Corona positives .. Is the world turning towards digital payments?

by **claud39** Sat Apr 11, 2020 2:21 pm

Corona positives .. Is the world turning towards digital payments?

11/04/2020

The Economy News - Baghdad

While the Chinese authorities have disposed of banknotes potentially loaded with the Coronavirus, Western countries are lagging behind not only in their response to the epidemic, but also in adopting digital payments.

One of the positive aspects of the crisis in the spread of the Coruna virus is that this may soon change and Western countries depend on digital payments, according to an analysis of three economists at Harvard University and Deutsche Bank via Project Syndicate.

Given that manual exchange of the physical currency can transmit the Corona virus, countries around the world are forced to reconsider the use of cash.

Indeed, Covid 19 may turn into the catalyst that makes digital payment the trend, and it is not surprising that the digital payments industry is already focusing on the opportunities created by the crisis.

For its part, the Chinese government has started to clean and even destroy banknotes to reduce the spread of the virus, at least in the short term.

For example, the South Qianya Morning Post reported that a local branch of the People's Bank of China in Guangdong Province is disposing of funds that may have been traded through high-risk locations such as hospitals and food markets.

Also, fearing importing currencies that might be loaded with the virus from Asia, the Federal Reserve began quarantining and clearing the dollar.

These measures may be justified, keeping in mind that the currency in circulation can be vulnerable to disease transmission.

Studies have found that the influenza virus, for example, can survive and contagious on banknotes for 17 days, so it would not be unreasonable to assume that the circulating currency played a role in the spread of corona as well.

In any case, many countries will consider the option of purifying, isolating and reprinting the currency, and regardless of what they decide, one of the results seems already certain: the virus will accelerate the ongoing shift between the younger population towards digital payments, especially in Asia, specifically in China.

This trend is really strong as, as of the end of 2018, around 73 percent of Internet users in China used online payment services, compared to 18 percent in 2008.

Young people tend to be more open to adopting new technologies, and China and Southeast Asian countries have a much smaller population than Europe and the United States.

Moreover, the Chinese government is actively promoting its online banking infrastructure, while Western countries rarely use a top-down approach to governance, and lag behind Asian economies in adopting digital payments.

There are internal and structural reasons for the slow rate of adoption by Western countries of digital payments. For example, there are no major technical or financial companies operating in this sector in Europe.

As such, European consumers and companies must rely on the services provided by large American companies (Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Paypal) etc.

But given fears about ceding vital sectors in the digital economy to US tech giants, the European Union has taken a slower and more cautious approach, favoring those less turbulent changes in European financial infrastructure.

Cultural customs have also slowed the pace of change in the West. Americans and Western European citizens in particular rely on cash much more than households in Asia.

According to a recent Deutsche Bank survey, a third of respondents to advanced economies consider that cash is their preferred method of payment, and more than half believe that cash will always exist, so it may take some time for these culturally entrenched habits to change without risking negative reactions.

However, the widespread spread of the Corona virus may push the world towards a turning point in how it handles payments.

It is too early to predict changes that may occur, but they are likely to emerge as solutions to specific challenges in different national contexts, payment infrastructures, and demographic groups.

Digital currency versions, such as the electronic krona that Sweden recently announced, are promising examples of what could be planned for the future.

In addition to the influence of Covid19 and the increasing acceptance of non-cash payments in stores, there are other reasons why people want to switch to digital payments. A Deutsche Bank survey found that ease plays an important role in a person’s choice of digital transmission. Digital portfolios are free and readily available .

The use of digital technology can also help track spending and manage budgets, and in terms of security, the transition without cash reduces the chances of being stolen physically.

Certainly, the current crisis has not yet pushed many countries other than China to purify, isolate and reprint their currencies, but Corona could turn into a one-off pandemic in the century that requires different solutions as well.

So the current period is a clear opportunity to start accelerating the inevitable shift towards digital payments.

Source: Mubasher

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=19739

by **claud39** Sun Apr 12, 2020 9:13 am

Culture reveals a 100% decrease in tourism due to Corona

12/04/2020

Economy News _ Baghdad

On Sunday, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities revealed that the country's tourism sector had declined by 100 percent, while the Karbala Hotels Association called for facilitating their procedures for the material losses they suffered as a result of the Corona virus pandemic.

The head of the Tourism Authority of the Ministry, Muhammad al-Ubaidi, said in an interview with the official "Al-Sabah" newspaper, which was read to him by "Al-Iqtisad News". Work is now 100 percent. ”

Al-Ubaidi added, “Religious tourism is the most affected sector, as it recorded nearly seven million during the seasons of religious visits throughout the year, especially during the current period and who would have participated in reviving the popular visit, which takes place annually at this time.”

Al-Obaidi praised “the role of investors in the private sector, because they donated their hotels to suspected cases and made them at the disposal of the crisis cell.” Their hotels and development in the future.

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=19744

by **claud39** Sun Apr 12, 2020 10:02 am

Planning reveals the mechanism for applying for an emergency grant

12/04/2020

The Economy News - Baghdad

The Ministry of Planning revealed the mechanism for applying for an emergency grant to poor families, while warning those who receive a salary from the state against applying for this grant.

"The emergency grant is provided in two phases to poor families who were directly affected by the current conditions represented by the Corona crisis and preventive embargo measures," ministry spokesman Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi said in a statement reported by the official news agency "Waa" and viewed by "Al-Iqtisad News".

He added, "The mechanisms will be accurate and guarantee that only those who are not covered will be able to obtain the grant, as there is a database at the Ministry of Planning regarding employees, retirees and the social protection network."

He pointed out that "about two million families will include this grant, stressing that the government launched the application link on Saturday and will continue until midday next Thursday."

He explained, "The link contains a form to be filled out by the head of the family provided that he undertakes to verify the validity of the data and that it is covered by it. Otherwise, he will present himself to the legal question." The grant will be launched. "

Al-Hindawi pointed out that "the launch of the grant will be via a code sent to the phone and the head of the family will go to the nearest exchange office to receive the grant," warning that "employees, retirees or the social protection network should present this grant because they will be subject to legal question."

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=19747

by **claud39** Sun Apr 12, 2020 10:16 am

The Iraqi government donates one month's salary to the Social Solidarity Account

12/04/2020

The Economy News - Baghdad

"Al-Iqtisad News" obtained a document indicating that the Prime Minister and Ministers, and of the rank of Minister, donated their full salaries for one month to the account of social solidarity.

The document bearing the signature of the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Hamid Al-Ghazi, indicated that the step comes to finance the account that aims to support the segments of society affected by the Coruna epidemic.

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=19749

by **claud39** Sun Apr 12, 2020 10:18 am

Samarra medicines achieved sales of more than 4 billion dinars during the month of March

12/04/2020

Economy News _ Baghdad

The General Company for the manufacture of medicines and medical supplies in Samarra, one of the companies of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals, achieved, on Sunday, a sales value of (4) billion and (408) million dinars during the month of March.

The company's general manager, Abdul Hamid Al-Salem, said in a statement, "Economy News" received a copy of it, that "the company's management was directed to continue in the official working hours (50%) in the interest of the safety of workers and to be able to complete its production program to provide the Ministry of Health and the local market with various medical products." To counter the threat of an outbreak of the Corona virus.

He explained, "The value of the company's sales for the month of March was not up to the level of ambition due to the country's current conditions and the curfew imposed to confront the Corona virus," noting that "the sales were distributed between the Ministry of Health and Marketing through the office of the bell and silver corona."

And Al-Salem stressed that "the company is moving in a correct and accelerated pace according to the plans in place to develop the production process and stimulate the marketing process and increase sales in the coming months."

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=19751

by **claud39** Sun Apr 12, 2020 10:21 am

Communications Minister: New cuts in internet fees and an increase in capacities

12/04/2020

To - COVID-19 Information - Page 3 20102

The Economy News - Baghdad

The Ministry of Communications confirmed, on Sunday, that it is preparing an integrated study to reduce the wages of international Internet capacities, which will be announced soon.

Minister of Communications Naeem Al-Rubaie said in a statement reported by the official news agency "conscious" and reviewed by "Al-Iqtisad News", that "the ministry is preparing an integrated study that will be presented within the next two days to the Supreme Committee for Health and Safety to combat the Corona virus, in order to announce new wage cuts International internet capacities.

He added that "in the current circumstances that the Iraqi people are going through, the citizen who was forced into the home quarantine for his safety from the pandemic of the new Corona epidemic has become in need of an increase in the capacities of the Internet and mobile charging cards, in addition to providing food and health supplies."

He pointed out that "the ministry reduced capacity wages by 25% in the last period."

In another context, he pointed out, "the formation of a joint committee with the Media and Communications Authority, the security services, intelligence and national security and the rest of the security services, to combat the process of smuggling Internet capacities, where a group of smugglers was arrested and referred to the judiciary."

He explained that "the ministry needs the electronic portals project, which should be submitted after the formation of the new government for investment, to prevent smuggling of Internet capacities."

Al-Rubaie stressed that "his ministry has a lot of treatments to improve the speed of the Internet," noting that "a number of studies will be discussed with the private sector to improve the efficiency of the Internet."

The Ministry of Communications announced earlier, an increase in local and international Internet capacities as much as possible, with a price reduction of 25% for local capacities and 50% for international capacities for a period of one month, starting from 3/14/2020 to 4/14/2020, which can be extended according to the current conditions of the country.

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=19752

by **claud39** Sun Apr 12, 2020 12:00 pm

The government launches a grant for families affected by the Corona epidemic and curfews

4/12/2020

To - COVID-19 Information - Page 3 26-03-2020

The National Health and Safety Committee for Combating the Corona Virus Pandemic approved the recommendations of the team concerned with setting up a mechanism to support citizens with limited incomes whose income was interrupted due to the curfew procedures, and according to the recommendations it was decided :

1 Allocating an emergency grant to a family whose family member does not receive any income from the government who were affected by the imposition of a curfew in the amount of thirty thousand dinars per person and with an initial estimate of ten million individuals for a period of only two months .

2 Adopting the mechanism approved by the Ministerial Council of Economy for the purposes of counting beneficiaries and distributing the grant through an application available on mobile phones that is accessible to all .

3 The grant is distributed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs .

4 The Central Bank of Iraq opens an account in the name of (Social Solidarity) in order to finance this project from the government and donors to support the initiative .

5 The Prime Minister and the Ministers and those who are minister-level donated their full salaries for one month and transferred it to the social solidarity account to contribute to this project and opened the door for donating salaries to the other presidencies and members of the House of Representatives .

http://cabinet.iq/ArticleShow.aspx?ID=9547

by **claud39** Sun Apr 12, 2020 12:09 pm

The Crisis Management Team in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers continues to respond to citizens' inquiries and complaints through the hotline (160)

4/12/2020

To - COVID-19 Information - Page 3 Ha1602test

The Crisis Management team in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers continues to respond to citizens' inquiries and complaints, through the toll-free hotline number (160) from eight in the morning until six in the evening, and throughout the week .

The team answered all inquiries through communications related to the exceptional circumstance that the country is going through, by facilitating the tasks of passing the wheels loaded with foodstuffs, vegetables, medicines and treatments, in addition to inquiries related to the grant announced by the Supreme National Safety Committee, and the mechanism for distributing the ration card items. And clarify all paragraphs of decisions issued by the Committee .

The procedures also included coordination of the team with the National Operations Center and service institutions, in order to provide and provide urgent services needed by some areas of Iraq .

The team also conducted two field visits to the control of Al-Laj and Al-Shaab, in order to determine the traffic mechanisms of the wheels loaded with food, vegetables and all medical supplies .

http://cabinet.iq/ArticleShow.aspx?ID=9548

by **claud39** Sun Apr 12, 2020 12:16 pm

Under the guidance of His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance .. The National Retirement Commission begins a campaign to complete pension transactions for those retired

Sunday, April 12, 2020

[url=http://www.mof.gov.iq//Lists/Banner/Attachments/810/logo f.jpg][/url]

Under the guidance of His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Finance Mr. Fuad Hussein, and under the direct supervision of Mr. Ahmed Abdul Jalil Hussein Al-Saadi, the National Retirement Authority launched a campaign to complete pension transactions and organize the retirement IDs of those recently referred to retirement and deliver them to retirees at their residence as a result of the curfew imposed due to a pandemic. Kororna and the ongoing campaign in the Board of Directors of the Commission in Baghdad and its branches in the provinces to serve the esteemed pensioners segment

(Stay in your home and receive your identity)

The National Retirement Authority

4/12/2020

http://www.mof.gov.iq/Pages/MOFBannerHeadlineDetail.aspx?BannerNewsID=810

by **claud39** Sun Apr 12, 2020 12:31 pm

[size=32]The Parliament Crisis Cell headed by Al-Kaabi hosts the Ministry's public health directors and the Rusafa Health Department and its hospitals[/size]

04/12/2020

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During its tenth meeting ..

