Speakers in Security Council Hail Efforts, Success of UN Assistance Mission in Iraq Ahead of ‘Honourable and Dignified’ Closure amid Complex Regional Challenges
The United Nations mission in Iraq will close its doors this month after more than two decades, its senior leader told the Security Council today, as delegates hailed its work and orderly exit amid complex regional conditions.
"Today, indeed, is a great day for the international community and the UN to witness the honourable and dignified closure of a UN mission," said Mohamed al Hassan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
Recalling the Mission’s birth in 2003 against the backdrop of long-standing dictatorship, regional wars, internal conflict, foreign occupation and terrorism, he said UNAMI’s departure does not mark the end of the Iraq-UN partnership. "Rather, it represents the start of a new chapter rooted in Iraq’s leadership of its own future."
He recounted the Mission’s history, noting: "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 sacrifice." He noted the many tragedies faced by the people of Iraq and UN personnel alike, including the 22 staff killed in the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing.
Incremental Hard-Won Gains Despite All Odds
Since that time, Iraq has made many strides, including adopting a new Constitution and holding 13 successful elections. "Iraq was able to incrementally consolidate hard-won gains despite all odds," he said. The country held its sixth parliamentary election on 11 November, marked by a notable increase in turnout.
Voicing hope that Iraq will form its new Government without delay, he also urged stronger relations with the Kurdistan region and longer-term solutions, including the adoption of a comprehensive national plan, to help Iraq’s 1 million displaced persons — most of whom are Yazidi survivors living in precarious conditions. He congratulated Iraq on its election as a member of the Human Rights Council, which "comes with a corresponding responsibility to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights".
On matters outstanding between Iraq and Kuwait, he looked forward to transferring the mandate on missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing property, including the national archives, from UNAMI to a Senior Representative as decided by the Council.
Still Work to Do in Human Rights Protection
In the debate that followed, many Council members praised UNAMI’s work and paid tribute to its many uniformed and civilian personnel. Some praised the peaceful conduct of Iraq’s recent parliamentary elections and called for compromise, inclusivity and expedience in the next step — the formation of a new national Government. Other speakers also drew attention to worrying gaps in Iraq’s protection of human rights, especially the lack of a law criminalizing domestic violence and ongoing threats to freedom of expression.
"UNAMI is a success story [...] other UN missions can draw important lessons from [its] example," said Slovenia’s representative, Council President for December, speaking in her national capacity. She called on the Government to protect and promote human rights, tackle restrictions on civic space and attacks on journalists and find durable solutions for internally displaced persons. "Displacement should not become a protracted feature of Iraq’s social and political landscape," she warned.
"Today’s meeting marks an important chapter in Iraq’s path towards a brighter future built on [UNAMI’s] legacy," said the Republic of Korea’s delegate. "[Recent] developments highlight Iraq’s growing political maturity and commitment to orderly democratic transition."
Joining other speakers in highlighting human rights concerns in Iraq, he nevertheless warned: "The approaching conclusion of UNAMI’s mandate should not diminish Iraq’s commitment to upholding human rights and humanitarian principles."
Iraq’s Government must adopt measures targeting gender-based violence and repression of the freedom of expression, added her counterpart from Greece, who also called for the appointment of a senior representative to deal with missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals, as well as Kuwaiti missing property, including national archives. "Addressing such a sensitive humanitarian issue requires expedited international support, including through providing access, funding and technical assistance," he said.
Denmark’s delegate, echoed by the representative of the United Kingdom, highlighted UNAMI’s many contributions to peace in Iraq — from advising on reconciliation and constitutional support to promoting the rule of law and supporting judicial reform. Over the past four years, her country has provided 80ドル million for civilian stabilization and peacebuilding initiatives in both Iraq and Syria, she added.
Meanwhile, Panama’s representative said UNAMI’s successful conclusion reflects both the UN’s commitment and the global community’s ability to mobilize in favour of peace. "In a context where voices are questioning the effectiveness of the United Nations, the concrete progress achieved in Iraq showcases the leadership, relevance and capacity of Missions to fulfill their objectives," he said.
