Iraq (Washington Insider Magazine) – The United Nations Special Representative for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has urged the country’s political leadership to act swiftly in addressing its long-standing challenges to avoid further instability. Speaking before the UN Security Council, she highlighted the need for systemic reforms, stronger institutions, and better governance to sustain Iraq’s progress.
Key Issues & Challenges:
- Economic Reforms Delayed: Rising public dissatisfaction due to poor service delivery, high unemployment, and systemic corruption.
- Human Rights Concerns: A crackdown on free speech and dissent threatens public trust and Iraq’s democratic progress.
- Baghdad-Erbil Relations: Urgent compromises needed on oil and gas legislation, security, and fiscal policies to strengthen national unity.
- Environmental & humanitarian challenges: Iraq remains one of the most mine-contaminated countries, affecting resettlement efforts for 1.2 million displaced citizens.
- Declining Foreign Aid: Post-COVID-19 global shifts have led to a drop in donor funding, threatening civil society organizations and mine-clearance programs.
Call to Action:
- The Iraqi government must act quickly to capitalize on its current stability and address key political and socio-economic reforms.
- The international community must continue to support Iraq in governance reforms, mine clearance, and humanitarian efforts.
- Civil society organizations require backing to contribute effectively to Iraq’s democratic development.