The Parliamentary Crisis Cell calls for the provision of PCR sample testing devices and testing laboratories to suit the number of injuries and the population density of the Rusafa side
Al-Kaabi warns: The underestimation of preventive measures amid high global injuries is a "grave mistake" .. and social solidarity has contributed greatly to the mitigation of the Corona epidemic
The Crisis Cell headed by Al-Kaabi calls for an increase in field epidemiological survey rounds in the most densely populated areas

Today, Sunday 12 April 2020, Mr. Hassan Karim Al Kaabi, First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, chaired the tenth meeting of the Parliamentary Crisis Cell in charge of confronting the Corona epidemic, in the presence of the cell rapporteur, Dr. Jawad Al Musawi, and the head of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Dr. Haitham Al Jabouri, and a number of cell members.

During the meeting, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Riyad Abdul Amir, and the Director of the Baghdad / Rusafa Health Department, Dr. Abdul Ghani Al-Saadi and the managers of the hospitals in it, hosted to discuss the obstacles and the available medical capabilities and the required needs within the framework of facing the Corona epidemic exclusively and evaluating the situation of medical institutions and supporters in the circumstance The present and the future.

After listening to a detailed presentation from the attendees, the crisis cell demanded from the Prime Minister to give the Rusafa side a speciality commensurate with the size of the population density and the number of injuries therein, and that is by providing PCR sampling devices and additional laboratories to examine the cases in kind and suspects, as well as Expediting the launching of emergency financial allocations, in order to assist the concerned parties in preparing alternative quarantine buildings and equipping them with the requirements required by the private care of the citizen.

The head of the Parliamentary Crisis Cell, Mr. Al-Kaabi, called on the managers of Rusafa to increase the field epidemiological survey rounds in the most densely populated areas and the epidemic, provided that the number of preventive personal protection for medical and health cadres be accompanied by a warning, noting that failure to adhere to the precautionary guidelines and underestimate them, at a time In which the countries of the world and neighboring countries suffer from very high injuries, "a grave mistake", appreciating the contribution of the owners of donations, social solidarity and charitable organizations to alleviate the crisis of Corona significantly by helping the vulnerable families and the owners of daily sustenance and those affected by the current situation.

Information office
of the First Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Representatives
4/12/2020

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To - COVID-19 Information - Page 3 IMG-20200412-WA0017-e1586704029981

http://ar.parliament.iq/2020/04/12/%d8%ae%d9%84%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a7%d8%b2%d9%85%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%86%d9%8a%d8%a7%d8%a8%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d8%a8%d8%b1%d8%a6%d8%a7%d8%b3%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%83%d8%b9%d8%a8%d9%8a-%d8%aa%d8%b3/

by **claud39** Mon Apr 13, 2020 11:24 am

Our economy is beyond Corona

04/13/2020

Samir Al-Nassery

In light of the panic, fear, and reactions that currently pervade the world due to the outbreak of the Corona virus, some of them described the epidemic as the work of evil laboratories by a human act, and some of them described it as a soldier from God Almighty to reform mankind because of the injustice, lack of social justice and the tyranny of man over his brother without a person of religion and belonging And humanity.

What is important for us economists is what are the effects of this epidemic on our national economy after having managed, within a few months, to change the map of global economic growth towards slowdown and rapid decline, especially in the major economic countries and oil-producing countries.
But I describe this epidemic as the Korean cosmic revolution that started from China to conquer the world north and south east and west and did not exclude large or small, and it came with
clear principles for radical and comprehensive change of political, economic, health, societal and technical systems and came to address
A situation of injustice, confusion and chaos that pervades the world in everything.

And that this revolution (storm of change) included us as a country that suffers from accumulated problems due to wrong policies in all areas, most notably in the economic field, in which all the problems of Iraq are concentrated, and without benefiting from this Coronian revolution, our people will continue to suffer for decades to come, especially after the global economic system changes toward focusing on Self-building the ability of states to defend themselves in crises without relying on others for assistance and cooperation, which is the first principle that countries will adopt after Corona, and this was not clear in the countries of the European Union, for example, when Italy became fighting Corona alone Without real cooperation and assistance and fast from the Union.

So what is required of the economic decision-makers in our country after the Corona revolution?

I see, with an insightful analytical view of the economic reality of Iraq, that we urgently need a comprehensive revolutionary change beyond Corona that adopts the following basic axes: -

First - Re-changing the map of

national income resources by reducing dependence on oil as a main resource by activating other resources within the next five years to reach them to 30% and to 50% within the next ten years of total resources.

Second ‐ The radical and comprehensive change of agricultural, industrial, commercial, oil and water policies by adopting local resources in ensuring food security, encouraging, protecting and supporting the local product and developing programs and strategies in consumer protection.

Third ‐ Supporting, developing and motivating the private sector and benefiting from its capabilities, capabilities, capital and investments in building the national economy and involving it in economic decision-making and economic management.

Fourth, to draw clear strategies for coordination between monetary and fiscal policies, and to re-establish the basis for preparing and presenting the general budget in accordance with the post-Corona variables.

Fifthly, developing a new methodology to overcome the challenges of instability in the financial system and the monetary system. This means developing balanced and coordinated plans to overcome the challenges of monetary policy, the challenges of the deficit in non-oil revenue, and the deficit in the balance of payments.

Sixth - rebuilt a new structure for the government apparatus consistent with the assertion of centralized planning and decentralization of implementation, including the adoption of a strict and disciplined market economy system as it is currently practiced in China, according to Iraqi doctrine and experience, especially in economic construction, that depends on the material, natural, economic, and human capabilities of Iraq.

Seventh ‐ Setting the proper basis for the transition to the health system in Iraq in terms of the number of hospitals, the number of beds, the number of doctors and those with health professions, the manufacture of medicines and medical supplies locally, and the development of expertise and attracting Iraqi competencies abroad.

Eighth ‐ Expediting the implementation of the e-government program and coordinating it with the electronic payment system.

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=19765

by **claud39** Mon Apr 13, 2020 1:06 pm

Good morning all !! Just to be sure, and I'm sure you understand how I work !! I try to follow the story of the same subject, like the covid-19 for example, each time we talk about the covid-19 I put it on this post, like when it has to do with parliament, I put the article with the post that I put up for the parliament, if there is something that you would like me to change on my application on the news let me know !!!

Claud (Moose)

The Arab Monetary Fund issues "the economic repercussions of the Corona virus on Arab countries"

13/04/2020

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In the context of the efforts made by the Arab Monetary Fund in the field of research activities to keep abreast of international and regional developments, the Fund prepared a study on "the economic repercussions of the Corona virus on the Arab countries", the study aimed at examining the economic impact of its spread at the international and Arab levels, and highlighting international and regional efforts to overcome its repercussions.

The study examined the impact on the global economy, whose growth is slowing by itself even before the emergence of the Corona virus, as a result of the existing challenges it was facing in the trade tensions between China and the United States of America, and geopolitical risks. In this context, the study touched on the impact of the spread of the virus on global growth, international trade in goods and services, the global oil market, as well as the labor market. Then the study indicated the international efforts made to reduce the spread of the epidemic and the role of governments and central banks in this.

The study also addressed the economic repercussions of the Corona virus on Arab countries, due to the decline in global demand levels on the one hand and the impact of the virus on a number of important productive and service sectors in Arab economies on the other hand.

On the other hand, the study touched on economic policies and precautionary measures adopted by Arab governments to reduce the negative effects of the virus on economic activity. As soon as the World Health Organization declared Corona a global pandemic, Arab countries moved urgently by undertaking a set of precautionary measures and measures at the economic level to stimulate levels of aggregate demand by adopting incentive packages valued at $ 180 billion in value to date (equivalent to 9.5 percent of output Total Arab).

Some Arab countries have resorted to establishing financing funds in which commercial banks and the private sector contribute, while others have resorted to establishing symbiotic funds to limit the spread of the virus, through which they receive donations from their citizens at home and abroad.

On the other hand, the central banks and Arab monetary institutions intensified their interventions to stimulate aggregate demand and mitigate the impact of the supply shock by making interest rate cuts that ranged from 1.5 to 3 percentage points. It also resorted to further facilitating monetary policy through the use of open market operations and reducing the proportion of mandatory statutory reserve, in addition to a number of other measures at the level of macro and prudential policies aimed at reducing the impact on the affected sectors and vulnerable groups.

For its part, the ministries of finance focused on strengthening health sector allocations and supporting social protection networks through several programs targeting small and medium enterprises and workers in the formal private sector. Some of its interventions focused on enhancing capital spending, especially with regard to labor-intensive projects, with the aim of reducing unemployment rates and stimulating the aggregate demand side, in addition to a number of other interventions referred to in the study.

https://uabonline.org/%d8%b5%d9%86%d8%af%d9%88%d9%82-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%86%d9%82%d8%af-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d8%b1%d8%a8%d9%8a-%d9%8a%d9%8f%d8%b5%d8%af%d8%b1-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%aa%d8%af%d8%a7%d8%b9%d9%8a%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%a7%d9%84/

by **claud39** Mon Apr 13, 2020 1:12 pm

THE ARAB MONETARY FUND PUBLISHES A STUDY ENTITLED "THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW CORONA VIRUS COVID-19 ON ARAB COUNTRIES"

2020-04-13

Economic stimulus packages in the Arab countries are estimated at 9.5 percent of GDP

The majority of Arab countries have made cuts in interest rates by between 1.5 to 3 percentage points, in addition to other interventions at the level of total monetary and precautionary policy to stimulate economic activity

Central banks and Arab monetary institutions provided extensive incentives and banking facilities, with priority given to small and medium-sized companies

Arab finance ministries focus their interventions on supporting social protection networks

And increase health spending

The spread of the new Corona virus has repercussions for a number of economic sectors that contribute about 60 per cent of GDP, chiefly tourism and transportation.

In the context of the efforts made by the Arab Monetary Fund in the field of research activities to keep abreast of international and regional developments, the Fund prepared a study on "the economic repercussions of the Corona virus on Arab countries." The study aimed at examining the economic impact of its spread at the international and Arab levels, and highlighting international and regional efforts to overcome its repercussions.

The study examined the impact on the global economy, whose growth is slowing by itself even before the emergence of the Corona virus, as a result of the existing challenges it was facing in the trade tensions between China and the United States of America, and geopolitical risks. In this context, the study touched on the impact of the spread of the virus on global growth, international trade in goods and services, the global oil market, as well as the labor market. Then the study indicated the international efforts made to reduce the spread of the epidemic and the role of governments and central banks in this.

The study also addressed the economic repercussions of the Corona virus on Arab countries, due to the decline in global demand levels on the one hand and the impact of the virus on a number of important productive and service sectors in Arab economies on the other hand.

On the other hand, the study touched on economic policies and precautionary measures adopted by Arab governments to reduce the negative effects of the virus on economic activity. As soon as the World Health Organization declared Corona a global pandemic, Arab countries moved urgently by undertaking a set of precautionary measures and measures at the economic level to stimulate levels of aggregate demand by adopting incentive packages valued at $ 180 billion in value to date (equivalent to 9.5 percent of output Total Arab).

Some Arab countries have resorted to establishing financing funds in which commercial banks and the private sector contribute, while others have resorted to establishing symbiotic funds to limit the spread of the virus, through which they receive donations from their citizens at home and abroad.

On the other hand, the central banks and Arab monetary institutions intensified their interventions to stimulate aggregate demand and mitigate the impact of the supply shock by making interest rate cuts that ranged from 1.5 to 3 percentage points. It also resorted to further facilitating monetary policy through the use of open market operations and reducing the proportion of mandatory statutory reserve, in addition to a number of other measures at the level of macro and prudential policies aimed at reducing the impact on the affected sectors and vulnerable groups.

For its part, the ministries of finance focused on strengthening health sector allocations and supporting social protection networks through several programs targeting small and medium enterprises and workers in the formal private sector. Some of its interventions focused on enhancing capital spending, especially with regard to labor-intensive projects, with the aim of reducing unemployment rates and stimulating the aggregate demand side, in addition to a number of other interventions referred to in the study.

The full version of the study is available at this link

https://www.amf.org.ae/ar/content/CoVid-19-consq-arb-cntr

/[term]/[language]/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA %D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9 %D9%84%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3 %D9%83%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7 %D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8F%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%AF %D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89 %D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84 %D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9.pdf]https://www.amf.org.ae/sites/default/files/research_and_publications/%5Bvocab%5D/%5Bterm%5D/%5Blanguage%5D/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9%20%D9%84%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3%20%D9%83%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8F%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%AF%20%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9.pdf

https://www.amf.org.ae/ar/content/%D8%B5%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%82%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D9%8F%D8%B5%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3-%D9%83%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%AFcovid-19-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89

by **claud39** Mon Apr 13, 2020 1:20 pm

In order to ensure that they reach their beneficiaries and that they continue to support them, the Minister of Planning announces the approval of the facilitating mechanisms for the emergency grant affected by the Corona pandemic.

