The UN Security Council (UNSC) voted on Friday to briefly extend and then end the United Nations Assistance to Iraq Mission (UNAMI) following a request from the Iraqi government. The mandate, initially established in 2003 post-US invasion, has been extended until December 31, 2025, to allow for the final phase and withdrawal of the mission.
UNAMI was originally tasked with coordinating humanitarian efforts and aiding in the reconstruction of the Iraqi government. Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani stated earlier this year that the mission had become redundant, as sufficient progress towards its objectives had already been made by the Iraqi government. Consequently, on May 8, the Iraqi government requested the UNSC to end UNAMI’s mission by December 2025. Prime Minister al-Sudani declared there was no longer a need for the mission to continue.
The resolution, sponsored by the US and passed unanimously, requires Secretary-General Antonia Guterres to devise a “transition and liquidation plan” for UNAMI. The UNSC has further requested that Iraq cooperates fully in these endeavors. According to the resolution, UNAMI’s achievements include assisting in the organization of elections, protecting human rights, and coordinating rehabilitation efforts for displaced persons.
US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood supported the resolution, explaining that, “Iraq has changed dramatically in recent years and UNAMI’s mission needed to be realigned as part of our commitment to fostering a secure, stable and sovereign Iraq.” Iraq spokesperson Bassim al-al-Awadi confirmed that while UNAMI will conclude, Iraq will continue to seek support for its reforms from other UN agencies. Iraq had also requested the exit of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by ISIS (UNITAD) earlier this year.
Further details can be found in the original report on JURIST.