Iraq: UN mission ends, with pledge of continued support

This article is published in association with United Nations.

The recent parliamentary elections in Iraq mark a fitting end to the work of the UN Mission in the country, the Security Council heard on Tuesday. 

The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Mohammed Al Hassan, briefed members for the last time as the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) prepares to conclude its mandate on 31 December after more than two decades of service.

“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,” he said.

Victory and sacrifice

UNAMI was established by the Council in 2003. At the time, the country was “grappling with the effects of decades of dictatorship, regional wars, internal conflicts, foreign occupation, and the terror of Da’esh,” he recalled.

“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,” he said.

He used the opportunity to honour the memory of all those who lost their lives since UNAMI began operations, including the 22 UN staff killed in the Canal Hotel bombing in August 2003 – among the darkest days in the history of the organization.

Hard-won gains

Mr. Al Hassan said both he and his predecessors have been struck by the resilience and steadfastness of Iraq and its people as they worked to build a more secure and prosperous future.

“From the adoption of a new Constitution to the strengthening and consolidation of democracy through 13 successful electoral processes, Iraq was able to incrementally consolidate hard-won gains against the odds,” he said.

Last month, Iraq held its sixth parliamentary elections and the process was marked by a notable increase in turnout of registered voters, 56 per cent.  The vote was also among the most free, orderly and credible polls conducted so far.

He congratulated the Iraqi people, the Independent High Electoral Commission and UNAMI, which provided electoral assistance.

“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,” he said. 

“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. 

Internal displacement, repatriations from Syria

Furthermore, although Iraq has overcome successive conflicts on the road to stability, the lasting effects have given rise to dire and persisting humanitarian needs. Roughly a million people remain internally displaced, including more than 100,000 predominantly Yazidis from Sinjar.

The minority community endured immense suffering at the hands of the Dae’sh terrorist group, also known as ISIL, and members are still living in displacement camps.

Mr. Hassan highlighted Iraq’s commendable leadership in launching a concerted effort earlier this year to speed up the repatriation of nationals from northeast Syria. 

Tens of thousands of people from various countries with alleged or actual ties to Dae’sh remain detained in camps in the region.

He reported that approximately 20,800 people have returned to Iraq to date. 

“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,” he said.

Human rights challenges

The envoy also congratulated Iraq on its election as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, which he said comes with a corresponding responsibility to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights. 

In this regard, he pointed to the many challenges that remain, “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.”

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Hassan affirmed that “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.”

The UN will continue to stand by Iraq to build on its hard-won gains, providing technical expertise, advice and support, he said.

“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,” he added.

“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.”