Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at
the UN Security Council meeting on Iraq.
Thank you, President. I would like to start by thanking the
Special Adviser for his very helpful update, his recent report
and for all the work of his team in Iraq. I would also like to
welcome the Representative of Iraq to the chamber.
The United Kingdom highly values the progress UNITAD is making in
holding Da’esh to account for its horrific crimes. I would like
to emphasise three points in particular.
First, we welcome the Government of Iraq’s continued work and
leadership to enable the domestic prosecution of those
responsible for Da’esh’s crimes and UNITAD’s support. In
particular, we welcome the establishment of a Joint UNITAD-Iraq
Working Group this year, which will look at pathways for the
prosecution of international crimes inside Iraq. It is essential
that we build legal routes for sharing information and evidence
to support prosecutions.
Second, we commend UNITAD’s close collaboration with the Iraqi
Judiciary, including through the archiving and digitisation
project. As we’ve heard, this archive will enable Iraqi
judges to draw on a much wider range of evidence when building
cases and pursuing investigations, including into the development
and use of chemical and biological weapons. UNITAD’s continued
and enhanced cooperation with the Iraqi authorities can make a
real difference in their efforts to deliver justice for survivors
of Da’esh crimes.
Third, the United Kingdom particularly welcomes UNITAD’s ongoing
focus on crimes committed against Yazidis, Christians, and other
minority groups. There is a terrible legacy of Da’esh crimes
against these communities and we must address it. On her recent
visit to Iraq, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh
highlighted the need for further support to victims and survivors
of Conflicted Related Sexual Violence, including children born of
rape. We commend the Government of Iraq for the ongoing
implementation of the Yazidi Survivors Law, including the initial
payouts of reparations to survivors.
President, we must not relent in our support for victims and
survivors of Da’esh crimes. We look forward to working closely
with Iraq and partners on the Council to continue supporting the
important work of UNITAD in September’s mandate renewal.
The UK is committed to joining the Government of Iraq, UNITAD,
and the wider international community in the pursuit of justice.
