UN Secretary-General's message for the International Day of Peace
United Nations, New York, 21 September 2010 - The International Day of Peace, observed each year on 21 September, is a global call for ceasefire and non-violence. This year, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling on young people around the world to take a stand for peace under the theme, Youth for Peace and Development.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. In 2001, the General Assembly by unanimous vote adopted resolution 55/282, which established 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The UN invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
UNDP Iraq - Interviews from Baghdad on MDGs
Al-Jazeera TV / Inside Iraq: Interview with DSRSG Christine McNab
Iraqis have endured invasion, economic stagnation, wars, sanctions and internal conflict for decades. Today, in the aftermath of the 7-year war in Iraq, citizens lack even the most basic services, leaving many of them feeling helpless, desperate and in utter disbelief that their homeland is still in a state of chaos. The UN, however, is promising to create a better future for the people of Iraq. But will it be able to achieve this and, if so, how?
SRSG Ad Melkert Interview - Al Jazeera 26 June 2010
Iraq's parliamentary elections were held on March 7, 2010 but no political party had managed to earn enough seats to form a government alone, rendering a political alliance a must. However, the country's main politicial rivals have yet to agree on the formation of a new government after months of stalled talks. In an interview to Al Jazeera, Ed Melkert, the United Nation's special envoy to Iraq, said feuding political leaders must settle their differences because the country's political vacuum is threatening security throughout Iraq.
Signing Ceremony of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for Iraq, 11 May 2010.
The United Nations (UN) and Iraqi government signing the first United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for Iraq for the period 2011-2014, marking a new strategic partnership between the funds, programmes and agencies of the UN and the Government of Iraq. The UNDAF has been developed by the United Nations Country Team in partnership with the Government of Iraq and other national partners.
Message of the SRSG, Ad Melkert, on World Press Freedom Day - 3 May 2010
Story on the Iraqi Parliamentary Election, held on 7 March 2010: UNAMI poll watchers and international media visit several polling centers throughout Iraq.
The Independent High Commission for Iraq is working hard for a free and fair election. With the support of the United Nations, IHEC is determined to make March 7th a success for all Iraqis.
Between January 18 and January 31 2010, the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) undertook a comprehensive training program in Erbil to familiarize its staff on polling and counting procedures in preparation for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 March 2010. A total of 360 IHEC staff members throughout the country were enrolled in these training sessions. Upon completion of the training sessions, they acted as trainers and cascaded the training to their colleagues in their respective governorates.
At the National Conference on Integrity and Transparency of the Elections, held on 21 February 2010, IHEC Commissioner Hamdiya Al-Husseini makes a presentation of the administrative & technical preparations to fulfill the Council of Representatives’ election 2010, as well as on the role of the Political Entities in the rational behaviour during election campaigning
IHEC commissioners announcing the start of the Electoral Campaign on 12 February 2010 at a press conference on 6 February, and Baghdad Mayor setting the rules and regulations for the electoral campaigning. IHEC commissioner Hamdiya Alhasani also briefed audience on the Out-Of-Country Voting and the Special Voting, while Baghdad Mayor responded to queries raised by journalist over the measures and plans adopted with the IHEC regarding electoral campaigning
This clip portrays the new Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) Center, with Headquarters in Erbil, in full operation with employees of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) for Iraq, updating information and databases for eligible Iraqi voters who reside outside of the country. OCV will be held in 16 countries: Austria, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Sweden, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the Unites States of America.
On 14 January 2010, the Independent High Electoral Commission for Iraq began training its master trainers on polling and counting procedures for the 2010 Council of Representatives Elections and on putting to use effective methods for delivering replica sessions throughout the country. The clip portrays snippets of the workshop that provided a general overview on how to establish a polling station, how to identify those who are allowed to enter polling stations, in addition to the mechanisms of polling and counting. The training will reach in total up to 300,000 Iraqi polling and counting staff.
On 19 January 2010, and starting with the Baghdad governorate, the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) for Iraq started conducting, in Dubai of the UAE, the process of printing the ballot for the Iraqi National Election, scheduled for 7 March 2010. This clip details the process of printing from the beginning to the end, including the technical aspects involved. A UNAMI graphic design expert was also present to assist with quality control and security compliance.
SRSG Ad Melkert Interview - Al Jazeera 25 Dec 2009
UN Special Representative for Iraq Ad Melkert tells the Security Council that the recent elections offer a new opportunity to strengthen Iraq's sovereignty, but added that challenges remain including the continued violence across Iraq, which so far this year has claimed 2,000 lives and wounded 5,000 civilians.