UNSC meeting on Iraq/ UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL (UNITAD); (December 5, 2022; 1000 hrs)

Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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Let me now make the statement in my national capacity. I thank Special Adviser Christian Ritscher for his briefing. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Iraq to the meeting.

2. The world was witness to the heinous and dastardly crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL) against innocent Iraqis, including those from its diverse ethnic and religious communities. Victims of ISIL’s horrific crimes in Iraq also include 39 Indian nationals

3. UNITAD’s work seeks to render justice to these victims, their families, and survivors of these crimes. UNITAD’s relevance is also underscored by the importance of accountability for reconciliation in a post-conflict Iraq. In this regard, we welcome ongoing cooperation between the Iraqi authorities and UNITAD.

4. India recognizes the valuable work of UNITAD in promoting accountability for the crimes committed against the people of Iraq. In addition to the political support for UNITAD’s mandate, India has also extended financial support to the Team to strengthen the pursuit of accountability. India’s financial contribution to the Trust Fund has supported the production of a substantive case assessment report on the development and use of chemical and biological weapons by ISIL. It has also contributed to the expansion of UNITAD’s investigations into the destruction of cultural and religious sites of the different Iraqi communities and minorities.

5. We understand the significance of case-building and information sharing in the work of UNITAD. These are important steps; however, the key to advancing full accountability is the timely sharing of evidence collected by UNITAD with Iraqi authorities that would be used in the trials of ISIL perpetrators in Iraqi courts. This Council has also emphasized the importance of sharing evidence by UNITAD with the relevant Iraqi authorities, in a timely manner. We encourage UNITAD to work towards this objective, in close cooperation with Government of Iraq.

6. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains a global challenge and only a unified and zero-tolerance approach to terrorism can eventually defeat it. As the government and the people of Iraq continue their fight against ISIL, it is also critical to fight the impunity of terror globally.

7. Last week, the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks were remembered in India and several other countries. Be it Mumbai or Mosul, India strongly believes that the credibility of our collective fight against terrorism can be strengthened only when we can ensure accountability for the grave and inhuman acts of terror committed by terrorists and take strong measures against those who encourage, support and finance terrorism.

8. Since this would be the last scheduled meeting on Iraq during our tenure in the Council, I take this opportunity to thank the Permanent Mission of Iraq for their excellent cooperation with the Indian delegation during our tenure. We are also grateful for the cooperation and support extended by the Iraq team of DPPA and the Special Adviser and his team.

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