Hussain: Assigning Iraq the position of co-chair of the Friends of Victims of Terrorism Group

Baghdad - INA 

Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein announced today, Friday, the assignment of Iraq to the post of co-chair of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism.

The ministry said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein expressed, in a speech during his participation in the ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, which was held on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, his thanks and appreciation to all delegations." from the member states of the group to assign Iraq the post of co-chair of the group of friends of victims of terrorism.

Hussein affirmed, according to the statement, that he "will make every effort, in cooperation with the co-president of the Kingdom of Spain, to achieve the goals of the group and preserve its common principles," expressing his "appreciation to Islamic Afghanistan for the efforts they devoted on behalf of the group.".

During his speech, Hussein welcomed "Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and representatives of Member States (Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism) for attending the meeting, praising their efforts in support of victims of terrorism around the world," stressing that "Iraq was chosen to chair the Group of Friends of Terrorism." Victims of terrorism is a strong commitment, and we must make more international efforts aimed at alleviating the challenges and scourge of terrorism, and promoting a comprehensive approach to protecting human rights by expressing the needs of victims and defending their rights.

He noted that "Iraq commends the collective spirit shown by the group to update General Assembly Resolution No. 73/305 on "Strengthening International Cooperation to Assist Victims of Terrorism", and we welcome the positive environment for the ongoing discussion on the options available to establish a fund to support victims of terrorism," adding that "
He pointed out that "the option of creating a sub-fund within the current United Nations Counter-Terrorism Fund is the fastest and most practical option," adding: "Iraq proposes that the next resolution pay attention to the aspect of empowering victims of terrorism and helping them to obtain a solid ground through respect, hope and opportunities to secure a life thriving".

He stressed that "Iraq pledged allegiance to the sacrifices made by the victims of terrorism, reiterating the need to hear the voice of the victims, whether at the national or international level," noting that "the affected still need continuous efforts and support to ensure that their needs are met, their human rights are recognized and protected, and their right of access is respected." To justice and redress mechanisms, and to this end, the lack of an agreed definition of the term “victim of terrorism”.