The ambassadors were briefed by Christian Ritscher, special adviser and head of the UN investigative team UNITAD, established five years ago, to promote accountability for these crimes.
The Islamist group proclaimed a self-proclaimed caliphate in parts of Iraq and northern Syria in 2014 before being militarily defeated and expelled from Iraq in December 2017.
Commitment stronger than ever
Presenting UNITAD’s 10th report, he updated on progress made to date, including support for the digitization of millions of documents now held by the Iraqi judiciary.
Investigators have also prepared a case assessment Development and use of chemical weapons by ISS. More details will be unveiled Thursday at an event at the UN headquarters in New York, co-hosted with Iraq and India.
“Today, the Iraqi government’s commitment, in cooperation with UNITAD, to advancing the fight against impunity, seeking justice on behalf of the victims and survivors – most of whom are Iraqis – and addressing the remaining threat from ISIS is stronger than ever “, he said.
Mission not finished yet
However, the mission is far from over. Mr. Ritscher emphasized that “UNITAD’s work is not only to create a record of ISIL crimes, but also to…” Hold ISIL members accountable for committing such heinous international crimesthrough evidence-based procedures and before competent courts.”
“International crimes” are serious violations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The UN team is already working closely with competent Iraqi investigating judges who are assisting in their investigations, he said.
“In return, UNITAD is increasing its capacity and ensuring that Iraqi courts are ready to hold ISIL perpetrators accountable for their international crimes when the time is right,” he added.
Christian Ritscher, Special Adviser and head of the investigative team established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2379 (2017), briefs the Security Council session on threats to international peace and security.
mountains of evidence
Mr Ritscher assured the council that there was no shortage of evidence of ISIL crimes and described the terror group as “a large bureaucracy that documents and maintains a state-like system of administration”.
“We want to ensure that this evidence is admissible in any court of competent jurisdiction. whether in Iraq or in other countries where ISIL members are prosecuted for international crimes,” he said.
Archiving of digitized documents
In this context, UNITAD led a major project to digitize “significant amounts” of ISIL records and war evidence. Until now, eight million pages from the holdings of the Iraqi and Kurdish authorities have been digitized.
“Senior Iraqi judges have informed me that their reaction time in relation to case files and requests for information have improved significantlywhich signals lasting change because of these innovative efforts,” he said.
The next step is UNITAD Establishment of a central archive This will be the unified repository of all digitized evidence against ISIL. The archive will be housed with the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq and will open in the coming days.
“This central repository will play a key role in supporting the prosecution of ISIL perpetrators for their international crimes in Iraq. In addition, it could be a milestone for the creation of a comprehensive e-justice system in Iraq, which can be considered a leading example not only in the region but also worldwide,” he said.
Legal framework key
In the meantime, an appropriate domestic legal framework will be adopted remains the greatest challengesaid Herr Ritscher to the council.
He underscored UNITAD’s commitment to support the Iraqi-led process towards a legal framework that allows national courts to do so Prosecute IS crimes as international crimes.
He referred to the recent establishment of a joint working group bringing together government, legal and judicial representatives and key parliamentarians an important step forward.
“Once appropriate domestic legislation on international criminal law is passed, the way forward will be clearer. I remain confident that this will happen Better sooner than later,” he said.
Preparation for future exams
In parallel, UNITAD has already started to contribute to the preparation of future trials.
The team has intensified cooperation with colleagues in the Iraqi judiciary build cases together against specific persons of interest and suspected perpetrators, giving priority to those living outside Iraq.
Investigators are currently assisting around 17 countries by conducting witness interviews, providing expert testimony and technical analysis in criminal cases against suspected ISIL members and supporters.