2020-04-12

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The Minister of Planning, Dr. Nuri Sabah Al-Dulaimi, announced today, Sunday, the approval of all the facilitating procedures for the emergency grant affected by the emerging Corona Virus pandemic, and the continuation of the support provided to them until the end of the crisis, indicating the formation of special committees that will take over the process of checking and disbursing according to rapid mechanisms to ensure that they reach their beneficiaries.

Dr. Nuri Al-Dulaimi emphasized, during his chairmanship of the Committee to address the economic repercussions due to the spread of the Corona virus, which emanates from the Supreme Committee for Health and National Safety, that the approved mechanisms will enable the covered families to obtain the grant easily through the exchange offices and agents of mobile phone companies spread throughout Iraq, after The electronic submission of the grant expired on Thursday 16-04-2020, through the official website ( =AT2SIPgXKagG-FE2TOI7Eu19BMWHeiNZ72o7xbDUw4DbSvoRQ6x2gjwKXts7MdJXsYp91T6mGwoJhj4tGK_pcOLti6Lmq5HqZAjmXGtDROTEFKCRBOnrUxPQMLEtwLV9eXlvZ6u0fsoYZ6fJJfJMyHYAkOUsDE6pvXf6sczeUxSsBWoZRDKgim1NdQWBKMg]https://minha.iq ), pointing to the creation of a special account for the grant in the Iraqi Central Bank in the amount of 600 billion dinars.

While the Minister pointed out the creation of a new account with the Central Bank of Iraq in the name of (Social Solidarity Account) for the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to finance the project to support citizens with low incomes with the numbers (70111) in the Iraqi dinar and (60111) in dollars, where it will be possible to donate through these two accounts From any bank account inside or outside Iraq.

While the Minister of Planning called on all covered citizens to read the audit form carefully and accurately record the information to ensure that they obtained the grant, stressing the unification of all national efforts to alleviate the crisis and support teams facing the virus, praising all societal initiatives that showed the most wonderful images of sacrifice and altruism that have long been known Iraqis.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Dr. Bassem Abdel-Zaman, and both the Chairman of the Board of Advisors, Dr. Abdul Karim Al-Ansari, and the Adviser to the Prime Minister, Kazem Al-Hassani, and representatives of the Central Bank.

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https://mop.gov.iq/activities_minister/view/details?id=1094

by **claud39** Mon Apr 13, 2020 1:23 pm

How to apply for a government grant for families affected by the Corona epidemic and curfew

4/13/2020

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How to apply for a government grant for families affected by the Corona epidemic and curfew

For details, click [size=11]here[/size]

http://cabinet.iq/ArticleShow.aspx?ID=9549

by **claud39** Tue Apr 14, 2020 7:52 am

Covid-19: Iraq produces urgently needed laboratory materials for testing suspected cases

Apr 14, 2020

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The Covid-19 Crisis Cell at Basra University in southern Iraq, with the support of the the World Health Organization (WHO), successfully manufactured essential laboratory materials used in testing suspected cases of Covid-19.

The material, virus transport medium (VTM), is a gel-like substance used to preserve nasal swab specimens while they are being transported to laboratories.

Dr. Saad Shahin, President of Basra University, described what has been accomplished as “the result of a collective effort between Basra University, the World Health Organization and other colleges such as Al-Zahra Medical College, College of Pharmacy, College of Science and College of Agriculture, all in Basra Province.”

The laboratory materials produced at the University of Basra in addition to the RT-PCR sets provided by the World Health Organization, helped facilitate the screening of thousands of suspected cases in southern Iraq.

“The bottleneck to contain and reduce the spread of Covid-19 in Iraq has been the shortage of supplies and equipment needed to collect and transport samples,” says Dr. Adham Ismail, the World Health Organization Representative in Iraq.

“For this, WHO and Basra University have coordinated efforts to produce the essential laboratory products needed to test suspected cases, and together, we set the overall goal for supplying the quantities needed countrywide,” he added.

According to the WHO office in Iraq, as of 1 April, the University manufacturing team produced more than 1620 VTMs, in addition to 3200 nasal swabs. These were delivered to health directorates in Iraq’s Basra, Muthana, Karbala, and Wasit provinces.

The Basra Crisis Cell has also announced other response measures, including an online application for Covid-19 self-reporting.
Disinfectants and sterilization material, including hand-rub gel, have also been produced locally with support from WHO and the Government of Iraq.

For the latest Covid-19 updates, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/MOH.GOV.IQ/

https://gds.gov.iq/covid-19-iraq-produces-urgently-needed-laboratory-materials-for-testing-suspected-cases/

by **claud39** Tue Apr 14, 2020 2:02 pm

Rafidain Bank decides to postpone the payment of private sector loans for two months

04/14/2020

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Economy News _ Baghdad

The Rafidain Bank decided, on Tuesday, to postpone the payment of borrowers' installments by two months.

The media office of the bank said in a statement seen by "The Economy News", that "in light of the health crisis that Iraq is exposed to due to the outbreak of the Corona virus and a contribution from the bank towards its valued customers and a sense of professional and social responsibility in this exceptional sensitive circumstance, especially the private sector owners, being the most affected category As a result of their business interruptions, it has been decided to postpone the deduction of private sector loans for a period of two months, starting from 1/3/2020 until 4/4/2020.

She added, "The loans covered by postponement are

1 - construction loans

2 - loans with protection / employees / citizens

3 - auto loans / employees / citizens

4 - small projects

loans 5 - artists

loans 6 - loans financing scientific research

7 - Karrada explosion loans

8- Shorja Fire Loans

9- Commercial Loans.

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=19789

by **claud39** Tue Apr 14, 2020 6:14 pm

The central bank issues a new directive to all of Iraq’s banks

04/14/2020

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Shafaq News / On Tuesday, the Central Bank of Iraq directed all banks to meet customer requests throughout the week, after the crisis cell decision, with the exception of all banks from the curfew decision.

It stated in a document issued by the bank and directed to approved banks obtained by Shafak News, that "based on what was included in the decisions of the crisis cell formed according to Diwaniya Order No. (55) for the year 2020 installed in paragraph (1) of the Ministry of Health book / Minister's office numbered (422) On 3/24/2020, which excluded all bank employees from the decision to ban roaming, and in order to maintain the permanence and smoothness of work, the following are attributed to the following:

Direct your banks to meet the demands of customers for all days of the week, taking into account the preventive measures issued by the official authorities to limit the spread of the epidemic (Corona).

https://www.shafaaq.com/ar/%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%AA%D8%B5%D9%80%D8%A7%D8%AF/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D9%83-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%B2%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%B5%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%8A%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A7-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%A9/

by **claud39** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:06 am

The Ministerial Council for Economy decides to wait to enter into new contractual obligations

04/15/2020

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The Economy News - Baghdad

"Economy News" publishes, a document that includes a decision of the Ministerial Council of Economy stipulating "the delay in entering into new contractual obligations for ongoing investment projects until they are submitted to the Ministry of Planning and the Ministerial Council of Economy to take into account their achievement in light of the financial crisis."

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=19803

by **claud39** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:07 am

Trade declares supplying agents with 4 million flour bags during the ban period

04/15/2020

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The Economy News - Baghdad

The Ministry of Commerce announced, on Wednesday, that it has supplied agents with 4 million flour bags since the imposition of a curfew to confront the Corona pandemic.

"The figure includes the amount of flour processed within the third portion," said Riyad Fakher Al Hashemi, general manager of the company affiliated to the Ministry of Commerce, in a statement seen by Al-Iqtisad News.

He added that "government mills produced one million bags of them, as well as the completion of grain milling, which was received by the working mills from the silos of the grain trade company to produce the third share of the flour allocated for the benefit of the ration card."

Al-Hashemi pointed out that "coordination with the grain trade company affiliated to the ministry is in order to provide the necessary quantities, and to obtain exceptions for the freedom of movement of workers in mills, in addition to the wheels of flour transport, and to facilitate the process of reaching the agents."

He pointed to "the intensification of the inspection tours carried out by the company's control teams on mills and agents for supervision and follow-up, in conjunction with the production and distribution process, as these teams review the production stages, and withdraw the forms for the purposes of laboratory testing."

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=19804

by **claud39** Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:12 am

[size=36]United Nations Secretary-General's video message on COVID-19 and Misinformation[/size]

Wednesday, 15 April 2020

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New York, 14 April 2020
As the world fights the deadly COVID-19 pandemic – the most challenging crisis we have faced since the Second World War – we are also seeing another epidemic, a dangerous epidemic of misinformation.

Around the world, people are scared. They want to know what to do and where to turn for advice.

This is a time for science and solidarity.

Yet the global ‘misinfo-demic’ is spreading.

Harmful health advice and snake-oil solutions are proliferating.

Falsehoods are filling the airwaves.

Wild conspiracy theories are infecting the Internet.

Hatred is going viral, stigmatizing and vilifying people and groups.

The world must unite against this disease, too.

The vaccine is trust.

First, trust in science.

I salute the journalists and others fact-checking the mountain of misleading stories and social media posts.

Social media companies must do more to root out hate and harmful assertions about COVID-19.

Second, trust in institutions — grounded in responsive, responsible, evidence-based governance and leadership.

And trust in each other. Mutual respect and upholding human rights must be our compass in navigating this crisis.

Together, let’s reject the lies and nonsense out there.

Today, I am announcing a new United Nations communications response initiative to flood the internet with facts and science while countering the growing scourge of misinformation, a poison that is putting even more lives at risk.

With common cause for common sense and facts, we can defeat COVID-19 -- and build a healthier, more equitable, just and resilient world.

Thank you.

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12148:united-nations-secretary-general-s-video-message-on-covid-19-and-misinformation&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Thu Apr 16, 2020 1:34 pm

The Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers reviews the work mechanism of the Crisis Management Team and answers complaints and inquiries of a number of citizens

4/16/2020

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Today, Thursday, the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Hamid Naeem Al-Ghazi, briefed on the mechanism of the crisis management team, through receiving complaints and inquiries from citizens, and immediate and direct coordination with the National Operations Center, ministries, governorates, and relevant authorities .

The Secretary-General responded to the inquiries and complaints of a number of citizens, through the team's hotline, to the number (160), where he interacted with communications by communicating with a number of ministers, governors, and security leaders, to follow up on their implementation immediately, according to the powers and directions issued by the Supreme Committee For national safety, and the crisis cell that was formed in accordance with Diwaniya Order No. 55 of 2020 .

He also directed the necessity to abide by the directions issued regarding facilitating the passage of wheels loaded with food, vegetables, medical and therapeutic materials, sterilizers and fertilizers .

Al-Ghazi praised the exceptional efforts made by the team in providing the services available to citizens, in light of the exceptional circumstances the country is going through, stressing the need to deal with communications in all seriousness .

Government Information and Communication Office

4/16/2020

http://cabinet.iq/ArticleShow.aspx?ID=9551

by **claud39** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:57 am

[size=36]"Protect our children" By António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations[/size]

Friday, 17 April 2020

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16 April 2020 As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe, we are seeing an alarming pattern.

The poorest and most vulnerable members of society are being hardest hit, both by the pandemic and the response.

I am especially concerned about the well-being of the world’s children.

Thankfully, children have so far been largely spared from the most severe symptoms of the disease.
But their lives are being totally upended.

I appeal to families everywhere, and leaders at all levels: protect our children.

Today we are launching a report that highlights the risks they face.

First, education.

Almost all students are now out of school.

Some schools are offering distance learning, but this is not available to all.

Children in countries with slow and expensive Internet services are severely disadvantaged.

Second, food.

A staggering 310 million schoolchildren – nearly half of the world’s total – rely on school for a regular source of daily nutrition.

Even before Covid-19 the world faced unacceptable rates of childhood malnutrition and stunting.

We must act now on each of these threats to our children. Leaders must do everything in their power to cushion the impact of the pandemic.

Third, safety.

With children out of school, their communities in lockdown and a global recession biting deeper, family stress levels are rising.

Children are both victims and witnesses of domestic violence and abuse.

With schools closed, an important early warning mechanism is missing.

There is also a danger that girls will drop out of school, leading to an increase in teenage pregnancies.

And we must not ignore the growing risks children are facing from online violence, abuse and exploitation.
Social media companies have a special responsibility to protect the vulnerable.

Fourth, health.

Reduced household income will force poor families to cut back on essential health and food expenditures, particularly affecting children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Polio vaccination campaigns have been suspended.

Measles immunization campaigns have stopped in at least 23 countries.

And as health services become overwhelmed, sick children are less able to access care.

With the global recession gathering pace, there could be hundreds of thousands additional child deaths in 2020.

