Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Monday, Oct 14, 2024

UN officials urge Iraq to push on with reforms and preserve women’s rights

UN officials urge Iraq to push on with reforms and preserve women’s rights

UN officials on Thursday urged the Iraqi government to push ahead with political and economic reforms, and to continue talks with Kuwait about reparations for the disappearance of Kuwaitis during the Iraqi invasion in 1990.
They also discussed the human rights situation in the country, in particular as it relates to the rights of Iraqi women, and called on other nations in the region to refrain from violating Iraq’s territory and sovereignty.

Speaking during a meeting of the Security Council to discuss Iraq, Jeanine Antoinette Plasschaert, the special representative of the secretary-general for Iraq and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, spoke about the findings of her UN report on the implementation of Resolution 2631. Adopted by the council in 2022, it states the need to “prioritize the provision of advice, support and assistance to the government and people of Iraq on advancing inclusive, political dialogue and national and community-level reconciliation, considering civil society input, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.”

Plasschaert said Iraqi authorities have made some progress with reforms but still face serious political and economic challenges. Noting that the country has in the past 20 years gone through wars and other destabilizing events and forces, she said the factors contributing to its instability remain essentially the same.

It continues to be the case, she added, that some of the challenges are related to corruption, the influence of non-state actors, factional politics, inequality, unemployment, and an overreliance on oil.

The fact that a new government was formed in the parliament last October is a “positive” step, Plasschaert said, adding that “Iraq had turned a corner” amid hopes that all factions remain committed to reform and working together.

Pascale Baeriswyl, the Swiss ambassador to the UN, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month, urged the Iraqi government to introduce reforms to help fight corruption, improve basic services, protect human rights and combat climate change.

Khanim Latif, founder and director of Asuda, a women’s rights organization in Iraqi Kurdistan, told council members that gender-based violence is widespread in Iraq, and that those who work to protect and preserve women’s rights are often targeted.

“In recent months we have witnessed a campaign against women’s rights defenders in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, simply for using the term ‘gender,’” she said.

The prevalence of violence against women, committed by family members or others in the community, must be addressed on a national level, she added, with the assistance of the international community, including pressure on Iraqi authorities when required.

There are few Iraqi women in government or other decision-making positions, Latif said, and so the ability to take action to secure women’s rights and combat violations against them remains “highly restricted”

She called on the Security Council and the wider international community to encourage the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq to make it part of its mission to monitor the situation of women in the country and more actively support their rights.

Iraq’s representative at the meeting said that his government is working to address all of the issues speakers had raised.

“The government of Iraq perseveres within the framework of national partnership to achieve its ambitious governmental reform program,” he said.

He said the program includes a wide range of measures designed to strengthen the Iraqi state and society. They include “the diversification of the economy, building more robust democratic and security institutions, combating unchecked weapons, strengthening accountability, and consolidating the stability of Iraq,” he added.

He also pledged that Iraq is committed to “promoting human rights and empowerment of women.”

A number of speakers encouraged authorities in Iraq and Kuwait to continue their discussions about the issue of Kuwaiti citizens who disappeared after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and possible reparations.

France’s representative at the meeting condemned violations of Iraq’s sovereignty by some other countries in the region and called for an end to such interference.

