Category: Unami

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Erbil, 28 November. UN-Habitat Iraq and Toyota Iraq formalised a new partnership during a signing ceremony at Toyota Iraq’s office in Erbil. The newly launched initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and living standards for approximately 9,000 residents of the Japan Village and surrounding neighbourhoods in Mosul. The project includes the installation of solar streetlights and the construction of a multi-purpose sports court, promoting safety, community engagement, and environmentally friendly solutions.

Toyota Iraq pledged its commitment to adopt specific components of the Japan Village Project, including the installation of 32 solar streetlights along the main streets of the complex and the construction of a multi-purpose sports court for recreational and community activities.

Mr. Tanimoto Tadashi, Toyota Iraq CEO, expressed great pride in supporting a transformative project that strengthens sustainable development and boosts community resilience. Focused on improving public space access, particularly for women and children, the project promotes environmental sustainability and community well-being. In his words, “Toyota Iraq is dedicated to driving positive change through initiatives that build a greener, brighter future for all.”

The Japan Village Project, funded by the Government of Japan, supports the Mosul Master Plan to develop that strategic area to accommodate returnees and reintegrate displaced families. It provides not only housing solutions but also workforce training in sustainable construction practices and climate resilience strategies, resulting in durable solutions and long-term development.

Upon completion, the management of the multi-purpose court and maintenance of the solar streetlights will be handed over to the local the local authorities. Representing the Ninewa governorate, Mr. Ahmed Younis, Assistant Governor for Planning, emphasised Toyota Iraq’s valuable contribution to the project. He stated, “The Ninewa Governorate appreciates Toyota’s investment in improving the quality of life for the people of Mosul. This sets a strong example of how the private sector can partner…

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Baghdad/Erbil, Iraq – 26 November 2024 – The United Nations in Iraq launched the annual 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls. This global campaign focuses on raising awareness, strengthening efforts to combat violence, and fostering an environment where women and girls can thrive in safety and dignity.

Activities during the campaign include two key events. A kick-off meeting took place on 25 November in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, creating synergies between the Women, Peace, and Security agenda and the 16 Days campaign by incorporating the commemoration of the 24th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The second event will take place in Baghdad on 2 December to underscore the nation’s ongoing commitment to addressing violence against women and promoting their leadership across all sectors.

Violence against women and girls is a critical issue globally and poses challenges in Iraq, particularly for displaced women and survivors of abuse. While Iraq has made progress through policy reforms and awareness campaigns, entrenched norms and systemic barriers persist, making it essential to maintain momentum and ensure continued progress. Enhancing and enforcing laws to combat violence against women and children remains a critical priority, as robust legal frameworks are essential to ensuring accountability, protecting survivors, and preventing future violence.
Additionally, online violence is a growing threat in Iraq, disproportionately impacting women and girls. This violence jeopardises their safety and limits their participation in online spaces, hindering their education, employment and leadership opportunities. The UN calls for stronger cyber laws and greater public awareness to create a respectful digital culture so that women and girls can thrive.

Despite these challenges, Iraqi women have shown remarkable strength and resilience, continuing to lead in their communities and contribute to the nation’s development. Whether advocating for their rights, supporting others through…

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Baghdad, 25 November 2024 – The United Nations in Iraq congratulated the Government and people of Iraq on the completion of a successful population census with the announcement of its preliminary results, underscoring the significance of the outcome to future national economic and social development policies and strategies aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of all Iraqis.

“To have a census after 37 years throughout Iraq was not an easy feat, and to uphold international standards and leverage modern technology throughout the process was a significant achievement,” said Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

This success would not have been possible if it was not for the huge efforts made by His Excellency Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Dr. Mohammed Tamim, and the government teams, in close collaboration with UNFPA Iraq.

Dr. Tamim: “The census is the compass for developmental planning in Iraq, providing an accurate depiction of the demographic reality and the diverse needs of the people. The announcement of preliminary census results represents a crucial step toward building a strong and cohesive Iraq, enabling decision-makers to make well-informed decisions based on reliable facts and figures.”

