Remarks by Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, and UNAMI Officer-in-Charge Seminar on crimes by Da’esh, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ladies and gentlemen,

Distinguished guests,

Let me start by recalling that tomorrow, 19 August, is the anniversary of two particularly murderous terrorist attacks. On 19 August 2003 the United Nations Headquarters at the Canal Hotel was blown up in Baghdad, five days after the Security Council established UNAMI. The attack killed 22 people, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Six years later, exactly on the same day, another bombing targeted the Iraqi Foreign Ministry building, killing 46 people. 

In this context, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated 19 August as World Humanitarian Day, and 21 August as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.  Today we take this opportunity to honour all the victims and survivors of terrorism.

As we all know, the killing campaign in Iraq by various terrorist groups escalated in 2014 into the Yazidi genocide at the hands of Da’esh.  Unspeakable crimes were committed against the Yazidis, as well as against members of other components of Iraqi society. I wish to express my deep solidarity with all the victims and survivors. Today Da’esh has been largely defeated but it is still a danger both in Iraq and globally. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Allow me to highlight two areas where we can work together to defeat terrorism and extremist ideologies.

First, addressing hate speech.  Recent statements on the anniversary of the Yazidi genocide have provoked tensions, as well as a spike in hate speech against the Yazidis, prompting fear of retaliation.  Inflammatory language must be avoided, and communities should not be blamed for the words or actions of individuals. 

These recent events also show the need for the government to finalize and adopt the national strategy to counter hate speech.  Among the aims of the strategy is to hold accountable those using hateful language. This of course is to be done while ensuring respect for freedom of expression. UNAMI will continue to support the government in developing the national strategy. 

The second area where we can work together is in bringing to justice those responsible for crimes committed by Da’esh.  We look forward to the adoption by the Council of Representatives of legislation that would allow the prosecution of crimes such as genocide and crimes against humanity.  Individuals accused of such crimes should be tried in in Iraq or in other countries through judicial cooperation. Fair trials will build trust among communities and promote peaceful coexistence.

The United Nations, through UNITAD, has supported Iraq in addressing the crimes of Da’esh.  While the mandate of UNITAD ends next month, the documentation, tools and technical assistance delivered provide a strong foundation for the Iraqi authorities to continue UNITAD’s work, with the support of the United Nations and the international community at large.

In conclusion, as we remember the victims and survivors of the crimes committed by Da’esh, we pledge to work together in building a society in which diversity is a source of richness and pride, not a threat or weakness, and in countering extremist ideologies by promoting human rights for all.  

Thank you.