United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Baghdad today to participate in a ceremony marking the conclusion of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The Iraqi government is hosting the event to commemorate the end of UNAMI’s mandate, with the mission scheduled to depart the country by December 31st.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, Mohammed Al-Hassan, stated that the mission had successfully completed its objectives and that its departure was at the request of the Iraqi government. Al-Hassan emphasized that UNAMI’s presence in Iraq was initially established at the Iraqis’ request, and its termination also reflects their wishes. He affirmed that the United Nations respects the desires of host countries and that no mission can operate without the host nation’s consent and willingness to cooperate.
Al-Hassan noted that Iraq had hosted the mission for over two decades, a period marked by significant effort. He explained that the Iraqi government now believes UNAMI has achieved its goals, and it is time for them to take full ownership of their affairs, as is the case in other nations.
He clarified that three remaining files related to the mission’s work include: locating missing persons from Kuwait and other countries since the war and invasion of Kuwait, resolving the issue of Kuwaiti property, and addressing the Kuwaiti national archives.
Al-Hassan stressed that UNAMI’s departure does not signify the end of the United Nations’ presence in Iraq. The UN will maintain its presence through specialized agencies and ongoing communication between Iraq, as a member of the Human Rights Council, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
In May 2024, the UN Security Council decided to withdraw UNAMI by the end of 2025, following a request from Baghdad. UNAMI was established in 2003 after the US-British invasion of Iraq. Its mandate, strengthened in 2007 and renewed annually, included supporting the Iraqi government in fostering inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation, organizing elections, and reforming the security sector.
