UNITAD, Iraqi officials launch joint working group
UNITAD members and Iraqi officials during their meeting in the Judicial Development Institute in Baghdad. Photo: UNITAD
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD) took part in a joint meeting with Iraqi members of the judiciary and other Iraqi officials to discuss ‘Working Towards International Crimes Charges for ISIL Perpetrators in Iraq,’ in the Judicial Development Institute in Baghdad, according to a statement issued by the UNITAD.
“It brings us closer to see the common goal of achieving accountability and ensuring justice for ISIL’s international crimes realized in Iraq,” the Special Adviser and Head of UNITAD, Christian Ritscher, said.
Ritscher added that the purpose of the meeting is to explore how best to support this Iraq-led process in navigating pathways for an appropriate legal framework to deal with ISIL crimes as international crimes in Iraq, in order to see ISIL criminals stand trials before competent courts, the statement mentioned.
Ritscher stressed that UNITAD stands ready to assist and provide technical support, including capacity building and leveraging international expertise, the statement elaborated.
The meeting discussed various tools and options for the prosecution of ISIL international crimes internationally and in Iraq, through adopting a national legislation, or amending existing legislations, the statement clarified.
The participants agreed to establish a joint working group that will meet regularly, and will invite concerned parliamentarians and other experts as needed, the statement added.