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02.12.2025 Denmark's Statement for briefing on UNAMI

Who Permanent Representative, H.E. Ambassador Christina Markus  Lassen
Who Permanent Representative, H.E. Ambassador Christina Markus  Lassen
When 02.12.2025

Checked Against Delivery

 

Thank you, Madam President.

 

And let me also congratulate Slovenia for assuming the Presidency for the Council and use this opportunity to congratulate Sierra Leone for a well-conducted Presidency in the month of November.

 

I would also like to thank SRSG Al Hassan for his last briefing to the Council, in this capacity at least, and congratulate him for his achievements in this role. And I welcome the participation of the permanent representatives of Iraq and Kuwait in this meeting.

 

Madam President,

 

As UNAMI approaches the conclusion of its mandate, it is timely to reflect on its achievements.

 

UNAMI has contributed to peace and stability in Iraq for over two decades. From advising on reconciliation and constitutional support to promoting the rule of law, human rights and supporting judicial and legal reform.

 

The positive results of this support are evident.

 

We commend the Iraqi government’s focus on diversifying its economy including the launch of its “2050 vision”.

 

We also welcome the successful completion of parliamentary elections of 11th November.

 

The 25% of seats reserved for women is a positive step and we encourage the swift formation of an inclusive government that truly reflects the diversity of the Iraqi people.

 

Madam President,

 

Denmark conveys its appreciation to all those who have served in UNAMI. We honour the sacrifices made by the UN family, and pay tribute to the 22 colleagues, who lost their lives, as well as the hundreds who were wounded, in the tragic attack on UNAMI’s headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August 2003.

 

Their memory is a stark reminder of the terrorist threat that still remains high in the region and the need to maintain pressure on groups like ISIL and Al-Qaeda.

 

Through contributions to the Global Coalition against Daesh, the NATO Mission in Iraq and the EU Advisory Mission in Iraq, Denmark has provided substantial support to Iraq’s critical effort to counter Daesh and reduce the global terrorist threat.

 

We have complemented these efforts with substantial financing for civilian stabilisation and peace building initiatives in both Iraq and Syria, amounting to almost 100 million USD for the past four years.

 

We strongly support Iraq’s increasing ownership in managing its security threats fully founded on our shared commitment to international law, including international human rights law.

 

Madam President,

 

Denmark welcomes the adoption of the missing persons mechanism in September.

 

The establishment of this follow-up mechanism represents a critical step to ensure continuity and sustained UN engagement.

 

We commend the progress made so far and encourage Iraq and Kuwait to continue resolving all outstanding issues related to missing persons, Kuwaiti property, and the national archives.

 

Madam President, to conclude,

 

The closing of UNAMI marks a new chapter. One in which Iraq assumes ownership of its own future. This does not mean that the United Nations or the international community will conclude its support for Iraq.

 

On the contrary, the UN Country Team remains ready to assist and we urge Iraq to actively engage with them.

 

For our part, Denmark will continue our cooperation with Iraq as it enters this next phase.

 

I thank you.