference outcomes Treatment Plant has resumed will help UNMAS to set priorities providing clean and safe water to more working in collaboration with the than 300,000 customers across 34 Programme (UNDP), and the Government and other agencies service areas. The High Court can International Community to carry out supporting Iraq’s reconstruction. All access deeds to validate land claims of the necessary rehabilitation work. infrastructure is important, but the residents returning to Ninewa “We had almost lost all hope,” said Mr. sequencing of clearance missions itself Province. Valuable medical equipment, Ali, manager of the Jadidah fuel is complex and the UNMAS top removed for safekeeping, awaits station, speaking for its 20 employees. priority, Lodhammar says. “What rehabilitation of a hospital in Mosul. “We expected that the station would be comes first on our list in turn affects all None of this progress would have been blown up,” and it might well have been. other rehabilitation and reconstruction possible without infrastructure first United Nations Mine Action Service efforts ‘downstream’,” he says. “So, we being cleared of the explosive threats (UNMAS)-directed teams safely always begin with a joint-assessment to posed by debris of past conflicts and removed 34 improvised explosive establish our priorities.” devices left by retreating ISIL forces, devices (IEDs) weighing a total of 435 He cites the current UNMAS work to thus allowing the Government of Iraq, kg from the station premises. “You clear Fallujah’s power grid serving two the United Nations Development (UNMAS) gave us our jobs back,” he areas outside of the city. As of Volume 5, Issue 1 Mine Action Page 50 UNMAS Iraq ‘clearance mission’ seen as ‘tipping point’ between past conflict and a normal future (continued)
December 2017, UNMAS-directed clearance mission as shared by all teams had searched nearly 34 km² agencies engaged in Iraq’s along power lines and cleared 580 reconstruction. “We have to do our job, explosive devices. When the UNMAS safely, quickly and well so others can work finishes, repair crews can begin do theirs.” restoring power to as many as 60,000 In 2018, the mine action sector requires people and seven schools. 216 million USD to respond to the UNMAS-directed partners working at rehabilitation efforts of retaken areas the community level, village level, even and critical needs in access to basic and the ‘well level’ make a difference on a municipal services, education and daily basis, Lodhammar says. health of returning civilians. In the In Al Bokald, villagers spoke of the Reconstruction and Development ground as their enemy. “We could not Framework (RDF) presented at the walk for fear that something would Kuwait Conference, the Government of explode in our faces,” said one. Today, Iraq will prioritize the clearance of with explosive devices cleared, 20 explosive hazards to enable the families again have access to a well and reconstruction of Iraq and support of water for their own needs and to grow accountable governance, reconciliation their crops. and peace building, social and human The story confirms for Lodhammar the development and economic need, primacy and urgency of the development. Supported by the European Union, UNMAS continues to address explosive threats to enable stabilization in liberated areas of Iraq
Baghdad, 20 February 2018 – One in illustrates in tangible terms the EU's 10 internally displaced persons (IDPs) commitment in addressing explosive not planning to return home cites hazards. Their clearance is a pre- explosive hazards as the reason. condition for stabilization, as the If the safe removal of explosive hazards presence of such hazards will continue including improvised explosive devices to impede security and stability efforts (IEDs) is delayed, the ability for those if not properly addressed. As chair of who have been displaced to return is the Coalition's Explosive Hazard compromised. Similarly is the ability of Management Sub-Group, the EU is the Government of Iraq and the determined to tackle this scourge head- international community hampered to on and support Iraq in strengthening undertake critical post-conflict the government's strategic coordination interventions. Over 50% of Iraqis who mechanisms. All these efforts will were displaced by ISIL and the military contribute to facilitating the safe operations following to defeat ISIL returns of the Iraqi people, who have have returned home. unseen. Items recovered include a suffered long enough". From the REACH Initiative in range of conventional ammunition, “We eliminate the explosive threat partnership with Camp Coordination / IEDs, air-dropped munitions and along roads, under bridges, from power Management (CCCM) Cluster nation- stockpiles of ISIL-manufactured and water plants, from schools, from wide intentions survey carried out in munitions abandoned in buildings that critical infrastructure, so that those IDP camps between 12 December 2017 had been converted and used as bomb displaced by conflict can return to their and 14 January 2018, 52% of people making factories. Clearance activities homes, begin again to work, to educate interviewed were not planning to have been further complicated because their children, to contribute to society, return home. Of the 52% that will not the majority of contamination in Mosul to live a normal life. This would all be return, 21% state this is due to the is mixed in with or covered by rubble impossible without the support from possible presence of IEDs and from damaged and destroyed buildings. our donors. We are outmost grateful for unexploded ordnance. In effect, one in UNMAS and implementing partners the generous support from the EU,” 10 IDPs in the camps surveyed are not working in the Old City have received stated Mr. Pehr Lodhammar, UNMAS returning home because of the fear of many reports of explosive hazard Senior Programme Manager. explosive hazard contamination in or contamination, especially in or near UNMAS, with support from the nearby their homes. houses, as those displaced return home. European Union as part of a broader UNMAS has been working in greater The presence of UNMAS clearance programme response, continues to Mosul clearing explosive hazards since teams in the Old City has provided facilitate the safe, dignified and November 2016 and has recently an opportunity for residents to report voluntary return of families to Mosul commenced survey and clearance suspected dangerous items directly to and other liberated areas. Since 1 operations in the Old City in western the teams for removal. However, it is November 2017, UNMAS teams in Mosul to complement the work already anticipated the proportion of Mosul have assessed and cleared over carried out by the Government of Iraq. households reporting explosive hazards 2.1 million square metres, conducted During operations, the complexity and will increase as families return. more than 650 assessments and found variety of items recovered can only be European Union Ambassador to Iraq, and rendered safe approximately described as staggering and previously H.E. Ramon Blecua said: "This 30,000 explosive hazards. Volume 5, Issue 1 Mine Action Page 51 German Embassy representatives visit UNMAS activities in Mosul
Mosul, 20 February 2018 – Representatives of the German Embassy in Baghdad visited today the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) clearance activities in Mosul. UNMAS thanks Germany for the support contributing to safe and dignified return of displaced people.
