Latest news with #UNAssistanceMissionforIraq
Rudaw Net
03-07-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
President Barzani, UNAMI chief discuss regional developments
Also in Kurdistan Explosive-laden drone intercepted near Erbil airport Duhok forest catches fire Explosive-laden drone crashes in Sulaimani province KRG calls for resumption of oil exports, salary payments A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Thursday received Mohamed al-Hassan, head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), discussing the latest developments in the Middle East and Erbil-Baghdad ties. 'In the meeting, they discussed the political and general situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as cooperation and coordination between UNAMI and relevant parties in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. They also exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East and their impact and effects,' said a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency. Barzani further thanked UNAMI for its support to Baghdad and Erbil over the years, reiterating the Kurdistan Region's readiness to support the mission until its completion. UNAMI was established in August 2003 at the request of Iraq under the Security Council Resolution 1500 to support Baghdad's developmental efforts. Its mandate was extended annually. While UNAMI does not directly implement developmental and humanitarian programs, it plays an advisory role in facilitating partnership and technical cooperation between the Iraqi government and the 20 UN agencies, funds, and programs operating in the country. Their mission for Iraq is set to conclude on December 31, 2025. During the meeting, both officials stressed that resolving issues between the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is 'necessary,' with the presidency saying their resolution 'is in the interest of all of Iraq and serves to maintain peace, stability, and the country's development.' Tensions between Erbil and Baghdad intensified in late May when the federal finance ministry suspended all budget transfers to the KRG, including the salaries of more than 1.2 million public employees. The ministry cited the KRG's alleged overspending beyond its 12.67 percent share of the 2025 federal budget. Kurdish political parties have strongly condemned the suspension, describing it as unconstitutional and politically driven. Speaking at the Middle East Research Institute (MERI) Forum in Erbil in late October, UNAMI chief Mohamed al-Hassan remarked that the international mission is winding down in Iraq because the country no longer requires such a broad mandate and instead needs more targeted support from specialized agencies. UNAMI's responsibilities in Iraq have included fostering political dialogue among Iraqi factions and between Iraq and its neighbors. The mission has also supported electoral logistics, monitored human rights conditions, and coordinated humanitarian aid in conflict-affected areas. Given these roles, some critics have warned that ending the mission could reduce international oversight, particularly during elections.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Committed To Supporting ‘Free, Fair And Transparent Election With The Participation Of All Iraqis'
'Iraq is a nation of profound history, strength, potential, and pride. By working together, Iraqis can continue to make meaningful strides towards stability, prosperity and human rights for all,' said Special Representative Mohamed Al Hassan, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). He provided updates on political, human rights and other developments over the past six months, and the Mission's ongoing support to the authorities as it prepares to leave at the end of the year. UNAMI was established in 2003 and works to advance inclusive political dialogue as well as reconciliation at the national and community levels, among other mandated tasks. Parliamentary elections ahead At the outset, Mr. Hassan commended the Iraqi Government for providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria, and for supporting the new peace initiative between Türkiye and the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a militant group known as PKK. He said Iraq is well on the way to fresh parliamentary elections set for 11 November, and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) is making notable progress towards polling day, with UNAMI's technical support. Although voter registration should conclude in the coming days, and nearly three-quarters of all voters have completed biometric registration, challenges and logistical concerns remain. Supporting the vote 'But IHEC is committed to doing its best towards a free, fair and transparent election with the participation of all Iraqis without fear and intimidation,' he said. ' UNAMI will spare no effort in providing the most professional technical support towards this end, including efforts to promote the widest participation of women, youth and minorities.' Mr. Al Hassan also reported on the aftermath of the successful parliamentary elections held in the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq last October. With formation of a regional government still outstanding, he called for a spirit of compromise to break the impasse. Returnees from Syria Turning to other matters, he said more than 800 Iraqis recently returned from the Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. For years, thousands of people from Syria, Iraq and other countries have been held at the notorious complex for their alleged ties to Daesh extremists. He said the development is an indication of the Iraqi Government's commitment to accelerating returns of its citizens, with UN support. ' It is nevertheless essential that adequate resources are invested in supporting a dignified reintegration of returning families, and in ensuring a fair judicial process for the detainees who are being repatriated,' he added. Concern for Yazidi community Meanwhile, the situation of people displaced within Iraq continues to demand urgent attention. They include members of the Yazidi minority community who are living in camps and informal settlements in harsh conditions. More than a decade has passed since ISIL fighters attacked the Yazidi's ancestral homeland around Sinjar, in northern Iraq, committing atrocities such as executions, forced conversions and abducting thousands of women and girls into sexual slavery. Mr. Al Hassan said the Iraqi Government's recent recognition of Yazidi land rights was 'a significant milestone,' with over 1,300 ownership letters and nearly 100 title deeds distributed this year. Yet he stressed the need for a national plan that provides durable solutions. End the injustice 'The return process cannot just be physical relocation, it needs to be a meaningful process that rebuilds lives, livelihoods, and hope for the future,' he said. Speaking in Arabic, he said the Yazidis 'have been greatly harmed in a manner that cannot be described.' He called on all concerned in Iraq and neighbouring countries 'to take all the necessary measures' to protect them. 'We think it is important to put an end to this injustice that has been imposed on the Yazidi Iraqi people, and to guarantee their return to their homes and to their areas in dignity and in pride.' Uphold human rights Moving on, he said that 'commitment to human rights is at the heart of Iraq's stability and development.' He pointed to measures including progress towards a draft law on minority rights and the adoption of a national strategy to counter hate speech. 'Among the human rights files that must be dealt with urgently is that of those who have been disappeared and those who are in jail without any legal and just and transparent trials,' he said. Planned withdrawal Regarding UNAMI, he said that 'the Mission continues to pursue a structured transition according to schedule and in close cooperation with the Government of Iraq Transition Team.' Its offices in Mosul and Kirkuk have closed and staffing levels are being gradually reduced, with the goal of balancing the drawdown as mandated tasks continue. This is taking place 'in a context of serious financial constraints impacting the United Nations as a whole,' he added. Before concluding his remarks, Mr. Al Hassan underlined his 'complete trust and confidence in Iraq and Iraqis and the ability of this great country, which is among the founding members of the United Nations to regain its status among the nations.' He said the UN 'will spare no effort in our cooperation and our assistance because we believe in this country and its potential, and its capacities and the capabilities of its people.'
