Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, at the UNSC meeting on the Situation Concerning Iraq - July 26th, 2022

I will now speak in my national capacity. I thank SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert once again for her informative briefing.

Firstly, let me express our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and our hope that those wounded during the incident make a full and speedy recovery. Minister Hussein, we welcome you here today and would like to convey Brazil’s full solidarity and support to the people and government of Iraq. I also welcome the representative of Türkiye to this meeting.

Over the last few decades the Iraqi people have shown courage, determination and resilience in their struggle for a democratic, stable and sovereign country. Iraq has also spearheaded the fight against terrorism, and has made grave sacrifices under extremely challenging circumstances. This Council has recognized these efforts and been consistent in its support for Iraq. UNAMI is a symbol of this commitment and fulfills a fundamental role in this regard.

Iraqi efforts and sacrifices benefit the international community as a whole, but especially Iraq’s neighbors, for there can be no stability in the Middle East without a safe and sovereign Iraq. There can be no justification for violations of its sovereignty, be it by actors in the region or outside of it. We hope that thorough investigations can come to a speedy conclusion and establish the facts behind this tragedy.

Iraq should not be a battlefield, but a bridge - between countries, cultures and faiths. The Iraqi government has actively sought to perform this role, fostering understanding and cooperation among its neighbors and pursuing initiatives such as the historic Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, held almost a year ago.

The protection of civilians is a fundamental element of international law that must be observed by all Member States. It is the ultimate objective of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international refugee law. Scenes like those witnessed in Dohuk are unacceptable and must be condemned unequivocally.