HRC63: A Call for Independent Investigations to Ensure Accountability in Iraq

Delivered by: Beatrice Rattazzi 

Thank you Mr. Vice President

It was not too long ago that Iraq possessed one of the region’s strongest education and healthcare systems. The state’s substantial oil wealth and capacity significantly propelled its socioeconomic development, including major advances in women’s education and participation in public life.
Foreign intervention and instability in the past two decades completely obliterated these achievements. The 2003 invasion and occupation transformed state consolidation efforts into a nation poisoned by institutional collapse, corruption, sectarian violence, and a weakened rule of law.
While the collapse of the state left no Iraqi without scars, women bore the heaviest most disproportionate burden. Today, women comprise only a small fraction of Iraq’s labor force, while discriminatory laws and practices undermine their equality and protection.

Displacement itself remains unsolved. In Jurf al Sakhar, although ISIL was driven out in 2014, 130,000 residents remain unable to return home more than a decade later, due to the unlawful militia presence. This will persist until we have a clear international action to dismantle the militia.
Thus, we call on the international community to help the Iraqi people regain their normal livelihoods.
Stability in Iraq depends on accountability and remedy; and remedy depends on the belief that no one is above the law. Serious violations must be independently investigated, regardless of the perpetrator.

I thank you.