YouSaid · the spoken record

Hennis-Plasschaert

lines on the record: 231
first: 2019-02-13
most recent: 2023-10-10
sittings or episodes: 14
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Here, too, Iraq deserves to be commended. Not only has the Iraqi Government made a start with the repatriation of Iraqi families in Al-Hol, but it has also begun repatriating Iraqi combatants of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. Essentially, what I am saying is that in the interest of everyone, the ultimate security argument, as opposed to the short-term political one, is to recognize that a continued status quo is the riskiest option. To appease festering grievances, prevent the emergence of new conflicts and defuse ticking time bombs, it is important to anticipate and mitigate. It is important to step up and get things done.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“So far, around 450 families, or some 1,800 persons, have been repatriated to Iraq. As thousands of Iraqis are still out there, the Iraqi authorities realize that they cannot stop there. Turning from the Al-Hol camp to the suspected Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant combatants currently in custody in north-eastern Syria, which again is an unsustainable situation, moreover, as is the case for a camp such as Al-Hol, such facilities fuel resentment, as well as inspiring terrorists, from breakout operations to large-scale attacks, as we have seen. In addition, the fact that some fighters and associated family members have been able to make their way out suggests that it would be better to control the situation and manage returns rather than take the chance of missing them as they slip back undetected into any country.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“Those children, living in dire circumstances, never asked to be part of that mess. However, they find themselves deprived of their rights and at risk of forced recruitment and exposure to violent extremism. Of course, I recognize that a number of States have upheld their responsibilities by taking back children and, in some cases, limited numbers of women. I can only hope that other States will soon follow suit. As a growing number of countries have shown, that can be done successfully. The fact is that the current situation is not sustainable. Keeping people indefinitely in the restricted and poor conditions of those camps ultimately creates greater protection and security risks than taking them back in a controlled manner. Meanwhile, Iraq has demonstrated courage.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“While I know that this is a priority for the current caretaker Government, I would like to emphasize that shared ownership of this crucial file across the political spectrum will prove essential. Another issue is the camps and prisons across the border, hosting many Iraqis, in north-eastern Syria, to be precise. All of us will have closely followed recent events that have yet again made the risks associated with that slow-moving catastrophe clear. The situation in those camps and prisons presents unprecedented challenges, with implications for the region and far beyond. They are ticking time bombs. Over the past three years, the Council has heard me repeat that the legacy of yesterday’s fight against Da’esh could very easily turn into tomorrow’s war and that we should not wait for young children to come of age in a camp such as Al-Hol.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“As is the case for other parts of the country, the salinization of water and soils, desertification and the disappearance of arable lands are nothing less than existential environmental concerns. Moreover, as we all know, water scarcity is a threat multiplier. With it come heightened risks of poverty, displacement, instability and conflict. Much, but not all, of that scarcity can be explained by climate change. Water flows are also actively being reduced by neighbouring countries. Furthermore, potable water and irrigation infrastructure and maintenance are significantly lagging behind. Iraq’s water resources have been managed ineffectively for too long. In other words, Iraq is acutely vulnerable to the effects of water scarcity due to climate change and reduced inflows from its rivers.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“As an Iraqi official put it to me some time ago, even if we had started implementing the most urgent reforms the day before yesterday, it will take superhuman efforts to sufficiently address today’s financial, economic and environmental challenges. While I would like to think in terms of the glass being half full, his remarks are not to be taken lightly. Also, with regard to environmental challenges, they present a looming threat that is far too often considered less urgent, but it is ultimately one of the greatest global challenges that we collectively face. A few weeks ago, I visited Iraq’s marshlands in southern Iraq — a dramatic, beautiful landscape, whose biodiversity is equalled only by its cultural significance. However, water scarcity in that region is not just a threat on the horizon, but it is a present danger.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“However, there is no denying that, with important Government proposals and efforts actively being undermined, delayed or halted, such results cannot be considered a direct consequence of sustainable strategies. Fundamentally, today Iraq is no less vulnerable to commodity price fluctuations; Iraq suffers no less from poverty or underemployment; and Iraq is witnessing no less corruption than it did last year or the year before. I repeat myself again, but durable, structural solutions can come about only through meaningful reform. I realize that that is easier said than done. However, Iraq is running out of time.