International organization: Iraq seeks to intensify its efforts to search for missing persons

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[size=52]International organization: Iraq seeks to intensify its efforts to search for missing persons[/size]

[size=45]Translated by / Hamed Ahmed[/size]
[size=45]In cooperation with the International Committee for Missing Persons (ICMP) and with the participation of representatives of the central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq seeks to strengthen the search strategy for all missing persons while ensuring that those involved in crimes related to the loss of these persons are held accountable and their families are compensated at a time when the government estimates the loss of between 250 thousand and one million people as a result of actions Violence and violations affected all racial and ethnic groups in the country.[/size]
[size=45]The Director-General of the International Commission on Missing Persons, Catherine Bomberger, said, “It is important to harmonize local laws with international standards, especially with regard to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.” Noting that the International Committee for Missing Persons is ready to work with all parties concerned, including the families of missing persons and responsible institutions, and will continue to provide forensic expertise, database resources and other types of support. If the concerned parties work together, it will be possible to determine the fate of a larger number of missing persons in Iraq.[/size]
[size=45]Participants in the meeting with the ICRC discussed activities scheduled to be implemented during the remainder of 2024, including a major conference to be held in Baghdad where Iraq will bring together experts from across the Middle East and North Africa region to share visions on developing a comprehensive process for missing persons.[/size]
[size=45]Diaa Karim, Director General of the Department of Mass Graves Affairs and Protection, said that he expresses his thanks for the efforts of the International Committee for Missing Persons in bringing together the specializations of the public sector agencies on the missing persons file at one table and the convergence of ideas that necessarily produces new development ideas for all the parts of the missing persons file and that this is ultimately reflected in a positive way. For the benefit of the victims' families.[/size]
[size=45]The report of the international organization indicated that the organization was and is still providing aid and assistance to Iraq in the file of missing persons, and there is fruitful cooperation with the Iraqi authorities concerned with the file of missing persons. Therefore, this committee cannot be dispensed with, and it is very necessary for this work and coordination to develop at higher levels.[/size]
[size=45]The first meeting between the International Committee and officials from Iraq regarding the file of missing persons took place in The Hague in 2021. This meeting, which took place last week, reflects the strengthening of Iraq’s strategy regarding missing persons. It was agreed to develop a central registration file for all missing persons, in addition to ensuring that criminals involved in crimes are held accountable. Missing persons and ensuring the rights of the families of missing persons.[/size]
[size=45]The attendees agreed to consider what was reached during the previous meetings as important evidence for establishing an effective and legal process that addresses the issue of missing persons. Encouraging steps have been achieved by the relevant Iraqi institutions in adopting these recommendations. However, there is a continuing need to ensure their comprehensive implementation.[/size]
[size=45]The report indicated that since 2021, progress has been achieved in this file with the establishment of a national committee for missing persons under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice, which is a major step forward. However, more consultations must be conducted regarding the scope and work of the national committee, and priority must be given to convening it. The organization stresses the need to enhance coordination and cooperation between all parties concerned, unify procedures, coordinate laws and financial support, provide accurate and documented information, and most importantly, the effective participation of the families of missing persons.[/size]
[size=45]The International Commission on Missing Persons recommends that the Iraqi authorities and experts throughout the country integrate comprehensive medico-legal services and constantly use advanced techniques, including education and training in the relevant field, in finding missing persons, identifying them and clarifying the circumstances of their disappearance.[/size]
[size=45]The Iraqi government estimates that between 250,000 and one million people are missing as a result of the conflict, human rights violations and atrocities. Tens of thousands of families from all different ethnic, religious and national communities in Iraq continue to suffer the torment of uncertainty about the fate of their relatives, with most of them unable to secure their right to justice, truth and reparations.[/size]
[size=45]The International Commission on Missing Persons is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization headquartered in The Hague in the Netherlands. Its program is supported by the German Foreign Ministry and the Government of the Netherlands. Its mission is to secure the cooperation of governments and others in locating persons missing due to conflicts, human rights violations, disasters, organized crime and other causes. Helping them do this they are exclusively tasked with working on the issue of missing persons.[/size]
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