UNDP Iraq’s Post

Bolstering accountability and transparency in Kosovo. In collaboration with BIRN Kosovo, USAID KMI has trained 20 investigative journalists who’ve delivered: 📰 20 insightful articles 📊 20 eye-catching infographics 🎥 20 impactful videos Check out the link: https://lnkd.in/eY7SqzhP #transparency #accountability

Leaders of 14 African countries have evaded term limits in Africa since 2015. Combined with those that have suffered coups or do not have term limits, 30 of Africa’s 54 countries are operating without functioning term limits. Given that countries lacking term limits are linked to higher levels of autocracy, corruption, and conflict, this has direct consequences for African governance outcomes. In the Africa Center for Strategic Studies’ latest Infographic, “Term Limit Evasions and Coups in Africa: Two Sides of the Same Coin,” we examine these linkages, including the greater propensity for coups in countries that have experienced term limit evasions. The relationship between military governments and the circumvention of term limits operates in both directions. Ten of the fourteen leaders who have evaded term limits since 2015 first came to power via a military coup or intervention. https://lnkd.in/gbq_PhFR

Our latest work with UNDP Kosovo, addressing disinformation and misinformation. UNDP Kosovo We are pleased to present the powerful message of Tatjana Lazarević, Editor-in-Chief of the KoSSev portal, on the importance of information integrity. Tatjana highlights the media's essential role in this process. Join us in sharing and supporting the spread of accurate information! Ask, verify, and share accurate information! #UNDPKosovo25Years #IntegrityInformation #TogetherAgainstDisinformation #UNDP #FundingWindows

Iraq's Democracy Ranking Declines in 2023. Iraq's position in the 2023 EIU Democracy Index has fallen to 128, a drop of 4 points, where was 124 in 2022. Iraq's ranking within the MENA region dropped three places, from 10th in 2022 to 13th in 2023. The report indicated public trust in Iraq's democratic government is declining, with surveys indicating a growing belief that it's failing to uphold law and order. This coincides with reports of long-standing mismanagement across all government levels, fueled by corruption and weak institutions, which has also hampered effective policymaking. This concerning trend coincides with reports of restricted freedom of expression and journalist arrests by Iraqi authorities, including the KRG. https://lnkd.in/e6sPvpMt #Iraq #democracy #development #EIU

The conflict in **Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)** has been brutal and complex, with historical and regional reasons. Although there are no simple answers, several steps can be taken to reduce violence and promote peace: 1. ** Armistice agreement **: - Encourage all armed groups to join and comply with the ceasefire agreement. The agreement includes conditions such as cessation of hostilities, disarmament, demilitarization and rehabilitation of combatants²⁵. - International mediators and regional leaders should continue to facilitate discussions and negotiations for lasting peace. 2. **Root Address**: - Address underlying issues causing conflict, such as competition for natural resources, ethnic conflict and political instability. - Improve resource management in balance with economic development in order to reduce the fighting will of armed groups. 3. **Reform of security institutions**: - Strengthen the DRC security forces against armed groups while respecting human rights. - Carry out appropriate training, accountability and monitoring to prevent abuses by security agencies. 4. **Regional cooperation**: - Involvement in neighboring countries, particularly ............... related to history and conflicts. Address issues related to cross-border financing of armed groups. - Collaborate with regional organizations such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to coordinate activities. 5. **Emergency Assistance**: - Provide immediate assistance to people in crisis, including internally displaced persons and refugees. - Do everything possible to help organizations provide assistance and help people. 6. **Justice and responsibility**: - Pursue justice for war crimes and human rights violations committed during the conflict. - Establish accountability mechanisms, including truth and reconciliation processes. 7. **Sustainable development**: - Invest in education, healthcare and infrastructure to improve quality of life and improve security. - Empower local communities to participate in decision-making and peacebuilding. Remember that achieving lasting peace in the DRC requires the sustained efforts of the international community, regional actors and the Congolese people themselves. It's a difficult journey, but every step leads to peace. 🕊️ Source: Interview with Bing-Basekerufite 02/19/2024

#StatecraftInTheNews: Violence against children in conflicts reached unprecedented levels in 2023, with record numbers of fatalities in crises from Israel and the Palestinian territories to Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine, says a new UN report. The UN's annual report on Children in Armed Conflict cites a "shocking 21% increase in grave violations" against children in various conflicts, including in Congo, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Syria. For the first time, the report lists Israeli forces on its blacklist for violations against children's rights, alongside Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants for similar offences. The Israel-Hamas conflict alone saw a 155% increase in grave violations against children due to explosive weapons in populated areas in Gaza, according to the UN report. The report also highlights a 480% increase in grave violations against children in Sudan amid ongoing conflict between rival military factions, with both sides blacklisted for severe violations. In Myanmar, the intensifying civil war led to a 123% increase in grave violations against children, with both the military and multiple armed groups listed for their abuses. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the increasing violations, emphasizing the urgent need for all parties in conflicts to protect children and adhere to international law. Join our WhatsApp channel for exclusive updates. Don't miss out—click the link below to join now! https://lnkd.in/gHG96V9M

#Sudan confronts a spectrum of intricate challenges, nevertheless, amid adversity, its enduring resilience and potential for positive transformation continue to radiate. It is within this context that The HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies, in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa, convened a two-day conference. The objective was to deliberate upon the Sudanese political crisis, analyzing its humanitarian and security implications for both Sudan and the broader Horn of Africa region, while also critically examining potential avenues for effective intervention in the Sudanese Conflict. I had the honor of being part of the conference organizing committee under the leadership of our director, Dr. Hassan Khannenje. Together, we assembled a diverse array of experts, scholars, and practitioners from various institutions, missions, and countries, including Kenya's Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea, Germany, Egypt, and the UAE, among others. The outcome of this conference will be captured in a comprehensive report and a policy brief, which will be made available on our website, https://horninstitute.org/. #SudanConference2023 #TheHORNInstitute IGAD United Nations Razia K. Daniel Iberi Raudhat Saddam Janice Sanya Evans Ombisa Michael Sitawa (Ph.D). Janet Kiguru GLOCEPS _ Grace Musolo Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali Mary Yvonne Ododa Harun Mwadena Muyesi Joanina Karugaba IGAD's Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism Nuur Mohamud Sheekh Susan Natumanya Ayan Nuriye  

EU pledges €2.12 billion in support of the future of Syria and the region, during Brussels Eight Conference At the 8th edition of the Brussels Conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region', the EU pledged €2.12 billion for 2024 and 2025. This assistance will support both Syrians inside Syria and those in neighbouring countries, as well as their host communities in Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. The Ministerial meeting which brought together delegates from EU Member States, Syria's neighbouring countries, other partner countries and donors, and international organisations, including the UN, reiterated the need for a political process in Syria in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2254, and the necessity to mobilise vital financial support to address the most pressing needs of Syrians people and their host communities. 📧 [email protected] 📞 357 25 028114 #KaritzisLegal #cypruslawyers #lawyers #law #lawfirm #cyprus #europe #Eu #support #SyriaCrisis https://karitzis.com/

In recent months, #Cyprus, together with the Government of #Lebanon, has advocated for an EU-Lebanon Migration deal under which financial support will be granted to #Lebanese_security agencies, declaring parts of Syria as safe, and expanding return assistance to #Syria. However, this policy note jointly issued by 11.11.11, Access Center for Human Rights (ACHR), Centre Libanais des Droits de l’Homme (CLDH),PAX, and Upinion, argues against the EU-Lebanon Migration deal, citing the reality of Syria's continued instability and human rights abuses upon return. To read the full Briefing Paper⬇: https://bit.ly/4dsThsv