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“More broadly, what I am saying is that letting things slide is a risky business, with potentially far-reaching consequences undermining Iraq’s stability in the short and long run. I therefore once again call on all stakeholders to focus on what really matters and to unite instead of competing. Like it or not, the parties need each other to be their best. Hence, all efforts should centre on resolving outstanding issues not by way of a power grab, but in a spirit of partnership and cooperation. Turning briefly to the economy, between a sharp rise in oil prices and a currency devaluation, the deficit has been reduced and foreign currency reserves have grown. The safety net has been expanded, notably due to increased spending on social services in response to the pandemic. At first glance, that can sound encouraging.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“It is also true that, if a political vacuum exists for too long, the judicialization of what are otherwise legislative or executive domains can suddenly be a fact of life. With a caretaker Government in office and political parties engaged in negotiations on the formation of a new Government, a Federal Supreme Court case pending for 10 years was very recently adjudicated. Hence, the recent Court ruling on the unconstitutionality of the Kurdistan Regional Government oil and gas law prompted questions by many, such as “Why now?”. The fact is that it happened. Consequently, the importance of that institutionalized dialogue has only increased. Not only that — the country needs its Parliament to act.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“The very least that Iraqis may now expect is a sense of urgency from their elected representatives to overcome internal divisions, agree on a programme informing Iraqis of what they can expect in the next four years, manage public expectations and rise to the challenge of meeting the aspirations of the 40 million people who call Iraq home. I will say a few words on the Baghdad-Erbil relationship. As the Council knows, I have consistently emphasized the importance of a regular, structured and institutionalized Baghdad-Erbil dialogue, with specific timelines, to address the long-outstanding issues. As I have said before, that is a mutual responsibility. The fact is that the inability to overcome differences, or even the unwillingness to find agreement, comes at a cost sooner or later.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“Moreover, as I have pointed out countless times, a weak home front creates vulnerabilities for instance to Da’esh, which is ready to take advantage of any political and security vacuum, but also to continued external interference. In the case of Iraq, that is not a hypothetical point. In the meantime, the patience of the Iraqi people is being tested. In October 2019, that patience found its limits and very many Iraqis took the streets, protesting a lack of social, economic and political prospects. We know how that ended — with hundreds killed and thousands injured.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“The people of Iraq, who continue to wait for gainful, productive employment opportunities, safety, security, adequate public service delivery, the full protection of their rights and freedoms, justice, accountability and meaningful participation of women and young people, to name but a few. Of course, one could be forgiven for being patient with a prolonged Government formation phase if we were witnessing vibrant exchanges on policy orientations, development pathways and economic reform plans. If that was animating the negotiations, patience would indeed be a virtue. However, so far, we are observing quite the opposite — hampering the change and reforms that the country so desperately needs.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“Behind the headline debate of a majority versus a consensus Government, many Iraqis are increasingly wondering whether the national interest is actually front and centre in the ongoing negotiations, rather than access to resources and power, or how the pie of political appointments and ministries will be carved this time around. Needless to say, the priority should be to urgently agree on a programme of action that immediately and meaningfully tackles Iraq’s long list of outstanding domestic business. What I am saying is that it is more than four months since the elections, and it is high time to return the spotlight to where it deserves to be: on the people of Iraq.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“Parliament decided to reopen the nomination period for another three days; the Federal Supreme Court has not yet ruled on whether that reopening was constitutional but did rule one candidate ineligible. Once the President is elected, he or she will, within 15 days, according to the Constitution, charge the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc, that is, the Prime Minister-designate, with the formation of a council of ministers, to be endorsed by Parliament. Clearly, the current situation suggests that we are not there yet. While political consultations continue, or, perhaps more accurately, the political impasse continues, time is just passing by — precious time.