UN Security Council Discusses Progress and Challenges in Iraq Ahead of Elections

On June 10, 2025, the United Nations Security Council convened to evaluate the progress and ongoing challenges facing Iraq as the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) prepares for its drawdown. This meeting occurs against the backdrop of parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, 2025, which represent a pivotal moment for the nation’s democratic consolidation.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMI, Mohamed al Hassan, reported significant advancements in voter registration, with nearly 75% of eligible voters having completed biometric registration. However, he emphasized the necessity for continued dialogue between the Iraqi central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to address outstanding issues, particularly concerning governance and resource allocation. Al Hassan noted the return of over 800 Iraqis from the Al-Hawl camp in northeastern Syria as a testament to the Iraqi Government's commitment to reintegrating IDPs with the support of the UN.

"The return process cannot just be physical relocation; it needs to be a meaningful process that rebuilds lives, livelihoods and hope for the future," al Hassan stated, highlighting the plight of numerous internally displaced persons, particularly Yazidis from Sinjar, who remain in informal settlements.

The urgency of addressing these humanitarian concerns was echoed by several Security Council members. The representative of the United States reaffirmed UNAMI's critical role in supporting Iraq's electoral commission and the reintegration of families from Syria, while also cautioning about the malign influences of external actors in the region, particularly Iran.

Conversely, the Russian Federation’s delegate pointed to the progress made in Iraq, suggesting that the situation has "definitively normalized," and thus supports the drawdown of UNAMI by the end of 2025. This perspective was bolstered by improved socioeconomic conditions and domestic stability, as articulated by several Council members who welcomed the decline in Da’esh-related violence and the disarmament of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Despite these improvements, challenges persist. The representative from South Korea urged continued vigilance against the potential resurgence of extremist groups amid regional instability. Moreover, the issue of missing persons, notably Kuwaiti nationals from the Gulf War, remains unresolved. The delegate from Kuwait underscored the humanitarian imperative of locating missing persons and returning national archives, emphasizing that these matters should not be politicized.

The Iraqi Government, represented by its delegate, expressed optimism regarding the parliamentary elections, positioning them as a crucial step towards consolidating democracy and asserting state authority over armed groups. He highlighted Iraq's efforts to become a stabilizing force in the region and called for the international community to support Iraq’s journey towards a cohesive and peaceful future.

In conclusion, while the UN Security Council recognized significant strides made in Iraq, it also stressed the importance of addressing remaining challenges to ensure a stable and democratic future for the country. As the international community looks to the upcoming elections, the interplay between governmental stability, humanitarian needs, and regional dynamics will be critical in shaping Iraq’s path forward.