World Interfaith Harmony Week: UN Says Onus on Political, Religious Leaders to Safeguard Iraq’s Rich Diversity

Speaking at the University of Kufa in Najaf at the beginning of a series of activities that run through 10 February to mark the occasion in Iraq, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Political, Electoral and Constitutional Affairs, György Busztin, stressed that dialogue is key to resolving the country’s problems.

“As we are all too well aware, Iraq is approaching a watershed, where issues of peaceful coexistence, reconciliation and national unity will need to figure prominently in any solution”, he addressed the audience, which included the Governor of Najaf, religious and community leaders from across the country as well as members of Parliament and diplomats. “Inclusive and frank discussions must take place between communities to address past legacies, as well as the current threat posed by extremist ideologies, to build a stable future for Iraq”.

The World Interfaith Harmony Week, marked worldwide on the first week of February, promotes a culture of peace and non-violence, religious and cultural understanding. It is an occasion that is most befitting for Iraq, given the country’s rich history and religious diversity. The activities aim to recognise and promote the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and co-operation among Iraqis from diverse backgrounds.

DSRSG Busztin made that point in his address, stressing that dialogue can serve as the vehicle to draw Iraq out of its troubles. He said religious leaders have a fundamental role to play to counter extremism and sectarianism.

World Interfaith Harmony week is a reminder to all for the need for Iraq’s leaders and representatives to accelerate efforts towards delivering on the national reconciliation agenda and addressing challenges related to ethnic and sectarian differences, he added.

“Today’s discussions aim to encourage a necessary spirit of compromise, tolerance, respect for diversity, peaceful coexistence and dialogue among different communities, which constitute the bedrock for Iraq’s stability, and will reinforce ongoing efforts for inclusive dialogue and national reconciliation”, the DSRSG said.

Mr. Busztin touched on more of the issues of the day, saying leaders of Iraq will need to seek long-term and durable solutions for the internally displaced and to address the precarious situation of the religious and ethnic minorities. He said the government must make every effort to ensure that discrimination and any other backward attitudes against others, based on differences of sect, gender, religion, language or other distinctions, be done away with.

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will continue its support to the Government’s efforts to push forward reconciliation and social cohesion, he pledged. UNAMI also has accelerated its efforts to promote community reconciliation by engaging civil society organisations to strengthen a bottom-up approach. The UN is supporting the Government to stabilise areas liberated from ISIL to ensure those displaced can return to their homes in safety and security.

“Despite years of conflict and strife, Iraq is a resilient nation, with a rich culture, and peoples who have lived and co-existed peacefully for centuries. It is still not too late to save Iraq as a united, multiethnic and multicultural country, in the face of all odds”, Mr. Busztin said.