These are just some of the findings of the report we are issuing today.

Its conclusion is clear.

Let us protect our children and safeguard their well-being.

We must act now on each of these threats to our children.

Leaders must do everything in their power to cushion the impact of the pandemic.

What started as a public health emergency has snowballed into a formidable test for the global promise to leave no one behind.

The report urges governments and donors to prioritize education for all children.
It recommends they provide economic assistance, including cash transfers, to low-income families and minimize disruptions to social and healthcare services for children.

We must also prioritize the most vulnerable – children in conflict situations; child refugees and displaced persons; children living with disabilities.

Finally, we must commit to building back better by using the recovery from COVID-19 to pursue all the Sustainable Development Goals.

With the pandemic placing so many of the world’s children in jeopardy, I reiterate my urgent appeal: let us protect our children and safeguard their well-being.

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12163:protect-our-children-by-antonio-guterres-secretary-general-of-the-united-nations&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:59 am

[size=36]UNHCR hygiene cash assistance to help refugees and internally displaced people in Iraq to combat COVID-19[/size]

Friday, 17 April 2020

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Baghdad, Iraq | 17 April 2020 As the global pandemic continues, refugee, internally displaced (IDP) and returnee communities are at a higher risk due to their difficult living conditions.

To mitigate these risks, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, decided to help over 110,000 vulnerable families (over 550,000 people) from the refugee, internally displaced, and returnee communities in Iraq by providing them with cash so that they can purchase basic hygiene items to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“During these difficult times, we must support those who were forced to flee their homes. Like all of us, they are worried for their families and for themselves, but they don’t have the necessary means to protect themselves.

Cash will help them buy basic hygiene items, which is an essential preventive measure.” said Philippa Candler, Acting Representative of UNHCR in Iraq.

The cash distribution started on 15 April in Basirma refugee camp and will continue to cover all refugees and IDPs living in camps as well as vulnerable refugees, IDPs, and returnee families living in urban areas.

In cooperation with partners, distribution is carried out through door-to-door visits, thus ensuring social-distancing and avoiding any crowding that would put the camp residents at risk. UNHCR field staff are part of the distribution team, providing counseling to refugees, IDPs, and returnees.

More than ever, additional resources are vital to prevent the spread of the virus in Iraq and to ensure that existing humanitarian programmes, on which the lives and welfare of millions of people depend, continue.

UNHCR in Iraq is urgently appealing for $26 million to scale-up its activities in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This scale-up aims to ensure that vulnerable refugee, IDP and returnee families have access to basic hygiene items in addition to conducting essential activities including health promotion and awareness-raising, provision of medical equipment, training of health workers, strengthening health care services and disinfection activities in camps and support early detection of positive cases.

[FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:]

Firas Al-Khateeb, Spokesman and Communication Officer
Baghdad, Iraq
+964 780 918 9700
khateeb@unhcr.org

Shaza Shekfeh, Associate Communication Officer
Erbil, Iraq
+964 770 494 6384
shekfehs@unhcr.org

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12161:unhcr-hygiene-cash-assistance-to-help-refugees-and-internally-displaced-people-in-iraq-to-combat-covid-19&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Fri Apr 17, 2020 2:18 pm

[size=36]Debris-recycling initiative seeks to bolster return of displaced in Iraq, amidst growing risks of COVID-19 outbreak[/size]

Friday, 17 April 2020

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17 April 2020 With support from the Government of Japan, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is joining forces with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to launch an innovative debris-recycling project that will help displaced persons in Kirkuk Governorate, northern Iraq, return to their homes.

“With almost 10,000 destroyed houses in Kirkuk Governorate, our priority is to enable [displaced persons] to return and rebuild their demolished homes,” said Ali Humadi, Kirkuk’s Assistant Governor for Technical Affairs.

The plight of the approximately 1.4 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Iraq has taken on a new urgency, as they are widely recognized to be some of the most vulnerable communities to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“The impact of the epidemic is exacerbated by the conditions in which the displaced live,” said Dr. Jassim Hamadi, Deputy Health and Environment Minister. “Their cramped living circumstances, both in formal camps and densely populated informal settlements, and difficulty in accessing basic services – especially healthcare – makes them extremely vulnerable to the spread of the virus.”

Emphasizing that “the presence of huge volumes of debris on peoples’ properties is the main obstacle preventing the return of at least 80 per cent of cases”, Ali Humadi welcomed sustainable solutions to the debris problem and the redoubling of efforts to facilitate returns given the ongoing public health emergency.

Kirkuk authorities estimate that from 2014 to 2017, around 8-9 million tonnes of debris were created during the conflict with so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Around two-thirds of this debris consists of concrete, blocks and stones that can be recycled, while the rest is mudbricks. A major challenge in handling this debris stems from the potential presence of unexploded ordnance.

Meanwhile, life is slowly picking-up in some of Kirkuk’s 135 destroyed villages. “It’s a citizen-led effort,” said Ibrahim Khalaf, a prominent community member from Buwaiter, a village that was razed to the ground in June 2015.

Buwaiter is one of many villages along the front lines separating militants from the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in southern Kirkuk from Kurdish Peshmerga forces in the north. This large belt of land, that stretches over 65 kilometres and divides Kirkuk Governorate in half, was until recently a no man’s land emptied of its inhabitants as entire villages were levelled flat.

“People are trying to do what they can to rebuild their homes with their meager resources,” Khalaf said. He further asserted that “that just removing the debris from one house can cost around 2.5 million Iraqi dinars (USD 2,000).” This amount is well beyond the means of many families affected by the conflict, and around half of Buwaiter’s nearly 1,000 inhabitants are unable to return as a result.

IOM Iraq estimates that there are still around 60,000 IDPs in Kirkuk.

“The most important thing now is to clear all this debris, and if possible, help people reconstruct their homes,” Khalaf noted.

“We are at a loss for what to do with all this debris,” said Hassan Nassif, the head of Multaqa sub-district whose 35 villages, including Buwaiter, were wiped out during the conflict. He went on to decry “the chaotic dumping of debris in seasonal wadis and despoiling of agricultural land, which will surely create problems for the future”.

By practically demonstrating the potential for debris recycling through this pilot project, UNEP aims to apply a circular vision to the debris problem, transforming it into part of the solution in partnership with IOM. This includes not only facilitating safe returns, but also generating livelihood opportunities through Cash for Work activities, carrying out more cost-effective reconstruction by reusing crushed rubble, and better environmental management.

The project is being implemented in close collaboration with the Kirkuk authorities and the Ministry of Health and Environment, and benefits from valuable facilitation support from the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

“Crushing the rubble is a pragmatic and straightforward answer, offering a ray of hope in dealing with our massive challenges, including creating jobs for displaced youth,” Nassif added. “We stand ready to support this initiative and look forward to expanding this recycling approach in Multaqa and Kirkuk.”

H.E. Hashimoto Naofumi, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, said: , “Japan has recently decided to provide a new assistance package for Iraq amounting to USD 41 million including this project as assistance for debris recycling in Kirkuk Governorate.

With this package, the total amount of Japan’s assistance to the people affected by the crisis reaches USD 540 million since 2014”.

He went on to say, “Japan is pleased to invest in addressing this overlooked debris problem and support a sustainable return process that integrates the humanitarian, reconstruction and environmental angles of the question.”

As part of this one-year project, which starts this month, UNEP also plans to work closely with Kirkuk Governorate’s recently created Debris Working Group and the Environment Ministry to strengthen their capacity to develop and apply optimal debris management plans.

For more information, please contact:
Hassan Partow, UNEP Programme Manager, hassan.partow@un.org

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12167:debris-recycling-initiative-seeks-to-bolster-return-of-displaced-in-iraq-amidst-growing-risks-of-covid-19-outbreak&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Fri Apr 17, 2020 4:41 pm

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Iraq

Iraq has been hit by two shocks—the spread of COVID-19 and the sharp decline in oil prices. The number of COVID-19 cases stands at 1,232 as of April 9 with 69 fatalities. The authorities have implemented a range of measures to limit the spread of the virus encompassing closing borders, travel restrictions (including on international flights and internal public transportation), closing schools and universities, and a nationwide lockdown and curfew since March 22.

Key Policy Responses as of April 16, 2020

FISCAL

To support the Ministry of Health's efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Bank of Iraq has established a fund to collect donations from financial institutions with initial donations of $20 million from the CBI itself and $5 million from the Trade Bank of Iraq. The Supreme Committee for Health and National Safety is introducing a cash transfer scheme, targeting workers in the private sector that do not receive salaries or benefits from the government. Each eligible individual is expected to receive 30,000 dinars each month, with an expected cost of around 600 billion dinars over 2 months.

MONETARY AND MACRO-FINANCIAL

The Central Bank has announced a moratorium on interest and principal payments by small and medium-sized enterprises through its directed lending initiative (the “one trillion ID” initiative), and encouraged banks to extend maturities of all loans as they deem appropriate. The Central Bank also encouraged the use of electronic payments to contain the transmission of the virus, and instructed vendors to eliminate commissions on such payments for the next six months.

EXCHANGE RATE AND BALANCE OF PAYMENTS

No measures.

https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#I

by **claud39** Sun Apr 19, 2020 1:55 pm

[size=36]WHO hands-over urgent in-kind supplies to Ministry of Health of Kurdistan Iraq to support fighting COVID 19[/size]

Sunday, 19 April 2020

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Erbil, Iraq, 19 April 2020: The World Health Organization (WHO) handed over an urgent COVID 19 response consignment of in-kind medical supplies and equipment to the Ministry of Health of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG-I).

The 7-truck consignment is worth US$426,732 and it included 151 pallets of medical supplies, and hospital consumables, in addition to 46 pallets of renewable and supplementary items of the Inter-agency Emergency Health Kit (IEHK) sufficient for a population of approximately 200,000 persons for a minimum duration of three months.

The consignment also included, three ICU ventilators and monitors along with personal protective equipment and virus transportation medium, all of which, comes in timely to support the MoH efforts in fighting and containing COVID-19 in KRG-I.

“WHO is very concerned about the health of the Iraqi people and will continue to provide the technical and logistical support required for protecting the health staff of both Central and Regional ministries as well as the citizens all over Iraq,” said Dr. Adham Ismail, WHO Representative in Iraq.

The urgent shipment of supplies was thanked by health officials in the KRG-I. “We appreciate WHO support to the Ministry of Health of Kurdistan Region of Iraq; it will certainly assist in equipping our national health staff who are working hard to contain COVID 19 in the Region,” said Dr. Saman H. Barzangy, Minister of Health of KRG-Iraq.

The in-kind consignment is meant to support COVID 19 response activities implemented by the directorates of health of KRG-I. It further included a shipment of 30 hospital beds sent to Sulaymaniyah prior to the hand over due to the urgency of the request.

As of 18 April, the health authorities in KR-I reported 337 COVID 19 confirmed cases with 4 associated deaths and 244 recoveries.

WHO would like to thank Kuwait and USAID for their generous contribution which assisted in funding this COVID 19 protection and treatment consignment.

# # #
For further information, please contact:
- Ajyal Sultany, WHO Communications Officer, +964 7740 892 878, sultanya@who.int
- Baraa Shabaa, WHO Communications Officer, shabaab@who.int

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12172:who-hands-over-urgent-in-kind-supplies-to-ministry-of-health-of-kurdistan-iraq-to-support-fighting-covid-19&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Sun Apr 19, 2020 2:43 pm

The NGO department in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers marks a significant increase in the implementation of civil campaigns to counter the Corona pandemic

4/19/2020

The Department of Non-Governmental Organizations in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers indicated a noticeable increase in the response of civil society organizations to the initiative of the department regarding launching campaigns to assist needy families during the period of the curfew .

The report prepared by the NGO Department confirmed a clear increase in relief campaigns, as the department recorded in the third week of the initiative the participation of (496) organizations, implemented (1801) campaigns, and included more than (708) thousand beneficiaries in the country's governorates in general .

It is noted that the total number of campaigns in the first week reached (639) and rose to (1422) in its second week, while it reached in the third week (1801) campaigns .

The Secretary General of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Hamid Al-Ghazi, directed the necessity of investing the resources of NGOs to assist citizens in facing the crisis caused by Corona virus, and organizing and counting the campaigns carried out by the organizations .

As a result, the NGO Department called on all civil society organizations to participate and support the community with the available capabilities with the department's willingness to provide support for these campaigns, provided that the work does not contradict the instructions of the government crisis cell formed under the National Order No. 55 of 2020 .

