Baghdad, 24 October 2019 – On the eve of anticipated demonstrations in many parts of Iraq, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, urges the government to positively enable peaceful protests. In the same vein, the Special Representative calls on both security forces and demonstrators to act in keeping with the law.

Baghdad, 22 October 2019 – A special report, prepared by the Human Rights Office of UNAMI, outlines key human rights concerns regarding the demonstrations that occurred in Iraq from 1 to 9 October 2019. UNAMI’s interim findings indicate that serious human rights violations and abuses have been committed during the recent protests. The report contains a set of recommendations and urges Iraqi authorities to take concrete steps to ensure accountability, to prevent human rights violations and to enable peaceful demonstrations in the future.

Mosul-October 15th –The FAO project on Supporting Recovery of Agricultural livelihoods by revitalization of food production, value chains and income generation in Nineveh Governorate, was launched in an inception workshop organized in partnership with the Nineveh governorate, Ministry of Agriculture, Iraqi Farmers’ Union as well as other national stakeholders.

17 October 2019 - To improve living conditions for returnee populations living in newly liberated areas, UNOPS – with funding from the government of Japan – is helping to provide renewable energy and emergency waste disposal services in three Iraqi governorates.

Baghdad 16 October 2019 – Today on World Food Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) renewed their commitment to supporting the government of Iraq in ensuring that all Iraqis have food security by 2030, with a focus on nutritious food and sustainable livelihoods.

Baghdad, 6 October 2019 - Following the attack on several media outlets in Baghdad on Saturday 5 October 2019, the UNESCO Office for Iraq was invited by the country’s Minister of Interior, H.E. Yassin al-Yasiri, to attend a special meeting with Iraqi media managers and the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate. During the meeting, the Minister provided information on the dynamics of the attacks on media newsrooms and on other attacks against journalists and media professionals covering the recent demonstrations.

Erbil – World Mental Health Day is recognized every year on 10 October, to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental wellbeing. This year, the focus is on suicide prevention.