Public Aid Organization Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, and friends. It is an honor to speak on behalf of the Public Aid Organization and the Iraqi Minority Alliance as we reaffirm a shared vision, a world where every person, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or language, lives in dignity and peace. Iraq is home to a remarkable mosaic of communities whose heritage stretches back millennia. These communities have endured war, displacement, and profound loss, yet their commitment to remain part of Iraq’s future has never weakened. When they ask for support, they seek not charity, but dignity, equality, and the right to live safely in their homeland. Despite progress, the situation remains fragile. Many families are still unable to return home due to destroyed infrastructure, lack of services, and security concerns. Education, essential for preserving identity remains out of reach for many minority children, placing language and traditions at risk of disappearing within a generation. At the same time, discrimination and harmful rhetoric continue to erode social cohesion and discourage voluntary returns. To protect Iraq’s diversity, collective and urgent action is needed. We call on the United Nations member states, Iraqi institutions, donors, civil society, and media partners to: • • • • support safe, voluntary, and dignified returns through reconstruction, compensation, and livelihood; protect education and linguistic rights by expanding minority language schooling and ensuring equal access for displaced youth; strengthen social cohesion and political inclusion, through dialogue, representation, and transitional justice; combat hate speech by enforcing legal protection and promoting inclusive narratives. Iraq’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. With your partnership, we can ensure that every community, not only survives, but thrives in dignity, equality, and peace. Thank you for your time.