22 September 2014
Security Council urges international support for Iraq’s combat against militants
The Security Council adopted a statement which urged the international community to work closely with the government of Iraq to identify how best the world can aid implementation of the new Iraqi (political) agenda. It once again expressed its deep outrage about Iraqis who have been killed, kidnapped, raped, or tortured by ISIL, and also reaffirmed its full support for the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq in assisting the Iraqis and their government in strengthening democratic institutions.
Members stressed the need that those who have committed violations of international humanitarian law or violations or abuses of human rights in Iraq must be held accountable, noting that some of these acts may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Nickolay Mladenov, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) and Special Representative of the Secretary-General stressed that Iraq’s new government will need international support as it works to combat militants and restore security to large parts of the country. ISIL’s ‘consolidated control over extended territory in both Iraq and Syria, combined with their ideology of hatred, fear and nihilism have turned ISIL into a clear danger to the very existence of a united Iraqi State, and a threat to the regional and international security,’ he added.
On the issue of systematic targeting of minorities, Mr. Mladenov said that the UN Mission on the ground has conducted hundreds of interview with the victims and has verified widespread human rights violations have been committed by ISIL, but also by armed groups supportive of the government, as well as some committed by Iraqi Security Forces. He said that transitional justice and reconciliation are impossible without addressing these human rights violations of the past and the present. To that end, the international community must continue to support the government of Iraq and provide security, humanitarian and developmental assistance needed.