Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, discussed on last Friday (May 6) with the Security Council the situation in Iraq. In his statement issued at UN Headquarters in New York, the SRSG outlined the current political, military, security, humanitarian and human rights situations in the country.
He strongly urged “the government, constitutional and political leaders and civil society to work together in constructive dialogue that will not only resolve the political impasse but give a clear perspective of better future to the people, which will unite them and their leaders in one Iraq.” While steady advances had been made in the fight against ISIL, with a focus on consolidating control over liberated areas and preparing to retake land still under that group’s control, such as Mosul, a rise in ISIL terrorist violence had resulted in high civilian casualties from attacks that included shelling, suicide bombings and the use of weaponized chemical agents, he indicated.
SRSG also stressed that “maintaining focus and unity of efforts in fighting the so called ISIL remains a critical priority, followed by mobilizing international assistance to help alleviate a deep economic and fiscal as well as humanitarian crisis, and promote stabilization and the return of IDPs.”
The international community must remain engaged, he said, emphasizing that only one quarter of the requested $861mn for life-saving assistance had been secured. “There is a need to step up human and funding resources to address the immense needs of displaced women and girls,” he added. He also stressed that resuming the work of the Council of Representatives and confirming a government that will be able and willing to promote genuine reforms was imperative. “Political crisis and chaos only serve the interest of the enemies of Iraq, first and foremost the terrorist ISIL,” he said.
“Iraq’s political groups must find together a political solution based on the Constitution, law and principles of democracy that will respond to the needs of the people, put an end to the split and paralysis in Parliament, and enable the rapid enactment of the necessary reforms and anti-corruption measures, and the smooth functioning of State institutions without threat or intimidation,” SRSG said. “There was also an urgent need to make progress in intercommunity relations, including between Baghdad and Erbil.”
Mr. Kubiš also called on the Iraqi government to take specific steps to promote women’s participation in politics as a part of the reforms process.
SH/PS
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