Iraq commitment to the Nairobi Summit PoA: accelerating the fulfillment of the ICPD promise

Iraq gives particular attention to population issues and the link with the economic and social development issues.

In the last 25 years, Iraq attained achievements on policies, laws and legislation and ensured the implementation of programs and population-related activities in line with the ICPD POA.

Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights;
Iraq shall strive to:
1- reduce maternal mortality by at least 50 % from 31 deaths per 100,000 live births to 15;
2- integrate reproductive health issues into national policies and strategies;
3- fulfill the unmet need for family planning and ensure access to modern contraception for all;
4- increase health coverage of those in need, especially young people, from 54% currently to at least 90%.

Demographic diversity and Sustainable Development;
Iraq is committed to achieving the SDGs. The steps taken towards achieving the SDGs were submitted in the National Voluntary Report. Iraq will continue to work towards achieving social justice and building inclusive societies for all, with a particular attention to the elderly, displaced persons, women, youth, as well as people with disabilities and special needs through:
1- Monitoring and tracking the goals, targets and indicators related to population issues;
2- Directing programmes and activities that contribute to achieving the objectives determined in the annual plans of the sectoral ministries;
3- Emphasising on the integration of the ICPD based SDGs into development plans and sectoral strategies.

Iraq will utilise the demographic dividend by harnessing youth energies in sustainable development processes and by investing in health, education, and employment opportunities to reduce youth unemployment rate, from (approx) 30% to less than 10% in 2030.

Iraq shall conduct the Population and Housing Census 2020 to provide updated statistical and comprehensive data on population characteristics of individuals, buildings, housing and households.

Modes of engagement:

• Change or creation of legislation
  Iraq shall strive to reduce maternal mortality, integrating reproductive health issues into national policies and strategies, fulfilling the unmet need for family planning, and ensuring access to modern contraceptives for all.
• Policy and guidance
  Make use of the demographic dividend by harnessing youth energies in sustainable development processes and investing in health, education, and employment opportunities to reduce youth unemployment rate.
• Programmatic action
  Directing programs and activities for achieving the objectives specified in the annual plans of the ministries. Iraq seeks to support youth issues in providing decent work and activating the role of the private sector through youth-centred policies.