Tag: Unami

Al Qana Rehabilitation Centre, Baghdad, September 07, 2025

Your Excellency Dr. Saleh Al-Hasnawi, Minister of Health
Distinguished Dr. Hanan Balkhi, Regional Director of WHO Eastern Mediterranean region
Honorable colleagues from the Ministry of Health,
Distinguished partners and guests,

It is a great honor to welcome you all to this important gathering, which brings together high-level leaders and stakeholders to address one of Iraq’s most pressing challenges – the issue of drugs and their impact on public health, security, and society.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all attendees for your commitment and leadership in confronting this critical issue, and for your continued support in advancing Iraq’s national response.

Today, we convene to discuss the serious challenge of drug use and trafficking. This issue is of utmost significance for Iraq’s stability, public health, and the protection of its youth – the foundation of the country’s future.

In recent years, Iraq has moved from being primarily a transit country to becoming a country of consumption, with thousands of cases recorded annually, most affecting young people.

We commend the efforts of the Government of Iraq, particularly the Ministry of Health, for preparing the report on the Drug use situation in Iraq and development of the National Protocol for the management of substance use disorders, launching the community awareness guideline and establishing specialized centers such as Al-Qanaa Rehabilitation Center – located on the site of the former Canal Hotel, where several of our UN colleagues lost their lives 22 years ago. Transforming the site of this tragic event into a rehabilitation center and witnessing the launch of these reports from this very location is a significant tribute to the victims of this tragic incident.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting Iraq in addressing the drug use challenge. This work…

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2025-09-01T08:31:36+00:00

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Shafaq News – Mosul (Updated at 15:42)

Mosul’s historic landmarks, including the Great Al-Nuri Mosque with its leaning Al-Hadba Minaret and the churches of Al-Saa’a and Al-Tahira, officially reopened on Monday after years of reconstruction under UNESCO’s Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani arrived in the city to attend the opening ceremony alongside a high-level Iraqi and Kurdish delegations as well as UN officials and an Emirati delegation led by Minister of Culture Salem bin Khalid Al-Qasimi.

According to Shafaq News correspondent, PM al-Sudani performed the noon prayer inside the mosque following the completion of restoration works.

In his speech, al-Sudani hailed the reconstruction as “a great victory over black terrorism,” adding that the mosque and its minaret “stand tall once again, a reminder to enemies of Iraq’s strength against destruction.”

Kurdish Interior Minister Reber Ahmed stressed that terrorism had sought to extinguish “the light of Mosul” by targeting religious and cultural landmarks, but “what was destroyed in stone was never erased from people’s memory or their conscience.” He commended the sacrifices of Iraqi forces, including the Peshmerga, in liberating the city from ISIS, and underlined the importance of rejecting divisions while strengthening coexistence and civil peace.

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, said in his remarks at the inauguration of the Al-Nuri Grand Mosque in Mosul that “through the reopening of the…

— UNAMI (@UNIraq) September 1, 2025

Former UAE Minister of Culture and current member of the UAE Cabinet, Noura Al Kaabi, considered the occasion as proof of resilience. “Today, the…

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Kuwait keen on UN cooperation, says Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef as UNAMI mandate nears end

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Sunday the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ambassador Dr Mohammed Al-Hassan.

Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah also met with Ambassador Al-Hassan during his official visit to Kuwait. The officials discussed enhanced cooperation and coordination between Kuwait and the UN in support of regional security and stability.

During the meeting at Bayan Palace, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to maintaining close collaboration with the United Nations. The discussions also touched on recent developments in regional and international affairs. Ambassador Al-Hassan expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s supportive role in promoting security and stability in the region.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah receives Ambassador Al-Hassan.

UNAMI mandate to end

The visit comes as UNAMI’s mandate approaches its final phase, set to expire on December 31, 2025. The mission has played a central role since 2013 in addressing two longstanding humanitarian issues stemming from Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait: the fate of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and the return of stolen Kuwaiti property, including state archives. Despite recovering and identifying 59 individuals and facilitating the return of hundreds of thousands of cultural items, 315 persons remain unaccounted for, and substantial portions of Kuwait’s archives remain missing.

Kuwait has called for continued UN oversight after UNAMI’s mandate ends, urging the appointment of a High-Level Coordinator to ensure accountability and transparency, while Iraq has preferred a bilateral approach.