The United Nations is pleased to have supported the process through critical technical assistance and advice of UN Population Fund (UNFPA). UNFPA stands ready to continue to support the Government of Iraq in interpreting, analysing and utilizing the data to inform national policies and development strategies.

The United Nations in Iraq reaffirms its support to Iraq’s development agenda to advance the country towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

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For more information, please contact: Mr. Samir Ghattas, Director of Public Information/Spokesperson, United…

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Police in Bulawayo are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding the whereabouts of Gwendolyn and Melusi Ndlovu, a couple wanted in connection with a series of fraud cases that took place throughout 2023.

The Ndlovus are accused of committing 18 fraud offenses between January and July 2023, defrauding victims of a total of US$134,552. According to police reports, the couple posed as agents working for a company that purportedly facilitated job placements in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Victims, under the impression that they were securing legitimate overseas employment, made substantial payments to the couple, only to later discover they had been scammed.

The fraudulent activities were exposed when one of the victims, Alison Unami, reported the matter to the police on May 3, 2023. Gwendolyn Ndlovu was arrested shortly thereafter, and the following day, her husband, Melusi Ndlovu, was apprehended at the Bulawayo police station while visiting his wife.

In the initial media coverage of the case, an error was made in the report, mistakenly identifying Alison Unami as one of the accused. Bulawayo Police Spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, clarified the mistake, stating, “We want to correct the error in the media statement. Alison Unami is a victim in this case, not a perpetrator.”

Following their arrests, the Ndlovus were granted bail with conditions that included reporting to the police three times a week. However, the couple allegedly provided a false address to the court, claiming they resided at 568 Ntepe, Gwanda, when in fact they had previously lived at 300 Ntshonalanga Road, Sunninghill, Bulawayo.

Inspector Ncube explained, “After failing to comply with their bail conditions, the Ndlovus absconded, and a warrant for their arrest has been issued.” He further appealed to the public for assistance, saying, “We are urging anyone with information about their…

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The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, visited the Khanky Camp for Internally Displaced Persons from the Yazidi community in Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

He toured the facility, met with residents and with camp management to hear their concerns and needs, and to view the IDPs’ living conditions. Yazidis have endured difficult living conditions in Khanky, a sea of white plastic canvas tents and makeshift structures, since they were forced to flee their homes in Sinjar, Ninewa Governorate, during the onslaught of Da’esh/ISIL on the area in 2014. He also met with a number of Yazidi children who were born in these temporary camps, knowing no other place.

Dr. Al Hassan called for urgent and swift action on this important humanitarian file. “These conditions should not continue. What is at stake is human lives. Such a situation should not continue.” The SRSG stressed the international community’s confidence in Iraq’s ability to provide better care for all its people, especially those who have suffered from Da’esh’s crimes.

Sinjar, among other places, was a scene of some of the worst atrocities committed by Da’esh in 2014-2017 conflict. Ten years since the crimes against Yazidis and seven years since the territorial defeat of Da’esh, more than 200,000 Yazidis remain displaced in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, many in IDP camps like Khanky, their return home held up by a number of factors, including the destruction wrought on their homes in Sinjar, unstable security conditions as well as lack of adequate services. Some have returned, but without sufficient support and services they need to lead dignified normal lives, let alone the over 2,600 Yazidis who, according to international statistics, are still missing.

Unlike…

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Jedaa 1 Rehabilitation Centre, Ninewa, 17 November 2024 – Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, visited today the Jedaa 1 Rehabilitation Centre in Ninewa Governorate.

At the Centre, the SRSG met with the Minister of Migration and Displaced, Mrs. Evan Faeq Jabro. The discussions focused on strengthening coordination and cooperation on the repatriation and reintegration file.

