Latest news with #UNAMI
Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi Speaker to UN: Stop Israeli violations
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani urged the UN to take a more active role in addressing what he described as ongoing 'violations by the Zionist entity [Israel]' across Iran, Gaza, Syria, and Yemen. The call came during a meeting in Baghdad with UN representative in Iraq, Mohamed al-Hassan, according to a statement from the Iraqi Parliament. Al-Mashhadani emphasized the need for the international body to help protect peace and security in the region and to prevent further conflict escalation. The two officials also discussed Iraq's upcoming elections, with al-Hassan confirming that the UN has appointed qualified international observers to monitor the vote and contribute to its success. The meeting touched on human rights issues, the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the finalization of Iraq's Independent Human Rights Commission. Al-Hassan noted that Iraq is currently a candidate for membership in the UN Human Rights Council. He praised Iraq's democratic progress, describing the country as being 'in its best condition' and commending the role of the Parliament and its speaker in legislative reforms and shaping Iraq's future. Al-Hassan also highlighted Iraq's emerging regional influence, calling it a leader with 'historical depth' in the Middle East. Baghdad, 17 June 2025 – The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, met today with the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Dr. Mahmoud — UNAMI (@UNIraq) June 17, 2025
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Committed To Supporting ‘Free, Fair And Transparent Election With The Participation Of All Iraqis'
'Iraq is a nation of profound history, strength, potential, and pride. By working together, Iraqis can continue to make meaningful strides towards stability, prosperity and human rights for all,' said Special Representative Mohamed Al Hassan, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). He provided updates on political, human rights and other developments over the past six months, and the Mission's ongoing support to the authorities as it prepares to leave at the end of the year. UNAMI was established in 2003 and works to advance inclusive political dialogue as well as reconciliation at the national and community levels, among other mandated tasks. Parliamentary elections ahead At the outset, Mr. Hassan commended the Iraqi Government for providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria, and for supporting the new peace initiative between Türkiye and the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a militant group known as PKK. He said Iraq is well on the way to fresh parliamentary elections set for 11 November, and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) is making notable progress towards polling day, with UNAMI's technical support. Although voter registration should conclude in the coming days, and nearly three-quarters of all voters have completed biometric registration, challenges and logistical concerns remain. Supporting the vote 'But IHEC is committed to doing its best towards a free, fair and transparent election with the participation of all Iraqis without fear and intimidation,' he said. ' UNAMI will spare no effort in providing the most professional technical support towards this end, including efforts to promote the widest participation of women, youth and minorities.' Mr. Al Hassan also reported on the aftermath of the successful parliamentary elections held in the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq last October. With formation of a regional government still outstanding, he called for a spirit of compromise to break the impasse. Returnees from Syria Turning to other matters, he said more than 800 Iraqis recently returned from the Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. For years, thousands of people from Syria, Iraq and other countries have been held at the notorious complex for their alleged ties to Daesh extremists. He said the development is an indication of the Iraqi Government's commitment to accelerating returns of its citizens, with UN support. ' It is nevertheless essential that adequate resources are invested in supporting a dignified reintegration of returning families, and in ensuring a fair judicial process for the detainees who are being repatriated,' he added. Concern for Yazidi community Meanwhile, the situation of people displaced within Iraq continues to demand urgent attention. They include members of the Yazidi minority community who are living in camps and informal settlements in harsh conditions. More than a decade has passed since ISIL fighters attacked the Yazidi's ancestral homeland around Sinjar, in northern Iraq, committing atrocities such as executions, forced conversions and abducting thousands of women and girls into sexual slavery. Mr. Al Hassan said the Iraqi Government's recent recognition of Yazidi land rights was 'a significant milestone,' with over 1,300 ownership letters and nearly 100 title deeds distributed this year. Yet he stressed the need for a national plan that provides durable solutions. End the injustice 'The return process cannot just be physical relocation, it needs to be a meaningful process that rebuilds lives, livelihoods, and hope for the future,' he said. Speaking in Arabic, he said the Yazidis 'have been greatly harmed in a manner that cannot be described.' He called on all concerned in Iraq and neighbouring countries 'to take all the necessary measures' to protect them. 'We think it is important to put an end to this injustice that has been imposed on the Yazidi Iraqi people, and to guarantee their return to their homes and to their areas in dignity and in pride.' Uphold human rights Moving on, he said that 'commitment to human rights is at the heart of Iraq's stability and development.' He pointed to measures including progress towards a draft law on minority rights and the adoption of a national strategy to counter hate speech. 'Among the human rights files that must be dealt with urgently is that of those who have been disappeared and those who are in jail without any legal and just and transparent trials,' he said. Planned withdrawal Regarding UNAMI, he said that 'the Mission continues to pursue a structured transition according to schedule and in close cooperation with the Government of Iraq Transition Team.' Its offices in Mosul and Kirkuk have closed and staffing levels are being gradually reduced, with the goal of balancing the drawdown as mandated tasks continue. This is taking place 'in a context of serious financial constraints impacting the United Nations as a whole,' he added. Before concluding his remarks, Mr. Al Hassan underlined his 'complete trust and confidence in Iraq and Iraqis and the ability of this great country, which is among the founding members of the United Nations to regain its status among the nations.' He said the UN 'will spare no effort in our cooperation and our assistance because we believe in this country and its potential, and its capacities and the capabilities of its people.'
