Republic of Iraq
الله أكبر
Sir/Madame chair and fellow delegates,
The Republic of Iraq is honored to participate in this years conference. Iraq hopes that as a world community, we will reach all agreements comprehensively and without preconceived notions. Iraq fully recognizes the need for stronger protections for women. As a middle eastern country, Iraq has felt the injustices of gender inequality and the consequences it has brought. Iraq also acknowledges the need to halt the cruel practice of kidnapping; especially of foreign workers and foreign government officials for ransom. In addition, Iraq finds guest worker problems in Europe's “developed” countries to be troubling to the stability of the world's already fragile economy and peace. As always, the Republic of Iraq is fully dedicated to finding constructive solutions to these problems.
Focusing on the topic of Human trafficking and foreign workers rights, Iraq strongly suggests the universal signing of CEDAW. Iraq itself has worked on reviewing discriminatory legislature as well as amending it to be more gender neutral. We've provided funds for facilities for women victims of domestic violence such as telephone hot-lines and shelters. Iraq has also worked nonstop to eradicate “honor killings” and other discriminatory practices; but Iraq acknowledges that like so many other countries, it has a long way to go. As a result, Iraq hopes to have many constructive conversations on the subject.
The act of kidnapping is something Iraq has put a great amount of energy to eliminate. As a country that receives foreign aid, Iraq has long been plagued by kidnappings of well connected foreign workers and governmental officials. As a recently stabilized country, Iraq has seen its fair share of political kidnappings, and would like to point out the roots of this problem: an unstable government, war, religious strife, economic and civil inequality. Iraq would also like to point out that at least in respect to itself, a greater number of citizens have been abducted then foreigners. As a result, Iraq urges countries to focus on the safeguarding of citizens first and foremost.
As Iraq has stated, the guest worker problems in Europe's “developed” countries is indeed troubling. But in the scope in which the GA hopes to tackle the problem, Iraq has little opinion. Iraq strongly encourages the adoption of broader protections of their human rights. In addition, Iraq would like to remind everyone of laws passed that specifically target asylum seekers, and would support any resolution that provides such.
The Republic of Iraq would like to once again express it's gratitude at being included in this gathering. We hope that we can come together as a community; solving these problems holistically after the thorough scrutinizing of all possible options.
