Category: Unami

The United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI) was established by UN Security Council Resolution 1500 in August 2003, four months after the appointment of a United Nations Special Representative to Iraq following the fall of the Baath regime. Its primary role was to support the Coalition Provisional Authority, led by Paul Bremer, and the Iraqi Governing Council in establishing democratic governance and rebuilding state institutions.

While the UN Country Team, composed of some 22 agencies, funds, and programs, focuses on humanitarian assistance and helping Iraq meet its Sustainable Development Goals, UNAMI functions as a distinctly political mission. Its mandate has been renewed annually at the request of the Iraqi government and reports to the Department of Political Affairs in New York. UN Security Council Resolution 1770 of 2007 significantly expanded UNAMI’s role to include fostering political dialogue and reconciliation, providing electoral assistance, promoting human rights and judicial reform, and engaging neighboring countries.

UNAMI mandate under review

Upon assuming office in October 2022, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiya Al-Sudani decided, with broad support from his governing coalition, that UNAMI’s role was no longer necessary. Central to this decision was Iraq’s desire to establish a sense of normalcy, given the vastly improved security situation and relatively stable political climate. The government sought to shed the perception of dependence on international assistance and emphasize that Iraq could independently resolve its domestic and foreign disputes without UNAMI’s mediation.

In May 2023, UN Security Council Resolution 2682 commissioned an independent strategic review of UNAMI, led by Germany’s Volker Perthes. The review included consultations in Iraq in November 2023, during which the team met with a range of stakeholders, including national and local government officials, political party leaders, and members of civil society. It assessed three key areas: current threats to Iraq’s peace…

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The Fifth Committee of the United Nations has commenced discussions on the financial implications of the Secretary-General’s plan to reduce personnel in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). This plan involves the withdrawal of 510 staff members by the end of 2025, following the Security Council’s recent resolution extending UNAMI’s mandate for an additional 19 months. The Secretary-General’s transition strategy includes retaining a smaller team to assist with the mission’s closure in 2026.

Details of the Drawdown Plan

During the meeting, Christophe Monier, Director of the Programme Planning and Budget Division, presented the Secretary-General’s report detailing the revised estimates for the 2025 program budget. The report outlines the financial framework necessary to facilitate the orderly drawdown of personnel and assets from UNAMI. A significant allocation of $21.7 million has been earmarked for separation costs associated with the phased reduction of staff. This budget adjustment replaces the previously proposed financial resources of $103.2 million, reflecting a strategic shift in the mission’s operational needs.

The Security Council’s resolution 2732 (2024) mandates this drawdown, which is set to conclude by December 31, 2025. According to the transition plan, 126 personnel will remain in Iraq to assist with liquidation and related activities into 2026. The adjustments in personnel and budget are crucial for ensuring that UNAMI can fulfill its remaining responsibilities while transitioning effectively.

Advisory Committee Recommendations

In a related report, Carlo Jacobucci, Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), highlighted that the revised budget estimates have increased by $12.3 million compared to the previous year’s appropriation. This increase reflects the need for a more balanced withdrawal schedule, as the majority of personnel reductions are concentrated towards the end of the year. Jacobucci urged the Secretariat to implement a gradual transition of…

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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Thursday condemned the reported assaults on Syrian workers in Iraq, which occurred following the recent violence in Syria’s Alawite-majority western coast.

“Reports circulating of attacks against Syrian workers in Iraq are of grave concern,” UNAMI said in a statement on X, urging ““all to abide by the law, exercise wisdom, stay away from hate speech and maintain stability within a secure Iraq that is reconciled with itself and its surrounding.”

A video has been circulating on Iraqi social media since Tuesday, depicting a newly-formed armed group calling itself the ‘Ya Ali Popular Formations’ attacking Syrian nationals in Iraq.

The shadow group alleged that it is pursuing members of the al-Nusra Front (Jabhat al-Nusra) and its supporters in Iraq. The al-Nusra Front is the predecessor of the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, which led a coalition of rebel groups that toppled the regime of ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in early December.

The assault is widely believed to have been motivated by the escalation of violence in Syria’s Alawite-majority western coastal regions, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of around 1,500 people – mostly civilians – according to a Monday report by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

UNAMI on Thursday welcomed “the unequivocal condemnation of such attacks” by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and commended the Baghdad’s “decision to set up a specialized security team to pursue the perpetrators of such attacks, which infringe on human dignity as well as human rights and violate the applicable Iraqi laws.”

Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for Iraq’s Joint Operations Command, told Rudaw on Wednesday that “a security team has been formed to arrest those who attack Syrian citizens working in Iraq and commit violent and inappropriate acts against them.”

The team was formed per Sudani’s orders, stated…

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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Kurdish leaders on Saturday commemorated International Women’s Day, highlighting the sacrifices Kurdistan Region’s women have made and their resilience. 

“Historically, women in Kurdistan have demonstrated remarkable bravery, resilience, and readiness in political struggles and resistance, as well as in many aspects of life. They have played a crucial role in the movement for freedom in Kurdistan and are actively involved in politics, economics, administration, and education today, making significant contributions to all areas of society,” Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said in a statement. 

“While we take pride in the status and achievements of women in Kurdistan, we also acknowledge that more comprehensive efforts are necessary to protect their rights, shield them from violence and discrimination, and improve their status across all sectors,” he added. 

Women have played a key role in Kurdish struggles to gain political and cultural rights while fighting successive Iraq regimes before the establishment of the Kurdistan Region in the early 1990s. 

Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), said in a congratulatory message on Saturday that “The women of Kurdistan exemplify sacrifice, perseverance, and dignity.”

“It is our collective duty to respect their status, rights, and aspirations. On this occasion, I extend my best wishes for happiness and success to all women of Kurdistan,” he added.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also said that women’s “resilience and sacrifice are imprinted in our national story.”

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said on Saturday that Iraq has made “notable progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 on realizing equality between women and men and empowering all women and girls.”

It added that the quota for women’s political participation has been met and Baghdad has “adopted comprehensive and ambitious frameworks to empower women.”

Both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region reserve quotas for female representatives in…

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If you love a sweet scent, then the best perfumes of 2025 so far won’t disappoint. One of the biggest fragrance trends of the year has come in the form of a new wave of gourmand scents—foodie fragrances with unexpected notes like cherry, basil, and honey. Of course, classic notes like vanilla and citrus are still dominating, but if you typically find these kinds of scents to be a little saccharine for your tastes, then you’re in luck, as a new wave of savoury perfumes is also set to tempt our senses this year.

A recent trend report from The Fragrance Shop in collaboration with CPL Aromas highlights this shift to neo-gourmands as being one of the biggest trends of the year, with milky notes like coffee and matcha reigning supreme, as well as a more unlikely category, which piqued my interest… Umami perfumes.

“Umami notes are very much like umami food ingredients,” explains Bee Shapiro, founder and director of Ellis Brooklyn. “They usually have an addictiveness that is unexpected—often salty and very savoury.” From olive oil and tomato to sesame, nuts and rice, umami perfumes are a real departure from what we typically consider a gourmand scent.

“The trend is really led by playfulness and innovation in scent,” continues Shapiro. “We have had so many sweet gourmand fragrances that it’s fun for perfumers and fragrance houses to try out different elements of gourmand, and there has been a lot of innovation in food-type notes.” And it doesn’t just end there. Shapiro predicts that this umami trend will expand to beverages too: “Whether it’s milky boba teas, Japanese tea blends or more takes on coffee notes.”

So, if you’re looking for a…

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While spring hasn’t quite sprung just yet, we are certainly getting closer with the Philadelphia Flower Show and early St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. There is a little something for everyone this week in the Philadelphia region.

In the city, the popular Philadelphia Flower Show is returning to bring some much-needed color to our winter landscape. Green will be the theme at JD McGillicuddy’s in Havertown when they host a Shamrock Singles Night.

If you love to learn and be hands-own, there will also be a sourdough bread making class and a class on building a rain barrel.

For the younger set, Unami Middle School in Chalfont is performing Something Rotten, Jr., and the Cheltenham Center for the Arts is holding a special Family Fun Day with plenty of creative projects for the family to work on together.

Enjoy a special double feature using 35mm at the Mahoning Drive-in Roadshow at the Ambler Theater and enjoy some live music at Harrigan’s Pub.

The Philadelphia Flower Show

From now until Sunday, Mar. 9, the annual Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Philadelphia Flower Show will be at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The oldest and largest indoor horticultural event in the world, it brings together florists, landscapers and designers from around the world. This year’s theme is Gardens of Tomorrow.

Besides the juried competition in horticulture and floral arranging, there will also be gardening talks, demonstrations, shopping and live performances.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located at 1101 Arch Street in Philadelphia. For tickets and more information, visit phsonline.org.

Sourdough Bread Making Master Class

On Thursday, Mar. 6, at 10:00 a.m., Lansdale’s Vituperio Bakery & Studio will be offering a Sourdough Bread Making Master Class.

