Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 13, 2025 UN
UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the resilience and determination of the Iraqi people on Friday while speaking at a ceremony marking the completion of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). He called the moment the end of one chapter in the relationship between Iraq and the United Nations and the beginning of a new one.
Speaking in Baghdad, the Secretary-General thanked the government and people of Iraq for their warm welcome, highlighting the country's rich historical heritage as the cradle of civilization and home to many cultures, religions and ethnic communities.
He said that today's event centers on the courage, resilience, and determination of the Iraqi people. He noted that Iraqis have overcome decades of violence, war, terrorism, sectarianism, and foreign interference without abandoning their desire to build a peaceful and inclusive society based on the rule of law and democratic institutions.
The Secretary-General recalled the key stages of this journey: the adoption of the Constitution, the holding of elections, the territorial defeat of ISIS (Daesh), and the strengthening of relations with neighboring states and the international community. For those who lived through the difficult years of transition, he said, today's Iraq has become unrecognizable – a country with a higher level of security and a clear focus on development.
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Speaking about UNAMI's work since its establishment in 2003, Guterres noted that the Mission has been privileged to stand alongside the Iraqi people, advising the government and parliament on judicial and legal reforms, supporting civic space for women, youth, and minorities, and promoting human rights. During the fight against ISIS (Daesh), the Mission helped mobilize international support to protect civilians and provide assistance to millions of displaced people, while promoting inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation.
He also highlighted the UN's contribution to the power-sharing dialogue in Kirkuk, support for the 2020 Sinjar Agreement, and efforts to ensure the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons, including Yazidis who were victims of ISIS crimes.
The Secretary-General paid tribute to the UNAMI staff killed in the terrorist attack on 19 August 2003 at the Baghdad hotel housing the UN office, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, and recalled that 19 August is observed as World Humanitarian Day.
The conclusion of the Mission's work, he emphasized, does not mean the UN's withdrawal from Iraq. The Organization's agencies, funds, and programs will continue to operate in the country, supporting development, strengthening governance systems, and protecting human rights.
He called the decision to name a street in Baghdad after the UN a symbol of a strong partnership and the beginning of a new stage in relations between Iraq and the United Nations.
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