The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, visited Iraq to highlight the successful conclusion of the UNs assistance mission, established following the 2003 invasion. In his address, Guterres remarked on Iraq's remarkable transformation, noting the resilience of the Iraqi people who have endured decades of violence, conflict, and political unrest. Iraqis have overcome challenges such as terrorism, sectarian tensions, and foreign interference, Guterres said. Today, Iraq stands as a nation that is barely recognizable from its past.
He emphasized that Iraq is now a sovereign and stable country, and with the winding down of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), the relationship between Iraq and the UN will evolve into normal diplomatic ties. Guterres also expressed his gratitude for Iraqs efforts in repatriating citizens from the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, where thousands of displaced people, mostly women and children, have been held due to alleged affiliations with ISIS.
In addition, Guterres recently put forward the name of former Iraqi President Barham Salih as a candidate for the position of head of the UN Refugee Agency, marking the first nomination from the Middle East in over fifty years. Salih served as President from 2018 to 2022, a period that followed the devastating rise of ISIS and the subsequent battle to reclaim territory, including the key city of Mosul. His presidency coincided with the aftermath of the Islamic States offensive, which led to the displacement of more than 2.2 million Iraqis. A significant portion of these displaced individuals, particularly members of the Yazidi community from northern Iraqs Sinjar region, remain in camps to this day.