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: Allow me to begin today’s briefing with an overview of recent developments concerning political appointments and Government formation. Following the ratification of electoral results, the parliamentary Speaker and his two deputies were elected on 9 January. While that was initially contested, the Federal Supreme Court ruled on 25 January that the inaugural parliamentary session, during which the Speaker and his two deputies were elected, had been held in accordance with the Constitution. The next step is the election of a President of the Republic, according to the Constitution, within 30 days of the election of the Speaker. However, following an initial nomination period, on 7 February the parliamentary quorum for a session to elect a President was not met.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“As we await the ratification of the results by the Federal Supreme Court, I can only underline that what happens in the coming days and weeks will prove to be even more significant for Iraq’s immediate future. The importance of a sound and inclusive process for the formation of the Government cannot be overstated.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“I am confident that the strong commitment of all actors could expedite the resolution of that humanitarian file. I am also pleased to report that, after considerable delays due to the coronavirus disease pandemic, on 18 November, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq successfully completed the training of 20 Iraqi staff of the Ministry of Defence on the use of ground penetrating radar, which, in addition to witness information and satellite imagery, could further contribute to locating human remains. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate that the October elections were hard-earned and, importantly, technically well managed — a process for which IHEC and others deserve credit. The recent parliamentary elections can serve as an important steppingstone on a longer path towards regaining public trust.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“I would like to provide some final notes on the issue of missing Kuwaiti, third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. On 18 November, Kuwait announced the identification of another 19 Kuwaiti prisoners of war and missing persons, bringing the total number of Kuwaiti missing persons and third-country nationals identified to date to 59 people — 57 Kuwaitis and two Saudis. That breakthrough was possible thanks to the concerted, persistent efforts over the past couple of years, combining two elements — witness information and satellite imagery. I would like to emphasize the importance that the Government of Iraq not lose that momentum and use those elements to locate the more than 300 remaining missing Kuwaitis and third-country nationals.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“As I stated in August (see S/PV.8842), it is high time for Iraq to emerge from a prolonged political standstill and establish dynamic, responsive governance mechanisms. The current post- electoral phase is the moment for all political actors to demonstrate their determination, in service of all Iraqis. Yet again, I can only refer to the events that led to the October elections in the first place. A lack of political, economic and social prospects made many Iraqis take to the streets. Their demands and grievances remain as relevant as ever. As we all know, simmering anger easily swells. Plainly speaking, Iraq’s current outlook is precarious, to say the least. In the absence of genuine reforms, the situation will not improve, on the contrary.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“I call on all stakeholders not to go down that path. In the midst of this post-electoral turmoil, it is clear that Iraq cannot allow its national interest to be neglected. As I noted before, elections are never an end, but rather a means. While the risk of continued political deadlock is real, Iraq desperately needs a Government that is able to swiftly and effectively tackle the long list of unfinished domestic business. That is the primary responsibility of all political stakeholders. In other words, it is important for the current situation not to drag on. Statesmanship, leadership and sound judgment are all needed, as is a broad commitment to political dialogue, with factual information as a basis for deliberations and decision-making. Clearly, time is of the essence.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Today I can only say that further patience will have to be exercised. The Electoral Judicial Panel is finalizing its work, and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) is conducting a further examination of more than 800 polling stations based on the decisions issued by the Electoral Judicial Panel. Once that has been completed, IHEC is expected to send the final results to the Federal Supreme Court. While it would be preferable to have the final results ratified sooner rather than later, it should be noted that there are no constitutional time limits for ratification by the Federal Supreme Court. Having said that, let me emphasize that any unlawful attempts to prolong or discredit the electoral results process, or worse — alter the electoral results through intimidation and pressure, for example — can only backfire.