Hanoi (VNA) – The UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 10 convened a videoconference briefing on the activities of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed Da’esh/IslamicState in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD), with Vietnam voicing its support for theteam’s ongoing investigation into the IS crimes.

Regarding the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh)’sgenocide against the Yazidi and war crimes against unarmed cadets and militarypersonnel at Tikrit Air Academy, Special Adviser and Head of the UNITAD KarimAsad Ahmad Khan said “A landmark moment has been reached in our work, withinitial case briefs completed in relation to two key investigative priorities”.The case briefs identified more than 1,400 suspects.

This investigation is developing rapidly, with an initialcase brief anticipated to be completed and available to national authoritieswithin five months, he said.  By the endof 2021, the team also anticipates the completion of case briefs addressingcrimes committed against Christian, Kaka’i, Shabak, Shia Turkmen and Sunnicommunities in Iraq, as well as the massacre of predominantly Shia inmates atBadush prison.

Participating council members acknowledged the effective operationof UNITAD, particularly amid COVID-19-related difficulties and securitycomplexities in Iraq.

They appreciated the cooperation of the Iraqi central andlocal governments with the mission. Many statements pledged to continue tosupport UNITAD in its effective performance on the basis of relevant UNSC resolutionsin accordance with international law and the law of Iraq. Some member countriessuggested that UNITAD pay attention to ensuring the respect for the Iraqisovereignty in investigating and punishing convicted individuals.

Echoing other participants’ acknowledgment, PermanentRepresentative of Vietnam to the UN Dang Dinh Quy lauded the team’s innovativeapproach and its results, adding that the application of advanced technologiesand digital platforms has proved very efficient in evidence-collectingactivities by allowing witnesses and survivors to submit information remotely.

The Ambassador suggested that UNITAD continue to focus on itsstrategic priorities in the coming time, strengthen cooperation with the IraqiGovernment, regional and local authorities and religious leaders, and adopt allprocedures and measures to protect victims and witnesses.

Vietnam urged the international community to increasesupport for UNITAD to carry out its mission in accordance with internationallaw, relevant UNSC resolutions and the principles of the UN Charter, includingrespect for the Iraqi sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and unity.

Established in September 2017 and becoming operational inmid-August 2018, UNITAD now groups about 130 experts, investigators, andsecurity and support personnel./.