IRAQI MINISTERS, UN AGENCIES AGREE TO COOPERATE ON STRENGTHENING HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTION AND PROTECTION

Amman, 28 July 2004 (UN) - Iraqi Government representatives and United Nations agencies have agreed to cooperate in designing projects to address past human rights violations and the current situation of human rights in Iraq, as well as to establish or strengthen Iraqi institutions for the protection of human rights.

"It is fundamental that Iraq joins the global family and that the new Interim Government engages in the promotion and protection of human rights", said the country's new Minister of Human Rights, Bakthiar M. Amin, following talks on 26 and 27 July in Amman. Mr. Amin and Iraqi Minister of Justice Malek Dohan Al-Hassan met with representatives of United Nations agencies designing and implementing a strategic plan to strengthen good governance and civil society in Iraq. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) convened the meeting.

Participants discussed the two Ministries' priorities and strategies and explored the support that the United Nations could provide to promote and protect human rights and the rule of law in Iraq. The delegations examined issues ranging from law reform, institution and capacity-building to human rights education.

"The challenges are huge for Iraq and changes will take time”, said Mr. Al-Hassan, “but as Minister of Justice, I will ensure that any judicial reform is conducted within international human rights norms".


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For further information, please contact: Adnan Jarrar, UNAMI at 077619725, Frances Kinnon, UNDP at 079 502 2481