To view the detailed report, follow the link below :

http://www.ngoao.gov.iq/uploads/DOC/ngo7_13.pdf

http://cabinet.iq/ArticleShow.aspx?ID=9556

by **claud39** Sun Apr 19, 2020 2:48 pm

The Supreme Committee for Combating the Corona Virus Pandemic: Facilitating the movement of vehicles and trucks of investment companies operating in Iraq

4/19/2020

The National Health and Safety Committee decided to combat the Coruna virus pandemic

In its fourth session held on April 15th, approval of facilitating the movement of vehicles and trucks of investment companies operating in Iraq at night, which transport construction materials and building materials necessary for investment projects

In coordination with the National Operations Center in the Prime Minister's Office, provided that the companies are followed

The aforementioned means global safety to keep workers from spreading Corona virus.

http://cabinet.iq/ArticleShow.aspx?ID=9554

by **claud39** Sun Apr 19, 2020 2:50 pm

The National Health and Safety Committee excludes a number of trade owners in Baghdad and the governorates to receive the local wheat crop from farmers

4/19/2020

The National Committee for Health and Safety of the National Anti-Corona Virus Corona agreed, at its fourth session held on 15/4/2020, to exclude the representatives of the Ministry of Trade, general managers and employees of the general grain trade companies in Baghdad Governorate and all governorates from the procedures for imposing a curfew, for the purpose of receiving the local wheat crop Peasants and farmers serve the public interest.

http://cabinet.iq/ArticleShow.aspx?ID=9555

by **claud39** Sun Apr 19, 2020 2:52 pm

The Higher Committee for Combating the Corona Virus Pandemic, launches three mobile medical units from Umm Qasr Central Port

4/19/2020

The Supreme Committee for Health and Safety of the National Committee to Combat the Corona Virus Pandemic has decided to launch three mobile medical units from Umm Qasr Middle Port.

In the text of the aforementioned decision, it agreed to launch three mobile medical units donated from the Kuwait Red Crescent Society to the Iraqi Red Crescent Society, which is seized in the port of Umm Qasr Middle in Basra Governorate as
humanitarian aid, because of the urgent need for them to provide free health services to the most vulnerable groups under The conditions of the Coruna virus epidemic.

http://cabinet.iq/ArticleShow.aspx?ID=9553

by **claud39** Sun Apr 19, 2020 2:54 pm

The Supreme Committee for Combating the Corona Virus Pandemics: Completion of Mission Transactions located at the Zurbatia border outlet (exclusively)

4/19/2020

The National Committee for Health and Safety of the National Anti-Corruption Virus decided, at its fourth session, held on April 15, to complete the transactions of the consignments located inside the Zurbatiya border crossing (exclusively) and release them from the port, because it was late due to the failure to complete its customs transactions and the results of the examination, provided that those goods are subject to procedures The necessary customs and health.

http://cabinet.iq/ArticleShow.aspx?ID=9552

by **claud39** Sun Apr 19, 2020 3:01 pm

[size=32]The Chairman of the Human Rights Committee calls on the Commission for Human Rights to follow up the work of the Crisis Cell in the governorates[/size]

04/19/2020
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The Chairman of the Human Rights Committee, Deputy Arshad Al-Salhi, called for the Human Rights Commission to follow up on the work of the Corona epidemic crisis cell in all governorates through its offices, monitor violations if any, and follow up on the work of governors to provide housing and health status for returnees from outside Iraq.

The Chairman of the Committee also called on the governors to fruitful cooperation and facilitate the crossing of citizens between the governorates according to health safety instructions.

Media Department,
Parliament
19/4/2020

http://ar.parliament.iq/2020/04/19/%d8%b1%d8%a6%d9%8a%d8%b3-%d9%84%d8%ac%d9%86%d8%a9-%d8%ad%d9%82%d9%88%d9%82-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a7%d9%86%d8%b3%d8%a7%d9%86-%d9%8a%d8%af%d8%b9%d9%88-%d9%85%d9%81%d9%88%d8%b6%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d8%ad%d9%82%d9%88/

by **claud39** Sun Apr 19, 2020 3:03 pm

[size=32]Al-Haddad confirms that the epidemiological situation of Corona virus in the Kurdistan Region is under control, and appreciates the efforts of MSF in assisting Iraq.[/size]

04/19/2020

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The Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Dr. Bashir Khalil Al-Haddad, emphasized the epidemiological situation and field assessment in the provinces of the Kurdistan Region in relation to the Corona Virus that it is under the control of the efforts of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the crisis cell and the application of firm preventive measures, and the commitment of the citizens of the region to the issued health instructions and instructions, and we hope to reach levels Above, His Excellency’s speech came during his attendance of the Parliamentary Crisis Cell meeting that was held today Sunday 19/4/2020 in the council building headed by Mr. Hassan Al-Kaabi and the presence of members of the Crisis Cell and hosting a delegation from MSF to discuss and discuss the implications of Of Corona on the level of Iraq.

On the other hand, Al-Haddad appreciated the continuous efforts of MSF in supporting Iraq by providing health assistance and supporting medical cadres, providing the necessary supplies and needs and implementing training and development programs and laboratory research, with the need to rehabilitate and develop health centers to accommodate the injured, indicating his sovereignty the importance of monitoring the epidemic and its scientific evaluation , And the necessity of cooperation and coordination with international organizations to implement the necessary precautions in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization to prevent the risk of an outbreak of corona virus.

Media office of the Vice-President of the Iraqi Council of Representatives
Sunday 19 April 2020

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http://ar.parliament.iq/2020/04/19/%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ad%d8%af%d8%a7%d8%af-%d9%8a%d8%a4%d9%83%d8%af-%d8%a3%d9%86-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ad%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%88%d8%a8%d8%a7%d8%a6%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%84%d9%81%d8%a7%d9%8a%d8%b1%d9%88/

by **claud39** Sun Apr 19, 2020 3:06 pm

[size=32]The Parliamentary Crisis Cell headed by Al-Kaabi hosts Doctors Without Borders to discuss ways to enhance its programs and projects during the Corona crisis[/size]

04/19/2020

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During its eleventh meeting ..
The Crisis Cell stresses the need to facilitate the work of all international humanitarian and medical organizations inside Iraq
The Parliamentary Crisis Cell, headed by Mr. Hassan Karim Al Kaabi, First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, held today 11 April 2020 its 11th meeting in the presence of Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mr. Bashir Haddad, Chairman of the Committee for Security and Defense Mr. Mohamed Reda Al Haidar, Chairman of the Finance Committee Dr. Haitham Al-Jubouri, and Mr. The cell course D Jawad Al-Mousawi and all its members

During the meeting, the head of the MSF mission in Iraq, Mr. Shawkat Mottaki, and the head of the MSF mission in France, Mrs. Joanilla François, were hosted to discuss ways to enhance its role and implement its medical and drug projects, programs and plans for patients, and training for doctors, as well as advisory aspects provided during the Corona pandemic crisis in Iraq.

Al-Kaabi stressed the necessity of facilitating the work of all international humanitarian and medical organizations inside Iraq and maintaining high coordination between them and the relevant authorities, especially with regard to logistical support and overcoming all obstacles to the work of these organizations inside Iraq, especially during this period, appreciating the voluntary and awareness efforts of MSF cadres and the continuation of their activities Relief and prevention in a number of hospitals in the country, calling for a greater role during this crisis by providing modern training programs that would raise the capabilities of the Iraqi medical and health staff in managing the Corona pandemic crisis and developing their capabilities in the preventive aspects to ensure Infection in hospital and hospital staff.

The cell discussed a number of proposals that were highlighted and the most prominent challenges and problems facing the organization's work inside Iraq, the most prominent of which is the lack of human cadres due to their presence outside Iraq and the difficulty of their arrival during the current circumstance. To provide preventive supplies to protect the medical, health and nursing staff in the country's hospitals.

Media office of the
First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives
4/19/2020

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http://ar.parliament.iq/2020/04/19/%d8%ae%d9%84%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a7%d8%b2%d9%85%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%86%d9%8a%d8%a7%d8%a8%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d8%a8%d8%b1%d8%a6%d8%a7%d8%b3%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%83%d8%b9%d8%a8%d9%8a-%d8%aa%d8%b3-2/

by **claud39** Sun Apr 19, 2020 3:08 pm

[size=32]Representative Dalia Selifani calls for coordination between the federal government and the region to limit the spread of the Coronavirus[/size]

04/19/2020

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On Saturday 4/18/2020, Deputy Dalia Farhad Al-Slayfani called for coordination and the importance of continuing the joint cooperation between the Crisis Cell in the Kurdistan Region, the Parliamentary Crisis Cell and the Crisis Cell in the Federal Government, supporting health measures and preventive precautions to prevent the outbreak of Corona virus and ensuring health services

Al-Silfani stressed the necessity of delivering food aid and aid to the villages, sub-districts and districts of the provinces of the region and providing treatment for the injured according to the recommendations issued by the World Health Organization.

http://ar.parliament.iq/2020/04/19/%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%86%d8%a7%d8%a6%d8%a8%d8%a9-%d8%af%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%8a%d8%a7-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b3%d9%84%d9%8a%da%a4%d8%a7%d9%86%d9%8a-%d8%aa%d8%af%d8%b9%d9%88-%d9%84%d9%84%d8%aa%d9%86%d8%b3%d9%8a%d9%82/

by **claud39** Thu Apr 23, 2020 10:12 am

[size=32]Guidance for a safe Ramadan in the context of Covid-19[/size]

23 Apr 2020

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[/size]

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidance for “safe Ramadan practices in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic”, as Iraq’s Crisis Cell stressed the need for all to continue to observe the nationwide curfew, practice physical distancing and follow official health advice on mitigation and prevention during the holy month of Ramadan.

Guidance for a safe Ramadan includes the following advice:

Practice physical distancing by strictly maintaining a distance of at least 1 metre (3 feet) between people at all times
Practice safe, distant greetings
Eat a variety of fresh and unprocessed foods
Drink plenty of water between iftar and suhoor
Smoking is ill-advised under any circumstances, especially during Ramadan and the Covid-19 pandemic

Iraq’s Crisis Cell said that all Iraqis must continue to strictly observe the nationwide curfew announced by the Higher Committee for Health and National Safety between 7 pm and 6 am from Sunday to Thursday, and for 24 hours a day from Friday to Saturday each week.

The Crisis Cell underscored the importance of fully adhering to prevention guidelines, including observing physical distancing rules as the transmission of Covid-19 is facilitated by close contact between people, and urged Iraqis to stay home and to go out only when it is absolutely necessary.

For the latest Covid-19 updates, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/MOH.GOV.IQ/

https://gds.gov.iq/guidance-for-a-safe-ramadan-in-the-context-of-covid-19/

by **claud39** Thu Apr 23, 2020 10:20 am

[size=36]Belgium and Italy support WFP’s assistance to displaced families and refugees in Iraq[/size]

Wednesday, 22 April 2020

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BAGHDAD –The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes two generous contributions from the Governments of Belgium and Italy of €1 million each (US$1.1 million) to assist internally displaced people (IDPs) and Syrian refugees in Iraq.

“The vulnerable situation of IDPs and refugees in Iraq is now further exacerbated by COVID-19. Italy remains committed to supporting WFP in its work to reach affected communities, helping people meet their food needs. Particularly in the current context, where many people have lost day jobs or cannot work, food assistance remains vital,” said the Italian Ambassador to Iraq Bruno Pasquino.

Both contributions – committed pre-COVID-19 crisis – will enable WFP to distribute monthly cash-based transfers through electronic vouchers (“e-vouchers”) and “mobile money,” to 81,300 of the most vulnerable IDPs and Syrian refugees – who had to flee their homes and still live in camps. Cash assistance gives people the freedom to buy the food of their choice and at the same time sustains demand in local shops boosting the local economy, which is being badly affected by COVID-19.

Restrictions imposed to face COVID-19 in the country have pushed food prices higher while at the same time people’s incomes diminished as they are unable to work. WFP is seeking US$31.9 million to help meet the increased needs of families affected by COVID-19.

“By addressing the food needs and assisting communities in strengthening their coping mechanisms, WFP plays a significant role in a number of countries and as such, is a key partner of Belgian humanitarian aid,” said Ambassador of Belgium to Jordan and Iraq Filip Vanden Bulcke. “We are keen to support a comprehensive Food Security system in Iraq through our multiyear and flexible funding to WFP, to respond to people in need of humanitarian food assistance.”

“As people’s needs grow in the current context, WFP extends its gratitude to the Governments of Belgium and Italy for such strong and enduring partnerships,” said WFP Representative in Iraq Abdirahman Meygag. “These funds are helping us ensure that the most vulnerable IDPs and Syrian refugees have enough to eat and prevent them from spiraling into hunger and poverty during this very difficult time.”

Despite the retaking of areas that had been occupied by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), 1.4 million people continue to be displaced, hampered from returning to their homes due to severe damage, a lack of basic services and security issues. Due to violence in neighboring Syria, Iraq continues to host around 247,500 Syrian refugees.

