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

“While constructive negotiations between Iraq’s Government and its allies have been ongoing since the voting on the parliamentary resolution on the presence of foreign troops, Iraq’s allies continue to assist the Government and its institutions in the fight against ISIL. It is obvious that a strong State with a monopoly on the use of force is best equipped to face those multiple security threats. Of course, an equally powerful tool against violent extremism is fairness and justice. I would now like to touch upon the need for free, fair and credible elections. While the electoral reset is a top priority for many, broad, fundamental systemic reform and a strong Independent High Electoral Commission will prove crucial.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“They help explain why Iraqis continue to await roads, hospitals, schools and legal employment opportunities, and also contribute to further destabilization by providing channels for the financing of organized crime and violent extremism. With regard to violent extremism, we cannot ignore the continued threat of terrorism. Although the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has been defeated territorially, in the past two months it has continued its attempts to increase its military operations in north-eastern Diyala, northern Baghdad and areas of western Iraq. It goes without saying that ISIL must not be allowed to regroup and recruit.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“The good news is that agriculture is already showing promise as a candidate for investment. An agricultural revival, in the birthplace of agriculture, will not only improve employment and social cohesion but also strengthen Iraqi food security. In that context, I would also like to highlight the creative resilience of the Iraqi people because, if one looks beyond the statistics and legal structures, we observe — on the streets — plenty of commercial activity. One can only imagine what this spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship could achieve if freed from the burdens of red tape and bribes. An important aspect of corruption is illicit financial flows.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Iraq’s massive oil wealth has financed a crude rentier system that sees enormous revenues converted to salaries in unproductive sectors. While external factors such as regional tensions and oil price fluctuations will certainly continue to weigh on the national economy, there are internal factors that Iraq can control — reducing bureaucracy, increasing the ease of doing business and strengthening the rule of law and anti-corruption mechanisms. Those measures can all incentivize the domestic private sector while attracting foreign investment. Those steps are necessary to build a healthy environment that is conducive to broad-based, fairly distributed growth and employment generation. Iraq must also build, repair and upgrade critical infrastructure and broaden its revenue base to reduce its dependency on hydrocarbons.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“A cynic would describe this payroll corruption as the perfect electoral mobilization strategy, where, perversely, low turnout benefits those pursuing their own narrow, partisan and/ or transactional objectives. It is important to tackle the system as precisely that — a system rather than just a series of individuals or occurrences. Each bribe or favour serves to reinforce the existing structure. As a result, full systemic reform will be necessary. No one understands that better than the Iraqi women and men whose opportunities for a more prosperous life continue to be undermined by a system that ignores them. Iraq is by no means a poor country but, as I said, private and partisan interests conspire to divert resources away from critical investment in the way forward.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Clearly, all of that prolongs uncertainty and causes significant challenges, thereby further eroding public trust. One way or another, the road ahead remains fraught with difficulties. I already mentioned the pressing need for accountability and justice. Another top priority is corruption, which is perhaps the greatest source of dysfunction in Iraq and, sadly, a core feature of Iraq’s current political economy. It is built into everyday transactions. A related feature of Iraq’s political economy is its reliance on patronage and clientelism. That has resulted in a ballooning, inefficient public service that functions more as an instrument of political favour than as a servant of the people.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“That led to a complicated situation in which the Prime Minister- designate was not able to obtain sufficiently broad support to form his Government within 30 days. Within the past three days, we saw the withdrawal of the candidacy of the Prime Minister- designate — accepted by the President — and the announcement by the previous and current caretaker Prime Minister that he was stepping back from most of his duties, while calling on Parliament to seek early elections in December 2020. Under the Constitution, the President now has another 15 days to nominate a new Prime Minister-designate, whose Government and programme would also be subject to parliamentary endorsement. While political consultations are ongoing, the question remains whether political parties will find a new consensus-candidate within those time limits.