Iraq

In Iraq, Pope spreads message of peace, religious tolerance and humanity’s resilience

Pope Francis’ historic visit to northern Iraq to hold prayers at an ancient church destroyed by ISIL “sends a clear message to the world that harmony and cohesion between the followers of all religions is the only way for the advancement and progress of humanity,” the top UN culture official has said.

Pope’s visit to Iraq, ‘a symbol of hope'

The visit by Pope Francis to the northern Iraqi city of Mosul at the weekend will be a symbol of hope and an opportunity to join forces for peace and unity, the UN cultural agency, UNESCO, said on Thursday, ahead of his touchdown in the capital, Baghdad. 

Transparency must rule Iraqi elections, ‘loyalties cannot be for sale’, Security Council hears

A deadly rocket attack on Monday night in Erbil drew condemnation from the UN envoy in Iraq, who told the Security Council on Tuesday that “such reckless attempts to inflame tensions pose grave threats” to the country’s security. 

COVID sparks resurgence of ISIL terrorists, threatening international peace and security, Security Council hears 

The threat to international peace and security posed by ISIL terrorist fighters is “on the rise again”, the UN counter-terrorism chief told the Security Council on Wednesday. 

Iraq: UN chief condemns ‘horrific’ double suicide bombing at Baghdad market

Perpetrators behind twin deadly suicide bombings at a busy market in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Thursday must be prosecuted, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement strongly condemning the attacks. 

US pardons Blackwater guards: An ‘affront to justice’ – UN experts

Five independent UN experts condemned United States President Donald Trump’s pardoning of private security contractors, convicted in 2015 for war crimes in Iraq, on Wednesday.

Iraq: Trump pardons for Baghdad Blackwater guards ‘contributes to impunity’ says UN rights office

The UN human rights office OHCHR, has voiced deep concern over the decision by United States President Donald Trump to grant pardons to four security guards who were tried and convicted for the killing of 14 Iraqi civilians in Baghdad, in 2007.

UN Committee urges end to impunity for enforced disappearances in Iraq

A pattern of enforced disappearance – and impunity for such acts - persists in Iraq, according to a report published on Friday by the UN Committee charged with monitoring how well the country upholds its international obligations in dealing with the issue.

Iraq: Continued international support vital amid ‘multiple storms’

As authorities in Iraq continue to operate “in the eye of multiple storms”, international support remains essential for resolving ongoing political, security, economic and social crises, as well as the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Security Council heard on Tuesday. 

News in Brief 18 November 2020

  • Cold chain Ebola vaccine expertise will help Africa beat COVID: WHO 
  • Ethiopians affected by Tigray crisis need access to clean water, food: UN 
  • Iraq urged to halt new executions of terror suspects, compounding injustice: Bachelet
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