For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org):
Sharon Rapose, WFP/Baghdad, Tel. +964 780 915 0962
Islam Anbagi, WFP/Baghdad, Tel. +964 780 915 0989

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12186:belgium-and-italy-support-wfp-s-assistance-to-displaced-families-and-refugees-in-iraq&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Thu Apr 23, 2020 10:23 am

[size=36]THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: HUMAN RIGHTS AND COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY[/size]

Thursday, 23 April 2020

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The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency — but it is far more.

It is an economic crisis. A social crisis. And a human crisis that is fast becoming a human rights crisis.
In February, I launched a Call to Action to put human dignity and the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the core of our work.

As I said then, human rights cannot be an afterthought in times of crisis — and we now face the biggest international crisis in generations.

Today, I am releasing a report highlighting how human rights can and must guide COVID-19 response and recovery.

The message is clear: People — and their rights — must be front and centre.

A human rights lens puts everyone in the picture and ensures that no one is left behind.

Human rights responses can help beat the pandemic, putting a focus on the imperative of healthcare for everyone.

But they also serve as an essential warning system — highlighting who is suffering most, why, and what can be done about it.

We have seen how the virus does not discriminate, but its impacts do — exposing deep weaknesses in the delivery of public services and structural inequalities that impede access to them. We must make sure they are properly addressed in the response.

We see the disproportionate effects on certain communities, the rise of hate speech, the targeting of vulnerable groups, and the risks of heavy-handed security responses undermining the health response.

Against the background of rising ethno-nationalism, populism, authoritarianism and a pushback against human rights in some countries, the crisis can provide a pretext to adopt repressive measures for purposes unrelated to the pandemic.

This is unacceptable.

More than ever, governments must be transparent, responsive and accountable. Civic space and press freedom are critical. Civil society organizations and the private sector have essential roles to play.
And in all we do, let’s never forget: The threat is the virus, not people.

We must ensure that any emergency measures — including states of emergency — are legal, proportionate, necessary and non-discriminatory, have a specific focus and duration, and take the least intrusive approach possible to protect public health.

The best response is one that responds proportionately to immediate threats while protecting human rights and the rule of law.

Looking ahead, we need to build back better. The Sustainable Development Goals — which are underpinned by human rights — provide the framework for more inclusive and sustainable economies and societies.
Strengthening economic and social rights bolsters resilience for the long haul.

The recovery must also respect the rights of future generations, enhancing climate action aiming at carbon neutrality by 2050 and protecting biodiversity.

We are all in this together.

The virus threatens everyone. Human rights uplift everyone.

By respecting human rights in this time of crisis, we will build more effective and inclusive solutions for the emergency of today and the recovery for tomorrow.

Thank you.

Video message: www.webtv.un.org
Policy Brief attached & posted here: https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12192:the-secretary-general-we-are-all-in-this-together-human-rights-and-covid-19-response-and-recovery&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Thu Apr 23, 2020 10:26 am

[size=36]Hard fought gains in immunization coverage at risk without critical health services, warns WHO[/size]

Thursday, 23 April 2020

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23 April 2020 Geneva Shutting down immunization services in the COVID-19 pandemic risks triggering a resurgence of diseases that can be prevented with safe and effective vaccines, warns WHO in the lead-up to World Immunization Week (24-30 April).

When immunization services are disrupted, even for brief periods during emergencies, the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, such as measles and polio, increase. Last year’s deadly measles outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which took more than 6000 lives in a country already facing its largest Ebola outbreak, highlights the importance of maintaining essential health services, such as immunization in times of emergency. Further disease outbreaks will also overwhelm health systems already battling the impacts of COVID-19.

“Disease outbreaks must not remain a threat when we have safe and effective vaccines to protect us,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “While the world strives to develop a new vaccine for COVID-19 at record speed, we must not risk losing the fight to protect everyone, everywhere against vaccine-preventable diseases. These diseases will come roaring back if we do not vaccinate.”

WHO is working with partners all over the world to accelerate research and development of a safe and effective vaccine and ensure equitable access for the billions of people who will need it.

But even with an expedited process, development of a vaccine for COVID-19 will take time. Precautionary measures are essential now to help keep us safe from disease, including diseases for which vaccines already protect children and adults.

Too many people are still excluded from the benefits of vaccines
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world had made immense progress in ensuring that children are vaccinated. In 2018, 86 percent of children under the age of five globally were vaccinated with three doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP3) and one dose of the measles vaccine, up from 72 percent in 2000 and 20 percent in 1980. The number of children paralyzed by polio has been reduced by 99.9 percent worldwide.

Yet, global vaccination coverage is still far from the 95 per cent coverage needed to fully protect communities against outbreaks of this vaccine-preventable disease.

In 2018 nearly 20 million children worldwide – more than 1 in 10 – missed out on lifesaving vaccines, such as measles, diphtheria and tetanus. Roughly, 13 million of the children have never received any vaccines, putting them and their communities at risk of disease and death. The majority of these children live in countries with already fragile health systems, further limiting their access to essential health services when they fall sick.

Measles continues to remain an ever-present threat, especially if vaccination rates drops. Current projections indicate that as many as 800 000 people may have been infected with the disease in 2019. In 2020 there are increasing concerns about another resurgence, especially if vaccination rates fall due to delay or suspension of scheduled immunization activities as a result of COVID-19.

Outbreaks of polio, diphtheria and yellow fever are also of high concern, especially in the countries least able to respond quickly and decisively to address an emerging outbreak, as seen in previous emergencies such as the polio outbreak in Syria in 2013.

Maintaining immunization services during COVID-19
As the response to COVID-19 continues, countries must act now protect immunization services, in order to further minimize disease outbreaks and loss of life. This includes, facilitating urgent catch up programmes in places where services have been disrupted, ensuring strong supply chains, disease surveillance and trained health workers. Caregivers should also make sure they continue to vaccinate their children in line with national policies.

New WHO guidelines on immunization and COVID-19 recommend that governments temporarily pause preventive immunization campaigns where there is no active outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. But it urges countries prioritize the continuation of routine immunization of children in essential service delivery, as well as adult vaccinations such as influenza for groups most at risk. If immunization services must be suspended, urgent catch-up vaccinations should be rescheduled as soon as possible, prioritizing those most at risk.

Media Contacts

Fadela Chaib
Communications Officer and Spokesperson, WHO
Telephone: +41 22 791 3228
Mobile: +41 79 475 5556
Email: chaibf@who.int

Diane Abad-Vergara
Communications Officer, WHO
Mobile: +41 79 200 5878
Email: abadvergarad@who.int

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12190:hard-fought-gains-in-immunization-coverage-at-risk-without-critical-health-services-warns-who&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Sat May 02, 2020 11:05 am

In the era of Corona ... billionaires are getting richer as workers struggle

02/05/2020

The Economy News - Baghdad

The United States is suffering from a horrific epidemic, but while the Corona virus itself is random, there is great variation in those affected by the economic consequences.

Columbia University researchers predict that poverty rates in the United States can soon reach their highest levels in half a century.

However, a report by the Institute for Policy Studies indicates that the wealth of US billionaires increased by nearly 10 percent over just three weeks, with the crisis of "Covid-19" continuing.

In short, extreme inequality in wealth is a "pre-existing situation in the United States", and in the absence of ambitious public measures and policies aimed at reversing inequality, a recovery from the epidemic will increase inequality in income, wealth, and opportunities, according to an analytical view of C.C. NBC Business by Chuck Collins.

We've seen this happen before, in the recovery from the 2008 economic meltdown that for most Americans has never been completed.

Indeed, most American families have entered this pandemic with long-term economic shock since the collapse of 2008 with the fact that only 20 percent of the wealthiest households have fully recovered before the Great Depression.

By contrast, the Forbes 400 "richest billionaire in the United States shows that they have fully recovered their wealth within three years, and their fortunes within a decade increased by more than 80 percent.

Today, we see this pattern now repeating in a shockingly short period of time.

Indeed, the combined wealth of American billionaires is higher than it was a year ago, according to the CNBC Business study.

At least eight of these billionaires added another $ 1 billion to their fortunes during the epidemic.

Among the epidemic beneficiaries are Eric Yuan, CEO of Zoom, and Steve Palmer, former CEO of Microsoft, who owns Skype and Thames, as both Yuan and Palmer benefit from the surge in video conferencing.

But no one like Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos, whose fortune has seen a $ 25 billion increase since January 1, has benefited as customers rely heavily on online shopping, ordering groceries, and broadcasting from the American company’s services while staying at home.

This increase in wealth for one individual - greater than the GDP of Honduras - is unprecedented in the recent history of the markets.

In short, while most Americans are headed for a recession worse than the decade-long crash, few billionaires are set to benefit from government support more than ordinary people.

To illustrate, the extraordinary wealth of billionaires gives them an unusual impact on the political process, which they have used to cut tax bills spectacularly over the past few decades.

And the taxes paid by American billionaires, if measured by a percentage of their wealth, decreased by 79 percent between 1980 and 2018.

Given all this, it is not surprising that political reactions in times of crisis tend to reflect the priorities of the rich first.

In 2008, the administration bailed out Wall Street banks, but not homeowners and small businesses.

This time, in a $ 2.2 trillion stimulus package passed by Congress, ordinary families received a one-time check of $ 1,200.

However, people earning more than $ 1 million can get an average tax profit of $ 1.6 million, according to an analysis released by two members of Congress, so things shouldn't be this way.

Instead, Congress should design incentive laws to put more money in the hands of ordinary people.

A six-month, comprehensive basic income of $ 1,500 per adult, for families with an income of less than $ 70,000 annually, reduces economic stress and need and strengthens troubled communities.

Money distributed to workers is also more likely to be spent quickly, as people flock to groceries, gas stations and other local businesses to meet their immediate needs.

On the contrary, bailouts to rich and large giants may end up spending on stock repurchases or transferring them abroad instead.

To help pay for recovery costs, Congress should impose a 10 percent surcharge on incomes above $ 2 million, which will save about $ 635 billion over the next ten years, according to the Center for Tax Policy, and other measures should include wealth tax and an upward inheritance tax .

At the same time, it must monitor strong profits and unexpected gains by ensuring strong congressional oversight of the stimulus funds already passed and taxing excess profits, as happened during times of war.

Finally, frontline workers who deliver parcels, groceries, meals, and care for those staying at home deserve health care coverage, decent wages, workplace rights, and protection, whether their wealth or health.

Severe inequality may be a pre-existing situation in the United States, but with the right measures now, this pandemic can emerge on the path to a more equitable society.

Source: Mubasher

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=20098

by **claud39** Mon May 04, 2020 10:34 am

The Minister of Health sets the date for working with the matrimonial and individual system of vehicles

04/05/2020

Economy News - Baghdad:

The Minister of Health, Head of the Crisis Cell Jaafar Allawi, announced the date of implementation of the decision to work with the marital and individual vehicles system to reduce the crowds resulting from the partial ban .

Allawi said in the interview program that will be presented on Tuesday on Al-Iraqiya news channel, and followed by "Al-Iqtisad News" that the crisis cell has submitted recommendations to the National Health and Safety Committee, including reducing the partial curfew that was applied last week, while the recommendation to work on the marital system will be applied And individual traffic for the next two days . "

He pointed out that the return to the implementation of the comprehensive ban is linked to the increase in the number of infections with the Coronavirus if recorded, stressing that the increase is expected but can be controlled due to the presence of medical centers and proactive examination .

Allawi had confirmed earlier that "the general health situation is still under evaluation through the ongoing meetings of the crisis cell, where there will be decisions, including the marital and individual system ."

He explained, "Iraq today is one of the least affected countries according to the World Health Organization, and it is better than America, Britain and other countries - even Arab - with the numbers of patients who have recovered and the deceased as well." Back home . "

http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=20120

by **claud39** Tue May 05, 2020 1:59 pm

[size=36]Celebrating midwives, unsung heroes on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis[/size]

Tuesday, 05 May 2020

To - COVID-19 Information - Page 3 UNofficiallogosmall

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on the International Day of the Midwife, 5 May 2020

As the world battles COVID-19, women continue to get pregnant and babies are still being born. Childbirth doesn't stop for pandemics, and neither do midwives. They are working tirelessly on the front line in maternity wards, health centres and women's homes around the world, risking their own lives and wellbeing to save the lives of women and newborns.

In many countries hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis, midwives are dying due to lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and overall lack of support. Midwives in many health facilities are being redeployed to respond to the virus, and this leaves women without access to life-saving, time-critical services. Maternal and newborn health must be prioritized as part of the overall health sector response to the pandemic.

UNFPA applauds the work of all midwives, and we pledge to stand by them, working with national governments to protect midwives from COVID-19.

Midwives are the backbone of maternal health systems – delivering babies and much more. This crisis is an opportunity for all of us to do more to support midwives’ efforts to uphold the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all women, everywhere.

