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Iraq

UN Country Team Iraq Joint Press Release: UN Secretary-General António Guterres launches the Iraq Recovery and Resilience Programme [EN/AR/KU]

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Kuwait City/Baghdad/New York (14 February 2018) - UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched the Iraq Recovery and Resilience Programme today at the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq. The two-year Recovery and Resilience Programme is designed to fast-track the social dimensions of reconstruction and help ensure that people see tangible improvements in their daily lives at the start of the reconstruction process, rather than waiting years to benefit from large-scale infrastructure projects and structural reforms.

"Iraq surmounted an incredible challenge in its defeat of ISIL, but many challenges still remain," said the UN Secretary-General António Guterres. "After the last three days in Kuwait, I feel hope for a new Iraq that is open for business and prepared to face the next challenge of rebuilding communities while reconstructing schools, roads, bridges, hospitals and public infrastructure. A prosperous Iraq will be a pillar for development and stability in the region."

The RRP focuses on urgent priorities - helping people who have suffered the most, revitalizing the areas at the highest risk of return to violence, and advancing broad political participation and inclusive social harmony.

"Reconstruction is not just about rebuilding infrastructure-it's about improving people's lives," said United Nations' Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande.

The RRP includes nine components. Three will be implemented in high priority communities where violent extremism may possibly emerge unless steps are taken to restore community trust, build confidence in the Government and open economic opportunities. Six of the components are national in scope. These components focus on decentralizing basic services, promoting sustainable returns, providing support to survivors, accelerating community reconciliation and expanding political and social participation.

"Together with community and tribal reconciliation, national political settlement and accord, based on the principle of citizenship with equal rights, obligations, justice and opportunities for all, is critically important for a future stable, united and prosperous Iraq," said the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, Ján Kubiš.

The UN is seeking USD 482 million for the first year of the RRP and an additional USD 568 million to help stabilize high-risk areas. Separately, partners are seeking USD 569 million to provide life-saving assistance to 3.4 million highly vulnerable people across Iraq through the 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan.

For more information on the RRP contact: Dawn Blalock Goodwin blalock@un.orgmailto:blalock@un.org
Local phone: +964-773-015-5630 or WhatsApp: +961-76-024-758

Website: www.uniraq.org/rrp