Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United Nations (video statements)

December marks the conclusion of the UN Assistance Mission’s for Iraq mandate, following more than two decades of support to the country through transition and shifting regional dynamics. Addressing the Security Council, the UN’s top envoy in the country said Iraq’s progress was shaped by sustained international support and years of costly effort.

Mohamed Al Hassan, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) highlighted major developments in Iraq’s repatriation efforts, praising Baghdad for showing “commendable leadership” in accelerating the return of its nationals from northeast Syria.

He said, “To date, approximately 20,800 people have returned to Iraq – no small feat, by any measure,” adding that continued resources are essential to ensure “dignified and sustainable reintegration,” from basic services to livelihood support.

He also welcomed Iraq’s election to the Human Rights Council but cautioned that the role carries new obligations. Membership, he said, comes with “responsibility to uphold the highest standards” on human rights, particularly regarding minorities, women, youth, freedom of expression, and “respect of the rights of girls and refraining from underage marriages.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCkaqU7utHA

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:

-Floods in Asia
-Iraq
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Syria / Israel
-Ukraine
-Mozambique
-UNDP
-Artificial Intelligence
-Haiti
-Abolition of Slavery
-Force Commander / UNISFA
-Guest Tomorrow

FLOODS IN ASIA

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life caused by severe flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. More than 1,000 people have reportedly been killed, with many missing and millions affected as heavy rains continue to inundate large areas.
The Secretary-General conveys his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with all those affected by these devastating floods.
The United Nations is in close contact with authorities in all four countries and stands ready to support relief and response efforts. UN Country Teams remain at the disposal of Governments to provide necessary assistance.

IRAQ
This morning, the Security Council heard, for the last time, from the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in a briefing on the situation in Iraq. The mission will conclude its mandate on 31 December this year.
Mohamed Al Hassan, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, opened by expressing profound appreciation to the Government and people of Iraq who have stood as partners to the UN through some of the nation’s most challenging chapters.
He recalled that when the Council established UNAMI 22 years ago, Iraq was confronting the legacy of dictatorship, regional wars, internal conflict, foreign occupation and the terror of Da’esh. But with the support of the international community, Iraq emerged stronger.
The UN underscores that UNAMI’s departure does not mark an end to the Iraq-UN partnership.
The UN will continue to stand by Iraq to build on its hard-won gains, and we hope that a new Government will be formed without delay.
Finally, the UN look forward to transferring the mandate on missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing property, including the national archives, from UNAMI to a Senior Representative, as decided by the Security Council.

Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2025-12-02

Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Website: https://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLApmDCMx5s