At the end of May, the UN Security Council will vote on extending the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). After decades of insecurity, slow reconstruction after the Gulf War and the presence of the Islamic State, which was pushed back in 2017, positive developments have been seen in Iraq in recent years. As of 2018, reconstruction was underway. The number of internally displaced people has dropped from 5 million to 1.2 million. Nevertheless, Iraq remains politically and confessionally divided. UNAMI is doing important work to secure Iraq's future as a stable state in which all of society - especially women and girls - participate equally without discrimination.
Switzerland welcomes the Iraqi government's efforts and reforms to fight corruption, protect human rights and mitigate the effects of climate change. "Indeed, climate change is a destabilizing factor in Iraq. It is contributing to droughts and water scarcity, with serious consequences for agriculture and livelihoods, which increase the threat of social unrest and internal displacement. Every measure aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change also serves the purpose of prevention," said Swiss UN Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl at the UN Security Council on 18 May. Switzerland is committed to maintaining or strengthening the climate change aspects of UNAMI's mandate. In addition, Switzerland stressed that the protection of minorities and those in need of protection is central to social cohesion and national reconciliation among different ethnic groups.
UNAMI is a civilian assistance mission that was created in 2003 at the request of Iraq by a decision of the UN Security Council. In 2007, the mission's role was strengthened. It advises and supports the Iraqi government and people in promoting inclusive political dialogue and reconciliation at the national and local levels, on the electoral process, on dialogue with its neighbours, and on the protection of human rights and judicial and legal reforms.
Statement by Switzerland on the situation in Iraq, UN Security Council, 18.05.2023 (en)
