On Thursday, October 28, 2021, the President of the Republic of Iraq, Barham Salij met with the Head of the United Nations Investigative Team to promote accountability for crimes committed by Da’esh / ISIL (UNITAD). Mr. Christian Ritscher. The meeting took place at al-Salam Palace in Baghdad.
The need for holding investigation into the crimes committed in Iraq by Da’esh / ISIL groups was underscored during the meeting.
President Salih and Special Adviser Ritscher agreed that there should be further joint coordination between the competent authorities of the Iraqi government and the UN Investigative Team while all possible support should be provided for the UN Team to discharge its missions.
Perpetrators who are involved in crimes committed by Da’esh groups must be stand trial to hold accountable, and they shouldn’t escape punishment, Iraqi President Salih said while the sources of terrorism should be dried up.
Crimes committed against humanity by Da’esh / ISIL should be documented, he said, while evidence, namely those about the mass graves should be collected.
Meanwhile, we have to ensure that offenders involved in crimes must be brought to justice, and they shouldn’t escape punishment to ensure justice for victims and to never allow such crimes to occur again.
President Salih congratulated Mr. Christian Ritscher on assuming his new post as the Head of the United Nations Investigative Team to promote accountability for crimes committed by Da’esh / ISIL (UNITAD), wishing him every success in his tasks.
