(MENAFN) The head of the UN mission in Iraq delivered his final address to the Security Council on Tuesday, marking the upcoming end of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq’s 22-year mandate on Dec. 31. In his reflections, he described the country’s achievements as “hard-won gains.”

He opened the briefing by expressing gratitude to Council members for their “invaluable support and guidance” and extended sincere thanks to Iraq’s government for hosting the mission since its launch in 2003. He also highlighted the cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait, noting that their collaboration had been vital throughout UNAMI’s long tenure.

“Today is a great day for the international community to witness an honorable and dignified closure of a UN mission,” he said.

The envoy urged members to recall the circumstances surrounding UNAMI’s creation—an Iraq struggling to recover from authoritarian rule, conflict, foreign occupation, and the rise of ISIS.

He honored all those who lost their lives during these years, including the 22 UN staff members killed in the 2003 attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, which had served as the UN’s base.

He pointed to Iraq’s determination through the years, citing major steps such as the adoption of a new constitution and the completion of 13 rounds of elections.

“I can hardly think of a more fitting final chapter to UNAMI’s activities than the scenes witnessed…as Iraqis from diverse backgrounds lined up in orderly queues, eager to cast their ballots,” Al Hassan said.


While acknowledging political advancement, he cautioned that unresolved issues persist—among them the stalled formation of the federal government and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG).

Humanitarian needs, he stressed, remain severe. Nearly one million people are still displaced within the country, including more than 100,000 Yazidis from Sinjar who remain in camps more than a decade after fleeing ISIS.

He also commended Iraq’s efforts to facilitate the return of its nationals from northeast Syria.

Reports indicate that around 20,800 people have been brought back this year, with additional transfers planned through 2025.

On relations with Kuwait, he encouraged both nations to continue nurturing stable, cooperative ties grounded in mutual respect and international law.

The envoy made clear that UNAMI’s conclusion does not signal an end to the UN’s presence in Iraq. Instead, he described the transition as the start of a “new chapter,” one in which Iraq assumes greater leadership over its own development while receiving ongoing support from UN programs focused on economic advancement, climate challenges, human rights, displacement, and inclusive governance.

"The United Nations will continue standing by Iraq to build on its hard-won gains, through the provision of technical expertise, advice and programmatic support by the UN Country Team on matters such as inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, human rights, displacement and the full and meaningful participation of women, youth and minorities," he said.

He concluded by describing his service in Iraq as a “distinct privilege,” commending the perseverance of the country’s citizens and officials. He encouraged Iraq to deepen trust internally and with its neighbors.

"I wish to reaffirm my full confidence in the resilience of the Iraqi people and the determination of their leaders to tackle whatever challenges may lie ahead, as they have so commendably done over the last 20 years.

"I call on them to strive to build bridges of trust and friendship, promote common interests with all the neighboring countries and to regain the glory of Iraq as the cradle of civilization," he said.

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