UN Workshop: Expert Consultation on International Principles to Support

UN Workshop: Expert Consultation on International Principles to Support Justice for Past Human Rights Violations Committed in Iraq, June 30, 2003 Remarks of Sandra L. Hodgkinson, Director of Human Rights, Coalition Provisional Authority Good Morning. It is an honor to speak before such a distinguished group of experts in human rights and transitional justice. I am Sandy Hodgkinson, the Director of Human Rights in the CPA’s Office of Human Rights and Transitional Justice. The CPA recognizes the silent suffering and pain of the Iraqi people under the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. For more than 20 years, Saddam’s regime has systematically killed and tortured Iraqis of all ethnicities, religions and gender. The CPA, through our Office of Human Rights and Transitional Justice, is strongly committed to assisting the Iraqi people in addressing these crimes against humanity and to supporting the Iraqi people in their desires to find out the truth about what really happened, to reconcile with the past, through non-legal means, when possible, and to seek justice as necessary. Truth : In search of the truth, our Office of Human Rights and Transitional Justice has a Human Rights Office at the Convention Center, which provides Iraqis with a forum to tell their story – through the taking of testimonies, or filing of a one-page “summary of past human rights abuse” form. Iraqis from all over have come to tell stories, show photographs and videos, and detail horrific abuse to the CPA and to local civil affairs military units. These accounts include physical torture, execution, disappearance, rape and forced property evictions and demolitions. Our Human Rights Officials and military have visited prisons, suspected torture sites and mass graves to find physical proof to support statements of Iraqis. Our goal towards truth is to find answers about what happened to that Iraqis can begin to learn the extent of atrocities committed by the regime, create memorials and museums, write books or pamphlets for education, show the world the extent of their silent suffering for so many years, and ensure that such a system does not occur again. Reconciliation : A primary goal for the CPA is to assist the Iraqi people in reconciling with these atrocities, so they can move forward and created a system of government which respects and protects human rights and dignity. To assist in this goal, we recognize that families need to learn the fate of their loved ones and create a support network to handle grief, frustration and anger. We are also working with International Organizations and Nongovernmental Organizations to develop a national Iraqi Bureau for Missing Persons. The CPA has already brought in the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) to assess the missing persons problem and provide reconciliation; we have also worked with health-related NGOs to develop possible programs which will strengthen the local Iraqi medical capacity to provide psycho-social counseling and community support. Family and victim advocacy will also be a critical part of ensuring that families get what they need to move forward. As you are aware, mass graves are being discovered all over the country in every town and province, showing graphic evidence of execution and brutality. CPA brought an international forensic team to begin initial site assessments, advise the CPA on a comprehensive strategy, and create standardized protocols for exhumation so that we can ensure all exhumations are performed to a high standard. International teams will continue to assess and prioritize sites for a full forensic examination; while strengthening Iraqi capacity in the forensic, legal and investigation fields to perform exhumations. We have requested assistance from many countries in support of these efforts. The goal is two-fold: (1) identification of the missing; and (2) preservation of evidence for a future Iraqi –led transitional justice system. The CPA, with USAIDs Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), has contracted an international organization to establish an Iraqi Property Reconciliation Facility. This facility will have 7 offices around Iraqi, and will permit parties to voluntarily resolve property disputes as quickly as possible. This organization is also recommending a long-term solution for resolving disputes. These are all steps we are taking towards reconciliation. But most importantly, our goal is to strengthen the role of local NGOs, government agencies, and Iraqi technical expertise in all of these areas so that Iraqis can carry this work forward now and in the future. To the Iraqi people here, you have shown us your strength, courage and resolve in telling us your stories and recommending solutions. Our Office of Human Rights and Transitional Justice will continue to work with you to develop an Iraqi-led justice system to address these past atrocities, while simultaneously continuing to seek Truth and Reconciliation outside of court. Return to Human Rights Page