Baghdad, Iraq, 20 June 2021 - The UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNFPA Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Ib Petersen; UNFPA Regional Director for the Arab States, Dr. Luay Shabaneh; and the UNFPA Representative to Iraq, Dr. Rita Columbia, met yesterday with the President of the Republic of Iraq, Mr. Barham Salim, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mohammed al-Halbousi.
During the meeting with President Salim, Mr. Petersen discussed the importance of people-centered and evidence-based population policies to achieve sustainable development, emphasizing the need to conduct the population and housing census for Iraq. He reiterated UNFPA support and advocacy for women’s and youth’s rights and its commitment to work with the government of Iraq, civil society and the international community to empower women and girls through education, especially education related to raising awareness about reproductive rights in order to contribute effectively in the change within their communities.
President Salih called for further investment in youth as agent of change and development in Iraq and in the protection of women from gender-based violence.
During his meeting with Speaker al-Halbousi, Mr. Petersen raised the issue of ending gender-based violence as the foundation of a healthy family and community. He also highlighted the need for further improving legislations and policies related to gender-based violence, including the protection of women and children. The Speaker reaffirmed his support for eliminating all forms of violence in the Iraqi society, especially against women.
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UNFPA delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled.
For more information, please contact:
In Iraq: Salwa Moussa, Communications Specialist, smoussa@unfpa.org - +9647809171035
In Cairo: Samir Aldarabi, Regional Communication Adviser Arab States Regional Office aldarabi@unfpa.org - +201068484879
Baghdad, Iraq, 20 June 2021 - The UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNFPA Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Ib Petersen; UNFPA Regional Director for the Arab States, Dr. Luay Shabaneh; and the UNFPA Representative to Iraq, Dr. Rita Columbia, met yesterday with the President of the Republic of Iraq, Mr. Barham Salim, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mohammed al-Halbousi.
During the meeting with President Salim, Mr. Petersen discussed the importance of people-centered and evidence-based population policies to achieve sustainable development, emphasizing the need to conduct the population and housing census for Iraq. He reiterated UNFPA support and advocacy for women’s and youth’s rights and its commitment to work with the government of Iraq, civil society and the international community to empower women and girls through education, especially education related to raising awareness about reproductive rights in order to contribute effectively in the change within their communities.
President Salih called for further investment in youth as agent of change and development in Iraq and in the protection of women from gender-based violence.
During his meeting with Speaker al-Halbousi, Mr. Petersen raised the issue of ending gender-based violence as the foundation of a healthy family and community. He also highlighted the need for further improving legislations and policies related to gender-based violence, including the protection of women and children. The Speaker reaffirmed his support for eliminating all forms of violence in the Iraqi society, especially against women.
###
UNFPA delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled.
For more information, please contact:
In Iraq: Salwa Moussa, Communications Specialist, smoussa@unfpa.org - +9647809171035
In Cairo: Samir Aldarabi, Regional Communication Adviser Arab States Regional Office aldarabi@unfpa.org - +201068484879
