UNAMI (Iraq): Statement During Meeting

I thank SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing on the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and commend her for her efforts in the execution of the Mission's mandate.

Kenya's delegation takes note of the Secretary General's report on the progress towards fulfilling the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

On the political situation, Kenya commends the Iraqi authorities on preparations towards free and fair elections later in the year. These elections will provide an opportunity for trust building and the demonstration of inclusivity and transparency.

We encourage the Government and all the stakeholders to work together to maintain conducive conditions for the elections and voters. In this regard, Kenya's delegation supports the request of the Iraqi government for a strengthened role of the UN in the electoral process in a manner that the Iraqi Government deems viable and within the capability of the United Nations.

The imperative for durable solutions aimed at social cohesion for all vulnerable persons and groups including displaced persons and returnees cannot be overemphasized. In this connection, we welcome the significant achievements of the identification of twenty (20) Kuwaitis and third country nationals.

Kenya also welcomes President Barham Salih's statement at the end of 2020 affirming the need to take all measures necessary to end violence and discrimination against women and for the development of effective programmes, plans and mechanisms that support women's economic, social, and political empowerment. We encourage the government to continue undertaking structural reforms that strengthen institutional capacity for the achievement of social cohesion and inclusivity.

Madame President,

Kenya is encouraged by the Government's reforms to turn the economy around. Although many economies globally are going through lean periods because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in Iraq is compounded by several security dilemmas including the overspill of foreign tensions and terrorist activities by the Islamic State and other terrorist networks.

December 10th 2020, marked the third anniversary of the military defeat of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). However, ISIL remains an existential threat whose unrelenting depredations and other forms of inhuman violence continue to ravage innocent civilians in Iraq. Kenya condemns in the strongest terms these heinous acts including the 21st of January killing of 32 people with more than 100 injuries in Bagdad.

Kenya urges the International Community and this Council in particular, to maintain the highest levels of vigilance against ISIL and Al Qaeda inspired terrorism not only in Irag, but also everywhere else around the world. We must redouble efforts to support Iraq to become a net exporter of peace and not an incubator of terrorism.

We are also greatly concerned by the attacks on diplomatic missions and convoys in Iraq. In this regard, it is essential to heed to the Secretary General's call for further concerted efforts by the Government working with all influential actors, to ensure the protection of all diplomatic missions and personnel in Iraq.

Madame President,

Kenya calls upon all actors to uphold the political independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq. Any attempt to make Iraq an international arena for foreign countries to settle scores must be avoided. All actions should be motivated by the interests of the Iraqi people.

In conclusion, I reiterate Kenya's support for the continued work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in its contribution to the Government and the people of Iraq in their quest for sustainable peace and security.

I thank you.