IOM has been formally granted the right to engage in
migration-related activities and full diplomatic immunities and
privileges in Iraq.

This follows the ratification by parliament of an agreement
signed between the Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari and IOM's
chief of Mission Mike Pillinger on behalf of the Organization in
December 2009.

In a statement published in the Iraqi Government Gazette, the
Iraqi government said the ratification of the agreement was in
recognition of IOM's work in alleviating the human suffering of
Iraqi people without discrimination.

The agreement formally allows IOM to engage in all work related
to migration inside Iraq and will not only strengthen and develop
IOM's relationship with the Iraqi government but will also allow
the Organization to build and strengthen links with local
authorities throughout the country's 18 governorates.

Upon ratification, IOM Chief of Mission Mike Pillinger said:
"The agreement will bolster IOM's presence on the ground and help
us to implement our programmes more efficiently and
effectively."

IOM has been operational inside Iraq since 2003 with 26 offices
in the country with a support office in Jordan.

It has been particularly involved in monitoring and assisting
internally displaced persons, particularly in the aftermath of the
Samarra mosque bombing in February 2006. The Organization has also
been working with the government and partners in finding long-term
solutions for the country's 1.6 million internally displaced
persons.

This includes helping the displaced and those who return to
their home communities to integrate by providing livelihood
assistance, enterprise development and carrying out small-scale
community infrastructure projects.

 For more information, please contact:

Bertram Chambers

IOM Iraq

Tel: +962 796085084

E-mail: "mailto:bchambers@iom.int">bchambers@iom.int