Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner - Joint Statement on Iraq

STATEMENT

Human Rights Council 47th Session - Item 2 - Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner - Joint Statement on Iraq 

Statement delivered on behalf of a group of countries by Ms Monique T.G. van Daalen, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations in Geneva.

 

June 22, 2021 – Geneva, Switzerland

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of 28 countries.

Madam President,

The signatories of this Joint Statement wish to acknowledge the efforts of the government of Iraq to improve the protection of human rights. This is essential for long-term stability and prosperity in Iraq and we stand ready to continue to assist.

We commend the Iraqi government for its decision to hold very important early elections in a few months after peaceful demonstrations of young Iraqis in 2019 calling for political reform, genuine economic opportunities and improved government services. These protests of 2019 unfortunately escalated into violence which led to at least 487 demonstrators being killed[1].

The government of Iraq made a clear commitment to hold perpetrators accountable for the violence. We commend Prime Minister Kadhimi for his engagement in this regard. However, while acknowledging the complex environment with armed actors operating outside of state control, we note that progress has been limited so far. We therefore urge the Iraqi government to renew its commitment and further intensify its current efforts for accountability, in conformity with international standards of fair trial and due process.

We are very concerned about recent reports of increased intimidation and targeted attacks, including against protestors, human rights defenders, journalists, media workers and electoral candidates. The rights of peaceful assembly, freedom of association, freedom of expression and media freedom are essential in democratic societies and for the protection of human rights. The government of Iraq needs to enhance its efforts to create a safe public environment for all Iraqis.

We also encourage the Office of the High Commissioner and UNAMI to further strengthen the  human rights based approach in Iraq, and to provide all necessary assistance to the Iraqi authorities to fulfill Iraq’s international obligations to respect fundamental freedoms, such as the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for everyone.

I thank you.

[1] UNAMI figure, October 2019 – April 2020

List of cosponsors

 

  1. Australia
  2. Austria
  3. Belgium
  4. Canada
  5. Cyprus
  6. Denmark
  7. Estonia
  8. Finland
  9. France
  10. Germany
  11. Iceland
  12. Ireland
  13. Italy
  14. Latvia
  15. Liechtenstein
  16. Luxemburg
  17. Malta
  18. Netherlands
  19. Norway
  20. Poland
  21. Portugal
  22. Romania
  23. Slovakia
  24. Spain
  25. Sweden
  26. Switzerland
  27. United Kingdom
  28. United States of America