Baghdad, Iraq- In a statement today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq announced the country’s candidacy for membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term. Iraq emphasized its dedication to working collaboratively with other nations to protect and advance human rights worldwide.
Ambassador Shorsh Khaled Saeed, the Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Legal Affairs, delivered Iraq’s statement during the high-level session of the 58th Human Rights Council session in Geneva. He condemned the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip, particularly the targeting of innocent civilians, which has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian lives lost, the majority of whom were women and children. He called this a clear violation of international human rights law and expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, Ambassador Saeed urged an end to the forced displacement of the Palestinian people.
The statement also highlighted Iraq’s significant progress in several areas. Saeed mentioned the successful implementation of the first population census since 1997, along with notable advancements in the economic sector. This includes major projects like the Development Road Project, the first phases of the Faw Port, and the launch of Iraq’s strategic plan for 2024-2030. Additionally, he pointed out the improvements made in women’s empowerment and increased minority representation across various sectors of society.
In closing, Ambassador Saeed announced Iraq’s formal candidacy for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the upcoming term, from 2026 to 2028. He expressed hope for widespread international support for this bid, reaffirming Iraq’s commitment to promoting human rights and addressing global challenges, particularly the detrimental effects of climate change. Saeed emphasized Iraq’s determination to help developing nations implement adaptation programs to combat these challenges.
