In an interview with UN News, Mohamed Al Hassan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNAMI, said the Mission’s planned closure reflects the profound transformation Iraq has undergone since UNAMI was established in 2003, when the country was emerging from dictatorship, regional wars and the violence of ISIL. He recalled that the Mission began under extremely dangerous conditions, marked by the deadly bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad that killed 22 staff members, underscoring how different Iraq was at the time compared to today.
Mr. Al Hassan said Iraq has now entered a new phase, driven primarily by the sacrifices of its people and supported by international partners, particularly the United Nations. He expressed confidence that the country is ready to consolidate its sovereignty and territorial integrity, a view echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who will attend the Mission’s closure in Baghdad, describing it as a clear signal of “mission accomplished.”
Recent political developments illustrate Iraq’s growing stability, according to Mr. Al Hassan. He highlighted the parliamentary elections held in November, which UNAMI supported and which were widely regarded as the most credible in the country’s history. With a voter turnout of 56 per cent, the elections reflected renewed public trust and engagement, demonstrating belief in a more democratic and peaceful Iraq.
Over the years, UNAMI has supported Iraq across political stabilization, inclusive national dialogue, reconciliation in conflict-affected communities and extensive electoral assistance. One of its most significant legacies, Mr. Al Hassan said, is the dramatic improvement in security, noting that while international support was essential in defeating ISIL, it was ultimately the resilience and determination of Iraqis that turned the tide.
Despite progress, the long-term impact of conflict remains visible. Around one million people are still internally displaced, including more than 100,000 Yazidis who remain unable to return home due to destroyed infrastructure and lingering security challenges, particularly in Sinjar. Mr. Al Hassan stressed the need for sustained support to enable safe and dignified returns for displaced communities.
Advancing human rights, especially women’s rights, has been a core part of UNAMI’s mandate. While acknowledging improvements, Mr. Al Hassan warned that violence against women has increased and emphasized that lasting progress must be driven by Iraqi laws, institutions and advocacy. He also noted that as Iraq prepares to take a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, it must fully uphold the protection of women, youth, minorities and freedom of expression.
Although UNAMI will close, Mr. Al Hassan underscored that the broader UN presence in Iraq will continue through agencies such as UNICEF, WHO, IOM and UNDP, alongside international financial institutions. He stressed that Iraq is not seeking charity but partnership, describing the country as a success story in a turbulent region and urging the international community to give Iraq the space and support it needs to build a stable and prosperous future.
