Tag: Unami

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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.

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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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I had the honour, at the outset of assuming my duties as the United Nations Special Representative for the Secretary-General in Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), to meet with His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani. During this visit, which is my first to the holy city of Najaf, I listened to the wisdom of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani and his vision regarding the situation in Iraq and the region.

You all know the high regard and inestimable respect that His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani enjoys in the hearts of everyone, not only in Iraq, but in the Islamic world and the entire world.

I am extremely grateful to His Eminence for this meeting. 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.

From my side, I conveyed the greetings of the Secretary-General to His Eminence and his wishes for continued good health, as well as his gratitude to His Eminence for his continued support for the United Nations and its role in assisting Iraq. I agreed with His Eminence to work jointly towards building on Iraq’s regional and international standing as a founding Member of the United Nations and a force for security, stability and good neighborliness in the region.

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.

I expressed my gratitude for the continued support of His Eminence for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) over the last two decades. His advice is highly appreciated by me as it was by all my predecessors and assisted them in…

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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The conclusion of the United Nations mission in Iraq by the end of 2025 does not mean that its support and presence in Iraq will also end, the mission’s head said on Wednesday, stressing that the UN is entering its “most important” chapter in the country.

“The UN managed to help Iraq achieve a number of expectations, but the end of UNAMI’s mission does not mean the end of UN in Iraq,” United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) chief Mohamed al-Hassan said at the Middle East Research Institute (MERI) Forum in Erbil, adding “Iraq needs the UN.”

The UNAMI mission is set to end on December 31, 2025. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani made the request in May through a letter submitted to the UN Secretary-General and Security Council, stressing bilateral relationships should be “based on bilateral consultation and respect for Iraq’s will and sovereignty.”

Hassan, who is set to be the last UNAMI chief in Iraq, said that the main goal of the mission is “the return of security and stability.”

“Now, a more important chapter will begin, a chapter of implementing the expectations,” Hassan said, affirming that the Iraqi population is capable of solving the country’s “big” problems.

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.

“Those who created UNAMI can create other entities that are of greater assistance,” Hassan said, reiterating that “the most important part of Iraq with UNAMI is in this year.”

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.

The Iraqi government has cited improved security…

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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ office on Tuesday congratulated the Kurdistan Region for holding parliamentary elections, encouraging an inclusive government to be formed “as soon as possible.”

“The Secretary-General congratulates the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and its people on the holding of parliamentary elections,” the UNSG’s office said in a statement released by deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.

Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) oversaw the Region’s elections on Sunday, reporting a 72 percent voter turnout with more than two million people casting ballots.

The statement said Guterres “commends the efforts” of the IHEC “supported by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), in the preparations and conduct of these elections.” UNAMI provided technical assistance to the IHEC.

The electoral body announced results from Baghdad on Monday with over 99 percent of polling centers reporting. 

The statement from the UNSG urged the formation of “an inclusive government as soon as possible” and reiterated the UN’s support “to consolidate democratic gains and build a prosperous future for the people of Iraq.”

While parties resolve election disputes with the electoral commision, the statement encouraged “all political leaders and segments of society to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere…”

With the election date originally scheduled for October 2022, the repeatedly-delayed elections were postponed four times due to political wrangling between the ruling parties and disagreements between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Baghdad.

The Kurdistan Region’s ruling parties will secure over 60 seats in the upcoming regional parliament, Rudaw has projected.
 
Out of the 100 seats in the upcoming parliament, the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) is expected to secure 39, the highest number of seats, followed by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), with 23 seats. 

A total of 1,191 candidates competed for seats in the legislature, downsized from 111 seats following a major Iraqi federal court…

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I am truly honored to be here with you today to commemorate the 24th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. Adopted in 2000, this landmark resolution was the first to acknowledge the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls, as well as their vital role in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and recovery.

Over the past 24 years since its adoption, we have made undeniable strides in advancing women’s rights, inclusion, and the amplification of women voices in peace and political processes. However, it is equally clear that much work still lies ahead. The ongoing events in Gaza and Lebanon starkly remind us that, as an international community, we still have significant work ahead.

This region, more than any other, has borne the brunt of conflict and violence, with women and girls disproportionately affected, enduring the greatest hardships of displacement, conflict, and loss. In Gaza and Lebanon, countless women and girls have lost their lives, while survivors endure repeated displacement under unbearable conditions. They face increased vulnerabilities, struggling not only to survive but also to protect and care for their children amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Despite these immense challenges, we have witnessed the rise of courageous women – women who, despite great personal risks, have taken on critical roles in humanitarian efforts within their communities.

Protecting women, especially during times of conflict, is intrinsically linked to their participation and inclusion in peace and political processes. These two pillars—protection and participation—are interdependent, and neither can succeed without the other. As the UN Secretary-General has underscored, “women’s participation must be the norm, not an afterthought”. Achieving this requires three key elements: strong political will, adequate financial resources, and decisive, sustained action.

Iraq has made significant strides in enhancing women’s roles in peacebuilding, governance, and…

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