A year after its formation, the Iraqi government has taken significant initiatives yet its population demands more action.
The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq in a presentation told the Security Council on Tuesday.
During the presentation of the mission’s recent report, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN special envoy for Iraq, informed the ambassadors of major developments since her May briefing.
She emphasized on the actions taken under the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s guidance, such as the new federal budget, finance reforms and introducing a social security law.
While commending the government’s notable efforts, she stated, “At the same time, it is clear that the intricate web of graft and vested interests, built up in Iraq over decades, will not be dismantled overnight.’’
Iraq’s economy is also deeply anchored in oil revenues, and the public sector is “so big that it is simply unsustainable.’’
The UN representative had identified additional threat multipliers, such as climate change and water shortages.
Iraq experienced temperatures surpassing 50 degrees Celsius earlier this summer.
Moreover, drought conditions displaced around 14,000 families in 10 provinces last June, as the International Organisation for Migration reported.
She also discussed the ongoing electoral delays in northern Iraq’s Kurdistan region initially set for October 2022.
However, the parliamentary elections were rescheduled to November and have since been postponed to February.
“We expect all parties to ensure that this new election date will not again fall victim to internal political strife.
“With the current administration in a caretaker capacity, the region’s democratic process must prevail. There is so much at stake,’’ Hennis-Plasschaert said.
