Statement by the Brazilian Delegation at the UNSC meeting on the situation concerning Iraq and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) - October 4th, 2022

Thank you, Madam/Mister President.

I would like to welcome the Iraqi delegation to this meeting. I also thank the Special Representative for her presentation.

Like the written report submitted by the Secretary-General to Council Members a week ago, the presentation made by the Special Representative today recalls us of events we have ourselves been following closely in Iraq, including through our Embassy in Baghdad.

As protesters have once again taken to the streets to express their frustration with domestic politics in Iraq, Brazil calls upon the Iraqi authorities, the political leaders and parties, and the Iraqi population in general to exercise restraint, and not to fuel violence, hatred or civil unrest.

Brazil is also concerned with the attacks in the Iraqi Kurdistan region last week. Similarly to other attacks inflicted in Iraq from abroad in the recent past, not only are they contrary to international law, but they also threaten the territorial integrity of the country and the stability of the entire region.

In that regard, we acknowledge the importance of calls, from within this Council, for the protection of civilians under all circumstances.

Madam/Mister President,

Under the terms of resolution 2631, we convene to examine the progress in the implementation of UNAMI’s mandate. And because the mandate of UNAMI, as a chapter VI mission, hinges upon the consent of the Iraqi government, it is only fair that we should turn to and ask Iraqi officials for further input.

In our view, the most important aspect of UNAMI’s mandate is to support the Iraqi government on advancing political dialogue and national reconciliation. Success in the implementation of this mandate should be measured by concrete results.

Mister/Madam President,

Brazil would have hoped that the circumstances in Iraq allowed for the swift formation of government based on the outcome of the October 2021 elections. After a year since that outcome, however, the current political impasse took hold.

If lessons are to be learned, rather than calling for expedite solutions today, we should encourage inclusive and meaningful dialogue between all Iraqi political parties, so that they can bridge their differences and make the necessary political agreements beforehand. In that regard, we see value in the organization of the national dialogue proposed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, in which we hope all political groups in Iraq can participate. We also noted with satisfaction that the Special Representative attended the first session of that national dialogue, on 17 August.

Brazil of course stands ready to lend our support to Iraqi efforts towards peace and stability in the country. That is also the primary goal of UNAMI’s presence in Iraq, we believe. At the same time, we understand it is not upon us to dictate how Iraqi authorities should go about setting or pursuing their national priorities.

Thank you.