In an interview with UN News, Mr. Mohamed Al Hassan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and leader of MANUI, stated that the mission’s conclusion signifies Iraq’s progress since 2003, overcoming dictatorship, wars, and ISIL terror, known in the Middle East as Daesh.
“When UNAMI started, Iraq was very different,” he remarked. Shortly after the mission began in August 2003, the UN headquarters in Baghdad was attacked, resulting in 22 deaths and over 100 injuries.
A new era is emerging: “Thanks to Iraqis’ sacrifices and international support, especially from the UN, Iraq is ready to advance, strengthening its sovereignty and integrity. I believe in Iraq’s readiness for this.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Baghdad to join Iraqis and diplomats in closing the mission, calling it “mission accomplished.”
Democratic progress: Al Hassan highlighted recent political changes stabilizing Iraq. November’s parliamentary elections, backed by UNAMI, were credible and had a 56 percent turnout, showing renewed public involvement.
“These elections were fair, free, and peaceful,” he said, signifying belief in a new Iraq.
UNAMI has supported political stabilization, national dialogue, and community reconciliation in conflict areas, also playing a key role in electoral assistance for numerous elections.
Security turnaround: Al Hassan noted a great security improvement. Iraq couldn’t have defeated Daesh without UN and international community help, but it was Iraqis’ courage that reversed extremist advances.
Yet, the conflict’s long-term effects remain. Around a million Iraqis are displaced, including 100,000 Yazidis in camps after suffering under ISIS.
Many can’t return home, especially to Sinjar, due to infrastructure destruction and security issues.
“I hope they will have the time, resources, and support to return home,” he expressed.
A gender perspective: Promoting women’s rights is key in UNAMI’s mandate, and Iraq must continue this after the Mission ends.
“Iraq is better in women’s rights, but violence against women has risen,” he said. Sustainable progress must arise within. “We want Iraqis to defend women’s rights through their law and protection.”
UNAMI’s mandate included promoting human rights, supporting judicial reforms, protecting vulnerable communities, and promoting women’s and minorities’ rights.
These tasks shaped UNAMI until its planned December 2025 closure.
As Iraq prepares to join the UN Human Rights Council, the country “must act accordingly,” ensuring full protection for women, youth, minorities, and freedom of expression.
UN presence remains in Iraq: Though the political mission ends, UN’s wider footprint remains unchanged.
“People confuse UNAMI with the UN,” he said. “Agencies like UNICEF, WHO, IOM, and UNDP will remain. The World Bank and IMF are opening offices.”
With large oil reserves and GDP, Iraq isn’t seeking aid. “Iraq needs the international community’s support and friendship, not charity.”
Calling Iraq a “success story” and a “unique country,” Al Hassan urged the international community to support Iraq’s space to succeed.
“My message is to give Iraq a chance to show it’s worthy of the freedom for which it has paid a heavy price.”
UNAMI’s departure doesn’t end the Iraq-UN partnership.
“I have no doubt Iraqis have turned a new page that will elevate their country,” Al Hassan stated.
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