UNITED NATIONS, June 9 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya at a United Nations Security Council on Wednesday urged enhanced funding for the Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD).
Kenya’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mike Kiboino through a statement also commended the progress of the investigative team, especially the completion of the compilation of initial case briefs.
Kiboino recognised strides made in support of domestic efforts to hold the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) accountable for its crimes including against women and girls and minority groups, particularly the Yazidi people.
In addition, he noted the important collaborative working modalities between the team and the Iraqi authorities observing that the Al Shabaab terrorist group draws influence from Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) joining the group from ISIL and its affiliates.
Kiboino further emphasized the need to apply the full force of counterterrorism sanction regimes on all terrorist groups in equal measure, without favouritism.
Christian Ritscher, who also heads the UNITAD upheld that those responsible must be identified, tried, and convicted “at the national and international level.”
“Only by prosecuting and referring to such barbaric acts as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, will we be able to deliver justice to the many victims and survivors and ensure that their voices are heard,” he said. — NNN-KBC
