Iraq participates in the meetings of the 34th session of the States Parties to the Convention on the Law of the Sea

Charge d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations in New York, Dr. Abbas Kadhom Obaid, delivered Iraq’s statement at the meetings of the 34th session of the States parties to the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is held in New York for the period 10-14 June 2024, In which he praised the report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the law of the seas and oceans in light of the challenges we face globally in order to achieve effective sustainability of the contents of the agreement, which Iraq had the honor of actively participating in its formulation from its early stages, in the belief that preserving the common and legal benefit of the seas and oceans as a common heritage for humanity. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing common collective interests over the interests of individual states in accordance with the principle of sharing harms, benefits and responsibilities.

He pointed out the importance of confronting the challenges of climate change and the environmental threat to the sustainability of the ecosystem to preserve and protect the marine environment, taking into account the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to providing food and preserving the environment. He stressed the importance of respecting the rules adopted in the agreement, as well as preserving the security of the seas and preserving the right of passage, because of their major role in maintaining international peace and security.

He also praised the efforts of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, as the judicial arm of the Convention, as well as the efforts of the International Seabed Authority.

He emphasized the importance of providing appropriate training to those concerned from developing countries to build their capabilities and exchange experiences in an appropriate manner, provided that this is in parallel with technology transfer efforts to those countries because this will benefit the entire international community.