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“After five months of protests and the many people injured or killed, it should be clear that peaceful protesters, backed by a silent majority, will not budge on their aspirations. That should be the first and last concern of the political class. Let me be clear: delivering on the demands of the people will require a collective effort. I again emphasize that no Prime Minister can go it alone. Every single political actor and leader is fully responsible for restoring the critical confidence of the public in their Government and its institutions. In late November, the Prime Minister announced his resignation, which was soon approved by Parliament and the President. The designation of a new Prime Minister and subsequent attempts to form a new Government ultimately failed due to distrust and disunity.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“We see groups or individuals using the cover of peaceful protesters and/or security forces to muddy the issues, thereby misleading the public, harming the country’s interests, confusing the scene and causing casualties. All of this is part of Iraq’s tough reality. As Secretary-General Guterres recently stated, the large number of armed groups operating outside State control is preventing the country from functioning as a normal State. However, it bears repeating that this is not something political leaders should hide behind. On the contrary. They must dismantle or formally integrate those armed entities under full State control without delay. In other words, this is no excuse for political and governmental inaction.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“I sincerely hope that the political leaders of Iraq will recognize that they are now at a crossroads where they must choose either to stand idle or to place themselves at the service of their countrymen and women; but I have to say that the critical window of opportunity is closing fast. The participation of Iraqi women in the ongoing public protests is unprecedented and marks a new page in the history of women’s grass-roots mobilization in Iraq. Political leaders should heed that call. Turning to the streets, the security picture is undeniably complex and most challenging to manage. We witness ambiguously identified armed entities with unclear loyalties.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Let me emphasize that justice and accountability are a matter of burning importance to the many Iraqis who have lost their loved ones or seen them injured for no other reason than having expressed their frustration with poor economic, social and political prospects. Justice and accountability should also be a pressing matter for the State of Iraq. The rule of law must be strengthened if public trust is to take root. As I have stated time and again, Iraq’s problems did not occur overnight, nor will they be solved in an instant. Yet times of crisis also present opportunities.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“The many brave Iraqis who continue to pay an unimaginable price for their voices to be heard deserve recognition of the intolerable abuses they have been subjected to: killings, abductions, violence, intimidation and threats. These abhorrent human rights violations are ongoing and fly in the face of all that is decent. They have no place in a democracy, any democracy. Yes, of course, we recognize the challenges of operating within a fluid, puzzling security context with multiple actors. However, as I have stated many times, the ultimate responsibility for the people’s safety and security undeniably rests with the State. It is therefore imperative to put an end to these abuses. Moreover, it is imperative that perpetrators be brought to justice. Impunity ends where accountability begins.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: Iraq has not left the headlines in recent months, as domestic, regional and international events have continued to take their toll on the country. While we will explore these events today, I choose to begin with hope: the hope of a people that remains united in its determination for a more just and prosperous future; the hope of a sovereign nation that refuses to become a battleground for conflicts that are not its own; and the hope that Iraq may very well find itself at the most opportune moment for genuine and lasting political reform in a generation. But for this to materialize, political leaders and communities will have to step up to the plate by placing the country’s interests above all else and building domestic strength. Within this context, it is important not to sugar-coat the current harsh reality.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Iraq is definitely not a lost cause - far from it. It has immense potential. The challenge is to seize this opportunity and to build a sovereign, stable, inclusive and prosperous Iraq. Now is the time to act. The great hopes of so many Iraqis call for bold and forward thinking.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“In my meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, he expressed concern that the relevant actors might not be serious enough to implement any meaningful reform. He added that the situation could not continue as it was before the demonstrations, which is very true. Meanwhile, the protesters appear determined to persevere as long as their demands remain unheeded. The situation cannot and will not be resolved by buying time with band-aid solutions and coercive measures - such an approach will only further fuel public anger and distrust. Pursuing partisan interests, muddling through or brutally cracking down on peaceful protesters are not strategies at all. Nothing is more damaging than a climate of anger and fear. We must not let history repeat itself. Out of any crisis, new and great opportunities can emerge.