Minister of justice meets with UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict

BAGHDAD, January 9 — The Minister of Justice, Khaled Shawani, called on the United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, to engage with countries having children accompanying their incarcerated mothers in Iraqi prisons. The aim is to coordinate the retrieval and repatriation of these children to their respective home countries.

Statement by the ministry:

Today, Dr. Khaled Shawani, the Minister of Justice, received in his official office the United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Virginia Gamba, along with her accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, various issues related to human rights, particularly those concerning children who are victims of terrorist operations in Iraq, were discussed. The role of the Ministry of Justice in applying human rights standards based on international agreements was emphasized.

Minister Shawani highlighted the UN’s role in communicating with countries that have children accompanying their mothers who are imprisoned in Iraq. The purpose is to facilitate the retrieval and repatriation of these children to their home countries. He emphasized the application of international standards in dealing with such cases.

Both sides agreed to continue communication and collaborative efforts to find appropriate solutions for this category, specifically regarding the file of children and human rights.

Dr. Shawani expressed the Ministry of Justice’s openness to dealing and coordinating with the international community, welcoming support for Iraq to enhance its reformative system.

Ms. Gamba praised the developments in Iraq regarding human rights and the efforts made by Minister Shawani in implementing these initiatives. She affirmed her commitment to cooperation in strengthening the partnership between Iraq and the international community involved in this matter.