A child runs through the streets of Mosul, Iraq (file photo).
In a briefing to the Security Council today, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said Iraq is a country full of potential, but it is still plagued by the legacy of past turmoil.
Henness-Prashart said Iraq's remarkable progress in infrastructure, economic reforms and regional influence over the past 20 years marks a rising Iraq. However, the country still faces challenges such as corruption, factional strife, impunity and militants.
Similarly, feelings of marginalization and exclusion are spreading in certain communities. If left unaddressed, it risks becoming a flame that fuels tensions within and outside the community.
Protection of human rights
Henness-Plashart expressed concern about the recent increase in unannounced executions under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
She said that the basic rights and freedoms of all Iraqis are not fully guaranteed, that women's empowerment remains a key issue, and that many women are still waiting to be offered a seat at the decision-making level. Women's empowerment must go beyond symbolism.
She noted that the Iraqi people needed an active, empowered and protected civic space.
Heavy anniversary
Henness-Plashart also stressed that this summer will have a heavy anniversary. Daesh (also known as ISIL) has been committing genocide against the Yezidis for a decade.
"At this stage, I can only express hope that the upcoming anniversary will not be forgotten and that all authorities, actors and stakeholders can take this opportunity to come together and work together with the sole goal of serving the people of Sinjar," she said.
Continued polarization
Speaking about the political situation, Henness-Prashart noted that the local elections held in December 2023 were a positive step and that most government committees are now operational. However, two provinces remain deadlocked, and political negotiations have dragged on. She said the change of the speaker of the Iraqi parliament had also stalled, reflecting divisions within the parliament. For multiple reasons, she could only stress the importance of the Speaker in the seat and hoped that the issue would be resolved through the upcoming parliamentary vote.
Regional dynamics
At the regional level, Iraq has shown a strong determination to prevent the conflict from escalating into a wider conflict, which has contributed to the establishment of a more stable security environment.
However, Henness-Plashart said the risk of miscalculation remains high due to the presence of armed actors outside the country.
She noted that progress was being made on the return of Iraqi nationals from refugee camps in northeastern Syria, but that time was of the essence, and that indefinite detention and restrictions on movement would pose greater security risks.
