Statement by Dr. Mohamed Al-Hassan Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of UNAMI Conference on the Global Compact for Migration

Her Excellency Evan Faeq Jabro, Minister of Migration and Displaced,
the firm and close partner to the international community and the United Nations, and the faithful guardian of migration and displaced people’s issues in this government,

Excellencies,  
My dear friend, the representative of the Prime Minister, Dr. Al-Alawi,
My friend and colleague, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Ulum,

Esteemed guests,`

It is a great pleasure to join you today at the Conference on the Global Compact for Migration, which serves as a pivotal platform to promote cooperation between the Government of Iraq and the international community, specifically the United Nations, with a view to developing a comprehensive and sustainable migration governance.

At the outset, I would like to indicate that the United Nations is a key and principal partner to Iraq and the Government of Iraq, and we, at the United Nations, cherish this partnership and consider this country a future destination of attraction to qualified people and investments from all countries of the world. 

The United Nations fully supports the Government of Iraq’s orientation to enhance partnerships across various sectors in this field, through creating decent employment opportunities and attracting Iraqi talents from abroad to contribute to building a more advanced, prosperous, and secure Iraq. This partnership represents a strategic opportunity for Iraq to formulate fair and transparent policies that uphold human rights and achieve a sustainable reintegration for returnees from abroad.

Moreover, engaging the private sector in the design and implementation of migration programmes opens the way to providing legal and safe alternatives for migration that meet the highest international standards. This would also enhance the ability of this important and precious country in the region to transform migration challenges into genuine development opportunities that contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

I would also like to highlight the vital role of the United Nations Network on Migration in Iraq, as it brings together many relevant UN agencies working in a coordinated manner to support the Government of Iraq’s priorities in the field of migration, provide technical expertise, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and good practices at the regional and international levels.

I say it loud and clear: The previous arrangements that some countries used to take when dealing with Iraq and Iraqis should be changed, as Iraq has changed. It is not the country that used to face some challenges anymore, but rather, it has become an active member in the international system. Therefore, these arrangements should be changed in a manner that strengthens the standing of this country and helps it to rise again, consistent with our viewpoint, as people who are present on the soil of this precious country.      

We affirm the United Nations’ commitment to continue providing technical support to the Government of Iraq.

Your Excellency, the Minister, 

We are your partners, wholeheartedly, in a manner that serves Iraq, safeguards the status of this country, and restores the ray of civilization that emanated from this blessed land. We, along with the international partners and the private sector, work with you hand-in-hand to ensure the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration, and turn its principles into tangible realities for the benefit of all Iraqis.

Before I conclude, and as I promised myself, I must point out a related topic, concerning the Internally Displaced People (IDPs), especially the Yezidis. It is high time that Yezidis, who live far away from their original areas, return to their places of origin in a voluntary, optional, and safe manner, and Iraq can achieve that.

I express my thanks to you and to all our partners, and we look forward to continuing our joint work for a bright and promising future for this dear country.

Thank you.