The SRSG toured the facility, currently home to an estimated 2,000 returnees from the Al-Hol camp in Syria, most of them women and children. He was briefed on the work of UN agencies and their partners, which support the Government in service delivery and coordination inside the Centre. He also met with a number of residents in the interest of hearing first-hand their comments, concerns, and hopes, in order to address any concerns they might have.

The rehabilitation Centre, under the Ministry of Migration and Displaced, has become the transit facility for a new life for over 10,000 individuals since May 2021. Rehabilitation and reintegration support for the returnees, which includes legal assistance to access civil documentation, mental health and psychosocial support, education, health, economic empowerment and livelihoods programs to strengthen life skills, and efforts to reconnect returnees with their families and communities, are some of the services the Centre offers.

Commending the Iraqi Government’s efforts to repatriate its citizens, SRSG Al Hassan highlighted the significant progress already made, noting the substantial number of individuals already repatriated and reintegrated into communities despite complex security, legal, and humanitarian challenges. Dr. Al Hassan called for the swift and safe return of all Iraqis from Al-Hol camp.

“Iraq’s proactive approach is a positive example for other countries to follow. Iraq of today, and Iraq of the future, is demonstrating…

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Fraudulent Job Placement Scheme Uncovered: Two Bulawayo Women Arrested for Defrauding UK Job Seekers of Over US$47,000

Two Bulawayo women, Nokuthula Sibanda (63) and Nothando Ndlovu (48) have been arrested for defrauding eight UK job seekers of US$47,811.

The duo ran a fraudulent scheme for over two years, posing as agents for job placement services in the United Kingdom.

They misrepresented themselves as experts in facilitating job placements, collecting substantial fees from their victims but ultimately failing to deliver on their promises.

Also Read: Shattered Dreams: Couple Nabbed for Duping Job Seekers Of US$135k With Promises of UK Jobs

Details of the Scam

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the scam took place between December 2022 and November 2024.

The two suspects reportedly convinced the victims that they could secure them employment in the UK, asking for facilitation fees that amounted to a significant total of US$47,811.

The police confirmed their arrests, stating,

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Nokuthula Sibanda (63) and Nothando Ndlovu (48) in connection with eight cases of Fraud which occurred between December 2022 and November 2024 in Bulawayo.

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The two suspects misrepresented themselves as agencies specializing in job placements in the United Kingdom and defrauded the complainants a total of US$47 811. 00 cash.”

Rising Cases of UK Job Placement Scams

The arrest of Sibanda and Ndlovu comes amidst a growing trend of job seekers being duped by scammers. In a…

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Key Takeaways:

• POLITICS: Sudani Makes Unscheduled Turkey Visit; Sistani Sets Five Priorities For Iraq And UNAMI; Washington Urges Baghdad To Prevent Iranian Attack On Israel From Its Soil – On November 1, PM Sudani made an unscheduled visit to Istanbul where he met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discussed regional developments in the war in Gaza and Lebanon and Israeli attacks on “other countries in the region.” The two sides also discussed bilateral cooperation, particularly with regard to the Development Road project and water management. On November 4, UNAMI chief Mohammed al-Hassan met with Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf to discuss conditions in Iraq and UNAMI’s work in the country, which is set to end by the end of 2025. Sistani asked the UNAMI chief to “work hard with the Iraqi government to achieve the priorities” that can preserve Iraq’s stability and serve the interests and rights of its people. Those priorities were identified as meritocracy in senior appointments, preventing all forms of foreign interference, rule of law, state monopoly on violence, and fighting corruption. Commenting on the news, the Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada militia argued that Sistani’s call for state monopoly over violence does not concern the weapons of the “resistance” factions. On November 5, Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked PM Sudani in a phone to fulfill Baghdad’s “commitments to protect U.S. personnel and to pursue those responsible.” Blinken also urged Sudani to “exert control over armed groups launching unauthorized attacks from its territory,” in reference to attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militias on Israel. According to a report by Axios, Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan have warned Baghdad that it could face Israeli retaliation if it could not prevent a pending joint attack on Israel by the militias and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)….

