UN to work with NGOs in Iraq
The United Nations has begun co-ordinating efforts between international NGOs and its own aid workers in Iraq.
The UN humanitarian representative for Iraq, Ramiro Lopes da Silva, has held a meeting in Baghdad with 30 organisations to co-ordinate humanitarian operations between them and with the Jay Garner’s Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Affairs (ORHA).
It was only last week that the UN’s international relief staff were able to return to the country after a six-week absence due to the US-led war that led to the fall of Saddam Hussein.
The end of the regime has been widely welcomed, but it has meant that the basic infrastructure in Iraq has collapsed, while the effects of the war have put a strain on hospitals and aid agencies.
16 million Iraqis were reliant on state food aid prior to the war, and their food rations are also expected to run out this month.
Meanwhile the UN has claimed that the oil-for-food programme, which has been extended by the Security Council until next month, is continuing to deliver goods such as water tanks, medical supplies, and school equipment to Iraq via neighbouring ports.
And the process of stabilising the country following the end of the fighting is finally getting underway. There had been violent scenes and widespread looting, particularly in Baghdad, following the demise of the Ba’ath party regime, but now an international peacekeeping force is being created, although it will not operate under the auspices of the UN.
US, British and Polish troops, will each take control of a different sector of Iraq, with the Americans being responsible for the central zone containing Baghdad.
Other countries have also express an interest in helping the coalition forces, although France, Germany and Russia – critics of the war – will not take part.
The lack of UN involvement has caused some concerns, and it is hoped that an interim Iraqi authority – preferably one sanctioned by the United Nations – is put in change of the country as soon as possible.
In the meantime former US state department official Paul Bremer has been appointed as the civil administrator in Iraq, and will oversee the work of retired US general Jay Garner.
