How UNICEF operates in Iraq
UNICEF works to improve the situation of children in Iraq via the following three pillars of programmatic engagement:
1. National:
-
Strengthen social policies in all sectors relevant to children (ie. health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, protection and an overall social policy)
-
Develop a legal framework to protect children.
-
Institute fiscal reforms to improve and increase the targeting of Government of Iraq budget allocations to Iraq’s most deprived children.
2. Nationwide:
-
Improve social services to children across all of Iraq (eg. immunizations, primary health care, teacher training, reporting on grave child violations, etc.)
3. Area-based programming:
-
Advocate for and implement integrated programmes - in the education, health, water and sanitation, and child protection sectors – to meet the needs of the most deprived children across Iraq.
UNICEF's Office Structure in Iraq
After operating from Amman since 2004 after the bombing of the UN's office at the Canal Hotel on August 19th, 2003, UNICEF relocated its Country Office to Baghdad in April 2009. UNICEF also has South (Basra), Central (Baghdad) and North (Erbil) Zonal Offices, each covering a jurisdication of six governorates
| Office |
Location |
Role |
| Iraq Country Office |
Baghdad |
Country Programme Management, Policy discussion and decision making, Advocacy |
| North Zonal Office |
Erbil |
Management of area-based responses and technical support to government development planning in Dohuk, Erbil, Kirkuk, Ninewa, Salahaddin and Suleymaniyah governorates |
| Center Zonal Office |
Baghdad |
Management of area-based responses and technical support to government development planning in Anbar, Babil, Baghdad, Diyala, Kerbala and Wassit governorates |
| South Zonal Office |
Basra |
Management of area-baed responses and technical support to government development planning in Basra, Missan Muthanna, Najaf, Qadissiya Thi-Qar governorates |
