United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is a special political mission established in 2003 by UN Security Council Resolution 1500, at the request of the Government of Iraq. The Mission has been operational ever since, and its role was greatly expanded in 2007 with the adoption of Resolution 1770.
UNAMI’s mandate is to prioritize the provision of advice, support, and assistance to the Government and people of Iraq on advancing inclusive, political dialogue and national and community-level reconciliation; assisting in the electoral process; facilitating regional dialogue between Iraq and its neighbours; and promoting the protection of human rights and judicial and legal reforms. (More about UNAMI’s mandate)
The Mission is also mandated to work with government partners and civil society to coordinate the humanitarian and development efforts of the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes. While UNAMI itself does not deliver humanitarian and development programmes, it raises the profile of development and humanitarian issues in Iraq and connects Iraqi partners – both the Government and civil society organizations – with the technical expertise available within the UN family in Iraq.
UNAMI is headed by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, who is supported by two deputies. One Deputy SRSG oversees Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, while a second Deputy SRSG oversees UN humanitarian and development efforts and also performs the functions of Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq. (More on UNAMI Leadership)
Currently, there are approximately 648 personnel, 251 international staff and 397 national staff working for the Mission in Iraq.
The Mission is administered by the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and supported by the Department of Peace Operations as well as the Department of Operational Support.