Focus on Haiti
Focus on Iraq
Key statistics
Iraq is home to nearly 28 million people, 4.4 million of whom are displaced as a result of conflict and insecurity – including more than 2 million who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
An estimated 20 million landmines remain buried throughout Iraq. While significant portions of the country remain to be surveyed, an estimated 2.7 million Iraqi people live in contaminated areas, predominantly along the eastern border.
Food insecurity affects more than 4 million people, with nearly half the Iraqi population dependent on food rations.
Women now occupy 27 percent of seats in parliament, yet the new constitution fails to guarantee them the right to be free from marital and other gender-based violence.
Insecurity and the actual and perceived dangers of sexual violence prevent many women and girls from participating in public life – going to school, to work, seeking medical treatment or leaving their homes. |
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©A SWAT AL IRAQ
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Key issues
Particular attention is needed to provide sustainable livelihoods to both men and women, and to ensure better access to basic social and economic services.
Considerable investment is needed to strengthen government actors and state institutions, especially as it relates to the rule of law. Equality and protection for those most vulnerable, particularly women and children, should be integrated into laws and policies, including access to economic resources and opportunities.
The elimination of landmines and explosive remnants of war is another priority. Demining allows communities to reclaim their land and restart income-generating activities, such as farming and grazing.
Women’s contributions to economic and social development, and reconciliation, must be recognized. Women need to be empowered as decision-makers and protected from sexual violence and discrimination.
UNDP in Action
• Led the reconstruction of essential social and economic infrastructure, such as hospitals, electric grids and power plants;
• Supported the Ministry of Environment, which is responsible for mine action since 2008, to plan, coordinate and implement mine action activities in the country; provided training to national mine action staff and facilitated the participation of an Iraqi delegation to the 2008 Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty in Switzerland;
• Worked with the national Judicial Training Institute to train judges, lawyers and prosecutors on, for instance, court procedures and international and human rights;
• Supported the Iraqi Bar association in providing legal assistance specifically geared towards women. Legal aid centers are being established in municipalities, starting in Bagdad, which will include at least half women staff;
• Worked with the Iraq High Elections Commission to develop guidelines on how to interact with the media during the February 2009 provincial elections;
• Conducted electoral public awareness campaigns using all media, including blogs and YouTube videos; and
• Worked with the media to update their code of conduct and define details of accreditation during the February 2009 provincial elections.
 Listen to UNDP staff member discuss Iraq’s provincial elections (streaming audio or mp3)
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