UNAMI expresses concerns relating to the conviction of journalist Shirwan Shirwani in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq The United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI) is concerned by the decision of the Bnaslawa Misdemeanour Court in Erbil on 19 August 2025 to sentence

UNAMI statement on the developments in Sulaymaniyah The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) expresses its concern over the ongoing developments in Sulaymaniyah Governorate and regrets the loss of life and injuries resulting from the recent clashes. UNAMI calls on

Disturbing footage of detainees being mistreated after their arrest following the recent clashes in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. We reiterate our call for the respect of human rights and due process, including for those taken in custody during these events.

Remarks by Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance | Launch of Iraq’s First National Plan to Promote Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (2025–2030) | United Nations in Iraq

Today, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Claudio Cordone, met with Dr Shahbaa Al Azzawi, Prime Minister’s Advisor on Women’s Affairs, to discuss ways to strengthen the cooperation between the United

Meeting with KRG Minister of State for Minorities Affairs Aydan Maruf today in Erbil. Discussed minorities’ electoral representation as well as human rights issues and cooperation with Baghdad on minorities’ affairs. UNAMI

Met this morning in Erbil with Dr. Khanzad Ahmad, SG of the KRI High Council for Women and Development Dr. Khanzad Ahmad. Discussed ways to enhance women’s and minorities’ participation in elections and cooperation with Iraqi federal institutions and UNAMI.

In Erbil today with UNAMI colleagues discussing the situation of minorities across Iraq with Christian, Bahai, Kakai, Sabian-Mandean and Zoroastrian representatives. Highlighting the importance to remove remaining discrimination and preserve Iraq’s diversity. UNAMI

In Dohuk meeting with Yazda Country Director Riyadh Khairi and colleagues. Still much to do to ensure the safe return of Yazidis to Sinjar, the search and reintegration of missing Yazidis, and combating persistent hate speech against the community. UNAMI

Meeting Yarwant Aminian, Chair of the Administrative Board of the Armenian Orthodox Church in Duhok and former MP in the KRI Parliament, discussing Armenian electoral representation and other issues. UNAMI

Visiting Mir Hazem Tahsin Beg, Emir of the Yazidis, in Shekhan. Discussing historical issues and current human rights concerns relating to the Yazidi community. The UN will continue to follow the situation of the Yazidis beyond UNAMI’s departure. UNAMI

Today in Lalish, Yazidis’ spiritual centre. Supporting coexistence and respect for nature. UNAMI

Visiting the Syriac Orthodox Monastery of Mar Matta (Matthew) in Ninewa Governorate today. Celebrating continuing presence despite massive migration of community members. UNAMI

With Michaeel Najeeb, Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul and Akra, looking at manuscripts saved from Daesh. Discussing history, the preservation of heritage and addressing contemporary challenges. UNAMI

Meeting Archbishop Benedectos Younan Hano of the Syriac Catholic Archidiocesis of Mosul for further discussion on the situation of Christian and other minorities. UNAMI

Visiting father Ra’ed Adel at the al-Bishara Church in Mosul, rebuilt anew after having been destroyed by Daesh. UNAMI

Visiting the beautifully restored Nuri mosque in Mosul. UNAMI

With former mayor of Mosul and representative of the Shabak community Zoheir al-Araji, discussing electoral and other issues. UNAMI

Visiting in Erbil HH Mar Arwa III, Patriarch of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East. Discussing the current situation of Iraqi religious components, including the challenges of continuing migration. UNAMI

Discussing today CoR elections preparations with IHEC Chair Judge Omar Mohammed. Reviewed in particular the process of candidate disqualification and operations in Kirkuk, to enhance public trust. UNAMI المفوضية العليا المستقلة للانتخابات