Baghdad: The Planning Ministry discussed with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) support mechanisms for preparing a comprehensive strategy to support minorities in Iraq. According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Planning convened a meeting with UNDP representatives, led by Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs, Hanaa Ismail Al-Asadi, to focus on developing a comprehensive strategy aimed at supporting minorities within the country.

The Ministry’s press release highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard minority rights in Iraq. The meeting addressed the support mechanisms that UNDP can offer to aid the strategy’s formulation. Furthermore, discussions centered around enhancing cooperation and coordination between the Ministry and UNDP to ensure the strategy’s success.

The meeting also reviewed recent visits by the committee responsible for drafting the strategy. These visits included consultations with Christian, Yazidi, and Mandaean community leaders in Iraq to better understand the obstacles they face and to incorporate their feedback into the strategy.

Al-Asadi emphasized the collaborative approach in drafting the strategy, which involves various stakeholders to ensure challenges are addressed and solutions are developed to promote justice and equality. She explained that the committee, formed by Prime Ministerial order, aims to align the strategy with national directives and legal frameworks to foster religious and cultural diversity, which is seen as integral to Iraq’s identity.

The meeting included participation from Judy Wakahio, head of the UNDP’s Social Cohesion Team, along with her delegation and the committee’s rapporteur. The committee comprises representatives from several governmental offices, including the Office of the Prime Minister, multiple ministries, and religious endowment offices, underscoring the comprehensive and inclusive approach to the strategy’s development.