Latest news with #UnitedNationsAssistanceMissionforIraq
Iraqi News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
UN: We believe in Iraq's return to its positive role
Baghdad – INA The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) announced on Wednesday that it believes in Iraq's return to its positive role, stressing that legislative compliance is the primary guarantee for the sustainability of the digital transformation. In his speech at the second conference on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, attended by an Iraqi News Agency (INA) correspondent, the UN Secretary-General's Representative in Iraq, Mohammed Al-Hassan, said, "This conference represents an important milestone in Iraq's journey towards transitioning to a state of law and institutions and engaging positively with efforts to combat money laundering and dry up the sources of terrorist financing." He praised the choice of the title of this session, "Challenges of Arab Banks in Compliance with International Laws and Legislation and Ways to Meet the Requirements of Correspondent Banks," which reflects a growing awareness among financial and banking institutions that restoring confidence and the efforts of international companies require adherence to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. He added, "The United Nations believes in Iraq and its return, and believes that good governance, transparency, and international transition are not just slogans, but rather pillars of a transparent economy that interacts with the region and the world." He commended the efforts of the Central Bank of Iraq and the Iraqi Private Banks Association for "leading this positive movement." Al-Hassan called for "strengthening partnerships with international and regional financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Financial Action Task Force, the Economic Commission for Western Asia, and others, to build national capacities that facilitate raising standards to meet global requirements and requirements." He noted that "such partnerships are accompanied by benefiting from the successful experiences of a number of Arab and non-Arab countries that have been able to gain the trust of international institutions and people by adopting profound reforms capable of integrating Iraq into the global banking system, serving its national interests toward sustainable development." He explained that "today's conference serves as a platform for exchanging expertise and reviewing the applications of technology and artificial intelligence as practical tools to strengthen completion organizations." He noted that "in light of the accelerating digital transformation, technology is no longer an option, but an urgent necessity. If properly utilized, it can uncover suspicious patterns, enhance the accuracy of regulatory procedures, and accelerate financial risks." He emphasized the need for "such technological development to be coupled with a transparent legislative and legal system. While digitization offers unprecedented possibilities, legislative compliance remains the primary guarantee for the sustainability of today's transformation."
Iraqi News
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
UN Mission in Iraq to officially conclude by the end of 2025
Baghdad ( – The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said on Saturday that it would be suitable to conclude the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) by the end of 2025, reflecting the progress of the Iraqi democratic process. Guterres' remarks took place during a press conference held on the sidelines of the Arab Summit in Baghdad, when he expressed his pleasure with the progress achieved by Iraq, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA). 'We are all aware that the Arab people strive for a better future and seek justice, dignity, and rights,' Guterres said. The truce, territorial integrity, and commitment to international resolutions in Lebanon must be upheld, according to Guterres. The UN Secretary-General illustrated that the people in Syria want a complete political transition that addresses national challenges and enhances Syria's integration into the international community and economy while also guaranteeing that sanctions are lifted. Guterres stated that the situation in Gaza is beyond description, adding that there is a siege, starvation, and a violation of international law that must end. He added that the collective punishment placed on the Palestinian people is unjustified. A durable truce and an unrestricted movement of humanitarian supplies into Gaza are required, according to Guterres.
Shafaq News
16-05-2025
- Shafaq News
Mass grave linked to ISIS uncovered in Iraq's Al-Anbar
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Iraqi Security forces and forensic teams uncovered a mass grave in the city of Saqlawiyah, north of Al-Anbar province, believed to contain the remains of civilians executed by ISIS. A security source told Shafaq News that forensic teams are conducting preliminary examinations, and the area has been secured to facilitate identification procedures. Initial findings indicate the presence of a significant number of bodies, mostly male. Authorities are documenting the remains and preparing for DNA analysis to identify the victims. ISIS left behind dozens of mass graves across areas it once controlled, where thousands of people—mostly perceived opponents—were summarily executed and buried in clandestine sites. According to a 2018 report by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), at least 202 mass grave sites linked to ISIS atrocities have been documented in the provinces of Nineveh, Kirkuk, Saladin, and Anbar. UN estimates suggest the number of victims buried in these graves ranges between 6,000 and 12,000.
Shafaq News
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
UNAMI to pull out of Iraq's Kirkuk
Shafaq News/ The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will close its field office in Kirkuk on Wednesday as part of a plan to adjust its presence in Iraq, according to Deputy Special Representative Claudio Cordone. Following his meeting with the head of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, Mohammad Ibrahim al-Hafez, Cordone stated UNAMI would "continue carrying out its mandate across Iraq until the end of the year" despite the closure, adding jycoordination with local authorities would continue to support the completion of existing programs and projects. The two sides discussed political, administrative, and electoral challenges in Kirkuk, and emphasized the importance of maintaining UN support for good governance, development initiatives, and the promotion of civil peace and coexistence among the province's communities. Al-Hafez expressed appreciation for UNAMI's efforts in Kirkuk, particularly its role in "supporting electoral processes and encouraging peaceful coexistence," emphasizing the Provincial Council's commitment to ongoing coordination with the United Nations on shared areas of work. During the meeting, Al-Hafez also raised humanitarian issues, including the situation of 138 demolished Arab villages, and requested UNAMI's support to "rebuild the villages and facilitate the voluntary and safe return of displaced residents." About UNAMI The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) was established under UN Security Council Resolution 1500 in 2003 to assist Iraq's political transition following the fall of Saddam Hussein. Its mandate includes political mediation, electoral assistance, humanitarian coordination, and human rights advocacy. UNAMI's operations were suspended temporarily after the August 2003 bombing of its Baghdad headquarters, which killed Special Representative Sérgio Vieira de Mello and 21 other personnel. The Mission later resumed operations and continues to operate under a Security Council mandate renewed annually.
Iraqi News
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
UN seeks investigation after prisoner dies in Baghdad detention centre
Baghdad – The United Nations mission to Iraq called for an independent investigation Tuesday after a detainee died under 'unclear circumstances' in a Baghdad detention centre. In a post on X, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said it was 'following closely the case of an Iraqi national who died in unclear circumstances after being detained in Baghdad.' 'The mission is deeply concerned about reports the victim suffered from traumatic injuries during detention,' it added. The detainee was transferred to hospital where he died Monday, 10 days after his arrest, the statement added. UNAMI urged authorities to conduct 'a fair, transparent, and independent investigation that leads to accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses'. The interior ministry said Sunday that Bashir Khaled Latif was detained after attempting to enter the apartment of a senior security official, with whom a fight then broke out. Latif was taken to hospital for treatment for a head wound but then transferred to the detention centre, where he was described as being in a 'hysterical' state. Two days after his transfer, he was allegedly attacked by fellow detainees and went into a coma. He then died on Monday. On Monday evening, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani tasked a commission of inquiry with producing a 'detailed report on what took place'. 'This incident, and everything the deceased endured. will not pass without those responsible for any failings being held to account and light being thrown on the real causes of his death,' he said. Iraq has long had a chequered human rights record in its treatment of detainees. Chronic overcrowding and poor prison conditions have only added to the problem.