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“In recent weeks, we have observed a severe lack of trust among parties, between parties and institutions and between parties and the authorities, not to mention the long-standing lack of public trust in both politicians and institutions. That is not without risk, as mistrust often leads to escalation. Hence our consistent calls for political dialogue to prevail. Again, any outstanding electoral concerns must be dealt with only through established legal channels, in accordance with the law. There is no point in using others as a scapegoat for electoral grievances. Where do things stand as we speak? The results will be final only after ratification by the Federal Supreme Court, which will take place once the Electoral Judicial Panel has adjudicated on those appeals brought before it.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Too many candidates in one constituency, for example, could have led to a fragmentation of votes. Interesting in Iraq’s case is that women candidates seem to have been very successful — meeting and likely exceeding the 25 per cent women quota, which is a floor, not a ceiling. What I am saying is that, while losing seats can be difficult to digest, it is important for any party in any democracy to examine the reasons for that loss and to draw lessons for future elections. If there are concerns of foul play, including manipulation, the established legal channels are open and, in the case of Iraq, widely used. But so far, and as stated by the Iraqi judiciary, there has been no evidence of systemic fraud.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“That was a heinous act and a direct attack on the State that can only be condemned in the strongest of terms. Let me be clear — under no circumstances must terrorism, violence and/or any other unlawful acts be allowed to derail Iraq’s democratic process. If we are to ease tensions, calm, restraint and dialogue are the only way forward. The fact is that citizens in democracies often must recognize that, even if the results are not what one hoped for, the process itself could still be sound. In fact, one of the clearest signs of a strengthening democracy is the ability for parties and electors to recognize outcomes — regardless of desired results. In the case of Iraq, the aggregated votes at the national level do not necessarily translate into the number of seats some parties might have expected.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Most of the time, those strong feelings will spark intense debate — for instance, on the direction the country should go in. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Such debates are the bedrock of pluralism and demonstrate political engagement. However, if such feelings and debates give way to undemocratic impulses, such as disinformation, baseless accusations, intimidation, threats of violence or worse, then — sooner or later — the door is opened to acts that are simply intolerable. On 17 October, parties rejecting the electoral results began demonstrations and sit-ins, which escalated on 5 November, with casualties reported in Baghdad. In the early hours of 7 November, an assassination attempt on the Prime Minister took place.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“As we have noted before, the elections were assessed as generally peaceful and well run, featuring significant technical and procedural improvements. All in all, they were a substantial achievement that Iraq’s authorities and parties would do well to publicly acknowledge. Moreover — and I cannot overstate this — the elections were hard-earned. Let us not forget that the October elections emerged from an unprecedented wave of country-wide demonstrations in 2019, which were marked by violence, excessive use of force, abductions and targeted killings and resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. There is no denying it — elections and their outcomes can provoke strong feelings. That goes for any democracy across the globe, and Iraq is no different. Depending on where one stands, emotions can run high.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: As much as I would have liked to be with everyone in the Chamber today, with the 10 October elections just behind us, we judged it more efficient to address the Security Council from Baghdad. It goes without saying that I very much look forward to participating in person early next year. Given the importance of the recent parliamentary elections, as well as the political and security developments since, today’s briefing will focus primarily on the electoral and post-electoral environment. At the outset, I wish to make a resolutely positive observation — these were the fifth national elections held under Iraq’s 2005 Constitution, and there is much for Iraqis to be proud of in these elections.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“In closing, let me underline that, with the election date rapidly approaching, Iraq will have our support every step of the way. These elections were hard earned, and I can only emphasize the importance of credible elections for the future of Iraq’s young democracy.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Before closing, I would like to give a progress report on the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. Since my most recent briefing (see S/2021/474), the State of Kuwait conclusively identified the remains of a further 10 individuals from its list of persons missing since 1991. After 30 long years, a total of 30 cases of missing persons have been formally closed since November 2020, and I sincerely hope that that important step will bring some closure to the families of the missing. Additionally, I would like to express my hope that an improvement in the COVID-19 situation and the subsequent easing of related restrictions will soon allow the resumption of field missions and explorations of potential burial sites to achieve further positive results.