United Nations: Assistance Mission in Iraq comes to an end, with commitment to ongoing support

The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) prepares to conclude its operations, after 22 years of service and a long and difficult road to peace, security and stability.
The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Mohammed Al Hassan, briefed members for the final time, stating “Today, indeed, is a great day for the international community and the United Nations to witness an honourable and dignified closure of a UN mission.”

The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq was established by the Security Council resolution 1500 of 2003 at the request of the Government of Iraq, and revised under resolution 1770 in 2007. At the time, in 2003, the country was “grappling with the effects of decades of dictatorship, regional wars, internal conflicts, foreign occupation, and the terror of Da’esh” Mohammed Al Hassan recalled.The current mandate encompasses a variety of areas including the provision of advice, support and assistance to the Iraqi government and the people of Iraq on advancing inclusive political dialogue and national and community-level reconciliation.

Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq stated that “The road to peace, security and stability was long and difficult. However, with the support of the international community Iraq came out victorious, but with untold sacrifices”.

In recalling the long history of UNAMI, Al Hassan also honoured the memory of those who lost their lives since UNAMI began its operations, including the 22 UN staff members killed in the Canal Hotel bombing in August 2003.

In briefing the members, Mohammed Al Hassan congratulated Iraq for holding its sixth parliamentary elections in November, and the high increase in turnout of registered voters, 56%. He stated that “I can hardly think of a more fitting final chapter to UNAMI’s activities than the scenes witnessed by myself and my team at polling stations across the country, as Iraqis from diverse backgrounds lined up in orderly queues, eager to cast their ballots”, “While I express confidence that Iraq will continue to build upon this solid electoral foundation, I fervently hope that a new Government will be formed without delay.” He also noted that the formation of a new Government in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region “remains pending” after more than a year of protracted negotiations.

In regards to internal displacement humanitarian needs, Al Hassan recognised the journey of Iraq towards stability and overcoming successive conflicts. However, roughly a million people remain internally displaced, including over 100,000 Yazidis from Sinjar, a minority community that suffered greatly at the hands of the Dae’sh terrorist group. The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq also commended Iraq for its efforts in providing reparations to of nationals from northeast Syria and the return of Iraqi nationals to their homeland, stating “As returns continue, the last one taking place just yesterday, it remains essential for adequate resources to be directed toward ensuring dignified and sustainable reintegration, including reliable access to basic services, livelihoods, and community-level support”.

In addition, Al Hassan congratulated Iraq on its election as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, contributing to the need of Iraq to uphold the highest human rights standards. He underlined the profound challenges that remain, stating “notably for ensuring full protection and fulfillment of the rights of minorities, women and youth, and continuing to uphold freedom of expression as a cornerstone of open public dialogue in a strong democratic society.”

In conclusion, Mohammed Al Hassan stated “UNAMI’s departure does not mark an end to the Iraq-UN partnership. Rather, it represents the start of a new chapter rooted in Iraq’s leadership of its own future”, “I wish to reaffirm my full confidence in the resilience of the Iraqi people and the determination of their leaders to tackle whatever challenges may lie ahead, as they have so commendably done over the last 20 years”, and “I call on them to strive to build bridges of trust and friendship, promote common interests with all the neighboring countries and to regain the glory of Iraq as the cradle of civilization.”