“Today, indeed, is a great day for the international community and the United Nations to witness an honorable and dignified closure of a UN mission,” he said.
Victory and sacrifice
UNAMI was established by the Council in 2003. At that time, the country was “dealing with the effects of decades of dictatorship, regional wars, internal conflicts, foreign occupation and the terror of Daesh,” he recalled.
“The road to peace, security and stability was long and difficult. However, with the support of the international community, Iraq emerged victorious, but with incalculable sacrifices,” he said.
He took the opportunity to honor the memory of all those who have lost their lives since UNAMI began operations, including the 22 UN staff who died in the Canal Hotel bombing in August 2003, one of the darkest days in the organization’s history.
Hard Earned Earnings
Al Hassan said he and his predecessors were impressed by the resilience and steadfastness of Iraq and its people as they worked to build a more secure and prosperous future.
“From the adoption of a new Constitution to the strengthening and consolidation of democracy through 13 successful electoral processes, Iraq was able to progressively consolidate its hard-won gains against all odds,” he said.
Last month, Iraq held its sixth parliamentary elections and the process was marked by a notable increase in registered voter turnout, at 56 percent. The vote was also among the most free, orderly and credible held so far.
He congratulated the Iraqi people, the Independent High Electoral Commission and UNAMI, who provided electoral assistance.
“I can hardly think of a more fitting final chapter for UNAMI’s activities than the scenes I and my team witnessed at polling stations across the country, as Iraqis of diverse backgrounds lined up in orderly rows, eager to cast their votes,” he said.
“While I express confidence that Iraq will continue to build on this solid electoral foundation, I fervently hope that a new government will be formed without delay.”
He also noted that the formation of a new Government in the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan “remains pending” after more than a year of prolonged negotiations.
Internal displacement, repatriations from Syria
Furthermore, although Iraq has overcome successive conflicts on the path to stability, the lasting effects have led to dire and persistent humanitarian needs. Approximately one million people remain internally displaced, including more than 100,000 predominantly Yazidis from Sinjar.
The minority community endured immense suffering at the hands of the Dae’sh terrorist group, also known as ISIL, and its members still live in displacement camps.
Hassan highlighted Iraq’s commendable leadership in launching a concerted effort earlier this year to accelerate the repatriation of citizens from northeastern Syria.
Tens of thousands of people from various countries with alleged or real links to Dae’sh remain detained in camps in the region.
He reported that to date approximately 20,800 people have returned to Iraq.
“As returns continue, the last one taking place yesterday, it remains essential that adequate resources are dedicated to ensuring dignified and sustainable reintegration, including reliable access to basic services, livelihoods and community-level support,” he said.
Human rights challenges
The envoy also congratulated Iraq on its election as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, which he said carries with it a corresponding responsibility to maintain the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights.
In this regard, he noted the many challenges that remain, “in particular to ensure the full protection and fulfillment of the rights of minorities, women and young people, and to continue upholding freedom of expression as a cornerstone of open public dialogue in a strong democratic society.”
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Hassan stated that “UNAMI’s departure does not mark the end of the partnership between Iraq and the UN. Rather, it represents the beginning of a new chapter rooted in Iraq’s leadership in its own future.”
The UN will continue to support Iraq to build on its hard-won achievements, providing technical expertise, advice and support, he said.
“I wish to reaffirm my full confidence in the resilience of the Iraqi people and the determination of their leaders to meet any challenges that may arise in the future, as they have done so commendably over the past 20 years,” he added.
“I ask you to strive to build bridges of trust and friendship, promote common interests with all neighboring countries and restore the glory of Iraq as the cradle of civilization.”