UNMAS conducts a training course on operational management
Erbil, 22 February 2018 - UNMAS Iraq provided a 5-day training course on operational management for 20 staff from the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency to increase their explosive hazard management capacity.
Swedish Embassy representatives briefed by UNDP and UNMAS
Mosul, 23 February 2018 - A delegation from the Embassy of Sweden in Iraq visited Mosul and received a briefing on UNDP Iraq and UNMAS stabilization activities. Reconstruction is impossible without clearance.
Environment
Conserving Iran and Iraq’s wetlands
Baghdad, 2 February 2018 - In Iraq, attention. first step towards the long-term the Hawizeh Marsh, which extends In mid-2017, the Government of Iraq conservation and sustainable across the border into Iran where it is requested the Ramsar Secretariat to development of the marshes, including known as Haur Al-Azim, was organize an advisory mission to the ways to reduce the incidence of sand designated as the country’s first marshes to identify ways for future and dust storms. Ramsar site in 2007. Around 20-25 per cooperation between Iraq and Iran as a The mission, which took place from 16 cent of this wetland is in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Part of the Mesopotamian marshland complex fed by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the whole region is suffering from the construction of upstream water control structures, increasing water extraction for agriculture as well as reduced rainfall.. As a result, the Hawizeh marsh was placed on Ramsar’s register of threatened wetlands requiring priority Volume 5, Issue 1 Environment Page 52
Conserving Iran and Iraq’s wetlands (continued) to 23 December 2017, involved officials UN agencies. a midwinter waterfowl count on the from Iraq and Iran participating in Areas of agreed future cooperation Iranian side of the marshes from 23-26 workshops and conducting site visits on include carrying out waterbird surveys, January 2018. Similarly, Iranian both sides of the border to better creating a platform for exchanges of experts plan to collaborate in the understand the situation. In technical and scientific information on waterfowl census in Iraq in early cooperation with the Ramsar the ecology of the marshes, and joint February 2018. Secretariat, UN Environment is celebration events on wetlands and “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban helping support the dialogue process water. In a quick and positive step Future” is the theme for World which also includes consultations with forward, a team of Iraqi bird experts Wetlands Day on 2 February 2018. local communities and participation of joined Iranian surveyors in conducting How dangerously dirty water is threatening one of the world's ancient religions
Baghdad, 23 February 2018 - On an regulations, ever-growing volumes of unseasonably warm winter afternoon in industrial and domestic refuse are Baghdad, Sheikh Anmar Ayid hitches seeping into the rivers. In Baghdad up his robe and crouches by the Tigris alone, dozens of places, including the river. Rocking back and forth on his Dora oil refinery and the massive haunches, he flicks the water from side Medical City hospital complex, to side – all the while chanting discharge waste directly into the Tigris, rhythmically in Aramaic. After according to local conservationists. All finishing his ablutions, a two-minute this at the same time as upstream dam procedure, the young sheikh turns to a construction and reduced rainfall cut small mud-brick temple and begins to the rivers’ flow has brought the pray. lifeblood of the Mandaeans faith to the In past years, Ayid might then have sandstorms and diminishing grass brink of disaster. quenched his thirst directly from the cover have caked the rivers with dust “When water levels drop, the health of river. As a Mandaean priest, an and saddled water treatment facilities that lake or river is likely to be adherent of a pre-Abrahamic faith with a new range of woes. affected, both in terms of quantity and that’s native to the Fertile Crescent, he Never before, though, it seems, has quality,” says Lis Mullin Bernhardt, a and his co-religionists believe the Tigris poor water quality imperiled an entire Programme Officer in UN – and the Euphrates – are sacred and religion. Already threatened by Environment’s Freshwater Unit. “And flow from heaven. Clerics are jihadists and criminal gangs, who the lower the flow, the less likely that consequently only supposed to drink damn them as heretics and target them water body is to be able to deal from and eat food washed in their for their historic role in the gold trade, naturally with water pollution and waters. the Mandaeans’ numbers have fallen contamination.” That, however, is scarcely even possible from 100,000 to less than 10,000 in Iraq Globally, there is an increasing these days. Dirtied and drained almost since 2003. For those who remain, awareness that something drastic has from the moment they rise, Iraq’s great pollution’s assault on one of the central to be done. UN Environment operates a waterways are in bleak states by the tenets of their faith has added final monitoring system, GEMS/Water, time they reach the country’s heavily insult to injury. which keeps tabs on river and lake urbanized centre. To drink straight In Amarah, 350 km south of Baghdad water quality, and also helps states from them is to invite near instant on the Tigris, the pollution is so establish their own water