Iraq: Security Council urges international support for Governments combat against insurgents
19 September 2014 The Security Council today strongly condemned attacks by terrorist organizations including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and urged Member States to assist the Iraqi Governments efforts to combat militants and implement its new political agenda, while the United Nations envoy to the country briefed on the latest developments.
In the meeting presided over by United States Secretary of State John Kerry, the Council adopted a statement which urged the international community to work closely with the Government of Iraq to identify how best the world can aid implementation of the new Iraqi agenda.
The 15-member body once again expressed its deep outrage about Iraqis who have been killed, kidnapped, raped, or tortured by ISIL and also reaffirmed its full support for the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq in assisting the Iraqis and their Government in strengthening democratic institutions.
Members stressed the need that those who have committed violations of international humanitarian law or violations or abuses of human rights in Iraq must be held accountable, noting that some of these acts may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Also today, Nickolay Mladenov, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) briefed the Security Council on behalf of the Secretary-General, stressing that Iraqs new Government will need international support as it works to restore security to large parts of the country.
Mr. Mladenov called Iraqs transition painful and scarred by violence. Since the beginning of the year, ISIL has captured large parts of northern and western Iraq, gained access to substantial amounts of weapons, financial and natural resources.
Their networks spanning the region and beyond have allowed them to recruit foreign fighters in their battle to dismantle the Iraqi state, Mr. Mladenov, who is also the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, said.
Their consolidated control over extended territory in both Iraq and Syria, combined with their ideology of hatred, fear and nihilism have turned ISIL into a clear danger to the very existence of a united Iraqi State, and a threat to the regional and international security, he added.
The country is facing a humanitarian catastrophe and escalating emergency with up to 1.8 million Iraqis displaced since January. And the pressure on local communities across Iraq is growing as the continuing influx has created a massive shelter crisis. With winter fast approaching, Mr. Mladenov said, immediate measures must be enacted.
In response, the UN has mounted a massive humanitarian effort providing food, shelter, water, and health assistance. But Iraqs Government must now also establish a national strategy to deal with the internally displaced. Minority groups have been systematically targeted.
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Iraq: Security Council urges international support for Governments combat against insurgents