Minister of Foreign Affairs: Expresses his gratitude to the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism for assigning Iraq the post of co-chair of the group, and stresses the achievement of the group’s goals and preservation of its common principles

In his speech during his participation in the ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, which was held on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Foreign Minister, Fouad Hussein expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all delegations from the member states of the group for assigning Iraq the post of co-chair of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, stressing that it will make every effort, in cooperation with the Co-President of the Kingdom of Spain, to achieve the goals of the group and preserve its common principles.

He also expressed his appreciation to Islamic Afghanistan for the efforts they devoted on behalf of the group. During his speech, the Minister welcomed Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and representatives of Member States (Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism) for attending the meeting, praising their efforts in support of victims of terrorism all over the world.

Stressing: Choosing Iraq to chair the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism is a strong commitment, and we must make more international efforts aimed at alleviating the challenges and scourge of terrorism, and promoting a comprehensive approach to protecting human rights by expressing the needs of victims and defending their rights.

He noted that Iraq commends the collective spirit shown by the group to update General Assembly Resolution No. 73/305 on “Strengthening International Cooperation to Help Victims of Terrorism”. We also welcome the positive environment for the ongoing discussion on the options available to establish a fund to support victims of terrorism, adding that Iraq supports any option that enjoys the consensus of the group, and with regard to national capacity, His Excellency indicated that the option of establishing a subsidiary fund within the current United Nations Counter-Terrorism Fund is the fastest and most practical option .

Pointing out that the victims still need continuous efforts and support to ensure that their needs are met, their human rights are recognized and protected, and their right to access justice and redress mechanisms is respected. To this end, the absence of an agreed definition of the term “victim of terrorism” will not hinder the international community from continuing, expanding or carrying out joint efforts in accordance with international human rights and humanitarian frameworks, as well as counter-terrorism treaties and conventions.

Noting: Terrorism still poses an imminent threat to efforts to maintain peace and achieve sustainable development goals; Emphasizing that women, girls, children and youth are subjected to different types of violence.

In the same context, Iraq commends the efforts made by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the United Nations Center for Counter-Terrorism in seeking to confront challenges and alleviate the suffering of victims of terrorism and help them to raise their voices and coordinate efforts to promote national strategies to meet their physical, medical, social and psychological needs, as well as to ensure recognition of their rights in protection, access to justice, rehabilitation and integration.

In conclusion: Iraq affirms its full commitment to combating terrorism, and its commitment to the goals and principles of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism; We look forward to her having a strong common voice during the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.