the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Ján Kubiš, met with Ms. Hanaa Edwar

United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)

March 23 at 11:58am

On 22 March, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Ján Kubiš, met with Ms. Hanaa Edwar, a human rights and women’s rights activist, who is the co-founder and Chair of Iraq Al-Amal Association and member of the Civil Initiative. Ms. Edwar is also the co-founder of the Iraqi Women’s Network, an NGO focusing on women’s rights.

The two discussed the political situation in the country and the demands of the protesters, as well as the Government reforms. Ms. Edwar urged UNAMI to support the Government in developing an “inclusive peace strategy” focusing on confronting terrorism and extremism, liberating the areas still under the control of ISIL, facilitating the return of IDPs and rebuilding an “equal citizenship state”. Ms. Edwar also stressed the need to include women in reconciliation processes and the empowerment of youths, urging UNAMI to convey this message to the Iraqi leadership.

In addition, the two exchanged views on the need to accelerate legislative reforms and rebuilding institutions. SRSG Kubiš assured Ms. Edwar of UNAMI’s commitment to broadening its engagement with representatives of civil society. He also assured her that UNAMI is currently accelerating efforts on dialogue on community reconciliation and peaceful co-existence in collaboration with the National Reconciliation Committee and civil society groups at the grassroots level.