quality sickness. And so as the rivers plumb debilitating that not even boiling water surveillance networks. “For me, it’s like desperate new lows, seemingly is enough to prevent local priests from going to the doctor,” Bernhardt says. worsening by the year, the Mandaeans falling ill. At their heavily-guarded “You need that monitoring, those stats are struggling to practice their several riverside temple in the Iraqi capital, and numbers, to understand what’s thousand-year-old rituals. Ayid and his colleagues have taken to happening and know a bit more about “We depend on the water for leaving buckets of water to sit for a what you can do about it.” By everything, for worship, for daily life, day, before skimming off the layer of encouraging the planting of water for food,” Ayid said. “But because the fetid scum that’s usually accumulated grasses and the preservation of water is going from bad to very bad, we on the top. From Baghdad to the wetlands, for example, UN are negatively affected.” Mandaeans’ traditional heartlands in Environment is pushing for green Across the world, water pollution is the country’s far south, there’s so much solutions to water quality problems. leaving a devastating trail in its wake. glass and trash in the shallows that few Eighty per cent of all wastewater goes worshippers dare set foot in the rivers untreated, and much of finds its way without wearing sandals.“Our religion back into rivers and lakes – where it believes human nature requires contributes to ecosystem and public hygiene, and so for us many things are health crises. Up to a third of all rivers built around water,” Ayid said. “But are blighted with pathogenic waste, where is the hygiene here?” according to UN Environment data, What makes this all the more and a seventh suffer from organic frustrating for many Mandaeans is that waste problems, mostly from the culprits are hiding in plain sight. agricultural fertilizer run off. In largely With insufficient wastewater treatment desert countries, like Iraq, worsening facilities and lax environmental Volume 5, Issue 1 Geneder Page 53
Preventing sexual abuse and exploitation in Iraq
Baghdad, 8 January 2018 - "As they can safely respond when they ensure that all their staff understand humanitarians, we have a collective receive complaints or witness abuses, what is SEA, what policies are in place, responsibility to prevent and respond to including by reporting to the PSEA and what are their obligations. “The sexual abuse and exploitation in Iraq,” Network. training gave us a wider perspective on said Jennifer Emond, a UNFPA “Now that we have confidential gender-based violence. I want my staff specialist on the subject, during a reporting system in place, we are trying to be well-informed on gender-based training in Iraq. to raise awareness… among partners violence issues and challenges,” said While sexual exploitation and abuse and staff on what kind of behavior we Akram T. Hamasaiid, from People's (SEA)[1] can happen in any context , should follow when interacting with Development Organization, a UNFPA the risk of sexual exploitation and beneficiaries and for staff to know how partner that manages six women’s abuse is escalated, especially during to report when they come across such support centres. crisis and conflict. The Iraq Network to cases,” said Ms. Emond. “We serve more than 1,500 women and Protect from Sexual Exploitation and Following the successful completion of girls each month. They reach out to us Abuse, co-chaired by UNFPA and WFP, our trainings other organizations and for advice and psychosocial support. It is working with the UN and the NGOs government agencies have expressed is important that we inform them about to end these abuses. an interest in participating; “The their rights and empower them to resist For the last two months, UNFPA with Department of Labour and Social and report against PSEA.” he added. support of PSEA network partners, has Affairs of Thi Qar Governorate “We need to provide them with a safe been training humanitarian workers requested UNHCR to conduct the same environment.” across Iraq on the principles of PSEA training for their staff,” said Alia [1] Sexual Exploitation is the actual or protection from sexual exploitation and Albuswailem, UNHCR’s focal point for attempted abuse of a position of abuse (PSEA); including how to prevent addressing sexual and gender-based authority, trust, or vulnerability for abuses and respond if they occur. “So violence in Iraq. sexual purposes. Sexual Abuse is an far, we have trained up to 400 A safe environment actual or attempted physical intrusion humanitarian workers from all sectors Over the course of the training, of a sexual nature under unequal or in Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk, Baghdad, participants develop an action plan to coercive conditions. Basra, Soran and Erbil,” said Ms. Emond. “Those aid workers will themselves act as trainers, reaching out to hundreds more with critical information that can improve protection for vulnerable populations.” Improving reporting and protections These trainings help humanitarian staff understand how sexual exploitation and abuse can occur in different scenarios, and the consequences this can have on the survivor, the community, and all humanitarian actors. Participants are taught to understand the unequal power differentials between aid actors and the community and realize what behavior is not acceptable, and how
Healthcare
Ninewah is about to get a whole lot healthier!