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“They must halt the intimidation, aggression, abductions and assassinations, end impunity, understand that accountability is the key to restoring public trust and act upon it. The Iraqi people have a right to know. I ask these leaders to work on Iraq’s domestic resilience, to not fall prey to external power competitions, to rein in armed groups that continue to operate outside State control, be they foreign or domestic, to assert the sovereignty and authority of the State, to acknowledge that political inaction comes at a very high price that the Iraqi people ultimately pay, to recognize that empty or broken promises only further erode public trust and to be wary of the fact that simmering anger easily swells. All this to say that the stakes are immensely high. I hope that history will not repeat itself.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Solutions that only speak to the majority or a particular group are untenable in the long run. Moreover, actions speak louder than words. Beautiful declarations and speeches abound, but at the end of the day it is all about getting things done — combating pervasive corruption, tackling negligence, fighting incompetence, leaving aside narrow partisan interests, overcoming factionalism and muhasasa, not allowing the pillaging of State institutions. I ask them to proceed at once with desperately needed reforms, to diversify the economy to decrease Iraq’s vulnerability to commodity price swings, to move away from constant crisis management and ad hoc deals. Instead, they must implement what they agreed upon and work towards a predictable modus operandi.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Do not get me wrong — after the many years of hoping, demanding and protesting, impatience is, of course, very understandable. Pain, disillusionment and frustration about a lack of economic, social and political prospects are very well understood. But in a democracy, one makes one’s voice heard not only through public protests but also, and critically, at the ballot box. I say to the Iraqis, “This is your country, your vote. Stand up and be counted”. To the authorities, civil servants, officials, political forces, parties and candidates, my message is to not let the Iraqi people down. Service to the citizens — whatever their background, belief, religion, opinion or conviction — should be their first priority. The focus must be on solutions that represent the interests of all people.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“As I said, whoever does not cast a vote is gifting their silence to those they may disagree with. There is no denying it — a sense of realism and pragmatism is important because these elections will not lead to immediate miracles. No elections can. Plainly speaking, Iraq is desperately in need of deep, structural reforms. And such reforms take unwavering determination, immense patience and lots of time. It has to be said, democracy — for all its rewards — can be, in many ways, painstaking business. Balancing diverse interests and opinions always requires compromise. And the truth is that sustainable democratic societies across the world are often the opposite of overnight wonders; they require immense patience to build and constant efforts to maintain.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Hence, it is important for voters and politicians alike to return to the process. Also and importantly, Iraq needs to move beyond the elections to go, hopefully, from a prolonged political standstill to dynamic and responsive governance. Now, to the Iraqis calling for a boycott because of their disillusionment, I would like to say that the Iraqi people are not a homogeneous and uniform group. Iraq is a diverse society, home to a vast array of peoples, languages and religions. Visions and opinions differ. That means that the outcome of the elections might not be what some are hoping for. It might even provide legitimacy to a Government that would not be one’s personal preference. But one thing is certain — by not voting, one places oneself outside the electoral process. Events that affect everyone would only be shaped by others.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“And while the world is watching, I can only emphasize that the responsibility for the success of the upcoming elections rests with the Iraqi stakeholders and authorities. The same is true for the responsibility for what comes next: the formation of a new Government that is able — swiftly and effectively — to address Iraq’s long list of unfinished domestic business. I would like to say a few words on the calls for a boycott or postponement of the elections. The reasons for such calls vary from everyday Iraqis expressing their disillusionment, lack of trust, anger and loss of hope to apparent acts of political manoeuvring. However, to be frank, a boycott is not an effective strategy, nor will it solve anything. On the contrary, a vote not cast is, in fact, a gift to the opposition.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Truth, discipline and courage are required at this critical juncture. I would also like to call on all media outlets to provide accurate, reliable and timely information to the Iraqi people, instead of fuelling false perceptions to suit their backers. It is high time to recognize that Iraq leads and owns the October elections. It is high time to stop blaming others for things of one’s own doing. And it is high time to acknowledge that the credibility of these October elections will prove essential for Iraq’s future. Of course, elections are not an ultimate objective in and of themselves. They are a means to an end — improved governance to build a safer, more prosperous and just Iraq.