In March and April 2025, Head of UNAMI Mohamed Al-Hassan visited Kuwait for high-level meetings with senior officials,…

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Ambler, PA — Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and nerves — for students, parents and staff alike. Thankfully, Ambler is home to everyday school heroes who help make the transition smoother and the school year a little brighter.

From teachers and tutors to bus drivers, cafeteria staff, crossing guards and more, these caring individuals bring steady support and positivity to our schools. To recognize their many contributions — big and small — Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to salute the unsung heroes of back-to-school.

This submission comes from Matt P., who nominated Nicole Kee of Unami MS.

What is the school hero’s name?

Nicole Kee

Where does this school hero work?

Unami MS

Please describe why this individual is a hero at your school.

Nicole is one of the hardest work and most talented math teachers I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. Her instruction allows for all students to be successful. She’s a leader at her grade level, department, and building. Students are very lucky to have her at Unami!

How do you know the school hero you’re nominating?

Work in the same building.

What should your community know about this person?

Though she is quiet and reserved, her deserve for student success is unmatched. She one of the most respected staff members in the building and genuinely cares about Unami.

What three words best describe the school hero?

Hardworking, intelligent, dedicated.

If you know a school hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

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2025-08-21T08:11:20+00:00

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Shafaq News – Erbil

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) expressed concern on Tuesday over the conviction of Kurdish journalist Shirwan Shirwani, who was sentenced to four and a half years in prison by the Bnaslawa Misdemeanour Court in Erbil on 19 August.

UNAMI, which attended the court session, said the ruling may be disproportionate and its application arbitrary. It noted that the court had failed to provide convincing reasoning regarding the “aggravating circumstances” that justified the sentence.

The mission underlined that the verdict remains subject to appeal and affirmed it would continue to monitor developments in the case.

UNAMI also recalled the Kurdistan Regional Government’s public commitments to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights, urging authorities in the Kurdistan Region to ensure all criminal proceedings are transparent and fair in line with both national and international standards.

UNAMI expresses concerns relating to the conviction of journalist Shirwan Shirwani in the Kurdistan Region of IraqThe United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI) is concerned by the decision of the Bnaslawa Misdemeanour Court in Erbil on 19 August 2025 to sentence… pic.twitter.com/acD6LODK0D

— UNAMI (@UNIraq) August 21, 2025

Shirwani is the editor-in-chief of Ashur magazine and an active member of the human rights organization “17 Shubat.” His journalism has focused on government corruption in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. He has also participated in demonstrations advocating social and political rights.

Shirwani has faced multiple prosecutions in recent years. In 2021, he was sentenced to six years in prison along with four other activists in what became known as the “Badinan case,” related to protests in Al-Sulaymaniyah over delayed salary payments….

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2025-08-21T13:01:56+00:00

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Shafaq News – Baghdad

Dr. Mohamed Al-Hassan, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), praised on Thursday, the resilience of Iraqis who have endured years of violence.

“Today, Iraq has moved beyond that dark past and is enjoying peace thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of all Iraqis,” Al-Hassan remarked, marking the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

Describing the occasion as a moment to honor victims across the country and recognize the courage of survivors, he highlighted that “justice knows no time limit, and human rights know no boundaries.”

pic.twitter.com/cpR294MTDO

— UNAMI (@UNIraq) August 21, 2025

Background on the occasion

The International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017 and is observed annually on 21 August. The day is intended to recognize the rights and needs of victims, foster solidarity, and ensure that their voices are not forgotten.

For Iraq, the observance carries particular significance. The country has faced decades of extremist violence, from al-Qaeda bombings and sectarian conflict in the 2000s to the atrocities committed by the Islamic State group after 2014. These years of conflict left mass graves, displaced millions, and devastated entire communities.