Baghdad, 14 December 2017 - healthier! On 14 December 2017, ambulances to Bartella for Ninewah’s Ninewah is about to get a whole lot UNDP delivered twenty brand new Department of Health. From there, the ambulances will be distributed across Mosul, Sinjar, Sinuni, Bartella, and Khazer IDP camp. UNDP, along with Ninewah’s Department of Health and the International Committee for the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières, will train twenty rapid response medical teams "one for each ambulance". The teams will respond to emergencies in Ninewah province as the hard work of getting lives back on track, and people back to their homes, moves ahead. Volume 5, Issue 1 Healthcare Page 54
Investments in health can contribute to peace dividends
antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, treatment of reproductive tract and sexually transmitted infections, in addition to child health advises, to pregnant women and girls at the reproductive age. This program is supported by the European Commission - Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations – ECHO. *** On 15 February 2018 Erbil maternity hospital received three patient monitoring systems and one cardiotocograph device from UNHCR as part of efforts by the agency and Kurdistan Reconstruction and Development Society (KURDS) to rehabilitate and expand the maternity Baghdad, 12 February 2018 --- In the departments of health provided over 6 ward, ongoing since 2016. lead-up to the Kuwait International million medical consultations across The Erbil maternity hospital is one of Conference for Reconstruction of Iraq, Iraq. This was made possible by the largest hospitals in Erbil and the the World Health Organization (WHO) establishing and supporting at least 29 only public maternity hospital in the calls on the international community to static health clinics in displacement vicinity. Providing free medical services further invest in Iraq’s devastated camps and outreach through more than to around 300 patients every day, the health sector. 64 mobile medical clinics. Notably, life- hospital benefits refugees and displaced In Anbar, Ninewa, Salah Al Din, and saving emergency health services were people as well as the host community. Kirkuk, 14 hospitals and more than provided to more than 24,000 people During the Mosul emergency, three 170 health facilities were damaged or through five field hospitals close to the quarters of its patients were internally destroyed in the three-year conflict. front-lines in Mosul, Hawija and Al- displaced people. Water and power systems that health Qaim. The project was made possible through facilities depend on to function also To protect current humanitarian gains funding from the Government of Japan need urgent repair. as well as reduce vulnerabilities, and in cooperation with the Beyond physical damage, the crisis further investments in health are Department of Health of Erbil. caused unimaginable mental distress urgently needed. Support to rebuild Quick impact projects are small-scale for millions of people, left tens of health systems, provision of life saving community-based projects that support thousands of Iraqis with severe medicines and upgrading medical reintegration and rehabilitation efforts. physical injuries, disrupted the routine technologies will ensure a responsive vaccination of millions of children, health care system. WHO and health decreased reproductive health services partners are appealing for firm to girls and women of child-bearing age, commitments to Iraq’s health care halted the supply of essential medicines system which will enable peaceful, and medical equipment, and dignified and safe returns as well as interrupted the medical education for revitalization of new accessible areas. hundreds of thousands of aspiring *** medical workers. UNFPA currently supports 140 “More than 2.4 million Iraqis are still reproductive health services across displaced and need direct health care, Iraq. Through these services, and more than 3.3 million Iraqis who specialized doctors and nurses provide have returned home have gone back to reproductive health information and areas where the health system needs to services, such as safe delivery, be almost entirely rebuilt,” said Altaf Musani, WHO Representative in Iraq. “Across the country, millions of Iraqis are in the process of rebuilding their shattered lives and WHO is keen on supporting the governmental health authorities to provide them with appropriate and dignified health care services." WHO has worked with health partners to support the Government of Iraq in providing emergency health services and strengthening the health care system to ensure vulnerable persons have access to quality health care. In 2017, partners including various Volume 5, Issue 1 Healthcare Page 55
Violence leaves 750,000 children in Mosul struggling to access basic health services
Mosul, 6 February 2018 – As many as 750,000 children in Mosul and surrounding areas are struggling to access basic health services. While violence has subsided, less than 10 percent of health facilities in Ninewah governorate are functioning at full capacity. Those that are operational are stretched to breaking point. Three years of intense violence have devastated health facilities in Iraq. Over 60 health facilities have repeatedly come under attack since the escalation of violence in 2014, severely disrupting access to basic health services for children and families. “The state of Iraq’s healthcare system is alarming. For pregnant women, newborn babies, and children, the pediatric and nutritional wards of Government of Iraq and the preventable and treatable conditions two hospital centres, provided international community to put can quickly escalate into a matter of refrigerators to store vaccines for up to children at the heart of reconstruction, life and death,” said Peter Hawkins, 250,000 children, and supported including through increased budget UNICEF Representative in Iraq, who vaccination campaigns to immunize all allocations to services for children. has just completed a visit to Al Khansa children under five years old. Most “What I saw in the hospitals in Mosul hospital in Mosul, the largest in the health centres in the governorate have is both heartbreaking and inspiring. city. “Medical facilities are strained also re-started vaccination services for The ingenuity and dedication of health beyond capacity and there are critical children. workers who are committed to giving shortages of life-saving medicines.” “As people start to return to their newborn children the best possible UNICEF has stepped up its support to homes, it is essential that basic services start in life in the most challenging of primary healthcare facilities to help the like health, education, and specialized circumstances is remarkable. They too Government of Iraq provide critical support for children impacted by deserve support so that they can health services so that children and violence are available,” said Hawkins. continue to save lives,” added Hawkins. families affected by violence and The Reconstruction Conference for Iraq UNICEF is appealing for US$17 displacement can resume their lives. hosted by the State of Kuwait next million to support rebuilding health In Mosul, UNICEF has rehabilitated week is a unique opportunity for the facilities for children in Iraq in 2018.
