Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism – Secretary-General said that Terrorism Survivors Denied Justice, Perpetrators Enjoy Impunity, on Launch of Global Framework to Support Syria/Iraq Third Country Returnees
The Republic of Iraq and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), today jointly launched the Global Framework for United Nations Support on Syria / Iraq Third Country National Returnees during a side event on the margins of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Today, thousands of suspected foreign terrorist fighters are held in detention facilities, while at least 42,000 foreign women and children remain in overcrowded camps and detention centers in northeast Syria. The protracted humanitarian situation in these camps and detention facilities is unsustainable from both a humanitarian and a security perspective. In response, the United Nations has come together to support Member States willing to repatriate their nationals from Iraq and Syria by developing a Global Framework for UN Support on Syria/Iraq Third Country National Returnees (Global Framework).
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted in his recorded opening statement that “The United Nations has developed a Global Framework that provides integrated ‘all-of-UN’ technical and financial support that addresses the humanitarian and protection needs of returnees from Iraq and Syria while also responding to accountability and security concerns.” Secretary-General Guterres added: “This Framework offers human rights-based, age-appropriate, and gender-responsive solutions.”
اMr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) stressed PDFthat “Not only does the Global Framework support Member States to protect and address the needs of returnees but it also builds the capacity of Member States to respond to security concerns and to promote accountability. This includes support to develop comprehensive and tailored prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration strategies as outlined in Security Council resolutions 2178 (2014) and 2396 (2017).” He also reiterated UNOCT’s support, in partnership with UNICEF and other UN entities, for Member States that are repatriating their nationals: “We will do so in a manner that ensures security and accountability, reduces the risk of recidivism and terrorist recruitment and movement, while protecting the human rights of all.”
Ms. Henrietta Fore, Executive Director, UNICEF said: “We remain concerned about the situation of thousands of foreign children and families in detention centers and closed camps in Syria and Iraq. Some of these children have spent half of their childhood in limbo, with barely any access no education, health care, clean water, or other essential services. Their circumstances may be complex, but the decision to help them is a simple one. And we have seen that solutions are possible. That’s why UNICEF is proud to co-lead this Global Framework – a unique partnership to solve a critical contemporary problem.”
To support the Global Framework, a dedicated Multi-Partner Trust Fund has been established to enable rapid, coherent and coordinated delivery across both of its objectives. The Secretary-General urged the donor community “to support this effort by contributing to the Global Framework’s Multi-Partner-Trust-Fund.”