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“I would now like to turn to the issue of missing third-country Kuwaiti nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. Despite the domestic crisis, I am pleased to report that, on 27 October, Iraq handed over approximately 200,000 books belonging to the National Library of Kuwait and Kuwait University. I would also like to commend the difficult work carried out by Kuwaiti forensic experts in the ongoing identification process ofthe human remains that were found earlier this year in the Samawah desert. I truly hope that those efforts can soon be completed in order to deliver some closure to relatives. I would like to say a final word on the ongoing demonstrations in Iraq. The country is as at a crossroads.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Their ongoing failure to agree can no longer be explained or tolerated. Another concern is the situation in Duhok governorate. Over 16,000 Syrian refugees have arrived so far, and more continue to arrive on a daily basis. Nine years into the Syrian conflict, we did not expect to open new refugee camps in Iraq. Let us not forget that they arejoining the quarter ofa million Syrians already being hosted in the Kurdish region. While the protests dominate our attention, we should not forget the legacy of yesterday's fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. As we speak, a new disaster is in the making. On many occasions, I have stated that the situation in camps such as Al-Hol is not sustainable. Transnational threats demand collective action, but instead we are seeing a frankly shocking lack of international long-term thinking.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Moreover, they will have to come clean in public and advance real solutions, instead of leaving it to a Prime Minister with little or no support. I have always emphasized, and I will continue to do so, that a Government cannot go it alone. It is the collective responsibility of the political class as a whole. With permission, I will now briefly turn to Baghdad-Erbil relations, which is another critical file. As I have said in earlier briefings, relations are surely on an upswing, and that is good news. But I must repeat that, to date, this has not materialized in the form of tangible breakthroughs on the ground. In Sinjar, sadly, we continue to face major restrictions to our humanitarian action. Erbil and Baghdad are duty- bound to establish a single Administration and stable security structures.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“While I acknowledge that a collective protest movement does not necessarily recognize central leadership, some structure and coordination on the part of the peaceful protesters will prove to be of great importance as well. The Prime Minister's resignation was accepted by Parliament last Sunday. Today, the Speaker is expected to ask the President to designate a new Prime Minister. The President will have 15 days to do so. In turn, the Prime Minister-designate will have 30 days to form a Government. While talks about the Prime Minister- designate are ongoing among political leaders, I would like to emphasize the urgency of the current circumstances. Political leaders do not have the luxury of time and must rise to the moment.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“While that is one of the best remedies against unrest and conflict, we have seen precious little in terms of implementation. Some three weeks ago, following consultations with a wide range of Iraqis, including protesters and authorities, we proposed a number of steps as a way forward and further initiatives to foster dialogue are ongoing or on their way. But if that dialogue - that peaceful attempt - is to succeed, the protesters' conditions are clear - there must be an end to the bloodshed, abductions and unlawful arrests. Also, it must be understood that without full accountability and justice, it would be nearly impossible to convince the people that political leaders are sincerely willing to engage in substantial reform.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Iraqis are calling for independent and impartial electoral management and changes in the electoral system to bring voters closer to their candidates and make their elected representatives duly accountable. Secondly, with respect to pervasive corruption, we have heard plenty of words and gestures, but have seen fewer concrete outcomes. The political class will need to lead by example, for instance by publicly disclosing their assets and abolishing their so-called economic offices. I cannot overstate that anti-corruption efforts will be key to unlocking immense social, economic and political potential. Without meaningful progress, we risk treading water on nearly every other front. A related key demand of the demonstrators is an environment conducive to employment and growth.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Let me emphasize that it is the primary responsibility of the State to protect its people. In other words, any and all forms of violence are intolerable and must not distract from the rightful demands for reform. That would compromise the State even further and only harm an already gravely eroded public trust, further narrowing the Government's ability to reform. That ability, sadly, grows weaker every time a peaceful protester is killed or injured. The weight of Iraq's past and the immensity of current issues would surely be challenging to any Government's ability to act and to act fast. However, the shortcomings are long-standing. The following are a few examples. First, the call for electoral reform reverberates all over Iraq.