In countries where these rights and choices are questioned or under threat, midwives speak up about preventable maternal deaths and lack of access to family planning. They sound the alarm on gender-based violence and harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage. They drive progress towards gender equality.

Midwives stand by women when they are most vulnerable. They fight daily to defend a woman’s human right to go through pregnancy and childbirth safely, even as they themselves often face discrimination, sexual harassment and unequal pay. These challenges are now being exacerbated by the fear and uncertainty over COVID-19.

Traditionally, midwives have played a vital role in responding to pandemics. With national health systems in many countries totally overwhelmed, midwives are demonstrating their courage and resilience by continuing to support childbearing women in the toughest of circumstances.

UNFPA is supporting midwives on the front lines of the COVID-19 response worldwide by providing supplies and personal protective equipment; building the capacity of health systems so maternity services don't get left behind; and ensuring that pregnant and breastfeeding women – including those under quarantine – get the care they need when they need it.

Now more than ever, we must take action to recognize midwives as steadfast champions for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. Here are three ways YOU can do your part to make this happen in 2020, the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife:

1. Demonstrate your support by acknowledging and informing others of midwives’ crucial role in reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Without midwives, many more women and babies will die from preventable causes during childbirth amid the pandemic.

2. Celebrate the achievements of midwives and their contribution to improving sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health. Make them feel proud as frontline health workers responding to COVID-19.

3. Motivate policymakers to implement change by lobbying for midwives to be recognized as unique professionals and provided with adequate resources. Demand investments in midwifery and honour their contribution to maternal and newborn health.

Let’s unite for and with midwives to prioritize and protect women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, even in these difficult times.

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12265:celebrating-midwives-unsung-heroes-on-the-front-lines-of-the-covid-19-crisis&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Mon May 11, 2020 10:13 am

[size=36]UNHCR welcomes the Government of Japan’s contribution towards COVID-19 responses in Iraq[/size]

Monday, 11 May 2020

To - COVID-19 Information - Page 3 UNofficiallogosmall

Baghdad, Iraq 11 May 2020: UNHCR welcomes the new contribution of USD 1.5 Million from the Government of Japan towards the response to COVID-19 for internally displaced persons, returnees and refugees in Iraq.

The new funding comes at a critical time when many communities, especially the most vulnerable, have been affected due to COVID-19 restrictions. This funding is supporting timely awareness-raising campaigns on the transmission and prevention of COVID-19 in addressing the needs of vulnerable displaced families, as well as ensuring access to basic hygiene items and protective gear for medical staff in primary health centres and authorities at border points. Also, through this generous contribution UNHCR is supporting the Directorate of Health in Duhok and Erbil governorates to provide training on case definition and detection and management of suspected cases of COVID-19.

The Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, His Excellency Mr. HASHIMOTO Naofumi stated “Given that COVID-19 is raging across the world, it is crucial for the international community to make concerted efforts, and I hope that the Japan’s assistance through UNHCR would help prevent further spread of COVID-19 in Iraq.” He added “Under such challenging circumstances, I wish to engage in and strengthen a close cooperation with the new Government of Iraq in a wide range of issues”.

The UNHCR Acting Representative in Iraq, Ms. Philippa Candler, commented, "during this global crisis, we have been all affected. The effect on vulnerable communities is even more acute. This generous and timely contribution will assist in our efforts in the response of COVID-19. Ensuring the health of communities is part and parcel of protection."

In response to the current situation, UNHCR has established procedures to continue providing services and maintain presence in the field. Under the current context, most basic services continue to function in camps and in areas with a high density of displaced populations. UNHCR also adapted its work modalities to ensure assistance continues to be delivered remotely including legal counselling, protection monitoring among other activities while respecting social distancing.

In response to the COVID-19 global humanitarian appeal, Japan has generously donated USD 23.9 million to urgently assist displaced communities around the world.

The Government of Japan has been one of UNHCR's largest donors and supporters of many years.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Firas Al-Khateeb, Spokesman and Communication Officer
Baghdad, Iraq +964 780 918 9700 khateeb@unhcr.org
Shaza Shekfeh, Associate Communication Officer
Erbil, Iraq +964 770 494 6384 shekfehs@unhcr.org
Rasheed Rasheed, Senior Communications Associate
Dohuk, Iraq +964 750 713 0014 rasheedr@unhcr.org

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12302:unhcr-welcomes-the-government-of-japan-s-contribution-towards-covid-19-responses-in-iraq&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Wed May 13, 2020 10:31 am

[size=36]Support for Marginalized Groups Crucial in COVID-19 Response: IOM Iraq[/size]

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

To - COVID-19 Information - Page 3 UNofficiallogosmall

Baghdad — The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the increase in cases of COVID-19 in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Iraq, is of particular and great concern. 2,818 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 110 deaths had been reported in Iraq by 11 May 2020.

Socially disadvantaged and marginalized populations are disproportionately affected by ill-health. WHO states that “certain populations, such as those with disability, may be impacted more significantly by COVID-19”. When these individuals are members of the large Internally Displaced Person (IDP), refugee, returnee and migrant communities in Iraq that already face challenges accessing health care and relevant information, the impact is even more acute.

On 12 May, the Iraqi Alliance of Disability Organizations (IADO) distributed packages containing hand sanitizer, face masks, gloves and soap to members of the alliance with disabilities living in and around Baghdad. The packages were destined for individuals who have difficulties accessing these items, that are essential for protecting against and slowing the spread of COVID-19. The items were provided to IADO by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as an in-kind donation.

“Through cycles of conflict and economic hardship in Iraq, people with disabilities have faced acute challenges,” said IOM Iraq Chief of Mission Gerard Waite. “The needs of people with disabilities must be fully considered across our projects and programming, including our COVID-19 response plan in support of vulnerable host communities, IDPs, returnees, migrants and refugees.”

“During this pandemic, the suffering of people with disabilities has multiplied due to isolation; hiatus of many service institutions; and limited transportation options,” said Mowafaq Al Khafajy, Head of IADO. “There should be a plan to respond to the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and to psychological crises. Hotlines must be set up to help people with disabilities and awareness campaigns should be done in sign language too.”

IADO is the national umbrella organization of Disabled Peoples Organizations in Iraq. They are currently running the “Campaign against Corona”, which advocates to government and other local authorities to ensure people with disabilities are not left out of the COVID-19 response. IADO is also sharing awareness messages with its members using videos and live streaming, including videos in Iraqi sign language.

The hygiene items were funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the project “Supporting Social Cohesion through Reintegration, Revitalization and Stabilization Support in Iraq”.

For more information please contact IOM Iraq’s Public Information Unit, Tel: +964 751 402 2811, Email: iraqpublicinfo@iom.int

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12320:support-for-marginalized-groups-crucial-in-covid-19-response-iom-iraq&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Thu May 14, 2020 10:40 am

[size=36]Safety at home, an illusion for far too many women in Iraq (OHCHR)[/size]

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

To - COVID-19 Information - Page 3 UNofficiallogosmall

13 May 2020 “Women in Iraq face several additional challenges right now,” says Danielle Bell, Head of UN Human Rights in Iraq. “The restrictive measures adopted to fight COVID-19 in Iraq heighten the risk of domestic violence, whilst at the same time substantially reducing the ability of victims to report abuse and seek effective shelter, support and access to justice.”

As COVID-19 sweeps the globe, in many countries it is often women who bear the brunt of the crisis. Taking on the lion’s share of the caregiving and household responsibilities is just one aspect. Women may also face difficulty accessing healthcare due to issues of stigma around the virus, and they are also far more vulnerable to violence in their own homes.

When the first official case of COVID-19 was declared on 24 February in Iraq, measures put in place by the authorities were swift. As case numbers grew, schools, universities, restaurants, and shopping centres were closed, and mosques and other religious venues were forbidden to host large gatherings. By the middle of March, a nationwide lockdown and curfew were implemented, as well as travel restrictions.

“While these early preventive actions were necessary to help prevent transmission, the curfew has had substantial impact on the lives of women,” continues Bell. “We’ve received reports that some women cannot leave the house to seek medical care because of the stigma and shame it could bring to their families, but also because cultural norms do not allow women to be alone in quarantine centres in the absence of a male relative.”

One of our main concerns is the exacerbation of domestic violence in the country, which we fear was highly underreported even prior to the pandemic.”

When home is not a safe place

Although the Constitution of Iraq prohibits all forms of violence and abuse in the family, school, and society, the Penal Code provides that the punishment of a wife by her husband is the exercise of a legal right and as such, is not a crime. Perpetrators frequently go unpunished. However, the Iraqi Government is showing commitment to change this, with the Anti-Domestic Violence Law currently under discussion in the parliament.

These discussions are taking place amidst a worrying context for women and girls. In mid-April, the United Nations in Iraq confirmed multiple reports of horrific abuse, including the rape of a woman with special needs, spousal abuse, sexual harassment of minors, and suicide due to domestic abuse. Iraq’s High Judiciary Council subsequently issued a circular calling on judges to use all legal provisions for deterrence, but this won’t close the loopholes.

Confinement affects reporting

Media and social media in Iraq are also reporting an increase in acts of domestic violence. The authorities on the other hand have noted a decrease in official reports of domestic violence, but acknowledged in some instances that the curfew has contributed to this reduced number.

The ‘humiliation’ of being exposed in front of neighbours and the community has often led to under-reporting of domestic violence. Victims do not always seek support, for fear of publicly shaming their family. This is exacerbated by home confinement.

“Throughout Iraq, entire families are confined together,” notes Bell. “Quite frequently, there is a pressure to resolve family disputes – including domestic violence - without any intervention from a third party due to shame and stigma associated with such violence. Resolutions are therefore fraught, and the cycle of violence just continues.”

“Iraq’s response plans for COVID-19 should include the adoption of the Anti-Domestic Violence Law to enable the prevention and redress of violence against women,” says Bell. “Without doubt, this is the time for the Iraqi Government to renew its efforts to finalise the law and organize the remedies offered to women including establishing enough shelters accessible without cumbersome procedures.”

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the signing and implementation of this law is even more crucial. Current lockdown measures mean that only half of staff in Iraq’s family protection units are coming to work.

These units previously offered a place of safety and support for women who were victims of violence. Now, the few women who are able to come to report a case are often quickly dismissed, and they also have to get the report signed by a judge, clearly a challenging and complicated endeavour.

In situations where perpetrators have been brought to account, they have often simply been forced to sign a document to say they will not repeat the offence. Another favoured ‘solution’ is that victims are asked to ‘reconcile’ with the perpetrators.

Impunity for perpetrators must end

”Since the start of the COVID-19 curfew in Iraq, the obstacles faced by women in reporting domestic violence have created an even deeper sense of impunity for the perpetrators of these crimes,” notes Bell. “Violence against women and girls is a crime, and perpetrators need to be held to account.”

UN Human Rights is urging the Government to take immediate steps. “Special measures need to be made available immediately to women, including secure and confidential online services to lodge complaints, or an easing of the requirements for women to report abuse and seek emergency shelter,” says Bell.

For Bell, the adoption of the Anti-Domestic Violence Law is critical in the battle to save human rights, and human lives. “In the meantime,” she says, “judicial systems must continue to prosecute abusers. The women and girls of Iraq – as in any country – deserve the right to protection, and to be safe in their own homes.”

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12330:safety-at-home-an-illusion-for-far-too-many-women-in-iraq-ohchr&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Thu May 14, 2020 10:44 am

[size=36]Support for Marginalized Groups Crucial in COVID-19 Response: IOM Iraq[/size]

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

To - COVID-19 Information - Page 3 UNofficiallogosmall

Baghdad — The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the increase in cases of COVID-19 in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Iraq, is of particular and great concern. 2,818 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 110 deaths had been reported in Iraq by 11 May 2020.

Socially disadvantaged and marginalized populations are disproportionately affected by ill-health. WHO states that “certain populations, such as those with disability, may be impacted more significantly by COVID-19”. When these individuals are members of the large Internally Displaced Person (IDP), refugee, returnee and migrant communities in Iraq that already face challenges accessing health care and relevant information, the impact is even more acute.

On 12 May, the Iraqi Alliance of Disability Organizations (IADO) distributed packages containing hand sanitizer, face masks, gloves and soap to members of the alliance with disabilities living in and around Baghdad. The packages were destined for individuals who have difficulties accessing these items, that are essential for protecting against and slowing the spread of COVID-19. The items were provided to IADO by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as an in-kind donation.

“Through cycles of conflict and economic hardship in Iraq, people with disabilities have faced acute challenges,” said IOM Iraq Chief of Mission Gerard Waite. “The needs of people with disabilities must be fully considered across our projects and programming, including our COVID-19 response plan in support of vulnerable host communities, IDPs, returnees, migrants and refugees.”

