UNHCR welcomes Iraqi announcement of reform package

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) on Friday welcomed the Iraqi government's adoption of a reform package, saying it amounted to concrete steps to reinforce the rule of law, improve governance and respect for human rights.

"We are encouraged by these reforms and we call on the authorities to ensure that human rights are at the core of implementation," Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the UNHCR, told a press briefing Friday.

"We continue to follow developments and our office stands ready to continue supporting efforts to this end," the spokesperson noted.

Earlier this week, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced a series of sweeping reforms, including canceling three vice presidential posts and three deputy prime minister posts, as part of his response to recent demonstrations against corruption and poor services.

According to a statement issued by his office, Al-Abadi's seven-point plan included reduction of ministries and agencies in order to increase efficiency and reduce expenditures.

Al-Abadi's move came after massive demonstrations in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad and several other cities to protest slack public services, power shortages and massive corruption.