Education
Back where they belong
Baghdad, 12 December 2017 - After ISIL, reclaiming learning spaces in Al Thibyania Primary School in three years of conflict, hundreds of Hamdaniyah and Nimrud sends a Nimrud suffered great damaged during students in the Nineveh Plains return messages of hope to students as they ISIL occupation and has since been to their classrooms, eager to pick up get on with what they used to do — renovated with the help of UNDP’s where they left off. reading, writing, answering questions, Funding Facility for Stabilization. Schools are back in session in and having fun in the classroom. “We are very happy they provided us Hamdaniyah, Nimrud, and other communities across the Nineveh Plains of Iraq, only weeks after these areas were recaptured from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Damaged classrooms at 20 schools have come back to life, opening their doors to hundreds of students keen on continuing their learning. Maryam al Adhraa (Virgin Mary) High School in Hamdaniyah reopened on 7 October 2017 after being closed for three years due to ISIL occupation. Through UNDP’s Funding Facility for Stabilization, the rehabilitation of more than a dozen more schools is underway. After three years of disruption under Volume 5, Issue 1 Education Page 56
Back where they belong (continued) these renovations,” said Saad Nahidh authorities to restore electricity, water a parent as she watched her son play Hamedy, Principal of the Al Thibyania and sanitation systems, as well as with his mates in the courtyard. “We Primary School in Nimrud. “On behalf hospitals and health centres across appreciate it so much that our kids of the other teachers we say thank you their homelands. UNDP has also begun were able to come back to study here, in very much.” assessments of thousands of damaged the only school that they had ever Across the Nineveh Plains of Iraq, homes in towns like Bartela, an urgent known” persecuted communities under the priority for the communities. UNDP is approaching Stabilization in a reign of ISIL have suffered UNDP’s support for minority and other new way. Most of the rehabilitation tremendously, from Yazidi communities in areas liberated from work is done in partnership with local communities in western Nineveh to ISIL goes far beyond the renovation of businesses, giving local companies and Christian, Shabak, Turkmen, and other schools. workers the opportunity to rebuild minority communities in northern and It is part of UNDP’s broader effort to their own community, whilst earning southern Nineveh. UNDP is working support the Government of Iraq to an income. day-and-night to accelerate their safe enable over 5.8 million Iraqis displaced Local private sector companies bid for and dignified return. by the conflict to return home. To this the rehabilitation work, and create jobs The scenes of young people learning are end, the Funding Facility is for community members. profoundly important. They signal a implementing more than 1,498 projects Maryam al Adhraa High School in wider return to life and dignity in in Anbar, Salah al-Din, Nineveh, Hamdaniyah, reopened on 7 October Nineveh. Diyala and Kirkuk Governorates. More 2017 after the Funding Facility for UNDP’s Funding Facility for than 2.6 million people have already Stabilization rehabilitated it installing Stabilization is helping the returned, and efforts continue to a new electrical board — a critical Government of Iraq and local support the return of the rest. addition that restored electric power to Al Taghllubia School for Boys suffered the school, connecting to the broader damage during ISIL occupation and the electrical grid that the Facility is battle to retake the town. After being rehabilitating throughout the Nineveh closed for three years the school Plains. reopened to its students on 11 October “This brand new electrical board was a 2017, following its rehabilitation by great gift” said Amal Azzu Petros, UNDP’s Funding Facility for Principal of Maryam al Adhraa High Stabilization. School in Hamdaniyah. “We could not “It’s very nice to feel home again,” said, have reopened without it” she said. Decreased temperature, increased aid
Qayyara, 15 January 2018 - “Schools, classroom doors are blown off. Students electricity and sanitation facilities were where the students wear uniforms, are face overcrowding and sub-standard restored. Although more work needs to more organized. It gives students the learning environments. But their be done to improve conditions. the feeling that they are really at school,” commitment to education means that school is functioning. says Heba. they have returned, despite challenges. In addition to physical repairs, Hiba, For 8-year-old Heba and 12-year-old The children of today are the future Rafad and their peers have already Rafad living in the town of Qayyara, 60 teachers, doctors, farmers, scientists received backpacks and stationary from kilometers south of Mosul, school has and technicians of Iraq; yet currently in UNICEF. been an important way for them to Iraq, more than 3 million children are As winter temperatures drop, UNICEF recover from the horrors of conflict. not attending school regularly or are has distributed winter uniforms for Heba’s family felt the impact of living not in school at all. More than 700,000 these children and over 28,000 other under ISIL — with no jobs or food to be displaced children have missed a whole students in the town of Qayyara to found and no security in the town, year of schooling. keep children warm and able to attend Heba was forced to leave school and UNICEF is working across Iraq to help school. UNICEF’s winterization stay home with her six siblings. rehabilitate schools like this one. At activities are made possible through “I was so sad that I couldn’t attend this school, UNICEF worked with the generous funding from the school. I thought I’d never be able to partners to ensure sufficient repairs Government of Germany. continue my education. I prayed every were made to allow the school to The requirement for school uniforms day for the situation to go back to reopen; windows were replaced, was suspended to get children back into normal.” classrooms. However, over a year after ISIL’s impact on Rafad and his family Qayyaa was retaken from ISIL, was even more severe. uniforms are back and UNICEF is “They shot my dad in front of our working to make sure that lack access house. I was so scared they would kill to a warm uniform does not keep him, and I’d never see him again,” children out of school. Rafad recounts with tears in his eyes. “When we come to school and wearing The pain and fear of that day is still our uniforms, there isn’t any difference with him. between me and my friends. We all Fortunately, the father survived, but count as students,” Rafad said after he like Heba, Rafad was pulled out of received his new uniform. school. The school itself bears the scars of war; By Krman Kamal, Communications walls are covered in bullet holes and Consultant with UNICEF Iraq. Volume 5, Issue 1 Education Page 57
