UNSC Meeting on Threats to International Peace and Security
Carolyn Oppong-Ntiri (Mrs)
Deputy Permanent Representative
June 07, 2023
BRIEFING ON UN INVESTIGATIVE TEAM TO PROMOTE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR CRIMES COMMITTED BY DA’ESH/ISLAMIC STATE IN IRAQ AND THE LEVANT (UNITAD)
Mr. President,
I wish to thank Special Adviser Christian Ritscher for the presentation of the tenth report on the activities of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, which reflects advancements in the Team’s investigative work during the reporting period. My delegation would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of Iraq to today’s meeting. Ghana joins other members of the Council to acknowledge the commendable work being carried out by the Team in fulfilment of its mandate regarding accountability for international crimes committed by Da’esh. Ensuring meaningful accountability for the crimes committed in Iraq remains crucial if the international community is to win the global fight against terrorism and fulfil our collective duty to seek justice and redress for victims of Da’esh ‘s heinous international crimes in Iraq.
We are therefore pleased to note that during the reporting period, the Team made significant progress in its investigative priorities, including the launch of new lines of inquiry on the development and use of biological and chemical weapons, destruction of cultural and religious heritage, as well as crimes committed against different communities of Iraq. Notable progress in relation to investigations into the financing of Da’esh crimes and crimes against children is also encouraging. These developments continue to assist in producing dedicated case files and identifying persons potentially responsible for the crimes committed. We also acknowledge the great strides being made by the Team to digitise the physical evidence obtained. This undertaking is particularly important as it marks vital steps in duly preserving the records of Da’esh’s international crimes in Iraq and shaping the path towards securing justice in relation to the crimes committed. While this phase in the work of UNITAD represents a key step in support of the eventual prosecution of perpetrators, moving the accountability process forward is pivotal, particularly through the timely transfer of the evidence collected to the Iraqi authorities. Therefore, we urge the Team to continue working closely with the Iraqi authorities to achieve this objective.
Mr. President,
Ghana reiterates that continued cooperation between UNITAD and the Iraqi authorities remains vital in our collective quest for accountability. Ongoing initiatives to build and enforce the capacities of relevant Iraqi stakeholders, particularly the Iraqi judiciary, reinforce national capacities to hold perpetrators accountable and foster genuine national reconciliation. In this context, we applaud the Team’s efforts and emphasise that it is only through such comprehensive coordination and collaborative efforts that the effective implementation of the Team’s mandate can be fully achieved. With regard to UNITAD’s engagement with other member states, it has become increasingly evident that the Team’s support to ongoing investigations and prosecutions in national jurisdictions contributes to fostering universal accountability. We support the call for UNITAD to continue to strengthen its ability to support domestic proceedings in line with its mandate, to enable the prosecution of those who support, finance and carry out terrorist activities worldwide.
Lastly, the work of UNITAD is contingent on the continued support of the international community, including this Council. It is imperative that we keep up efforts to sustain our involvement in the pursuit of accountability, including through the provision of the requisite assistance to UNITAD. Through these efforts, we can contribute to the timely implementation of the Team’s mandate, hold the perpetrators accountable, and help ensure justice is served. In conclusion, allow me to reaffirm Ghana’s support for the Team under the leadership of Special Adviser Christian Ritscher and the relevance of its work in the pursuit of accountability for crimes committed by Da’esh in Iraq.
I thank you