“During this pandemic, the suffering of people with disabilities has multiplied due to isolation; hiatus of many service institutions; and limited transportation options,” said Mowafaq Al Khafajy, Head of IADO. “There should be a plan to respond to the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and to psychological crises. Hotlines must be set up to help people with disabilities and awareness campaigns should be done in sign language too.”

IADO is the national umbrella organization of Disabled Peoples Organizations in Iraq. They are currently running the “Campaign against Corona”, which advocates to government and other local authorities to ensure people with disabilities are not left out of the COVID-19 response. IADO is also sharing awareness messages with its members using videos and live streaming, including videos in Iraqi sign language.

The hygiene items were funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the project “Supporting Social Cohesion through Reintegration, Revitalization and Stabilization Support in Iraq”.

For more information please contact IOM Iraq’s Public Information Unit, Tel: +964 751 402 2811, Email: iraqpublicinfo@iom.int

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12320:support-for-marginalized-groups-crucial-in-covid-19-response-iom-iraq&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Thu May 14, 2020 10:47 am

[size=36]World Bank deploys US$33.6 million in emergency response to help Iraq face the Coronavirus outbreak[/size]

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

To - COVID-19 Information - Page 3 UNofficiallogosmall

Baghdad, May 12, 2020 — In response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Iraq, the World Bank has recently approved the re-allocation of U$33.6 million under the current Emergency Operation for Development Project (EODP-US$750 million) to support the Ministry of Health’s efforts in preventing, detecting, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This fast track emergency response comes in two phases. The World Bank initially mobilized US$7.8 million from resources that were immediately available under the EODP to help finance the supply of essential medical equipment and supplies and strengthen intensive care unit (ICU) capacity at public hospitals for improved COVID-19 case management. Through cooperation with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), ventilators, ICU beds, ECG machines, mobile X-ray machines and defibrillators will be delivered to designated sites in four to eight weeks.

In a follow-up step, the World Bank also approved the Government of Iraq’s request to re-allocate an additional US$25.8 million under the project to supply additional quantities of equipment and consumables and support the training of health workers and front-line responders on their use. The expedited procurement procedures of UNOPS will ensure the timely delivery of medical supplies to the Ministry of Health.

“The pandemic is expected to particularly hit poor and vulnerable households. The World Bank stands ready to support Iraq’s efforts to contain the rapid spread of the virus and strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Health to address the additional strain the pandemic poses on the Iraqi health system,” said Saroj Kumar Jha, World Bank Mashreq Regional Director.

The reallocation of funds does not affect the initial scope of the Emergency Operation for Development Project which aims to support Iraq in the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and the restoration of public services delivery in targeted municipal areas.

As a matter of fact, and through the procurement of goods, works and consulting services using World Bank’s procurement and financial management regulations, over 3 million people in five governorates liberated from ISIS are already benefiting from improved health services through the rehabilitation of damaged clinics and the supply of 14 mobile clinics and 82 ambulances, restored electricity connectivity by 35%, improved key municipal services with the provision of purified drinking water and waste collection schemes, and restored access through the reconstruction of 400 km of roads and 25 critical bridges.

The project is also contributing to promoting state/citizen trust-building and reconciliation through the training of 79 non-governmental organizations and over 1,000 young men and women on peaceful dialogue and reconciliation in their communities.

The Emergency Operation for Development Project was initially approved in July 2015 in the amount of US$350 million. An additional financing to the project in the amount of US$400 million was later on approved in October 2017 to allow the geographic scale-up of existing project activities to additional cities liberated from ISIS.

World Bank Group COVID-19 Response

The World Bank Group, one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, is taking broad, fast action to help developing countries strengthen their pandemic response. We are increasing disease surveillance, improving public health interventions, and helping the private sector continue to operate and sustain jobs. Over the next 15 months, we will be deploying up to $160 billion in financial support to help countries protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster economic recovery, including $50 billion of new IDA resources in grants or highly concessional terms.

Contacts
In Washington
Ashraf Al-Saeed
(202) 473-1187
aalsaeed@worldbank.org In Beirut Zeina El Khalil (961) 1-962-954 zelkhalil@worldbank.org

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12326:world-bank-deploys-us-33-6-million-in-emergency-response-to-help-iraq-face-the-coronavirus-outbreak&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Thu May 14, 2020 10:49 am

[size=36]UNHCR AND WFP EXTEND ASSISTANCE NET TO COVER DISPLACED AND REFUGEE FAMILIES AFFECTED BY PANDEMIC[/size]

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

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BAGHDAD – The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) are stepping up their collaboration to help meet the essential needs of vulnerable people in Iraq. WFP has worked with UNHCR and partners to identify an additional 35,000 Syrian refugees and 10,000 people displaced by conflict who will be included in WFP food assistance programmes to help them cope with the impact of COVID-19.

Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are among the groups most affected by the pandemic in Iraq because they frequently depend on daily and seasonal employment to put food on the table. Much of this type of work has stopped amid lockdowns and precautionary measures.

WFP will now reach 76,000 refugees who will receive food assistance and 280,000 IDPs, including households who are struggling to make ends meet. Many of these families were in a position to stop receiving assistance but are now being pushed into food insecurity on the back of the pandemic.

To help families purchase basic hygiene items to prevent the spread of COVID-19, UNHCR continues the second month of hygiene cash assistance, supporting 550,000 refugee, internally displaced, and returnee members of the community. This is part of UNHCR’s package of assistance which includes strengthening health care services and disinfection activities in camps. UNHCR, WFP and partners also continue to run awareness sessions on COVID-19 precautionary measures with people assisted, and camp shop staff.

“Throughout the pandemic, UNHCR and WFP’s joint work has prioritised reaching the most vulnerable IDPs and refugees, while taking measures to safeguard their health. We call upon the donor community for additional support as we scale up our response because many people cannot work at this time and needs have increased,” said Acting Representative of UNHCR in Iraq Philippa Candler, and WFP Representative in Iraq Abdirahman Meygag, in a joint statement.

UNHCR and WFP in Iraq are appealing for US$26 million and US$31.9 million respectively for their COVID-19 response. Special precautions during distributions have included maintaining safe distances as people redeem their food or cash entitlements, using masks and hand sanitiser, disinfectants to clean frequently used items, washing hands regularly and more. Both agencies are also implementing emergency livelihoods projects, to help affected people to earn an income again. These are to provide essential support to vulnerable families and inject cash into the local communities.

# # #
About WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies, building prosperity and supporting a sustainable future for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

About UNHCR

Our primary purpose at UNHCR is to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of people who have been forced to flee. Together with partners and communities, we work to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. We also strive to secure lasting solutions.
Follow us on Twitter @UNHCRIraq @WFPIraq

For more information please contact:

Firas Al-Khateeb, UNHCR, +964 780 918 9700, khateeb@unhcr.org
Shaza Shekfeh, UNHCR, +964 770 494 6384, shekfehs@unhcr.org
Rasheed Rasheed, UNHCR, +964 750 713 0014, rasheedr@unhcr.org
Sharon Rapose, WFP, +44 7958 958 959, sharon.rapose@wfp.org
Islam Anbagi, WFP, +964 780 915 0989, islam.anbagi@wfp.org

https://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12328:unhcr-and-wfp-extend-assistance-net-to-cover-displaced-and-refugee-families-affected-by-pandemic&Itemid=605&lang=en

by **claud39** Thu May 14, 2020 10:56 am

[size=32]While receiving a delegation from the Creative Development Center ... Al-Kaabi discusses activating educational awareness campaigns and launching electronic educational platforms in light of the continuation of Corona[/size]

05/14/2020

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Mr. Hassan Kareem Al-Kaabi, First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Head of the Parliamentary Crisis Cell, discussed the necessity of activating awareness and educational campaigns and launching electronic teaching platforms in light of the continuation of the Corona pandemic in Iraq, calling on the Ministry of Education and the relevant authorities and institutions to support voluntary initiatives that aim to complete the educational curricula for students. Electronically ”and coordination with parents in this regard.

This was done during his reception today, Thursday, May 14, 2020, by a delegation from the Center for International Creative Development headed by Mr. Hamid Abdullah, and Mr. Ali Shalash from the administration of the Iraqi e-learning platform, in the presence of Mr. Decision of the Parliamentary Crisis Cell, Dr. Jawad Al-Mousawi, and Representative Star Al-Atabi.

During the meeting, his Excellency expressed his support for all the available capabilities to activate the campaign “follow your lessons” and the initiative of the Iraqi platform for e-learning launched by the center earlier, calling for a meeting of the Parliamentary Education Committee with members of the center in the presence of the Minister of Education next week to study effective initiatives that aim to continue the process Education in light of the Corona virus crisis.

Media office of the
First Vice-President of the House of Representatives
5/14/2020

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To - COVID-19 Information - Page 3 2020-05-14-at-11.26.49-2-1024x682

https://ar.parliament.iq/2020/05/14/%d8%ae%d9%84%d8%a7%d9%84-%d8%a7%d8%b3%d8%aa%d9%82%d8%a8%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%87-%d9%88%d9%81%d8%af-%d9%85%d8%b1%d9%83%d8%b2-%d8%aa%d9%86%d9%85%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a7%d9%95%d8%a8%d8%af%d8%a7%d8%b9/

by **claud39** Sat May 16, 2020 9:32 am

The Corona virus pandemic leads to an increase in public debt worldwide

16/05/2020

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Dr.. Muhannad Talib Al-Hamdi *

Do high levels of public debt reduce economic growth? Many economists asked this question after the financial crisis of 2007-2009, when bank bailouts and fiscal stimulus programs raised ratios of public debt to GDP in developed countries. In 2010, two Harvard economists, Professors Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff, came up with an eye-catching answer.

The two professors looked at the data of 44 countries over two centuries and found that economic growth fell by almost half when public debt exceeded 90% of GDP. The findings of the researchers were referred to by several finance ministers in different countries as a justification for adopting austerity policies after 2010, although it was found that the results were marred by a little bit of amplification due to a technical error in the spreadsheet. Mrs. Reinhart and Mr. Rogoff stick to their claims that high debt reduces growth.

Many historians suggest that policymakers should not become concerned about high levels of public debt in some advanced economies. For example, the ratio of public debt to GDP in Britain is expected to rise from 84% last March to more than 100% at the end of this fiscal year. This is high in modern standards, but it is not without precedent. By the end of the Napoleonic Wars, in 1815, the British national debt amounted to nearly 200% of its GDP.

The proportion decreased to 25% by 1914. After the Second World War the figure in the United Kingdom reached 259% and in the United States it was 112%. After short recessions after the Second World War, and as arms production declined, the two countries enjoyed periods of strong economic growth. Countries manage to reduce their debt burden over time.

This pattern is in line with the findings of the International Monetary Fund research which indicates, in the long run, that the trend of the ratio of public debt to GDP, and not the level of debt itself, is more important to economic growth.

The results of other research published after Professor Reinhardt and Rogoff's research showed results similar to if not similar to those of Mrs. Reinhart and Mr. Rogoff, that the growth in per capita GDP is slower in countries where the debt-to-GDP ratio is more than 90%, if The data were considered year after year. However, a study of data on average levels of public debt over 15 years indicates that there is less convincing evidence that countries with debts greater than 90% of GDP are growing more slowly.

Even countries with more than 200% debt ratios, such as the United Kingdom after World War II, have experienced robust growth in the medium term. Instead, IMF research has found that countries with a high ratio of public debt are experiencing slower growth than those with a low ratio, even if their repayable loans are already very high. This may be because the large underlying deficit (i.e. excluding the cost of interest payments) makes these countries more vulnerable to the credit crunch in periods of economic hardship.

How can countries reduce public debt ratios to GDP in the long run, as the United States and the United Kingdom have done in the past? The question of the repetition of the post-WWII experience may seem doubtful. About 70% of the decrease in the ratio of public debt to GDP in the United Kingdom between 1946 and 2008 was due to inflation.

This worked because it was paired with "financial repression", a regulatory system, that made people unwillingly and indirectly, by using tools such as capital controls and credit rationing, to lend governments artificially low interest rates at the time that they Inflation erodes the true value of public debt. But this is an increasingly unavailable course of action for modern policy makers.

In the long run, governments may rely on economic growth, or more precisely, growth rates that exceed interest rates to reduce public debt to GDP ratios. This will be similar to what happened in Britain after the Napoleonic Wars. Britain did not inflate its debt or run budget surpluses to pay it off (a large portion of the debt was issued in the form of sustainable bonds that were finally paid off in 2015 only). Instead, the combined effect of real economic growth reduced the debt burden.

As John Ramsay McCulloch, a Scottish economist, pointed out in 1845, “The tremendous inventions and discoveries by John Watt, Richard Arkwright, Samuel Crompton, Josiah Wedgwood and others have proven that all expectations of those who anticipated the ruin of the country and their bankruptcy failed due to the rapid increase of public debt.”

* Professor of Economics at Kansas State University

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