Thank you, Mr. President,

Let me begin by thanking Special Advisor Christian Ritscher, for his work and briefing today.

Albania greatly values UNITAD’s investigations and evidence collection to ensure justice for the victims of Da’esh. We commend the excellent work of the Investigative Team in Iraq in pursuing accountability for serious crimes.

The collection and preservation of evidence of crimes, as well as new findings on development, manufacturing, and use of biological and chemical weapons by Da’esh are highly important.

Cooperation of UNITAD with Iraqi authorities, as well as with national judicial authorities is commendable and we applaud it.

Such cooperation remains indispensable in enabling national justice systems to prosecute those responsible of financing, supporting, and executing terrorist actions worldwide.

Legal proceedings to ensure accountability for atrocity crimes committed in Iraq are encouraging and welcome.

These are positive steps towards ending impunity for atrocities in Iraq and they serve as an example for the world.

Mr. President,

These commendable developments take place in a very challenging environment, which makes them even more remarkable. They happen against the backdrop of political, economic and climate crises.

We remain concerned at the continuing insecurity in Iraq, particularly in light of ongoing armed attacks, including those carried out by Da’esh.

Da’esh continues to be a serious threat across the Middle East and Africa and demonstrates the absolute need for global cooperation and coordination to eradicate it for good.

Albania applauds Prime Minister Al Sudani’s commitment to restore state authority over armed groups in Iraq. We reiterate our firm support for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and condemn all efforts to undermine its stability and political independence.

Mr. President,

This is an unforgiving environment, charged with many dangers, but there cannot be any doubt about the urgent need for ensuring full accountability for serious crimes.

Equally important is that the fight against impunity never drifts away from full adherence to international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The fight against impunity should be an example of legality and inspire trust in the rule of law and justice.

We encourage UNITAD and Iraqi authorities to redouble their efforts in bringing the perpetrators of sexual and gender-based crimes against women and children to justice.

Special focus must be placed on the needs of all affected communities.

In closing, Mr. President, let me reiterate once again Albania’s unwavering commitment to accountability and just peace for all Iraqi people. They are a must for the stabilization, reconstruction, and reconciliation in Iraq.

The Security Council must show unity and support UNITAD and other UN mechanisms to prevent the resurgence of Da’esh and affiliates in Iraq and elsewhere.

I thank you!