Iraqi News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
UNAMI committed to Iraq's future as withdrawal plan proceeds
Baghdad ( -Omani diplomat Mohamed Al Hassan, the United Nations Special Representative for Iraq and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), briefed the UN Security Council in New York on June 10. Al Hasan noted recent progress in Iraq's stability, regional integration, and democratic processes, as well as UNAMI's evolving role. In his address, Al Hassan expressed strong support for Iraq, stating, 'I reaffirm my full confidence in Iraq and the Iraqi people, and in the ability of this ancient nation — one of the founding members of the United Nations — to reclaim its civilizational stature.' He added that the UN, and he personally, remain fully committed to assisting Iraq and will 'spare no effort in doing so.' Al Hassan also outlined ongoing structural changes within UNAMI as part of a transition strategy. As the mission moves toward a drawdown, it has begun closing offices in Kirkuk and Mosul and is gradually reducing staffing levels. Despite the scale-back, UNAMI will continue working closely with the Iraqi government to ensure a smooth and timely transition while fulfilling its remaining mandates.
Shafaq News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Ex-diplomat criticizes UN briefing for ignoring Iraq's crises
Shafaq News/ The latest UN Security Council briefing on Iraq glossed over deep political and security challenges and emphasized superficial gains, former Iraqi diplomat Ghazi Faisal said on Wednesday. The Council convened on Tuesday at 5:00 PM Baghdad time (10:00 AM New York), with UN Special Representative Mohamed Al Hassan delivering an update on recent developments and the status of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). Established in 2003 under Resolution 1500 following the US-led invasion, UNAMI has since expanded its mandate to include political mediation, election oversight, and humanitarian coordination. Speaking to Shafaq News, Faisal, who heads the Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies, argued that Al Hassan's remarks leaned heavily on optimistic developments while ignoring the structural crises that continue to destabilize Iraq. He suggested the upbeat tone may be intended to ease UNAMI's exit by late 2025 without jeopardizing relations with Baghdad. He contrasted Al Hassan's approach with that of former UNAMI heads Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and Ján Kubiš, who had more openly flagged militant threats, law enforcement breakdowns, forced displacement, and electoral fraud—particularly in 2018. 'Al Hassan focused on electoral transitions, but who's ensuring voter protection and transparency?' Faisal also raised alarm over reports of voter ID cards being sold for up to 500,000 Iraqi dinars (about $354), despite the Independent High Electoral Commission's insistence that only registered cardholders can vote in the 11 November elections, warning, 'If vote buying, military pressure, and partisan influence on state employees persist, it will undermine democratic legitimacy.' While Al Hassan portrayed elections as a peaceful tool for reform, Faisal expressed doubt. 'Fair elections could shift the political landscape—but just as likely, we'll see fraud, coercion, and the recycling of the same ruling elite entrenched since 2003.'
Arab News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan urges political inclusion in Iraq ahead of elections, warns UN of regional volatility
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday called for greater political inclusion in Iraq ahead of national elections later this year, warning the United Nations that rising regional tensions could undermine the stability of the Arab country. Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, praised Iraq's efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and improve governance. The UN mission was established in 2003 following the US-led invasion, with a mandate to support Iraq's political transition, humanitarian coordination and national reconciliation. The mission is set to conclude by the end of 2025, as part of a structured drawdown approved by the Security Council last year. Ahmed said Islamabad supported Iraq's progress but remained concerned about the broader security situation in the Middle East, including ongoing conflicts in neighboring states and the risk of Iraq being drawn into regional confrontations. 'Pakistan remains concerned about the volatile regional security environment, which poses a risk to Iraq's stability,' Ahmad told the Council. 'We reiterate our firm support for Iraq's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. It is imperative that Iraq not be drawn into regional confrontations.' The ambassador encouraged all political stakeholders in Iraq to maintain dialogue and inclusivity as the country prepares for national elections in November, urging them to address institutional gaps and reinforce democratic processes. He also welcomed Iraq's recent reforms, including the implementation of the federal budget and successful provincial council elections. Pakistan also highlighted the need for sustained humanitarian attention, particularly for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and acknowledged Iraq's progress in enabling voluntary returns and reintegration. As the UNAMI mission approaches the end of its mandate, Pakistan welcomed transition planning but emphasized that the process must remain 'inclusive, coordinated and responsive to Iraq's national priorities.'
