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Iraq and Human Development

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Iraq and Human Development National Report on The Status of Human Development 2008 Acknowledgment The National Report on the Status of Human Development in Iraq 2008 is the product of the joint efforts of many experts and institutions. The composition of the team was interdisciplinary, various persons, competent in diverse fields of expertise and professionally involved in different institutions were invited to present their comments. The overall work of the team of authors was reviewed and assisted by readers group. The final version of the report incorporated the important comments made by the peer reviewers. The Report was prepared in Iraq through the extreme and violent situation that prevailed in 2006-2007. However, the strength of its statistics, analysis and policy directions are made more potent as that they were gathered and produced in unstable and insecure conditions. Acknowledgments go to all the authors of the background and thematic papers and field surveys conducted for this report. Special thanks should be made to the group of readers and international consultants, for their valuable inputs to the preparation of the report. The valuable feedback provided by the Central Organization for Statistics and Information Technology (COSIT) in the Ministry of Planning and Developmental Cooperation is deeply appreciated. The team is grateful for their support. A special thank is due to the Ministry of Planning in Kurdistan Region for the contributions and support. The advocacy for the Report was part of the strategy to build the necessary capacity for drafting the report and institutionalize its process. Seminars, debates and publications, arranged by : Al-Amal Iraqi Society, Al- Thakalayn Center for Strategic Studies, Al-Mada Media Institution, Al-Sabah Newspaper. Thanks for them and to the staff of the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation, the Central Organization for Statistics and Information Technology, the colleagues of Baytal- Hikma, and all those who participated in Baytal- Hikma’s workshops; who have raised public awareness of Human Development reporting, contributed and cooperated at the most stressful times during the preparation of this report. A special thank is also extended to UNDP/Iraq staff for their cooperation and support at all time. Oldest Map of the World Babylonian, about 4000 BC British Museum collection No. ( E153 / 92687 ) First Published 2008 Copyright © 2008 Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation And Baytal Hikma Iraq All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission Disclaimer The views expressed herein are those of the authors of the report and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ministry of Planning or Baytul Hikma. This work was originally published in Arabic. In any cases of discrepancies, the original language shall govern. Design Grafica Printing Cenntral Press, Jordan ii National Report on the Status of Human Development 2008 Foreword Iraq has made significant achievements since April 2003 when the new government emerged to lay down the foundations of democratic institutions that are rising again after nearly half a century of suppression. In spite of the difficulties that have accompanied this process the government deeply acknowledges the fact that citizens should enjoy their full rights and at the same time bear the responsibility of participation in the process which, in turn, protects their rights and liberties. I am pleased with the publication of the Iraq National Report on the Status on Human Development 2008. This report does not hesitate in presenting an objective, albeit worrying, picture of the human development situation in this important period in Iraq’s history. Iraq today is moving towards reconstruction and the resumption of development which has been stunted for decades by wars and severe sanctions. At the very appropriate time, the report tells us about the deficiencies and prescribes what needs to be done. It shows us the inherited disparities and structural dislocations, and suggests the possible means to address them. In its review of the past, the report highlights the successes and the failures; and in its outlook to the future identifies the challenges that stand in the way of development. A foreword to a report is usually aligned with the concerns of the work. Here I find my self in a position of self criticism of the government’s performance; the historical responsibility of which I have been honoured to bear at this critical stage in Iraq’s history. In its analysis and figures, the report presents indicators of poor performance and regression in human development. This, in fact, increases our determination to adopt the policies and the recommendations it contains. Flattery is no longer accepted at a time when sincere Iraqis are raising the banner to improve human development and catch up with the countries that have moved ahead in this path. Despite the challenges, we cannot afford to be complacent with the current situation. We are looking towards a bright future, and towards the modern and developed state that is suitable for Iraqis and is commensurate with their rich history. Deficiencies and stagnation in education and health systems are impeding development in Iraq. Geographic and gender disparities are a major concern, and they have to be adequately addressed to build the democratic, participatory, educated, and healthy society that is capable of bringing about the future that will be safe, just, and prosperous to Iraqis. The economic policies that we have adopted have provided some protection to the deprived and vulnerable groups. However, this report reminds us that the ultimate target should be human development in its broader sense. We are reminded that the objectives of the economic policies, from a human development perspective, should go beyond humanitarian relief and should aim to create productive opportunities for dignified living. The government’s fundamental task is to secure equitable development and opportunities for all Iraqis in order that they achieve their capabilities. National Report on the Status of Human Development 2008 iii We hope that this report will stimulate a broad dialogue on social policies within the framework of our commitment to promote a free economy. We see that it will help us build on what has been achieved and through its recommendations will also help in eliminating violence through the rule of law which will ensure human security and national security as well. We see that this report will reinforce the government’s role and its responsibility to formulate long-term strategies and policies. It presents a broad vision that is characterized by neutrality and objectivity. The report reflects the broad experience resulting from the joint international and national efforts, and it is supported by inputs from government institutions, academic institutions, and the civil society. It thus provides a more comprehensive approach to development and diagnoses the most crucial issues. The report’s comprehensive vision is balanced by a local focus in presenting statistical data at the governorate level. This will help policy makers and planners to achieve equality and equity in resource allocation, and will guide local experts to shape their own vision and to formulate development goals that are more aligned with needs of the local societies and governments. Moreover, the report establishes a rich and reliable statistical database to measure the human development indicators and to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the extent of progress achieved in living standards. It is also a means to monitor the performance of the overall policy of the macro economy vis-à-vis the goals of human development. This will assist the government in designing its strategies and defining the priorities. In this respect, we encourage the continual preparation and publication of Iraq National Reports on the Status of Human Development. Finally, I would like to commend this high-quality effort for both its content and its form. The report’s chapters and the important issues covered reflect originality of presentation, objectivity in analysis, and neutrality in its conclusions and recommendations. I wish to thank all those who contributed to the preparation of the report, especially those who took part in its writing, editing, reviewing and assessing. Thanks are also due to the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation and to Baytal Hikma – the two national patrons – as well as to the United Nations Development Programme, which provided technical support for the preparation of this report, thus confirmed the role of the international community in supporting Iraq’s efforts in reconstruction and the transition from crisis to peace, and in drawing a roadmap towards the future within the framework of the International Compact for Iraq. This report is definitely a bright example in Iraq’s relation with the United Nations. May God help us succeed Nuri Kamil Al Maliki Prime Minister Republic of Iraq iv National Report on the Status of Human Development 2008 Iraq NRSHD 2008 Team Advisory Board Readers Group Mehdi Al-Alak, Amal Shlash, Zeki Al-Jadir, (Arabic) Adnan Y. Mustafa, Wafaa Mahdawi, Hanaa Mehdí Al-Hafidh, Faleh Abdel Jabbar, Fayiq Edward Abdel Rasoul, Azhar Al-Shaikhly, Maher Alubaidi, Mohammed Jaber National Coordinator:Mehdi Al-Alak (English) Lead Author:
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