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Addressing hate speech does not mean limiting or prohibiting freedom of speech. Another grave concern is the encroachment of power dynamics that is trying to hijack the peaceful protests. Acts of violence that are politically motivated, gang-driven or arising from external loyalties risk placing Iraq on a dangerous trajectory, sowing chaos and confusion, including the further loss of life and the destruction of public and private property. That gravely undermines the rightful demands of the Iraqi people. It complicates the work of the security forces, and it provides a cynical excuse for political inaction or, worse, an excuse for all kinds of conspiracies to justify violent crackdowns on peaceful demonstrations. To be perfectly clear, the vast majority of protesters are evidently peaceful - everyday men and women seeking a better life.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Yet the harsh reality is that the use of live fire has not been abandoned; that non-lethal devices, such as tear gas canisters, continue to be used improperly, causing horrific injuries or death; and that unlawful arrests and detentions continue to take place, as do abductions, threats and intimidation. The recent events in Nasiriyah and Najaf are a case in point. I therefore wish to reiterate the importance of guaranteeing fundamental rights - above all the right to life, but also the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Additionally, I wish to again stress the critical importance of full accountability and justice at all levels. Also, important to note is the shutdown of media outlets, internet and social media, which adds to the public perception that the authorities have something to hide.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Who is smashing media outlets, gunning down peaceful protesters and abducting civil activists? Who are those masked men and unidentified snipers? I note that a number of arrest warrants have been issued, but I would like to emphasize that perpetrators must be brought to full account. There can be no justification for the many killings and heavy injuries among peaceful protesters. Yet that is precisely what we have been documenting since 1 October. The rules of engagement were reviewed by the Government to minimize the use of lethal force, and indeed, more restraint was observed at the start of the second wave of demonstrations, in Baghdad in particular.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Let me underline that any successful nation needs to warmly embrace the potential of its young people. That is all the more important in Iraq, with its remarkably young population. Events spun out of control on the very first night of the demonstrations, with authorities immediately resorting to excessive force. The high loss of life, the many injuries and the violence, combined with a long period of undelivered promises, all resulted in a huge crisis of confidence. Although the Government has announced various reform packages addressing issues such as housing, unemployment, financial support and education, those are often perceived as unrealistic or too little, too late. Additionally, the Government's investigation into the violence of early October is seen as incomplete, although it was a positive step.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“These young people have no recollection of how horrific life was for many Iraqis in the time of Saddam Hussein. However, they are very much aware of the life that was promised after Saddam Hussein, and through the power of connectivity, they know perfectly well that a better future is possible. I have often said that the current situation cannot be judged without putting it in the context of Iraq's past, and that is true. What we are witnessing is an accumulation of frustration over the lack of progress for so many years. After years, even decades, of sectarian strife and conflict, a renewed sense of patriotism has taken hold, symbolized by the 16-year-old boy I met in the hospital, as well as his countless brothers and sisters demonstrating in Iraq. Some well-known Iraqis refer to it as the battle of a nation.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Since early October, more than 400 people have been killed and more than 19,000 have been injured. As we commemorate the fallen and pay our respects, their ideals and demands remain more alive than ever. One of the protesters told me in the clearest of terms that he would rather not live at all than live without dignity and freedom. That is what the protests are all about. Last week, I Visited a hospital in Baghdad and met with a 16-year-old boy who had been heavily injured by shrapnel. His mother said that the lack of all prospects makes our teenagers desperate and that it makes them think and act at least twice their age. Her son is only 16 years old, but 16 years is a very long time if one is waiting for political leaders to live up to their promises.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: In recent months, I have consistently referred to urgent, unfinished domestic business in Iraq. Today, perhaps inevitably, I will brief the Security Council on protests and civil unrest. These protests, which were initially driven by young people in particular, have given voice to their frustration with poor economic, social and political prospects, and to their hopes for better times, free from corruption, partisan interests and foreign interference. