Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has formally requested the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to permanently terminate the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) by the end of 2025.
In a letter to UN Guterres, Sudani argued that the justifications for maintaining UNAMI political mission in Iraq had waned, citing the country’s democratic transition and strides in overcoming challenges.
“Based on Iraq’s sovereignty, we call for the permanent closure of UNAMI by December 31, 2025,” the letter reads.
Sudani suggested that UNAMI should limit its activities to developmental aspects and the orderly winding down of its operations during the final year. The United Nations Security Council has yet to convene to discuss extending UNAMI’s mandate beyond its current expiration date of May 31, 2024.
In tandem with UNAMI, the United Nations Team to Investigate the Crimes of ISIS (UNITAD) operates independently to collect, preserve, and store evidence and documents in Iraq related to crimes committed by ISIS.UNITAD’s mission, established in response to international demands and a request from the Iraqi government, focuses on prosecuting crimes against humanity and genocide while ensuring effective coordination with Iraqi authorities.
The United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNITAD) was established in response to international demands and a request from the Iraqi government to prosecute crimes against humanity and genocide. Its mission involves coordinating with Iraqi authorities in these endeavors.
Although UNAMI does not directly implement developmental and humanitarian programs, it plays a significant role in facilitating partnership and technical cooperation between the Iraqi government and the 20 United Nations agencies, funds, and programs operating in the country