Somalia’s representative, who also spoke for Sierra Leone, Algeria and Guyana, highlighted the orderly and peaceful nature of Iraq’s recent election and its improved voter turnout rate. "UNAMI’s provision of advice and technical assistance to the Government of Iraq, the Commission and other Iraqi institutions was an important element in ensuring that these elections were convened as scheduled," he said. Also applauding ongoing engagement between Iraq and Kuwait, he stressed the importance of resolving outstanding issues related to missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing property.
Beacon of Hope in Region of Turmoil
Many speakers, including Pakistan’s representative, paid tribute to the resilience and leadership of the Iraqi people themselves. Noting that the country’s security situation has improved, even as it still warrants vigilance, he stressed: "[Terrorist] actors must not be allowed to regroup or regain operational space." The drawdown and imminent completion of UNAMI’s mandate is not merely an administrative step, but a historic milestone. "In a region facing profound turmoil, Iraq’s trajectory stands as a beacon of hope," he said.
Striking a similar tone, China’s representative emphasized the continued risk posed specifically by the ISIL/Da’esh terrorist faction, which has long been active in Iraq. "The security situation in Iraq remains grave," he said, stressing that efforts to combat terrorism must continue while fully respecting Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"Iraq has demonstrated a real capacity to move forward on the path of strengthening its institutions," said the representative of France. More work is needed, however. He urged the country to diversify its economy, fight corruption and bolster gender equality and youth employment. "Iraq’s success must be shielded from regional tensions," he added, echoing others in highlighting the country’s important "balancing role". Any efforts to draw Iraq into the conflict "splitting the region" must be carefully avoided.
The representative of the Russian Federation also lauded Iraq’s "balanced" foreign policy and welcomed that — despite its diversity and geographical position — "Baghdad has managed to stay at a remove from conflicts, including the recent conflict between Iran and Israel". She thanked UNAMI for standing by Iraq during the most difficult moments of recovery after the 2003 war, political and economic crises, and the fight against ISIL/Da’esh, while welcoming the Mission’s smooth drawdown and withdrawal.
"Closing UNAMI is as step forward, and makes clear that no UN political mission is meant to be permanent," said the representative of the United States. President Donald J. Trump’s "America First" policy will continue to strengthen the United States-Iraq relationship, prioritizing United States interests while supporting Iraq’s sovereignty and working to end the influence of malign militias, he said.
‘Reliable Partner’ UNAMI Helped Create ‘State of Strong Institutions’
Also addressing the Council were the representatives of Iraq and Kuwait. "Iraq is now a State of strong institutions," said Baghdad’s representative, voicing gratitude for UNAMI’s support. The Mission has been a reliable partner adapting to Iraq’s evolving needs, from crisis management to long-term development planning. Starting during Iraq’s sensitive transitional phase, it helped to ensure international engagement and supported the drafting of Iraq’s new Constitution, which lay the foundation for a federal, democratic system.
"UNAMI was never a merely political mission," he continued, adding that it facilitated dialogue and partnerships. Turning to his country’s work to resolve complex outstanding issues with Kuwait, he said that, despite previous reservations, Iraq has now fully cooperated with relevant Security Council resolutions and handed over a new batch of Kuwaiti archives last November. His country continues to play an exceptional role in combating terrorism and has managed the humanitarian challenge posed by Al-Hol camp, implementing psychosocial programmes and reintegrating returnees, he added.
Kuwait’s delegate also commended UNAMI’s pivotal role in maintaining momentum and strengthening trust between his country and Iraq. Welcoming the handover of 400 boxes of archival materials and books, he nevertheless noted limited progress on locating missing persons, even decades later. In that context, he stressed the need to ensure direct access to key witnesses and leverage advanced technologies to achieve tangible results.
Council resolution 2792 (2025) "is not merely procedural but rather represents a clear international obligation", he said, calling for the appointment of a highly qualified senior representative with technical expertise and a deep understanding of these issues.
Complete Live Blog coverage of today's meeting can be found here .