“Iraq is a nation of profound historical past, power, potential, and pleasure. By working collectively, Iraqis can proceed to make significant strides in the direction of stability, prosperity and human rights for all,” stated Particular Consultant Mohamed Al Hassan, who additionally heads the UN Help Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
He offered updates on political, human rights and different developments over the previous six months, and the Mission’s ongoing help to the authorities because it prepares to go away on the finish of the yr.
UNAMI was established in 2003 and works to advance inclusive political dialogue in addition to reconciliation on the nationwide and group ranges, amongst different mandated duties.
Parliamentary elections forward
On the outset, Mr. Hassan counseled the Iraqi Authorities for offering humanitarian assist to individuals in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria, and for supporting the brand new peace initiative between Türkiye and the Kurdistan Staff’ Get together, a militant group often called PKK.
He stated Iraq is nicely on the best way to recent parliamentary elections set for 11 November, and the Unbiased Excessive Electoral Fee (IHEC) is making notable progress in the direction of polling day, with UNAMI’s technical help.
Though voter registration ought to conclude within the coming days, and almost three-quarters of all voters have accomplished biometric registration, challenges and logistical issues stay.
Supporting the vote
“However IHEC is dedicated to doing its greatest in the direction of a free, honest and clear election with the participation of all Iraqis with out worry and intimidation,” he stated.
“UNAMI will spare no effort in offering essentially the most skilled technical help in the direction of this finish, together with efforts to advertise the widest participation of ladies, youth and minorities.”
Mr. Al Hassan additionally reported on the aftermath of the profitable parliamentary elections held within the Kurdistan area in northern Iraq final October. With formation of a regional authorities nonetheless excellent, he known as for a spirit of compromise to interrupt the deadlock.
Returnees from Syria
Turning to different issues, he stated greater than 800 Iraqis just lately returned from the Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. For years, 1000’s of individuals from Syria, Iraq and different nations have been held on the infamous advanced for his or her alleged ties to Daesh extremists.
He stated the event is a sign of the Iraqi Authorities’s dedication to accelerating returns of its residents, with UN help.
“It’s however important that ample sources are invested in supporting a dignified reintegration of returning households, and in guaranteeing a good judicial course of for the detainees who’re being repatriated,” he added.
A 14-year-old Yazidi lady prepares for an examination within the Shekhan camp for internally displaced individuals.
Concern for Yazidi group
In the meantime, the scenario of individuals displaced inside Iraq continues to demand pressing consideration. They embody members of the Yazidi minority group who’re dwelling in camps and casual settlements in harsh situations.
Greater than a decade has handed since ISIL fighters attacked the Yazidi’s ancestral homeland round Sinjar, in northern Iraq, committing atrocities comparable to executions, compelled conversions and abducting 1000’s of ladies and women into sexual slavery.
Mr. Al Hassan stated the Iraqi Authorities’s current recognition of Yazidi land rights was “a big milestone,” with over 1,300 possession letters and almost 100 title deeds distributed this yr. But he pressured the necessity for a nationwide plan that gives sturdy options.
Finish the injustice
“The return course of can’t simply be bodily relocation, it must be a significant course of that rebuilds lives, livelihoods, and hope for the long run,” he stated.
Talking in Arabic, he stated the Yazidis “have been significantly harmed in a fashion that can not be described.” He known as on all involved in Iraq and neighbouring nations “to take all the required measures” to guard them.
“We predict it is very important put an finish to this injustice that has been imposed on the Yazidi Iraqi individuals, and to ensure their return to their properties and to their areas in dignity and in pleasure.”
Uphold human rights
Shifting on, he stated that “dedication to human rights is on the coronary heart of Iraq’s stability and improvement.” He pointed to measures together with progress in the direction of a draft regulation on minority rights and the adoption of a nationwide technique to counter hate speech.
“Among the many human rights recordsdata that should be handled urgently is that of those that have been disappeared and those that are in jail with none authorized and simply and clear trials,” he stated.
Deliberate withdrawal
Concerning UNAMI, he stated that “the Mission continues to pursue a structured transition in keeping with schedule and in shut cooperation with the Authorities of Iraq Transition Crew.”
Its workplaces in Mosul and Kirkuk have closed and staffing ranges are being progressively decreased, with the aim of balancing the drawdown as mandated duties proceed. That is happening “in a context of significant monetary constraints impacting the United Nations as a complete,” he added.
Earlier than concluding his remarks, Mr. Al Hassan underlined his “full belief and confidence in Iraq and Iraqis and the flexibility of this nice nation, which is among the many founding members of the United Nations to regain its standing among the many nations.”
He stated the UN “will spare no effort in our cooperation and our help as a result of we consider on this nation and its potential, and its capacities and the capabilities of its individuals.”
