The United Nations Security Council has voted unanimously to extend the mandate of the United Nations Investigative Team tasked with investigating crimes committed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) for another year. The resolution, numbered 2697(2023), was adopted on September 15, 2023.

The decision follows a request from the Government of Iraq, dated September 5, 2023, seeking an extension of the mandate. The renewed mandate extends until September 17, 2024, and covers both the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD) and its Special Adviser.

The Security Council reaffirmed the terms of resolution 2379 (2017), which initially established UNITAD, and noted Iraq’s request for the Investigative Team to support national accountability efforts within the country. Specifically, Iraq has asked UNITAD to provide evidence related to members of ISIL/Da’esh and those who assisted or financed the terrorist organisation. This evidence is to be delivered to Baghdad over the next year.

The Council stressed the importance of promoting accountability worldwide for acts that could constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide committed by ISIL/Da’esh.

The resolution also tasked the Special Adviser with continuing to submit and present reports on UNITAD’s activities every 180 days. By March 15, 2024, the Special Adviser, in consultation with the Government of Iraq, is to develop a road map outlining the completion of the Team’s mandate.

Following the resolution’s adoption, Barbara Woodward, the United Kingdom’s representative, emphasised the Council’s commitment to holding Da’esh perpetrators accountable and delivering justice to victims. She lauded UNITAD’s efforts, including supporting the excavation of mass graves, returning remains to victims’ families, and facilitating survivor testimonies used in prosecutions globally.

Jeffrey DeLaurentis, the United States’ representative, emphasised that accountability for atrocities committed by Da’esh remains essential, citing UNITAD’s support in laying the foundation for future prosecutions. He noted that 18 Member States have requested evidence-sharing with UNITAD, leading to successful convictions in several countries.

Maria Zabolotskaya of the Russian Federation expressed concerns about UNITAD’s activities, suggesting a lack of transparency in evidence collection and transfer. She called for UNITAD to hand over evidence to Iraq’s authorities, provide information about evidence transferred to third countries, and seek the Government’s consent before transferring materials.

China’s representative, Dai Bing, highlighted the importance of respecting Iraq’s ownership and leadership in the process. He urged UNITAD to maintain communication with Baghdad and properly transfer evidence, supporting Iraq’s domestic accountability mechanisms.

Mohamed Issa Abushahab of the United Arab Emirates commended UNITAD as a model for UN and international cooperation. He emphasized the need for a realistic plan for evidence handover to Baghdad and rejected any attempts to link terrorist organizations to religion or ethnicity.

The extension of UNITAD’s mandate reflects ongoing efforts to address the grave crimes committed by ISIL/Da’esh and bring those responsible to justice.