Sema
Madam President,
Distinguished representatives of the Security Council,
While I express my confidence that Iraq will continue to build on this solid electoral foundation, I remain strongly hopeful that a new government will be formed without delay. It would be remiss not to point out that the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government remains pending after more than a year of protracted negotiations. The formation of both the federal government and the regional government in Iraq offers opportunities to strengthen the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil and to address and resolve outstanding issues, including those related to the disputed territories. The relationship between Baghdad and Erbil is a necessary partnership that requires greater cooperation and more open dialogue based on the Iraqi Constitution.
Iraq has certainly overcome successive conflicts along a difficult path toward stability. Nevertheless, the lasting impacts of conflict have created urgent and ongoing humanitarian needs. Nearly one million Iraqis remain displaced—a significant number—whose full, voluntary return and reintegration continue to face economic, social, security, and administrative challenges. Among these displaced persons are more than 100,000 people, most of them Ezidis from Sinjar, who, even after 11 years, continue to live in displacement camps under difficult conditions. They are survivors who endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of ISIL.
I note with concern that departures from displacement camps have slowed significantly in 2025. These communities require targeted interventions that link humanitarian assistance with long-term development programs—housing, livelihoods, social protection, and community reconciliation. Therefore, I reiterate my call for the adoption of a comprehensive national plan to ensure the implementation of durable solutions.