UN Security Council Briefing and Consulations on the United Nations assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)

Ambassador Harold Agyeman

Ambassador Harold Agyeman
Ghana’s Representative to the United Nations
New York, New York
October 10, 2023

 

A3 STATEMENT ON BRIEFING AND CONSULATIONS ON THE UNITED NATIONS ASSISTANCE MISSION FOR IRAQ (UNAMI)

 

Mr. President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council. We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMI, Ms. Jeanine HENNIS-PLASSCHAERT, and Mr. Dhefaf AL-JARAHI of Iraq Foundation for their respective briefings. We also welcome the participation of the distinguished Representative of Iraq in today’s meeting.

 

Mr. President,
Allow us to start by addressing our deep condolences to the people of Iraq after the Tragic Fire that occurred on September 27 during a wedding that caused the loss of life of at least 100 people and injured more than 150. Today, our intervention will focus on three (3) main points: the political situation, security situation and the impact of climate change.
On the political front, the A3 is encouraged by the commitment of the Government to improve public services, carry out economic reforms, and build confidence in the private sector, and express the hope that the passage of the budget law will enhance the ability of the Government to address the challenges facing the country in order to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people.

 

We also take note of the efforts of the Government of Iraq and of the Independent High Electoral Commission to move forward in holding provincial council elections in December, the first since 2013. We reiterate that this measure is a significant indication of the continued maturity and resilience of Iraq’s democratic journey, and welcome UNAMI’s continued electoral assistance activities to the Commission in preparation for the elections. An inclusive electoral process is essential for Iraq’s democracy. We note from the report of the Secretary-General that the number of women registered as candidates for the upcoming provincial council elections represents 27% of the total number of candidates. These efforts need to be greatly encouraged. The launch in July 2023, of the workplan of the Supreme Committee to Support Women’s Participation in the Provincial Council Elections, with measures designed to boost women’s participation in political processes, was an important step towards greater participation by Iraqi women in the country’s political life.

 

Similarly, we commend the decision to hold the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s delayed parliamentary elections on 25th February 2024, which gives the people of the Region the opportunity to choose their representatives in the regional parliament, duly elected in a fair, credible and transparent manner. The continued path to Iraq’s stability is also dependent on constructive relations between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The A3 echoes the Secretary General’s call for both sides to engage in an institutionalized and structured dialogue to address remaining issues, and for the economic development and political stability in Iraq.

 

Mr. President,
The security situation in Iraq remains fragile. Notwithstanding the overall decline in attacks attributed to Daesh in the first half of 2023, compared to the first half of 2022, Da’esh continues to carry out asymmetric attacks in Iraq and poses a serious threat to the sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq, as well as to international peace and security. It is therefore important for Iraqi security forces to sustain their efforts to counter the threat posed by Da’esh to improve the overall security situation, including through strengthening regional and international cooperation. At the regional level, we welcome the holding on 19th May 2023, of a meeting of the Iraqi-Saudi political, security and military committee, with particular focus on countering illegal narcotics. Illicit drug trafficking contributes to the financing of terrorist groups and to the destabilization of the region, particularly the security environment.

 

The A3 expresses concern about acts targeting religious symbols, such as the recent burning of the Quran. These acts contribute to discrimination and radicalization, and exacerbates tensions. We therefore hope that all parties can respect the right to freedom of religion, and avoid any provocative acts that could foment violence. Furthermore, we note with concern the grave violations against children in armed conflict, including killing, abduction and sexual violence during the reported period. Activities being undertaken by the country taskforce in support of the action plan to prevent the recruitment and use of children and institutionalize child protection in Iraq, are essential and will go a long way to contribute to a reduction of human rights violations and abuses against Iraqi children.

 

Mr. President,
We reiterate the importance of addressing Iraq’s increasing vulnerability to climate change. The increased frequency of climate – related crises constitutes a serious threat multiplier, as it heightens the risk of poverty, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, displacement, forced migration, and related instability. This is an argument put forward by the A3 in favor of raising the Council’s profile on Climate, Peace, and Security. In strategies targeting Iraq therefore, consideration must be given to the climate-security nexus and its humanitarian impact. We acknowledge the active engagement and efforts by Iraqi authorities to mitigate the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity, and welcome the assistance being provided by UNAMI to the Government of Iraq on climate change, which remains essential in Iraq’s quest for sustainable solutions to this complex issue. Addressing climate change in Iraq also requires the cooperation of other states. The A3 echoes the call of the Secretary-General to the international community to increase technical support to enhance Iraqi endeavors in mitigating and adapting to these challenges.

 

Finally, on the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, we wish to acknowledge the significant progress being made, with the continued cooperation of Iraqi and Kuwaiti authorities, and we look forward to further advancements on this important humanitarian file.

 

To conclude, Mr. President, we, the A3, reiterate our strong support for UNAMI’s efforts in the implementation of its mandate, including the commitment to support the Government and people of Iraq.

 

I thank you!