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis from all walks of life have taken to the streets out of the love for their homeland, emphasizing their Iraqi identity. All they are asking for is a country that can reach its full potential for the benefit of all its citizens, However, they are paying an unimaginable price for their voices to be heard.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“In that context, as always, I would like to commend the ongoing constructive cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the invaluable assistance of the Tripartite Commission. I truly hope that the recent discoveries will finally bring some relief to the families of the missing, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies. In conclusion, I would like to underline that Iraq's daunting challenges neither arose overnight nor are solely the product of Iraqi actions. As such, they will not be resolved tomorrow. In other words, Iraqis must press ahead in unity and, just as important, with an engaged international community by their side.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“With your permission, Madam President, I would now like to turn to the issue of missing Kuwaiti, third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. I am pleased to report a significant breakthrough. Samples of human remains exhumed in March from a burial site in Iraq's Muthanna governorate have now been confirmed as belonging to some of the Kuwaitis we have been seeking. DNA analysis is continuing on additional human remains. I can also confirm that, earlier today, more than 40,000 Kuwaiti books belonging to the Amiri and national archives were handed over by the Government of Iraq to the Kuwaiti authorities.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“With regard to the elections, the Iraqi Council of Representatives recently amended the Governorate Council Electoral Law. I must say that certain provisions are of great concern, as they could lead to the disenfranchisement of many otherwise eligible voters. In addition, the transparency and accountability of electoral institutions and processes are not sufficiently guaranteed at present. While the elections expected in April 2020 are critical and overdue, I have made it clear that free, fair and credible elections are key to the revival of public trust. In other words, UNAMI will continue to highlight the importance of guaranteeing the right of universal suffrage and the need for the transparency and accountability of institutions and processes - all key to the inclusiveness and credibility of the elections.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“We are well aware that a variety of grievances, including unfair trials and detainee abuse, have been exploited by ISIL to fuel its violent agenda. Whether we like it or not, at this moment in time, too many communities continue to feel marginalized. As a consequence, many people remain vulnerable to extremist messaging. For me that was one of the most important reasons to establish a permanent presence in Mosul. I am pleased to report that our Mosul office will open its doors in early September. Unfortunately, as discussed before, rampant corruption is not being wiped out at once. As I said last time (see S/PV.8531), achieving tangible results is crucial. A recent call to lift the immunity of members of Parliament accused of corruption could be a move in the right direction. But again, the final result is what ultimately matters.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“As I have stressed before, if not suitably addressed, this issue has the potential to impact not only Iraq but also the wider region and far beyond. Also important to note is the fact that issues of due process and accountability cannot be limited only to the courtroom. A structured dialogue is required to precisely define how the Government of Iraq will handle this process, which will in turn inform the modalities of United Nations assistance. I would also like to emphasize the paramount importance of robust safeguards for detention, due process and fair trials. Complying with human rights obligations would not only demonstrate commitment to justice and accountability, but it is also a necessary building block for reconciliation and social cohesion. What is more, it would reduce the risk of history repeating itself.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“In other words, enhanced operational performance on the ground between the federal and Kurdish regional forces is not a nice to have but anecessity. Within the context of domestic security, I would also like to commend the bravery of Iraqi security forces. In the aftermath ofISIL's territorial defeat, they continue to hunt down the remaining ISIL fighters, for example within the framework of Operation Will of Victory, carried out throughout the country in the past weeks. The issue of returning ISIL fighters, including their family members, from Syria to Iraq continues to pose major challenges. Unfortunately, we still have no clarity on numbers, a start date, screening/security arrangements and/or hosting facilities upon return.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“That is good news, but we are in the early days of implementation and the next phase will prove crucial. Clearly, zero tolerance for any armed actor outside State control is the way forward. Further work on security sector reform will be necessary, as an effective, efficient and financially sustainable security sector is critical to protecting Iraq against existing and emerging threats. With the Ministers of the Interior, Defence and Justice in place, I sincerely hope that the Government will now speed up the reconfiguration of its national security architecture in terms of structure, capabilities and resources. Also important is the rapid enactment of the joint security mechanism. It will pave the way for joint operations along disputed boundaries. Inadequate coordination will continue to give Da'esh a margin of manoeuvre.