THE SECRETARY-GENERAL | PRESS ENCOUNTER

When I visited Iraq 6 years ago, wide swathes of the country lay in ruins. Millions were forced to flee their homes.

My visit was one of solidarity in a moment of urgency. Today, it is a visit of solidarity and hope for the future of Iraq.

With a new government in place, there is a window of opportunity for progress. 

Earlier today, I had fruitful meetings with the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Speaker of the Council of Representatives, as well as representatives of civil society.  

I expressed my gratitude for Iraq’s solidarity and support to the victims of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. 

And I welcomed Iraq’s efforts to advance regional stability through diplomacy and dialogue. Today’s challenges do not recognize borders. Addressing them requires regional cooperation and coordination. 

We also discussed the new Government’s ambitious and forward-looking reform agenda.

I expressed our steadfast commitment to support action that benefits all Iraqis – through the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the entire UN family operating across the country.  

Action to bolster democratic institutions and governance at all levels to build trust.

Action to improve public services and tackle corruption.

Action to strengthen human rights protections and ensure accountability. 

Action to halt armed actors operating outside State control.

Action to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil revenue.

Action to bring down high levels of unemployment and create opportunities for decent work for young people. 

And action to build resilience against climate shocks and water scarcity that threaten lives and livelihoods in the heart of the fertile crescent, where agriculture flourished for millennia. 

In all of this and more, national unity and the interests of the Iraqi people are paramount. 

So, too, is the role of all of Iraq’s elected representatives. 

I was particularly encouraged by the increased participation of women as candidates in recent elections – reflected in the historic number of women elected to the Council of Representatives. We all look forward to seeing more women across all spheres of decision-making. 

Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

I commend the government of Iraq for its efforts to repatriate its citizens from northeast Syria, in particular from the Al-Hol camp, where so many Iraqis, Syrians, and third-country nationals – mainly women and children – remain stranded in desperate conditions. 

Iraq’s efforts are an example for the world.  

We must keep working for dignified solutions anchored in the principles of reintegration and accountability. 

Continued engagement on the repatriation and sustainable reintegration of Iraqi nationals from the Al-Hol camp remains essential.

From here in Iraq, I want to send a message to all other Member States with nationals in such camps. It is time for them to significantly step up their efforts to facilitate the safe and dignified repatriation of their nationals, in line with applicable international law, and guided by the best interests of children.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, 

I will also visit Erbil and look forward to meeting the Kurdistan Regional authorities.

I encourage the federal and Kurdistan Regional Governments to continue moving towards a structured, institutionalized dialogue and concrete agreements – in particular on the pressing issue of the 2023 federal budget, as well as on the oil and gas law.

Moving from constant crisis management to a more robust, sustainable arrangement is the surest path to peace and prosperity for all Iraqis.

I reiterate the calls of my Special Representative for the swift and full implementation of the Sinjar Agreement. Stable security structures and a unified administration are essential.

We owe it to the Yezidi people of Sinjar to improve the security situation on the ground, ensure good governance, and promote the voluntary, dignified return of the displaced to their homes.

I want to express my full solidarity with the Yezidi people who have suffered immensely. 

Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

Inclusive political and electoral processes are a guarantor of stability and progress.

I look forward to the conduct of the delayed Kurdistan Regional parliamentary elections as well as the planned Provincial Council elections across Iraq. 

The United Nations stands ready to support Iraq’s electoral institutions, in line with UNAMI’s technical assistance mandate.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

Over five years since Iraq declared victory over Daesh, the fight against terrorism remains a collective priority in Iraq and in the world. 

We must focus on prevention, to address the economic and social conditions that can lead to terrorism in the first place.  

We must prioritize inclusion, to ensure counter-terrorism strategies reflect a wide array of voices, communities, and constituencies — including minorities, women, and young people.  

And throughout, we must place human rights and the rule of law at the core. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of one of the darkest days in the history of our United Nations – the horrific terrorist attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad which killed 22 of our colleagues and wounded many more. 

This day forever changed the United Nations.

But it did not break our resolve to stay and deliver for the people of Iraq. 

Today, as Iraq transitions from humanitarian to development assistance, I am here to underscore the United Nations’ abiding commitment to support the Iraqis in advancing peace, sustainable development and human rights for all the people of Iraq. 

Shukran Jazeelan. I’m at your disposal for a few questions.