UNITAD-NGO Dialogue Forum Holds Its Fourth Biannual Plenary Roundtable, Convening In Person For The First Time

Baghdad, 06 October 2022 – The United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD) held on Wednesday its Fourth Biannual Plenary Roundtable meeting of the UNITAD-NGO Dialogue Forum, which was the first convening of the Forum as an in-person meeting.

The biannual roundtable meeting, which has been holding its meetings virtually since December 2020, brought together 50 participants this time, from both Iraqi and international NGOs together with UNITAD team members, to share insights and engage in a lively discussion on issues pertaining to the work of UNITAD and the cooperation with the NGO community.

“I firmly believe that the UNITAD-NGO Dialogue Forum is an important arm of collaboration and cooperation between UNITAD and the NGO community; and the Forum goes hand in hand with the excellent cooperation at the operational level that is happening daily between various units of UNITAD and many NGO partners” said Special Adviser and Head of UNITAD Christian Ritscher in his opening remarks.

Participating NGO representatives gave an overview about their work, with many giving examples about the existing cooperation with UNITAD or offering suggestions on potential future cooperation. They also were introduced to several UNITAD investigators and heads of units who are working with their respective communities; affected by ISIL crimes.  Additionally, many speakers introduced some of the major concerns of survivor and victim communities. The Team and the NGOs’ representatives also discussed UNITAD’s investigative priorities and how NGOs can contribute with a significant role in the investigations and outreach to victims and survivors. Additionally, a speaker from the Shabak community  gave remarks as part of the Forum’s commitment to dedicate a space for different voices of affected communities.  

Special Adviser Ritscher also noted how engaging and constructive the events of the UNITAD-NGO Dialogue Forum have been, expressing his confidence that this engagement will only increase as the Forum moves to in person interactions, “which makes this platform even more engaging and conducive for deeper communication, collaboration and opening the doors for new cooperation,” as he expressed.

The UNITAD-NGO Dialogue Forum has been convening two types of events; the first is a series of thematic roundtable discussions in a panel-format, addressing specific thematic areas relating to UNITAD’s investigative activities. The events bring together international and local experts with UNITAD team member for an in-depth discussion on one theme for each roundtable. While the second type of events is the biannual plenary roundtable which aim to provide a broader update on the work of UNITAD, and to serve as an open platform for suggestions on how to better engage with NGOs. The plenary biannual meeting also serves as a space where survivors and community leaders can have their voices heard by both UNITAD and the NGO community.

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For More Information please contact Public Information Officer (Maha Thaher) for the

United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL,

E-mail: UNITAD-PIO@un.org