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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The new head of the UN assistance mission in Iraq, Mohamed al-Hassan, on Monday met with the country’s highest Shiite religious authority, with both emphasizing the need to safeguard the well-being and dignity of Iraqis, free from foreign interference.

“I gained much guidance, advice, and perspectives aimed at protecting and elevating the well-being of human beings and preserving their dignity wherever they are,” UN Assistance Mission for Iraq chief Hassan, referring to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

Sistani was born in Iran’s Mashhad in 1930. He has held the position of Iraq’s most senior Shiite authority since the 1990s and is respected by Muslims around the world.

Hassan expressed gratitude for “the continued support of His Eminence” for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) over the last two decades,” adding a commitment to “jointly working towards building on Iraq’s regional and international standing.”

Referring to Sistani, Hassan emphasized: “We, in the United Nations, categorically reject any threat to the Marjaiya, in light of the symbolic significance and respect enjoyed in this country and throughout the world.”

In October, a right-wing Israeli broadcaster displayed images of six Iranian and pro-Iran figures, including Sistani, with crosshairs on their heads, suggesting they were potential targets.

Following this Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani told a US delegation in Baghdad that disrespecting the country’s religious figures is “an affront” to the feelings of Muslims. 

“The UN’s presence in and support for Iraq will continue in the interests of this country and its people, through several programs and projects of a developmental, social and technical nature, in order to promote democracy and human rights and ensure respect for all Iraqis,” the statement added.

The UNAMI mission is set to end on December 31, 2025. Sudani made the request in May through a letter submitted to the UN Secretary-General…

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Shafin yada labarai na gabas ta tsakiya ya bayar da rahoton cewa, Ayatollah Sistani ya karbi bakuncin “Mohammed Al Hassan” sabon shugaban tawagar taimakon MDD a Iraki (UNAMI) da kuma wakilin babban sakataren MDD a wannan kasa da tawagarsa.

A cewar sanarwar ofishin Ayatollah Sistani, sabon shugaban hukumar ta UNAMI ya yi wani takaitaccen bayani game da ayyuka da ayyukan kasa da kasa na wannan cibiya da kuma yadda za ta taka rawa a nan gaba.

A halin da ake ciki kuma, Ayatollah Sistani ya kuma yi maraba da kasancewar Majalisar Dinkin Duniya a kasar Iraki tare da fatan samun nasara ga wakilin kungiyar wajen gudanar da ayyuka da aka dora musu.

Haka nan kuma yayin da yake ishara da irin manyan kalubalen da al’ummar Iraki suke fuskanta da kuma irin wahalhalun da suke fuskanta, ya ce: Wajibi ne ‘yan Iraki musamman masu fada a ji su yi koyi da irin abubuwan da suka shiga tare da yin amfani da dukkan kokarinsu wajen shawo kan cikas da gazawa da kuma da gaske. Domin cimma kyakkyawar makoma ga kasarsu ta hanyar da kowa zai amfana da tsaro, kwanciyar hankali, ci gaba da wadata.

Ya kuma jaddada wajabcin hana tsoma bakin kasashen waje ta bangarori daban-daban, da kafa doka, da kwace makamai a hannun gwamnati da yaki da cin hanci da rashawa a dukkan matakai.

Dangane da halin da ake ciki a yankin kuwa, Ayatollah Sistani ya kuma bayyana matukar bakin cikinsa dangane da halin da ake ciki a kasar Labanon da yankin Zirin Gaza, da kasawar kasa da kasa da cibiyoyinta wajen samar da ingantattun hanyoyin dakile wadannan bala’o’i ko kuma a kalla ba da kariya ga fararen hula. daga Ya yi nadamar musibar da gwamnatin haramtacciyar kasar Isra’ila ta yi.

 

 

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