This week’s commemorations focus on attacks that remain among the most emblematic of that era. On 19 August 2003, a truck bomb destroyed the UN Headquarters at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, killing 22 people, including the UN’s top envoy, Sérgio Vieira de Mello. Six years later, on the same date, a massive explosion struck the Iraqi Foreign Ministry near the…

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ISHM: August 14 – 21, 2025 – Iraq | ReliefWeb Skip to main content

Iraq

Format News and Press Release Source Posted 22 Aug 2025 Originally published 21 Aug 2025 Origin View original

Attachments

Key Takeaways:

• POLITICS: Kurdistan Parliament to Convene in September; Another Former Governor Among Hundreds Disqualified by IHEC – On August 14, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) issued a joint statement saying they had agreed to work together to convene the regional parliament, which has been virtually idle since last year’s legislative election, within the next month. The two parties, whose leaders met in Erbil, pledged to make progress toward forming the next cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). On August 19, a spokesman for Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) said that a total of 542 candidates had been disqualified from competing in the November parliamentary election. Of these, 253 were disqualified over suspected ties to the Ba’ath Party, while 119 were disqualified for having criminal records or for fraud. A review of the lists shows candidates from across the political spectrum, including Coordination Framework factions, major Sunni and Kurdish parties, and parties representing Iraq’s minority communities. At least three former governors (Ninewa, Salah ad-Din, and Kirkuk) and one former cabinet minister are among those disqualified so far. In other developments, on August 20, Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court struck down an amendment to the Iraqi Passport Law that parliament passed in January. The amendment drew notoriety because it included a provision entitling thousands of senior and mid-level government officials, along with their family members, to obtain and keep diplomatic passports for life. more…
• SECURITY & HUMANITARIAN: Iraq Begins Excavating Mass Grave Site; Senior ISIS Militant Killed; UNAMI…

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Shafaq News

World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is marked each year on August 19 in honor of aid workers and people affected by crises. The date was chosen after the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters at Baghdad’s Canal Hotel, which killed 22 staff members, including Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello.

More than two decades later, Iraq stands at a transitional stage—no longer an international emergency, but still facing protracted displacement, explosive hazards, and climate-related challenges that require sustained assistance.

From Conflict Response to Transition

Iraq’s humanitarian profile has changed sharply since the defeat of ISIS. Emergency needs have decreased, and the government is gradually resuming full responsibility. The UN Security Council this year extended the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for a final term until December 31, 2025, marking a shift from international political oversight toward nationally led stabilization and services.

“The United Nations will continue supporting Iraq even after the mandate of UNAMI concludes at the end of 2025,” UN representative Mohamed al-Hassan said on Tuesday.

While UNAMI’s political mission winds down, UN agencies will continue their development and humanitarian programs. The Canal Hotel attack, which gave rise to WHD, also reshaped global security standards for aid operations, making Iraq central to how the UN manages risks in complex environments.

Smaller Emergencies, Persistent Risks

According to UNHCR, Iraq still hosts about 1.03 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and more than 340,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mostly in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Around 109,000 IDPs remain in 21 camps in the Region, while others live outside camps, often struggling with poor services and limited access to legal documents.

Displacement today is not only a legacy of conflict. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that by March 2025, climate pressures such as

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Baghdad, 14 August 2025 – The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Iraq, working closely with the Government of Iraq, has launched the 2024 UN Annual Results Report, highlighting transformative achievements that have accelerated Iraq’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national development priorities.

The report marks the conclusion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2020–2024 and reflects the collective impact of 23 UN agencies partnering with national institutions, civil society, the private sector, and international partners to address Iraq’s most urgent challenges while laying the foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.

In 2024, joint UN–Government efforts delivered impactful results across five priority areas:

1. Social Cohesion, Protection and Inclusion: Nearly 285,000 children, women, and families accessed child protection and domestic violence response services. Housing rehabilitation supported 2,695 returnee families, while 209 community policing initiatives-built trust between law enforcement and residents. Peacebuilding advanced through the engagement of 416 women and youth in Local Peace Committees, driving reconciliation and promoting peaceful coexistence in conflict-affected areas.
2. Economic Growth for All: The UN boosted inclusive economic opportunities by creating 1,300 jobs and 62,000 worker days in Nineveh and Duhok. Livelihood support packages strengthened resilience for 8,209 households, while 7,539 job-seekers – 29% women – were linked to employment through service centres. To stimulate local economies, $7 million in grants helped 540 SMEs expand, while the renovation of 50 dairy centres created 730 jobs. Additionally, 465 entrepreneurs were trained by UN-certified trainers to start or grow businesses.
3. Effective, Inclusive and Efficient Institutions and Services: The UN supported Iraq’s first national census in over three decades, a milestone for data-driven policy and equitable resource allocation. Education services improved for 1.5 million children – 53% girls – through the school-based management model, while 47% of 290,418 identified out-of-school children re-enrolled…

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