Chargé d’Affaires meets with the Executive Director of UNICEF

The Chargé d’Affairs of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations in New York, Dr. Abbas Kadhom Obaid, met with the Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ms. Catherine Russell, and Mr. Manuel Fontaine, Special Advisor in the Office of the Executive Director.

The Chargé d’Affaires praised the important role of the United Nations Children’s Fund in supporting children’s rights, praising the joint coordination and cooperation between Iraqi national institutions and the organization’s office in Baghdad on many issues of common interest, including the current country program document, which covers the period 2020-2024, and the new country program 2025. -2029. He pointed out the government measures taken in the field of implementing international obligations and advancing the situation of children in various fields. The Chargé d’Affaires also praised the role of UNICEF in cooperating with the competent authorities to implement the provisions of the action plan signed between Iraq and the United Nations on 30/3/2023, which was completed a few days ago, as well as they discussed the successful visit of Ms. Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, to Iraq at the beginning of this year, where she praised the progress made in implementing the provisions of the action plan.

For her part, Mrs. Catherine Russell praised the achievements made in Iraq related to children and national institutions in the field of education and health, expressing UNICEF’s readiness to continue providing support to Iraq in the field of capacity building.

Mr. Manuel also expressed his thanks to the government of the Republic of Iraq for the fruitful efforts it is making in transporting Iraqi citizens, including children, from Al-Hawl camp in northeastern Syria to Al-Jadaa camp in Iraq, and providing the necessary support to transport them to their areas of residence after their rehabilitation, through national programs and plans, guaranteeing their safe return at the same time.

The Chargé d’Affaires also reviewed some proposals that would enhance children’s rights, in which they were welcomed by Me. Russel. She expressed her willingness to provide support and proposed holding joint coordination meetings regarding these proposals. The meeting was attended by Counseller Firas Hassan Jabbar