Tech for Food wins big at the ‘Innovate for Refugees’ awards ceremony in Amman
Amman, Jordan, 31 January 2018 - remote work becoming the norm across prospective students gain access to the WFP innovation providing digital many industries, online freelancing programme.” training to vulnerable communities in offers isolated communities in places Since 2016, Tech for Food has hosted Lebanon and Iraq secures $20,000 in like Iraq and Lebanon new more than 1,000 training classes across prize money. opportunities to earn an income and 4 different campuses in both Lebanon Last month, Tech for Food was build a brighter future. and Iraq. The programme, supported announced as one of five winners of Through a tailor-made programme, the by the WFP Innovation Accelerator, ‘Innovate for Refugees’, a competition initiative provides participants in the has impacted the lives of over 3,000 organised by the MIT Enterprise Middle East with the essential hard people. Forum (MITEF) for the Pan Arab and soft skills needed to find remote region. The competition, which is in its work and online freelancing gigs. second year, is designed to attract the Students take courses in graphic best tech-driven solutions addressing design, front-end web design, social the challenges faced by refugees all media management, data over the world. virtualisation, and receive support to The team was one of 20 semi-finalists create and market online profiles. who underwent a round of training Sandra Ertel, the Tech for Food Project sessions and presented their work to a Manager, explained how the award jury that brought together a number of would help them achieve their goal of key investors and business people. The reaching 100,000 people in the next five five winning teams, including Tech for years and, “connect the most in need to Food, were awarded $20,000 each. online work.” Sandra said, “The award Tech for Food provides digital training opens so many doors for us, especially to vulnerable communities, helping with tech companies and potential them become employable in the investors. We’re also in the process of international digital economy. With setting up a revolving fund that helps Rebuilding schools and hope for a better future
Baghdad, 10 February 2018 - quality and the amount of time Germany, UNICEF is helping get Visiting schools and seeing children students had in the classroom. schools get back up and running in sitting at desks once again, or playing Another school in west Shirqat was Shirqat. UNICEF is currently carrying on the playground is one of the most totally damaged, surrounded by mines out rehabilitations for 24 schools in enjoyable parts of my job. In those and other destroyed buildings that Shirqat, including providing 25 pre-fab moments, I feel proud to be part of the remained where they fell. classrooms as an extension to partially UNICEF family, working to fulfill the Last summer, UNICEF carried out damaged schools. We are also providing rights of children for an education. rehabilitations so the school could water, sanitation and hygiene services During an emergency, the first priority reopen for the fall term. Now 436 boys for 20 additional schools in the district. is to bring life to normal. Yesterday, I have rejoined the school since classes Additionally, Germany has funded the visited Ashur Secondary School in West started in September 2017. distribution of warm uniforms to Shirqat District in Salah al-Din Ghaith is one of them. students grades 7–9 to make sure Governorate. Several months ago, this Like many of his classmates, he missed students can continue to come to class area was still under control of armed at least two years of school. Now in despite the cool winter weather. groups. I first visited in May 2017, grade 9, Ghaith is delighted to be back It is gratifying to see the impact of our when Shirqat had just been retaken in school. work. As an Iraqi, it feels good to know and the town was just ruined shells of “My siblings and I missed two years of that I’m undoing some of the damage buildings. school. With the new school, we have done to the country in the last few Returning now in January 2018, it’s enough time to learn and the teachers years. These children are our present heartening to see the town coming back are helping my brother and sister and I and our future — they need all possible to life, though there is a long road of to catch up. assistance to overcome the past and rebuilding ahead. “Education is really important in my become their best selves. Ashur Secondary School and the other family. My dad graduated from high By Iman Abdullah, UNICEF National buildings in the surrounding areas school. He works in a factory, but now Education Officer. were totally destroyed during he’s also studying to get a college operations to retake the town in 2017. degree. I also want to go to college and Unfortunately, Ashur was the only become a translator.” school in the areas for boys in grade 7– Half of the schools in Iraq need some 12. sort of rehabilitation, from minor After families returned back to the repairs to full-on rebuilding. And newly area, students had no choice but to rebuilt schools are not much good attend a primary school as a third shift. without teachers. Trainings, supplies Classes were far away and very and a curriculum are necessary to crowded, because they had to serve an properly equip educators to return to extended area. Additionally, they only their classrooms. lasted about 3 hours, affecting both With funding from the Government of Volume 5, Issue 1 Youth Page 58
At least one in four children in Iraq impacted by conflict and poverty
