UNOCT Delegation Commits to Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Efforts with KRG
On Monday, 23 December 2024, Dindar Zebari, the Coordinator for International Advocacy (OCIA) for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), hosted a delegation from the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). The delegation comprised Zeeshan Amin, Director of the Baghdad Office, and Agnes Venema, Director of Programmes at UNOCT.
Zebari highlighted the KRG's ongoing commitment to combating terrorism. He noted that since the 2014 terrorist attacks by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), the KRG has effectively countered various terrorist threats, ensuring the safety of the Kurdistan Region. Zebari also emphasised the pivotal role of Kurdish forces in supporting the international coalition's efforts against ISIS.
The Coordinator for OCIA stated that since the establishment of the Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh (UNITAD) in 2017, the KRG has actively supported its mission. This includes assisting in the investigation and documentation of crimes committed by ISIS, aiding in prosecution of its members and advocating for compensation for the victims.
Regarding the prosecution of terrorists, Zebari highlighted that Iraq currently enforces the Counter-Terrorism Act No. 13 of 2005. He noted, however, that the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq rejected a draft bill by the KRG that sought to recognise ISIS crimes as acts of genocide. Zebari stressed the need for a comprehensive legal framework to address the accountability for these crimes following the conclusion of UNITAD's mission. This framework should ensure justice for the perpetrators and provide compensation for the victims. To achieve this, Zebari emphasised the necessity of international support to enhance the capacity of local judges and investigators, enabling them to effectively address international crimes.
The Director of UNOCT acknowledged the importance of the KRG's efforts in combating terrorism and stressed that their office focuses on key areas such as human rights, terrorist rehabilitation, capacity building, technical assistance, and countering cyber terrorism. He affirmed that UNOCT is committed to supporting the KRG in these domains. Highlighting capacity building for investigators as a priority, he expressed UNOCT’s intention to collaborate closely with the OCIA to broaden the scope of their activities in the Kurdistan Region.