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Regrettably, misinformation about IHEC, protesters, Government officials, political rivals and even the United Nations is abundant and wide-ranging. UNAMI is working tirelessly to provide IHEC and others with considerable technical support, spending millions of taxpayers’ money for additional experts on the ground. And yet some have taken it upon themselves to baselessly claim that we were somehow calling for a postponement of these elections, which is, frankly, absurd. So let me be clear — if misinformation overtakes reality, it is not only an enormous energy drain for those working hard for the greater good of Iraq, it is also risky business. I therefore call, yet again, on all stakeholders to stick to the facts, to focus on their own roles and responsibilities and to refrain from using the United Nations as a scapegoat.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Not surprisingly, fear of electoral fraud is being expressed by many, including Iraqi citizens and political parties. Looking back on past events, that fear is well understood. At the same time, it is fair to emphasize that it is the political parties themselves that can make or break these elections. No matter how many technical measures are put in place, it is up to them, collectively, to refrain from any attempt to force or distort election results. It is up to them to stop the buying of loyalties, voter suppression and/or other intentional, illegal actions. It is they who must lead by example, collectively. One bad actor can ruin it for everyone else. Another issue is the fact that misinformation — and even conspiracy theories — continue to create false but accepted perceptions.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“The fact is that significant changes to improve the electoral processes and preparations for election day are being made, including an independent IT audit, new voter verification devices, numerous measures to tackle the misuse of electronic voting cards and displaying election results in real-time during transmission, tabulation and announcement. In other words, the October elections clearly have the potential to be different from the elections in 2018. However, successful elections are not and cannot be the sole responsibility of IHEC. We therefore consistently call on all stakeholders, including Government officials, parties, candidates, political forces, civil-society organizations, media outlets and voters, to commit to transparent and credible elections in words and in deeds.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Concurrently, and in line with its renewed mandate, UNAMI is stepping up its strategic communication efforts aimed at informing the Iraqi voters about election preparations and related United Nations activities, sharing facts and figures, tackling misinformation and managing public expectations. We are often asked if the October elections will be different from the elections in 2018. That is a sensible question, as the lack of trust in the public authorities and institutions is long-standing and widespread. In response, I can only point to the facts. The fact is that the IHEC is applying lessons learned from previous elections.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“I wish to commend the IHEC not only for its dedication but also for its transformation. Iraq’s authorities and parties would do well to publicly acknowledge the IHEC’s achievements so far, and the same goes for its independence. Casting doubt about the IHEC’s ability to operate risks further eroding voter confidence. In parallel, preparations for United Nations monitoring are moving rapidly. Most members of the preparatory team have been contracted and are being deployed to Baghdad as we speak. They will soon be followed by the regional teams, expected to be on the ground in the first week of September. Those regional teams will pave the way for the arrival of short-term experts.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“As the Council may have gleaned from our monthly public reports, candidate lists have been finalized; a ballot lottery was conducted for all 83 constituencies; ballot printing is ongoing, with all ballot papers expected in country by mid-September; the polling and results-management information-technology (IT) systems are being reviewed by an independent audit firm; two out of the three planned polling day simulations have been conducted, with the most recent simulation, open to political parties and the media, on 23 August and the final simulation scheduled for September; the recruitment of polling staff is ongoing, and the training of electoral staff has also begun; and the IHEC’s outreach strategy was launched on 6 June and covers key thematic areas, including the new electoral system, the role of the IHEC, the distribution of biometric cards, the counting process and the announcement of results and integrity measures, as well as specific awareness messages targeting, inter alia, women, youth, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons and returnees.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“I would like to start by emphasizing that the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) is working diligently towards election day, in line with the electoral law and in accordance with the pre-approved timelines. In recent months, the IHEC has reached several complex milestones. