Statement by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council briefing on the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL (UNITAD)

Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank Ms. Llopis, Acting Special Advisor and Head of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD) for her briefing and welcome the participation of the representative of Iraq in today’s meeting.

Guyana commends UNITAD for its work in investigating and documenting the crimes committed by Da'esh/ISIL in accordance with the mandate provided by the Security Council. The atrocities inflicted by this extremist group have left a legacy of immense pain and suffering for the people of Iraq and the wider region.  The accountability sought through UNITAD’s mandate not only covers past crimes but is a cornerstone for peace and stability, and the rule of law in the affected regions; a deterrent to future atrocities. Guyana stands firmly with the global community in pursuing accountability for crimes perpetrated by Da'esh/ISIL and supporting all efforts to have justice for victims and survivors.

We recognize the critical contribution of UNITAD over the past six years in collecting, preserving, and analyzing evidence of the crimes committed in Iraq, and in storing and organizing the evidentiary material. We note the progress made in the investigations, including those into crimes committed against minority groups.

Guyana commends the efforts of UNITAD towards having have a smooth conclusion of its mandate and in promoting continuity of its work. The increased cooperation with the Iraqi authorities during this drawdown period is particularly important in pursing efforts to hold Da’esh/ISIL operatives accountable for their crimes.

We particularly welcome the enhanced efforts at capacity-building and training by UNITAD, which are being undertaken at the request of the Iraqi authorities, recognizing the importance of this towards equipping them to take essential next steps in mass grave excavations and victim identification, archiving and digitization; digital forensics, witness protection and psychosocial support.

The importance of maintaining, preserving, and managing the archives of the evidence collected by UNITAD cannot be overstated.  These records must be preserved and remain accessible for use in future judicial proceedings. In this regard, we note the recommendations in the Secretary General’s January 2024 Report for the archives at the UN Secretariat to be maintained in a specific manner.

Mr. President

In conclusion, while the mandate of UNITAD will end in a few months, accountability efforts for the crimes of Da'esh/ISIL must continue.

I thank you.