10.06.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on the situation concerning Iraq

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Madam President,

And I would like to thank Special Representative Al Hassan for his important briefing, and welcome the participation of the PRs of Iraq and Kuwait to this meeting.

It is evident that Iraq continues to work diligently toward a more stable and prosperous future for its people and the region.

Denmark continues to support Iraq in this endeavour. This is a longstanding commitment. We have assisted by training Iraqi security forces, combatting Da’esh and Al-Qaeda, and contributing to the development efforts across the country.

We recognise the Iraqi achievements in Counter Terrorism operations, as well as in the repatriation of Iraqi nationals from the camps in North East Syria and supporting their reintegration to their communities of origin. Denmark supports these efforts, including through our stabilisation funding.

Allow me to make three points:

First,

While we recognise Iraq’s constructive regional approach, we recall the need for further credible actions towards sustainable economic developments and human rights. It is crucial that the November 11 elections are conducted with full respect for democratic principles, political pluralism, transparency, and the rule of law, in order to ensure the legitimacy and contribute to long-term stability.

Regarding the situation in the Iraqi-Kurdistan region, we support the dialogue between the federal level and the Kurdish regional government which are both needed and timely.

In the wider region, we welcome Iraq’s recent dialogue with the Syrian transitional president. For the sake of national and regional stability, it is essential that Iraq and the new Syrian authorities work towards a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership. Such developments demonstrate Iraq’s positive role in the region.

Second, Madam President,

We echo the Secretary General’s call for Iraq and Kuwait to resolve outstanding issues in relation to missing persons, Kuwaiti property and the national archives as well as the demarcation of the maritime border.

Relatives of missing persons on both sides have a right to closure and certainty about their loved ones.

We praise the resumption of bilateral talks between Iraq and Kuwait on these topics and hope that this forum can be the basis for further confidence building measures and continued, constructive dialogue on all outstanding issues.

Third and finally, Madam President,

We urge Iraq to seize the current positive momentum by taking concrete measures in cooperation with the international community.

This means engaging actively with the UN country team where support is still needed, such as human rights and the protection of women’s rights and supporting the most vulnerable internally displaced people and refugees with particular emphasis on protection, including access to civil documentation and education.

It also means sustained international engagement on issues related to water scarcity.

Environmental degradation and desertification of agricultural lands present challenges not only in the short term, but risk undermining progress and stability in the long term.

Madam President, in closing,

Iraq has both a proud and complex history. One of resilience and fragility. And, we continue to support Iraq in its endeavours to work towards a stable and prosperous future.

This future needs to be for all Iraqis and must serve to safeguard their individual rights.

Thank you.