Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at
the UN Security Council meeting on Iraq.
Thank you President. Let me begin by extending the UK’s
condolences to the families of all of those killed and injured in
the tragic fire at Qaraqosh on the 27th of September.
I’d also like to express thanks to SRSG Plasschaert and Ms
Al-Jarahi for their briefings today, and in particular to Ms
Al-Jahari for highlighting the vital issues of women’s rights and
meaningful participation. I’d also like to express thanks to all
the staff at the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq for the important
work. The positive partnership between UNAMI and the Iraqi
Government, and the Iraqi people and civil society, on issues
from regional stability to women’s rights and participation, is
playing a vital role in its success.
The UK remains committed to supporting the Iraqi Government and
the implementation of its ambitious reform agenda. In particular,
we welcome the passing of the budget in June, a crucial step in
delivering the Government’s priorities including on economic
reform and energy diversification.
President, we share the SRSG’s concerns about the Kurdistan
region, and we urge the Kurdistan Regional Government to take all
necessary steps to ensure that the planned elections take place
on 25 February 2024 next year without further postponement. It is
incumbent on all political parties to exercise unity, compromise
and engage in constructive dialogue to ensure an electoral
process which adheres to international standards and upholds the
rights of all citizens, including women and minorities, to
participate in the democratic process.
President, we also welcome Iraq’s commitment to tackling climate
change, including through ending gas flaring by 2030. Iraq’s
exposure to multiple climate hazards, including floods, droughts
and sandstorms, climate-related epidemics, and earthquakes makes
this an important shared priority. Progress here will bolster
Iraq’s security and we stand ready to support.
We welcome the SRSG’s update on missing Kuwaiti and third-country
nationals and missing Kuwaiti property. Regarding Khor Abdullah,
we would like to strongly echo the point made by the SRSG. We
welcome Prime Minister Sudani’s recommitment at High Level Week
to international law and to the Resolutions of this Council, and
like others we would like to recall in particular the importance
of SCR 833. We look forward to the resolution of our standing
issues through dialogue between Iraq and the Kuwaiti government.
Finally, President, following the extension of UNITAD’s mandate
last month, we are committed to ensuring that UNITAD’s legacy is
preserved and that international efforts to deliver justice for
Da’esh atrocities continue. Noting Iraq’s recent request, we will
work closely with the Government of Iraq, the UN and this Council
to improve evidence sharing arrangements in accordance with
UNITAD’s Terms of Reference, as well as options for the future of
UNITAD’s work.
Once again, I’d like to renew the UK’s commitment to the
stability and security of Iraq and to the essential role the
Mission plays in support. Thank you.
