Explanation of vote by Ambassador at the UN Security Council
meeting on UNITAD.
"We recall that the horrific atrocities committed by Daesh
shocked the world. This Council was clear in its response: Daesh
members had to be held to account, and justice delivered for the
survivors and victims of their crimes.
This is why Iraq and the UK were at the helm of establishing
UNITAD through Resolution 2379 in 2017.
Since it was established, UNITAD has supported the excavation of
mass graves and facilitated the return of remains to the families
of victims. It has worked closely with Iraqi judges and
prosecutors to build their capacity, in particular on evidence
collection. It has provided survivors, including of sexual and
gender-based violence, with opportunities to provide testimony
safely with their rights fully respected, testimonies that have
been used in the prosecution of Daesh members around the world.
And it has enabled psychosocial treatment in partnership with
Iraq’s Ministry of Health, providing real impact for survivors.
This year, as with every year, we approached this mandate in
close partnership with the Government of Iraq, and with the
shared commitment of Security Council members to counter
terrorism.
The resolution we have adopted this morning puts us on a course
to improve evidence sharing arrangements with the Government of
Iraq, and to consider options for UNITAD’s future.
The UK will work closely with the Government of Iraq, the United
Nations, and the Security Council to continue UNITAD’s legacy,
both in Iraq and around the world. We are grateful to the Special
Adviser and his Team for their dedicated work in pursuit of
accountability. And we stand firm in our continued international
efforts to deliver justice for Daesh’s atrocities.
Thank you."