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has, of course, provided, and continues to provide, technical assistance wherever it can. It is worth noting that five times as many United Nations personnel are currently engaged as were in the 2018 elections.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: To be back in the Security Council Chamber, after one and half years, feels, I must admit, like a particular privilege and honour. I truly hope that this progressive return to normalcy, or something approaching it, will soon be within reach for all. However, for the time being, we must be realistic — the pandemic is far from over, taking its daily toll of cases, including in Iraq, and claiming even more lives when tragedy strikes, as it did with yet another devastating fire in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) ward of a hospital in Nasiriyah last month. If you, Mr. President, allow me, I will dedicate most of today’s briefing to Iraq’s all-important elections on 10 October. The clock is ticking, with 46 days left until Iraq goes to the polls.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Iraq must and can find strength in diversity, recognizing a cohesive society as more than the sum of its parts. Putting out one fire after the other is no strategy. Iraq must move from constant crisis management to sustainable and stable politics, building resilience through deep and broad systemic reform. As we all know, strength at home is a prerequisite for strength abroad.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“It was my intention to conclude with words of hope, but the ongoing political indecisiveness and dissension, leading to a further paralysis in decision-making, unfortunately do not give cause for immediate optimism. The country and its people continue to be pushed into the unknown. Also, the repeated pattern of parliamentary sessions failing to reach quorum is exactly the opposite of what the country needs, especially during a period of acute political crisis. The fundamental mandate of an elected representative is to be present, to be counted and to vote. As I said last time (see S/PV.8676), out of the ongoing political crisis, a fairer, stronger and inherently more resilient Iraq can emerge. But again, for that to materialize, political leaders will have to act fast, placing the country’s interest above all else.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Despite a very challenging operational context, the Iraqi Ministry of Defence has demonstrated commendable focus on that important file, leading the excavation efforts with assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross. I truly hope that the DNA identification of the newly discovered human remains and of those that are still being analysed in Kuwait will prove positive and bring closure to the families and relatives of those who went missing nearly 30 years ago. The contribution of the Tripartite Commission members through the provision and analysis of satellite imagery, supported by witness information, proved crucial in locating the Samawah sites. I would like to urge all members of the Commission to continue their steadfast support to the efforts under way for other potential burial sites.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Beyond the immediate security threat, that also takes critical political attention away from urgent unfinished domestic business. However, as I have stated before, regional security developments should not eclipse domestic priorities and rightful demands for reform. The question is whether Iraq will flourish as a venue for peace and understanding or suffer as the arena of external battles. I will now turn to the issue of missing Kuwaitis, third-country nationals and Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. Hopes were renewed in January when new human remains were discovered and exhumed from a third grave in Samawah.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Turning to Baghdad-Erbil relations, notwithstanding an encouraging preliminary deal between the Kurdish Regional Government and the federal Government on oil-revenue sharing, we continue to await a final, long- term and sustainable agreement on this file, as well as on security cooperation and Sinjar. I think we can all agree that the volatile domestic and regional climate took an extraordinary toll on Iraq in the past months. To point out the obvious, the state-to-state violence we saw play out across Iraq earlier this year was received as a clear and substantial threat to the country. The modus operandi and rules of engagement have shifted, and the risk of rogue action by armed groups with unclear reporting lines is a constant concern.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“In other words, the newly appointed Electoral Commission will need to demonstrate greater resolve in adhering to the principles of transparency, accountability, independence and professionalism as it rebuilds the Commission’s institutional capacities and kick-start technical electoral preparations. Moreover, in order to firm up the electoral calendar, there is an immediate need to complete the electoral legal framework. Parliament must act on pending, urgent elements of the electoral law, in particular constituency demarcation and seat apportionment, which will, hopefully, bring voters closer to the candidates and make future elected representatives accountable to their constituents.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source