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“In terms of regional politics, we continue to operate in a perilous context. Yet the Iraqi leadership must again be commended for its unwavering commitment to multilateral diplomacy. With great dedication, Iraqi leaders are tirelessly engaging regional and international actors to ensure that their country is a meeting ground for stability, not a venue for proxy conflicts. How right they are. With that in mind, we should be lucid and recognize that current tensions could well deal a huge blow to all national and international endeavours to rebuild a stable and prosperous Iraq. We must therefore spare no effort in avoiding that prospect. I am also very encouraged by the Government's determination to bring all armed actors under State control. Recent orders have been met with broad support across the political spectrum.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“Turning to the economy, the Government is increasingly recognizing the urgency ofreform, notably in broadening the revenue base beyond hydrocarbons and in increasing the role of the private sector in areas ranging from infrastructure development to job creation. Discussions at the senior-most levels focus on enhancing governance, better managing oil revenue, protecting the investment environment from corruption and reforming the banking sector to pave the way for more foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships. That is becoming more urgent, especially as a higher budget deficit looms with rising expenditures and oil price volatility. Within that context, we encourage the Iraqi Government to accelerate its structural reform, fostering macroeconomic and financial stability, as well as promoting sustainable, inclusive growth.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“Regarding Kirkuk, I am very encouraged by the goodwill demonstrated by all parties involved to finally address the normalization of the situation in Kirkuk. As for Sinjar, again earlier this month I travelled to the region, where, unfortunately, I continued to witness great devastation and slow progress on the ground. Rival security actors and the lack of a unified administration remain the main obstacles for progress. That situation also greatly restricts humanitarian action. I therefore continue to appeal to all those feeling challenged, the federal and Kurdish authorities in particular. Indeed, it is high time to put aside partisan interests to bridge differences and to place without further delay the needs of the people first.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“The good news is that the progress in the both Government formation processes in both Baghdad and Erbil has created a positive momentum to advance negotiations between the two capitals, as also demonstrated by the establishment of a high-level joint committee. I cannot deny that the expectations are high, in particular on key files, including Kirkuk, Sinjar and revenue-sharing. On the latter, it is important that all parties acknowledge that, instead of counterproductive annual budget battles, a comprehensive, lasting agreement is far more productive. It goes without saying that I am always ready to offer the good offices of United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in order to advance discussions towards consensus, followed by action.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“Ultimately, it must be clear that a Government cannot act alone. It is ajoint responsibility. As the Council knows, the federal Cabinet is now fully formed aside from the Ministry of Education. Significant progress has been made on senior appointments to parliamentary committees. The Kurdistan Regional Government is also up and running, with the critical resources portfolio still to be filled. I note that three ministers of that Regional Government are women, as is the Speaker of the Kurdistan Regional Parliament. At the federal level, unfortunately, not a single woman has not yet been appointed.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“More importantly, it is not justified. Also, we cannot simply judge the current situation without putting it in the context of Iraq's past. Decades of trouble continue to impact the present, and we have not seen the end of it yet. It is equally important, however, not to sugar-coat the current circumstances. We can all agree on Iraq's great potential, but perseverance is key to making the most of that potential. Clearly, one cannot expect the Iraqi Government to create miracles overnight in dealing with the legacy of the past and the many challenges of the present. The harsh reality is that the Government needs time to fight the many narrow partisan interests and to deliver. Just as essentially, political parties and other actors need to arrive at a common understanding that the country's interests should be prioritized above all else.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“I am pleased to report that, moments ago, the Government signed a cost-sharing agreement to begin making its own contributions to the Funding Facility for Stabilization. Let me also briefly refer to the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, which took place almost a year and a half ago. The Iraq Recovery and Resilience Programme is being implemented throughout the country, and resource mobilization efforts have yielded almost half of the required funding so far. We will continue to encourage development partners to fund the programme, particularly through the United Nations trust fund. Returning to politics, Iraq's leadership is hard at work building on the progress made to date. As discussed during the Council's visit to Iraq, painting a grim picture is never a goal in itself.