Baghdad/Amman, 19 January 2018 - through school and through play. Samir At the upcoming Kuwait conference, is a testament that there should be no UNICEF will call for immediate and lost generation in Iraq. massive additional investment in “Poverty and conflict have interrupted education; a key for lasting peace and the education for 3 million children progress in Iraq. Following is the text across Iraq. Some have never been of the statement by UNICEF Regional inside a classroom. Over a quarter of all Director, Geert Cappelaere, following children in Iraq live in poverty, with his visit to Iraq: children in southern and rural areas “Iraq today hosts one of UNICEF’s most affected over the past decades. largest operations in the world, “As Iraq prepares for elections and the responding with humanitarian and International Summit for Iraq, there is development assistance to the needs of no better moment to prioritize the the most vulnerable girls and boys interests of children, stop the violence across the country. and break the cycle of poverty and “More than 4 million children have deprivation been impacted by extreme violence in “On behalf of Noor and Samir and several areas including in Ninewa and millions of children and caregivers, al-Anbar. Last year alone, 270 children UNICEF appeals to authorities in Iraq hosted by the State of Kuwait from 12- were killed. Many were robbed of their and the international community to: 14 February is another unique childhood, forced to fight on the - Put an end to all forms of violence opportunity for the Government of Iraq frontlines. Some will bear the physical everywhere in the country so that and the international community to and psychological scars for life due to children and families in Iraq can live in further strengthen commitments exposure to unprecedented brutality. safety and dignity, protected from towards children in Iraq. The strongest Over 1 million children were forced to harm. of which is not through another plan leave their homes. - Continue providing humanitarian and but the commitment to increase “While the fighting has come to an end recovery assistance like safe water, budgets allocated to support children in several areas, spikes of violence education, protection and psycho-social bringing a positive impact on the lives continue in others. Just this week, support, nutrition and health services of children. three bombings went off in Baghdad. to the most affected children, including “Member states and the private sector Violence is not only killing and those who remain in camps and should turn financial pledges into maiming children; it is destroying informal settlements. concrete commitments for children. schools, hospitals, homes and roads. It - Massively step up immediate and This is fundamental for rebuilding a is tearing apart the diverse social fabric long-term investments in education. peaceful and prosperous Iraq away and the culture of tolerance that hold The children of Iraq, like all children from the vicious cycles of violence and communities together. around, the world have the right to intergenerational poverty. “In the northern city of Mosul, a place learn and aspire to a better tomorrow. “UNICEF and partners will continue that witnessed unspeakable The children of today are tomorrow’s standing firm with the girls and boys of destruction, I met children who were teachers, doctors, engineers and Iraq to ensure respect for and hit hard by three years of violence. In scientists. Investing in them now is an fulfilment of their rights agreed in the one of the schools that UNICEF investment in Iraq’s future. Convention on the Rights of the Child recently rehabilitated in the western “The International Summit for Iraq, and in humanitarian law.” parts of Mosul, I joined 12-year-old Noor in class. She told me how her family stayed in the city even during the peak of the fighting. She spoke of her fear when she was taking shelter. She lost three years of schooling and is now working hard to catch up, learning English with other boys and girls. “Mankind may have proven once again in Mosul and other parts of Iraq its massive power to destroy and destruct. But another much stronger power left a deeper impression: the determination to rebuild and get on with life. Children were so excited speaking of their aspirations, sharing their happiness of being able to play and study again. “I met with Samir, a displaced retired teacher who survived the heavy fighting. Full of hope and life, he spoke of children’s boundless power to heal and overcome the devastation of war Volume 5, Issue 1 Youth Page 59
Children have borne the brunt of violence in Iraq
Baghdad, 25 January 2018 - This line trying to comfort the children don’t blog was written in July 2017. For the speak the languages of the children safety and protection of the children, its who are alone, and confused. publication has been postponed until Mohammed says he is half-French and now. half-Syrian. He does not remember “Mama! Mamaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” where in Syria he is from, despite only Rabiah*’s sad cries crescendo into having been in Iraq for two and a half keening wails. years. He said he went to school, in This is the voice of a small girl who Mosul, but he will not — or cannot— cannot find her mother. Her parents give any more details. “Where are we were foreign fighters assumed killed going? Where is Baghdad?” he asks, during the battle to retake Mosul, and looking around. now she lost in the adult-driven There are two babies in the ambulance. nightmare of war, frightened and One is a blond-haired girl whom no one confused. knows much about. She does not like to I see her as she waits, this tiny be touched. Another little boy is being vulnerable child, on an ambulance with gently rocked in a caseworker’s arms. other children, waiting to be taken to His eyes are glassy with illness and and with family,” they told me. safety in a government-run shelter in fatigue. “Everyone here misses her, but we’re Baghdad. From there, work is done to Many of the children have rashes, glad she’s home.” trace their relatives and reunify them abrasions or injured limbs as they In the week since we first visited, new with their families. arrive in this area for separated and children have arrived from Mosul. One Witnessing these children being unaccompanied children in a camp boy, Khalid, is from Tikrit. He survived prepared for their trip is one of the south of Mosul. The first step with all two bombings, but his body paid a singularly most emotionally difficult children is to ensure their immediate heavy price — broken bones and severe stories I have covered, as unconsolable needs are met, including