Baghdad, 14 November 2019: The Kingdom of the Netherlands will contribute an additional USD 8.5 million to support efforts to advance local policing and criminal investigations in post-ISIL Iraq.

With this renewed commitment, UNDP will continue to provide technical advice and assistance to the police affairs agency, in order to improve national crime management and criminal investigations. Supporting the implementation of the recently adopted Local Police Service Road Map and Standard Operating Procedures for Criminal Investigation, activities will involve collaboration with a range of Iraqi security entities such as local police, the Ministry of Interior and, the Higher Judicial Council, as well as Iraqi civil society organizations; with a view to restore reasonable access to security and justice services for communities across Iraq.

“After the fight against Da'esh, people have returned to their communities and are picking up their lives again. But for life to be able to return to normal, people need to feel safe and secure in their community,” said H.E. Eric Strating, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Iraq. “The presence of a local police force can help, as long as police officers know how to operate professionally and have the trust of the community. We are here to help with that,” added Ambassador Strating.

“We’re very grateful for the generous contribution from the Government of Netherlands that will allow us to carry out this important work to improve local level security and justice service delivery in post- ISIL Iraq.” Said Zena Ali Ahmed, Resident Representative, UNDP Iraq.

The project’s primary focus is to restore reasonable access to security and justice services for local populations in Iraq.

For further information, please contact:

Mohammed Al-Bahbahanee, UNDP Communications Specialist.