Accountability Through Innovation and Partnership

Drawing on the experience of United Nations Investigative Team to promote accountability for crimes committed by ISIL / Da’esh (UNITAD) in the implementation of its mandate pursuant to Security Council resolution 2379 (2017), this meeting will consider how breakthrough approaches to the use of technology and innovations in the engagement of witnesses and survivors can enhance investigations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide globally.

Chaired by the United Kingdom, and drawing on the contributions of key partners in the work of UNITAD to date, the meeting will address questions including:

• How can innovative uses of cutting-edge technology help to overcome challenges faced by investigators in the collection and analysis of evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide?
• How can we improve practices with respect to the provision of psycho-social support to victims and witnesses so as to empower those who are most vulnerable to participate in accountability processes? How can we address the specific needs of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in this context?
• Can partnerships between national authorities, United Nations entities, survivor groups and others be further strengthened in pursuit of accountability?
• What can be learned from the activities of UNITAD in these areas, building on the mandate provided by the Security Council resolution 2379 (2017) and its three years of work in Iraq?  

Through open discussions, this meeting seeks to move forward dialogue amongst key actors and further clarify the path towards comprehensive accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. 

Key Innovations in the work of UNITAD

From the outset of its work, UNITAD has sought to implement its mandate through a creative approach drawing on a wide range of partnerships with survivor groups, national authorities, private sector entities and non-governmental organizations.  In doing so, the Team has identified areas in which current international standards can be further enhanced through our practice on the ground in Iraq. Two key areas in which UNITAD has introduced innovations in approach will be highlighted.