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“For example, vital health-care services are being suspended, schools for the internally displaced are being shuttered and food distribution cycles are being interrupted. Moreover, around 1.6 million internally displaced persons are still desperately awaiting better times, are still waiting to return to their homes in safety and dignity. Do not get me wrong: without a doubt, lots of good work has been done. Thanks to the many donor contributions, houses, roads, bridges and power lines have been rebuilt, to name but a few examples. And yes, 4.3 million people have returned home, but the pace has slowed, and outstanding needs are most acute in the health, electricity and water sectors. Understandably, donors have been asking the Government of Iraq to demonstrate shared ownership by taking part in the financing ofthis work.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“It may be unusual to immediately switch to funding concerns but, with the Council's well-received assurances in mind, I feel the need once again to share our concerns regarding the continued underfunding of both the Funding Facility for Stabilization as well as the humanitarian response plan, with gaps of over $300 million and $500 million, respectively. Ifthe Council will allow me, therefore, I would like to use this opportunity to express my sincere hope for the ongoing and generous support of the international community. Progress has been made, but the road ahead is long and complex. Right now, due to the continued underfunding Ijust mentioned, Iraq's post- conflict humanitarian programming is being hindered.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: I would like to begin by recalling the historic importance of the Security Council's visit to Iraq on 29 June. On that day in 2014, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ Da'esh) declared its so-called caliphate. While that is a grim memory, during the Council's visit we instead celebrated Iraqi freedom and sovereignty and saluted the enormous sacrifices made in the fight against ISIL. The Council delivered important, well-received assurances of its continued support to Iraq and its people. That was highly appreciated by many in Iraq.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“Finally, the challenges for Iraq are manifold but, in all of those challenges, I would like to express once again our continued and strong commitment to assist and support wherever we can. President Barham Salih very recently stated that the situation in Iraq is not good. Iraqis deserve far better. However, the situation is improving. It will take time but, with great determination and concerted, decisive action, we will succeed. How right he is.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8531 (2019) · source
“I would like to conclude by recalling my recent visit to Sinjar, which brings together many ofthe points Ijust made. In Sinjar, I saw the horrific destruction - the work of ISIL of almost five years ago. Unfortunately, little has changed since the liberation of Sinjar. Many people are still living in tents on the mountain to which they fled at the onset ofthe terror campaign. In August, the world will commemorate the horrific events of five years ago. But a single administration and the provision of security, as the very basis for the reconstruction of Sinjar, are yet to be realized. Frankly, continued failure to make it happen is a clear injustice. Iraqi leadership, both in Baghdad and Erbil, must now act with urgency and decisively.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8531 (2019) · source
“Allow me to now turn to the issue of missing Kuwaitis, third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. I would like to thank Member States of the Tripartite Commission for coming forward with satellite imagery that, in combination with Witness testimonies, has been vital in identifying potential locations for missing Kuwaitis, After years of hard work by many, and on this occasion I would like to flag recent efforts, in particular by the Iraqi Ministry of Defence. I sincerely hope that we will be able to announce positive results soon. Obviously, it is important that Iraq continue its efforts, including the identification of the missing Kuwaiti national archives and other property. We all recognize their importance as an integral element of Kuwait's national heritage.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8531 (2019) · source
“In addition to our humanitarian efforts, we continue to support post-ISIL stabilization and rehabilitation efforts in the worst-affected areas. Our Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS) reached a major milestone by rehabilitating the first 1,000 out of the 15,000 houses in Mosul's Old City. That builds on previous successful housing work in Al-Anbar, where thousands upon thousands of houses have already been rehabilitated. In addition, FFS completed the rehabilitation of several structures, such as Mosul University, which currently hosts more than 20,000 students. A third major bridge in western Al-Anbar has also been restored, allowing more than 75,000 people to access essential services, such as hospitals and schools.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8531 (2019) · source