Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UNSC meeting on Iraq (UNAMI) - May 17th, 2022

Thank you, Mr/Mrs President.

Thank you Special Representative Hennis-Plasschaert for your briefing. I also welcome the delegation of Iraq to the meeting.

Brazil acknowledges the importance of UNAMI’s activities in Iraq. We commend once again UNAMI’s assistance to the parliamentary elections held in Iraq last October, as well as UNAMI’s efforts to build capacity and strengthen people’s trust in Iraq’s democracy. The Embassy of Brazil in Baghdad was among the observers, on election day and throughout, and bears witness of its success.

As we approach the expiration of UNAMI’s mandate, and consider its renewal, it is important to have clearly in mind a few of the Mission’s overarching objectives. These are, most notably, self-government in Iraq, the restoration of the rule of law, political stability and

sustainability of the Iraqi democracy, as well as the strengthening of Iraqi institutions.

As reported to us by the Secretary-General periodically, despite improvements in the humanitarian situation on the ground, the provision of basic needs to the Iraqi population is still very much dependent on international assistance.

We acknowledge that UNAMI and other UN agencies perform a critical role in responding to these humanitarian needs, in coordination with the Iraqi government.

In the reports of the Secretary-General, however, we read some warning signs. The humanitarian assistance should not become a long-term substitute for the delivery of public services by the Iraqi government.

We therefore stress the importance of increasing ownership on the part of the government of Iraq with respect to the protection of its citizens.

Mr/Mrs President,

The mandate of UNAMI extends far beyond humanitarian assistance. We should therefore be watchful of any such warning signs also with respect to the other activities of UNAMI’s extensive portfolio.

Let the Iraqi government not miss the opportunities that recovery of the Iraqi economy are now offering for increased ownership.

International support in the area of security should be based strictly either on Security Council resolutions, or on the consent of the Iraqi government. The fight against terrorism - as well as of any other threat - should not come at the expense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq.

Regrettably, some recent events in the region are at odds with the principles of good neighborliness, the UN Charter and the authority of the Security Council.

To conclude, we express our satisfaction with the improvement of the situation of children in Iraq, as reported by the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict.

We commend the Iraqi government for its ongoing commitment to the repatriation of Iraqi families from refugee camps.

We hope that political differences in Iraq, within and between regions and the Federal government, can be settled through dialogue and in accordance with the rule of law.

Most urgently, we hope that Iraq overcomes as soon as possible the current political stalemate in the formation of the new government. Far too long has passed.

Thank you.