Iraq

Iraqi refugees in Syria

UN agency mobilizes Iraqis to extend helping hand to fellow refugees in Syria

31 December 2009
The United Nations refugee agency has marshalled some 80 Iraqi women to volunteer assistance to their fellow refugees spread out over a number of large cities in Syria, in an innovative move aimed at overcoming the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable group.
SRSG Ad Melkert working out of his Baghdad-based office

UN envoy in Iraq expresses hope for 2010 polls

31 December 2009
Looking ahead to 2010, the top United Nations envoy to Iraq expressed hope today for a united Iraqi Government following the elections scheduled for early next year, reaffirming the world body’s support for the country’s governance strategies.
A young Iraqi Christian in Syria after fleeing his home town of Mosul with his family

UN envoy extends seasonal wishes to Iraqi Christians amid fresh tensions

24 December 2009
The top United Nations envoy to Iraq today issued seasonal wishes to the country's Christians and to all Iraqis amid fears of a surge in violence targeting the country's Christian population.
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (right) with Prime Minister Nuri Kamil al-Maliki of Iraq [File Photo]

Security Council extends development fund for Iraq for another year

21 December 2009
The Security Council today renewed for another year a development fund set up immediately after the United States-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 to meet the country’s humanitarian needs, economic reconstruction and infrastructure repairs.

Resumption of death penalty in Iraq sparks UN concern

14 December 2009
The resumption of the death penalty in Iraq earlier this year is a source of great concern to the United Nations, according to the world body’s latest report covering the human rights situation in the country.
An Iraqi man shows an ink-stained finger to prove he has voted in elections in the Kurdistan region. V

Iraq: Kurdish lawmakers confirm support for new electoral laws with UN envoy

12 December 2009
The top United Nations envoy to Iraq met today with parliamentarians from the Kurdish Alliance Bloc to discuss the recently brokered electoral laws that allow for national elections expected to take place early next year.
A view of UNHCR tents being used by displaced people in north-east Iraq

Asylum-seekers must not be forcibly returned to central Iraq – UN

11 December 2009
The United Nations refugee agency today called on all States to continue to refrain from forcibly returning Iraqi asylum-seekers to Baghdad, Kirkuk and other violence-prone areas in the centre of the country, warning that the situation was still too precarious due to continuing violence and serious human rights violations.

Cultural diversity of Iraq reaffirmed in UNESCO-backed round table

10 December 2009
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has helped to organize a round table to reaffirm Iraq’s diverse cultural heritage, as the country seeks to rebuild after years of conflict and economic hardship.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses media on UN climate change conference in Copenhagen

Security Council and Ban deplore series of deadly car bombings in Baghdad

8 December 2009
The Security Council and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned today’s series of apparently coordinated car bombings across Baghdad that have killed or injured scores of residents of the Iraqi capital.
UN Photo/Steve Tickner
UN Photo/Steve Tickner

Agreement on Iraqi election law means polls can go ahead in February – UN

7 December 2009
The United Nations today pledged to give Iraq support and technical assistance for holding delayed national elections following parliamentary approval of a revised electoral law, noting that the poll could now be held as early as the end of February.