Back civilian experts in Iraq as well as military

22 June 2016

Defeating ISIL (the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant) on the battlefield is important, but without New Zealand stepping up with investment in long-term reconstruction and reconciliation, Iraq will remain fertile ground for terrorist and other violent armed groups, says Dr. Darren Brunk, Humanitarian Coordinator at the Council for International Development (CID).

New Zealand is investing roughly $65 million over two years to send troops and significant financial resources in the fight against ISIL in Iraq - even before the additional millions of the planned 18-month mission extension.

“That’s almost 50 times more than what we’re proposing to spend on post-conflict reconstruction,” says Brunk. “And yet we know from experiences in other war-torn states that the most effective way of securing long-term peace and stability is to invest in strengthening accountability and inclusive governance, even as fighting continues.

“New Zealanders have a wealth of experience in helping countries recover from war. In the Solomon Islands, East Timor and Bougainville, New Zealand police, corrections officers, diplomats, and aid workers led the way in building responsible, accountable government institutions and restoring trust between communities.”

“Our troops are doing their bit in Iraq. It’s time to support our civilian experts to do the same.”

ENDS

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