Speech by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq and head of UNAMI, Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan At the launching ceremony of the “One UN Plan: New Beginnings”

His Excellency National Security Advisor, Mr. Qassim Al-Araji, 

Her Excellency, Mrs. Ivan Fa’iq Jabro, Minister of Migration and Displacement,

Al-Salam Aliykum

Good Morning

I salute each and every one of you, you are the ones that contribute to restoring hope to thousands of people in this country, all those who are present in this hall today, or even those who are absent today have played a key role.

As you know, staff prepare these speeches, but I will not read all what is here, and there is an Arabic saying: Brevity is the soul of wit. But allow me to begin this intervention by commending the National Security Advisor, His Excellency, Qassim Al-Araji, on his efforts and the efforts of his important institution. I would also like to commend our UN partner, Minister of Migration and Displacement, Her Excellency Ivan Fa’iq Jabro. You are now well known in international circles, especially in the UN. 

Distinguished representatives of the Government of Iraq,

Esteemed members of the diplomatic community,

Colleagues from the United Nations,

It is a privilege to address you all on this occasion at the launch of the second iteration of the ONE UN Plan: New Beginnings. This plan represents a renewed and collective commitment to find a solution to one of the most challenging and pressing priorities for Iraq; the safe, voluntary, and dignified return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Iraqis stranded in Al-Hol Camp and other parts of northeastern Syria.

Allow me to begin with His Excellency Prime Minister Mohammed Sha’aa Al Sudani and the Government of Iraq, for his commitment, leadership and wisdom in addressing this humanitarian and security challenge and for reading the situation accurately.

Under the stewardship of the National Security Advisor H.E. Qassim Al Araji and the Minister of Migration and Displacement, Her Excellency Ivan Fa’iq Jabro, and with the collaboration of various ministries and institutions, Iraq has adopted many bold and decisive measures.

Madam, the words that you have mentioned here, that the most important aspect of this process is not the return, but the dignified, safe and voluntary return for all the people of Iraq in a way befitting of Iraq. 

Iraq’s leadership in facilitating the return of its citizens from northeastern Syria sets, truly, a global precedent in terms of numbers, mechanism as well as the method, and Iraq can create a global model in this regard. This comprehensive and courageous initiative, has been praised by the highest levels in the United Nations, including the Secretary-General himself.

From the outset, the United Nations has been a committed partner with Government of Iraq, providing technical expertise. “The ONE UN Plan: New Beginnings”reflects shared commitments to align resources and expertise to support Iraq.

Allow me, I will not read all this, but I will conclude,

It is time to close this file and turn the page on ISIS threats. Iraq must move beyond Al-Hol and ISIS. It is a challenging project and solving it in accordance with international standards and in a manner that commensurate with the level of this country that has shaped the civilization of humanity is evidence of Iraq’s recovery. All these people are Iraqi’s and their safe return, and their honourable integration is what we expect from this benevolent country, and this is what is required from Iraq.

Thank You