Iraq: A safe atmosphere for all Iraqis without exception
The Minister of Interior, Abdul Amir Al-Shimmari, confirmed on Saturday that the ministry is keen to provide a safe atmosphere for all Iraqis.
Al-Shimmari visited Patriarch Mar Gewargis III Younan, the Patriarch and Supreme Spiritual Head of the Ancient Church of the East in Iraq and the World," said a statement by the Ministry of Interior - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.
They discussed several topics of common interest with the Patriarch, as the Ministry of Interior is keen to communicate with all components of this country, seek to provide the best services to them and provide a safe and appropriate atmosphere for all Iraqis without exception.
In turn, the Patriarch of the Ancient Church of the East in Iraq and the World appreciated the visit of the Minister of Interior, stressing that "this communication indicates that there are great efforts made by the Ministry of Interior to serve citizens of all spectrums."
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Full text of the briefing: Madame President, Distinguished representatives of Council members, Allow me to begin by expressing my joy to seeing (a dear friend and colleague) preside over the work of the Council. Let me express my profound appreciation to members of this esteemed Council for their attention, support, and guidance. I am so delighted to seeing the distinguished representatives of Iraq and Kuwait participate in today's session. A word of gratitude must be given to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his continued engagement in the Middle East, including his recent visit to Baghdad for the Arab Summit. Madame President, Distinguished Representatives, Between my last report, six months ago, and now so many things have happened in Iraq which I will not list here, however, with your permission, I would like to mention the most notable developments at the forefront of which is Iraq's drive towards more stability, more prosperity, and closer regional integration. My profound appreciation goes to the Government of Iraq for the humanitarian aid it has provided to the people of Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria. Not to mention, its support to the new peace initiative between Türkiye and the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which, if implemented in good faith, will bring peace, security, and stability to the region at large. Madame President, Distinguished Representatives, Iraq is well on its way to another national parliamentary election, set for 11thof November this year. Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), with UNAMI's technical support, are making notable progress in preparing for this election. Voter registration is set to conclude in the coming days and nearly three-quarters of total voters have completed biometric registration so far. Yes, there are challenges, including logistical concerns. 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I say it loudly that the Yazidi's in Iraq have suffered immensely beyond description at the hands of ISIS, and we in the United Nations, through you and your support, call on those concerned in Iraq and the (neighboring countries) to take all necessary measure to protect this community and restore their dignity, respect, appreciation and rightful humanitarian standing. Especially given that, to this day, a number of Yazidi men and women remain in a state of near-forced captivity after Da'esh ravaged their lives, Iraq, and the region as a whole. We believe it is essential to end this injustice against the indigenous Iraqi Yazidi people and to ensure their return to their homes and areas with dignity and honor. Madame President, Distinguished Representatives, Commitment to human rights is at the heart of Iraq's stability and development. In January, Iraq was reviewed by the Human Rights Council under the Universal Periodic Review, a process designed to support and expand the promotion and protection of human rights in every country. A total of 263 recommendations are currently being considered by Iraq for adoption at the next session of the Human Rights Council. Progress is also being made on a draft law on minority rights and towards the adoption of a national strategy to counter hate speech. The United Nations is ready to continue supporting these and other human rights initiatives and engage with the Government of Iraq - our partner and the partner to the United Nations - in exploring options for continuing such support after UNAMI's departure. Among the files related to human rights that must be addressed immediately and without delay is the file of the missing individuals and those imprisoned without fair, transparent, and legal trials. 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