medical burns keep him from moving around cries for dead parents echo though the support if they are injured. the tent. ambulance. As we walk inside the tent where the “We’ve called local leaders in Tikrit, UNICEF works in camps for displaced children — both Iraqi and foreign- but….” the caseworker trails off and people with implementing partners to born — are temporarily living, we are gives a slight head shake. “The family establish the identity of children like met with more tears. isn’t there. So, we’ll keep looking.” Rabiah in the hope of reunifying them Four-year-old Salwa, her blond ringlets In the corner, one of the nurses holds with their families, and documents the shaking, is upset because the other Ahmed, who is only a month or two old. process. children are leaving. “Why are my He is dwarfed by the oversized clothes For children whose parents or relatives friends going? Where are they going? he’s wearing — the only ones available cannot be immediately identified, Why are they leaving?” she pleads. It is now. UNICEF works closely with the Iraqi another separation in her young life. “You should have seen him when he government to shelter them and We visit again a week later and I ask came in,” the caseworker says. Another provide them with services while the after Salwa. The staff light up when head shake. “He was pulled out from legal process of family tracing is they hear her name — she was clearly a under the rubble of his house. His underway. The children are the favorite. “She’s with her grandmother clothes were saturated with dust. He responsibility of the Iraqi government. now. They also found her baby brother was covered in it and barely breathing. In some cases, caseworkers on the front so the two children are back together He’s so small that we’ve had many families coming and asking if they could adopt him. But we need to try to find his family first. It’s an almost impossible task since this infant can’t give us any information.” To date, UNICEF has worked with partners to reunite 586 unaccompanied children with their primary caregivers. Family reunification is just one component of UNICEF’s child protection activities, which are funded by the US Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration; EU ECHO; the government of Germany; and the UNICFEF Germany and UK National Committees. *For the safety and protection of the children, all names have been changed
By Jennifer Sparks, Communications Consultant with UNICEF Iraq. Volume 5, Issue 1 Youth Page 60
In Iraq, years of violence and conflict leave 4 million children in need
Amman/Cairo/Baghdad, 11 that their homes require major repairs, February 2018– Violence may have exacerbating pre-conflict housing subsided in Iraq, but it has upended shortages in the country. In the city of the lives of millions across the country, Mosul, over 21,400 homes have been leaving one in four children in poverty damaged or destroyed. The poorest and pushing families to extreme families have no other choice but to live measures to survive. in the ruins of their homes, in Without investment to restore basic potentially hazardous conditions for infrastructure and services for children, children. Some have taken their the hard-won gains to end conflict in children out of school and put them to Iraq are in jeopardy, according to a work. Many children were forced to UNICEF and UN-Habitat assessment, fight an adults’ war. Committing to Change – Securing the ” Children are hardest hit in times of At the Kuwait Conference for Future. conflict, and Iraq urban crisis recovery Reconstruction in Iraq, from tomorrow The conflict turned Iraq’s major cities and reconstruction should be to 14 February, UNICEF and UN- into war zones with significant damage prioritized, adequately supported and Habitat are appealing for firm to civilian infrastructure, including quickly implemented, with special commitments to restore basic homes, schools, hospitals and attention to vulnerable people, infrastructure and services for children, recreation spaces. Since 2014, the including children” said, Zena Ali including in education, psycho-social United Nations has verified 150 attacks Ahmad the Director of Arab Region of support, health and water, sanitation on education facilities and 50 attacks UN-Habitat. and hygiene, and housing. on health centres and personnel. Half of all schools in Iraq now require repairs and more than 3 million children have had their education interrupted. “Children are Iraq’s future,” said, Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. “The Kuwait Conference for Iraq this week is an opportunity for world leaders to show that we are willing to invest in children - and through investing in children, that we are willing to invest in rebuilding a stable Iraq.” As displaced families return, many find
Timeline Greetings Message to followers of the various Orthodox churches on the occasion of Christmas
Baghdad, 6 January 2018 – Special on the occasion of Christmas. Daesh, will go back to your villages and Representative of the United Nation “I would like to wish all of you who are homes and resume normal life as soon Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Mr. celebrating Christmas on the 6th and as possible,” SRSG Kubiš added. Ján Kubiš, sends his greetings to the 7th January a Merry Christmas and a “Let us also hope that 2018 will bring Iraqi people, in particular the follower Happy New Year,” Mr. Kubiš said. total peace and tranquility to this of the Syrian Orthodox, Roman “I do hope that all of you, and all other beautiful country,” he further added. Orthodox, Ancient Assyrians of the Iraqi people, who were displaced as a East and Armenian Orthodox churches result of the presence of the terrorist
EU - UNICEF cooperation discussed in Kuwait
Kuwait, 12 February 2018 – During European Commissioner for discussed. the Kuwait International Conference Humanitarian Aid and Crisis on Creating a Suitable Environment for Management, Christos Stylianides, met Private Sector participation in the with Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Reconstruction of Iraq, key MENA Regional Director, and Peter investments, financing modalities and Hawkins, UNICEF Iraq country guarantees were discussed aimed at representative. EU - U N I C E F rebuilding Iraq and promote partnership and the good work done on investments in Iraq. linking humanitarian aid to At the sidelines of the conference, stabilization efforts in Iraq were