Baeriswyl, the Swiss ambassador, concluded the meeting by saying: “I would like to reiterate our commitment to Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to thank Iraq for bringing greater stability to the region by facilitating dialogue.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Erdogan Criticizes UN's Inaction; Global Tensions Rise Over Human Rights and Resource Disputes
Global Tensions Surge: US-UK Airstrikes in Yemen, Diplomatic Shifts in Iran, and Israeli-Lebanese Struggles
Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Moves: Hydrogen Trains, Riyadh Metro, and Smart City Collaborations
Global Tensions and Tragedies: UN Experts Criticize Tunisia's Migrant Policies, Israeli Airstrikes Hit Lebanon, UK Court Hears Family Murder Trial, and New Saudi-Philippines Energy Pact
Saudi Arabia Embraces Sustainable Progress with Energy Pact and Cultural Milestones: From Renewable Innovations to Fashion and Sporting Triumphs
Netanyahu Urges UN to Relocate Lebanon Peacekeepers Amid Escalating Tensions
Tech Boosts Singapore’s Economy to 4.1% Growth in Q3
EU Sanctions Iranian Entities, UNHCR Warns of Global Displacement, and Saudi Arabia Advances Green and Industrial Ventures
Riyadh Season 2024: A Blend of Cultural Marvels and Cybersecurity Initiatives Amidst Middle Eastern Turmoil and Archaeological Revelations
From Desert Adventures to Diplomatic Tensions: Exploring Philby's Legacy and Global Affairs
Qatar's Tourism Boom and Saudi Arabia's Strategic Advances: Highlights from Economic Growth to Humanitarian Efforts
Global Developments: Philippines-Saudi Green Alliance, Pakistan's Security Ops, France's Immigration Shift, Ukraine-Russia Tensions, EU on Israeli Actions, and Dussmann's Strategic Move
Rising Tensions and Humanitarian Crises: Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza and Regional Conflicts Escalate
Global Tensions and Local Challenges: Missile Strikes Shift Defense Focus, Political Security Concerns Rise, and Societal Transformations Unfold
World Bank Warns of Rising Debt; Saudi Arabia Unearths Cave Wonders; Middle East Tensions and U.S. Military Moves; China Conducts Drills Near Taiwan
Sweden Urges EU to Designate Iran's Guards as Terrorists Amid Alleged Recruitment of Swedish Gang Members
Regional Diplomacy Intensifies Amid Rising Tensions Between Hezbollah and Israel
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030: Pioneering Food Security, Digital Transformation, and Global Partnerships Amidst Regional Tensions
Amid Conflict in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia Charts Path to Global Logistics Leadership and Cultural Enrichment
Madinah Dates Festival Celebrates Heritage Amid Rising Middle East Tensions: A Complex Global Landscape
Saudi Arabia Unveils Ambitious Logistics and Technological Plans Amidst Vision 2030 Reforms
Tensions Escalate in Middle East Following Israeli Airstrike; Saudi Arabia Drives Environmental and Economic Initiatives
Saudi Arabia's Environmental Achievements Shine on IUCN Green List Amid Regional Conflicts and Cultural Celebrations
Global Developments: Saudi Arabia Condemns Land Seizure, Australia Criticizes Calls Against Ceasefire, and Cultural Initiatives in Full Swing
Iran Condemns New U.S. Sanctions Amid Rising Tensions in Middle East and Asia
Regional Tensions Flare as Israel Targets Iranian Sites Amid Saudi Condemnation and Humanitarian Efforts
Tesla's Robotaxi Design Strikes Controversy
Global Condemnation, Political Shifts, and Cultural Changes: Key Developments Around the World
Russia and Iran Bolster Economic Ties with Strategic Partnership Talks
Israel Issues Warning to Southern Lebanon Amid Ongoing Conflict
Poll Shows Trump Favored Over Harris in Handling Wars
Iran Enforces Electronics Ban on Flights After Lebanon Attacks
Gunfire Targets Jewish School in Toronto as Anti-Semitic Incidents Surge Across Canada
Global Tensions and Diplomatic Efforts: Key Developments from Turkey-Greece Talks to Electoral Concerns in Mozambique
Saudi Arabia Hosts Regional Environmental Summit Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Saudi Arabia's Bold Reforms: Tax Exemptions, Water Security Initiatives, and Global Health Leadership Amid Middle East Tensions
100 Days of Keir Starmer: Navigating Economy, Controversies, and Global Challenges
Global Tensions Rise: Ukrainian Conscription Raids, Sectarian Clashes in Pakistan, and Natural Disasters in Florida and Nepal
Iranian Speaker Condemns Israeli Airstrike Amidst Regional Tensions; Saudi Arabia and Morocco Navigate Diplomatic Challenges
From Falconry to Foreign Relations: Exploring Heritage and Headlines Across the Middle East
Escalating Conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon Highlight Global Tensions Amid Nobel Peace Prize Reminders
Global Shifts: Navalny's Legacy, China's Taiwan Pressure, Saudi Arabia's Fintech Boom, and Middle East Tensions
Nicaragua Cuts Ties with Israel Amid Rising Global Tensions and Domestic Political Shifts
Putin and Pezeshkian Forge Economic Ties as Geopolitical Tensions Rise Across Middle East
Saudi Arabia Pursues Sustainable Future Amid Middle East Tensions and Iraq's Cultural Revival
Global Leaders Address Middle East Tensions Amid Regional Security Initiatives and Cultural Innovations
Bridging Cultures and Innovations: From Arabic Sign Language Tech to Saudi Heritage and Global Exhibitions
Cybersecurity Breach at Intesa Sanpaolo and Global Scandals: A Rundown of Key Developments
Noor Riyadh Celebrates Light Art Festival Amidst Middle East Tensions and Global Diplomatic Moves
Saudi Arabia Strengthens Global Economic Ties: Key Agreements and Strategic Investments Highlighted at Forums
×