The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations political mission in Iraq until 31 July 2018.
It has also called the Iraq’s Government to continue providing security and logistical support to the Organization’s presence on the ground.
UNSC also decided that the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the Secretary-General’s Special Representative would, at Iraq’s request, continue to pursue their mandates, outlined at the time of the previous mandate extension in 2016.
In so doing, the Council took into account a 14 June 2017 letter from Iraq’s Foreign Minister to the Secretary-General.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is a political mission established on 14 August 2003 by the UN Security Council Resolution 1500 at the request of the Government of Iraq. It has been on the ground ever since, with its role greatly expanded in 2007 with the passage of Resolution 1770.
Since its inception in 2003, UNAMI has played a crucial role in providing significant support in the drafting of Iraq’s 2005 Constitution, assisting in six elections, coordinating UN humanitarian efforts and the financial assistance of the donor community and providing advisory support to the Council of Representatives.
UNAMI continues to assist in political dialogue towards a resolution of issues related to Kirkuk and other disputed internal territories of Iraq.
After having successfully helped establish, train and advise Iraq’s first High Electoral Commission, the Mission is currently assisting the Government establish an Independent High Commission for Human Rights to promote and protect the rights of all Iraq’s people according to international standards.
The Mission is administered by the UN’s Department of Political Affairs and supported by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, as well as the Department of Field Support.