Statement delivered by H.E. Abukar Osman, Permanent Representative of Somalia to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council Briefing on 'The situation concerning Iraq'

Madam President, thank you for giving me the floor.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and my own country, Somalia.

We welcome the participation of the Chargé d'Affaires of Iraq and the Permanent Representative of Kuwait in today’s meeting. We also thank the SRSG Mohamed Al Hassan, head of UNAMI, for his comprehensive briefing and commend his leadership, and take note of the continued efforts of the United Nations staff in Iraq in support of the Mission’s mandate during this critical transition period.

We commend the Iraqi government for its continued efforts to address the country’s challenges. Notable achievements include the official recognition of Halabja as Iraq’s 19th governorate, important amendments to national legislation, and the scheduling of the Council of Representatives elections for November 11, 2025. We also acknowledge the Independent High Electoral Commission for its important role in opening voter and candidate registration, a significant step in supporting a transparent electoral process.

High voter turnout signals rising public confidence in Iraq’s institutions, and we encourage efforts by political actors to advance participatory approaches that include all components of society, in the political process.

We call on Iraq to ensure that any changes resulting for the amendment to its Personal Status Law are done in line with their obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

We take positive note that the Iraqi government, in partnership with the UN, has enabled the return of 5.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and that a national committee to develop a comprehensive plan for the reintegration of displaced persons is in place. We encourage further efforts to urgently address the situation of the remaining one million IDPS.

We commend Iraq’s leadership in repatriating citizens from Al-Hol camp in Syria and the launch of the One United Nations Plan (2025-2027), which aims to return all Iraqi nationals from northeastern Syria by the end of 2025. The increased pace of returns, arriving in Iraq so far in 2025, is notable.

We note with concern, as highlighted in the Secretary General’s report, that the effects of climate change are exacerbating existing challenges in areas such as water scarcity and agricultural productivity. We commend the launch of the Environment and Climate Change Advisory Group and encourage the government of Iraq to continue to take action to combat climate change.

Efforts to attract foreign investment, modernize the energy sector, and boost petroleum production, highlighted by the 2025 Iraq Energy Conference and the 48th Baghdad International Fair, are encouraging.

Madam President,

The A3+ further notes the ongoing efforts between Iraq and Kuwait, with support from UNAMI and the international community, to resolve outstanding issues such as the return of Kuwaiti property, national archives, and the remains of Kuwaiti and third country nationals. We welcome the resumption of the joint committee meetings and encourage both parties to continue their constructive engagement and negotiations to reach a final agreement to delimitate maritime boundaries.

Despite the valuable efforts and continued cooperation among all concerned parties, including the Tripartite Commission, the ICRC, and the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait, some important files remain to be fully resolved. This includes the 315 missing individuals, including Kuwaiti and third-country nationals, with 308 names listed by Kuwait. In this regard, we remain hopeful that this outstanding issue will be resolved.

In this context, we believe that continued United Nations assistance could help to ensure further progress towards settling this longstanding humanitarian issue. We welcome the presentation of recommendations for an appropriate follow-on mechanism and are committed to engaging constructively with Council members on the way forward.

Madam President,

As UNAMI moves toward closure, a well-managed transition is essential. We welcome Iraq’s commitment to logistical, technical, and security support and note the establishment of an integrated working group at UN Headquarters to coordinate the transition and handover to UN entities and partners.

We recognize Iraq’s proactive approach in forming a committee to coordinate with UNAMI on transition matters, and note the gradual drawdown of UNAMI staff and closure of field offices. The agreement for the UN country team to use facilities in Baghdad and Erbil after UNAMI’s exit is a positive development.

Ahead of the finalization of UNAMI’s transition plan by 31 December 2025, we stress the importance of continued collaboration among all stakeholders.  The A3+ urges Iraq and Kuwait to continue progress through commitment to the principles of peaceful resolution and good neighborliness. The A3+ remains committed to supporting Iraq’s pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity, and on another but related matter, supporting both Iraq and Kuwait to finalize all outstanding issues.

I thank you.