UNSC Briefing on Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL (UNITAD)

10 May 2021

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Mr. R. Ravindra

Deputy Permanent Representative - Political Coordinator

Thank you Mr. President,

I welcome Special Adviser Karim Ahmed Khan and the Permanent Representative of Iraq, Ambassador Mohammad Hussein to the meeting. I echo the appreciation of other colleagues for the Special Adviser’s contribution to the work of UNITAD. I also wish him success in his next assignment as the Chief Prosecutor of the ICC. I also welcome Ms. Nadia Murad and thank her for the briefing.

2. India strongly believes that the credibility of our collective fight against terrorism can be strengthened only when we ensure accountability for the grave and inhuman acts of terror committed by terrorists and take strong measures against States that encourage, support and finance terrorism. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has carried out inhuman atrocities against the people of Iraq. Victims of ISIL’s horrific crimes also included 39 Indian nationals. ISIL has systematically committed genocide, torture, rape, slavery and kidnapping throughout the territory under its control in Iraq and Syria. The Islamic State therefore cannot be seen as just another regional terrorist outfit. It is a global syndicate with affiliated terrorist groups across the world, including in our neighbourhood.

3. We are pleased to note that UNITAD, under the leadership of the Special Adviser, is contributing towards fighting impunity and ensuring accountability for the crimes  committed by ISIL in Iraq. Accountability for these crimes, especially those against various minority communities in Iraq, is critical for achieving smooth reconciliation and sustained peace in Iraq. In this regard, we welcome the adoption of the Yazidi Female Survivors Law. Implementation of this key legislation and the recent Sinjar agreement will help Iraq move closer to achieving justice for the victims, contribute to restoring normalcy in the lives of Yazidi survivors, enhance their quality of life and pave the way for their safe return. UNITAD’s work is also complementing the Iraqi government’s efforts aimed at national reconciliation. The completion of initial case-briefs by UNITAD in the attacks against the Yazidi community in the Sinjar region and the positive progress in case-briefs of other communities are also important developments.

4. We welcome UNITAD’s investigation into the development and use of chemical and biological weapons by ISIL in Iraq. We note with concern the Team’s observation that evidence collected and analyzed confirms the repeated use of chemical weapons by ISIL against civilians. India firmly condemns the use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, under any circumstances. India has been highlighting the serious threat to international peace and security emanating from the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by ISIL and other terrorist groups and the need for greater international co-operation to prevent it. We hope that UNITAD’s investigation would also provide valuable insights in this regard, which can help the global non-proliferation efforts to address this issue, including through the 1540 Committee.

5. We appreciate the close partnership and excellent cooperation between the Iraqi authorities and UNITAD, which has been central to the effective delivery of UNITAD’s mandate. The continued involvement of Iraqi experts in the work of the Investigative Team, alongside international experts, is crucial to UNITAD’s success. Such joint-work, along with the training of various Iraqi authorities, will ensure that capacities are strengthened within the national system to ensure accountability in the long-term for the horrific crimes perpetrated by ISIL. This also holds true for the efforts of UNITAD to jointly develop case-files with the judicial authorities of Iraq to prosecute such crimes.

6. We note with satisfaction the innovative use of technology by UNITAD in fulfilling its mandate and in overcoming the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic. The Shuhud digital platform deserves special appreciation, as it enables the victims and other Iraqi people to submit information and evidence to support UNITAD’s accountability efforts in a much faster and easier way. Harnessing the benefits of technological innovation for the betterment of humanity is an important priority for India. We encourage UNITAD to continue its pursuit of advanced technological solutions to enhance the efficiency of its work.

7. India also welcomes the technical and financial support extended by other member states to UNITAD. Such efforts should also contribute to the strengthening of Iraq’s judicial system and law enforcement capabilities.

Mr. President,

8. Terrorists and terrorist groups affiliated to ISIL have committed crimes against humanity in an unprecedented manner. The perpetrators of these crimes should be brought to justice by their respective countries of origin. Sharing of information and evidence collected by UNITAD with other member states will further strengthen these efforts.

9. The full realization of UNITAD’s mandate would not be possible until the Team is able to share its large volumes of evidence with the Iraqi authorities. It is unfortunate that despite a lapse of almost three years, UNITAD has been unable to service its primary client to the fullest extent possible. We hope this would be rectified soon, as per the timelines indicated in the Special Adviser’s report. Delay in sharing of evidence will further delay justice to those victims and their loved ones, whose lives have been devastated by the atrocities committed by ISIL.

10. The people of Iraq have made immense sacrifices in their fight against ISIL. Justice would not be delivered to them until those responsible for the atrocities carried out are held to account. The full implementation of UNITAD’s mandate would contribute to securing justice for the survivors in Iraq and beyond. India stands ready to offer its support to UNITAD in this regard.  I thank you Mr. President.

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