18 June 2025
GENEVA - The UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Nicolas Levrat, has postponed his visit to Iraq due to the closure of Iraqi airspace and the unstable security situation in the region.
As announced on 13 June 2025, Levrat was scheduled to visit Iraq from 15 to 23 June 2025 to examine the government’s efforts to address legislation, policies and practices affecting people belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities.
The decision to postpone the visit was made in light of a rapidly escalating situation in the region, which affects air traffic, as well as the safety and feasibility of travel to Iraq and engagement in the field.
Levrat is in contact with the Iraqi authorities and has reiterated his commitment to agree on a mutually acceptable date for a future visit.
The Special Rapporteur extends his appreciation to the Government of Iraq for its cooperation and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and civil society organisations that have contributed to the preparation of the visit.