During the class, which is 5 to 6 hours long, attendees will learn how to use a sourdough starter, what ingredients and tools are needed to…

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Attachments

Saturday 22, February 2025

Dear Dr. Nawar Assem, Head of Dream Organization
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,

Peace be upon you all,

It is a great pleasure to participate in this event on the occasion of International Women’s Day. My pleasure is even greater as we celebrate Iraqi women—past, present, and future—here in this Abbasid palace.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the organizers of this event, especially Dr. Nawar and her colleagues, for their commendable efforts in promoting women’s rights, which is deeply appreciated by us at the United Nations.

I also take this opportunity to express my deep admiration for Iraqi women and the sacrifices they have made over the years, despite the difficult situations and challenges they have faced. I say this with complete honesty and sincerity: Iraqi women are a shining example for women everywhere.

History records, in golden letters, the names of Iraqi women who have contributed to the progress of humanity. And I am not just speaking of modern history, I am referring to a rich, ancient civilization with deep roots in history. Iraqis, both men and women, have every right to take pride in this great legacy.

And let me be frank: Iraq today lacks a more active role for Iraqi women. Their presence in decision-making positions remains limited, and I believe that the time has come for Iraqi women to take on greater responsibilities and hold key positions in decision-making circles.

Our focus must be on the future—on how to transform reality for the better, how to turn challenges into opportunities, and opportunities into concrete, actionable programs. After all, challenges create opportunities, and opportunities give rise to leaders.

Why not dream? What prevents us from dreaming that, in the near future, we will see an Iraqi Woman as…

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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The head of the United Nations mission in Iraq on Saturday lauded Baghdad’s push to establish security and stability, build state institutions, and diversify the economy, especially through the Development Road transit corridor, but said this progress must be built on equality.

“Iraq and the Middle East region are going through a critical juncture marked by significant geopolitical changes,” Mohamed al-Hassan, who leads the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), said in a speech at the seventh edition of the Baghdad International Dialogue.

He commended “Iraq’s determination to advance the foundations of security and stability and in building a state of institutions,” but said it “must be based on equality and justice for all citizens of our nation, regardless of their affinities.”

Hassan also praised Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s efforts to “diversify the economy and sources of income,” highlighting the Development Road Project as “the most significant” initiative from Baghdad. He noted that the project “will usher in an era of prosperity and well-being for both Iraq and the region.”

Earlier in the event, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani expressed Erbil’s “complete support” for the Development Road project, calling it a “historic step toward a stable and more prosperous Iraq.”

Barzani said that “in the Kurdistan Region, we believe that a politically and economically stable Iraq is a national interest.”

The Development Road is a multi-billion dollar transit project designed to link the Persian Gulf to Europe, stretching from Iraq’s al-Faw port north to the Turkish border at Fishkhabur. The project aims to enhance Iraq’s geopolitical position, stimulate economic growth, and create thousands of jobs. However, the project bypasses the Kurdistan Region, a move Kurdish officials have repeatedly criticized.

In what appeared to be a subtle message to Baghdad about the importance of including the Kurdistan Region, Barzani on…

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TEHRAN – In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties and reinforce regional stability, Iran’s Vice President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif, visited Iraq on Thursday, holding a series of high-level meetings with top Iraqi officials.

The discussions focused on deepening security and economic cooperation, addressing regional developments, and reaffirming Iran’s support for Iraq’s sovereignty and independence.  

Zarif met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, and Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, emphasizing Tehran’s commitment to defending Iraq’s national interests against external threats. The meetings also covered regional crises, including the Palestinian issue, and underscored the importance of continued diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring nations.  

Iran pledges support for Iraq’s security, sovereignty

Zarif reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s security, sovereignty, and independence during a series of high-profile meetings in Baghdad on Thursday.  

Zarif made these remarks while meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, emphasizing the crucial role both nations play in maintaining regional stability. According to a statement from the Iraqi presidency, Zarif stressed that Iran stands firmly with Iraq in defending its national interests against external threats.  

For his part, President Rashid expressed Iraq’s desire to strengthen ties with Iran and expand bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.  

Beyond bilateral relations, the two officials also discussed key regional issues, including the ongoing situation in Palestine. President Rashid reiterated Iraq’s unwavering stance in support of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.  

Zarif also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation. They highlighted the need to accelerate the implementation of agreements made during recent visits by Iranian and Iraqi officials.  

The Iranian Vice President and the Iraqi Prime Minister further exchanged views on regional challenges, advocating for continuous…

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