UNRIC Library Backgrounder: Iraq

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UN Entities

• United Nations in Iraq: https://iraq.un.org/en
  (includes links to “UN Agencies in Iraq” and “UNAMI – UN Assistance Mission for Iraq)
  https://unsdg.un.org/un-in-action/iraq
• United Nations Department of Political and Peace Affairs (DPPA) – Iraq: https://dppa.un.org/en/iraq
• Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) – Iraq: https://www.unocha.org/iraq
  • ReliefWeb – Iraq: https://reliefweb.int/country/irq
  • RW Response – Iraq: https://response.reliefweb.int/iraq
• Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – Iraq: https://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/iraq
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Iraq: https://www.undp.org/iraq
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Iraq: https://www.unhcr.org/countries/iraq
• International Organization for Migration (IOM) – Iraq: https://iraq.iom.int/
• United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): https://www.unicef.org/iraq/
• United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation – UNESCO Office for Iraq: https://www.unesco.org/en/fieldoffice/baghdad
• World Bank – Iraq: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iraq

Security Council

• Meetings in 2023: 30, 18 May, 2 February
  Meeting records, press releases and resolutions:
  https://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2023
• Meetings in 2022: 4 October, 26 July, 26, 17 May, 24, 22 February
  https://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2022
• Meetings in 2021: 23 November, 25 August, 27 May
  https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/meetings-2020-vtc
  https://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2021
• Meetings in 2020: 29 May, 3 March
  https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/meetings-2020-vtc
  http://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2020
• Meetings in 2019: 3 December, 28 August, 21 May, 19, 13 February
  http://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2019
• Meetings in 2018: 13 November, 8 August, 14 June, 30 May, 20 February
  http://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2018
• Meetings in 2017: 8 December, 22 November, 17, 14 July, 22 May, 2 February
  http://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2017
• Meetings in 2016: 30 December, 9 November, 25, 15 July, 26 May, 16 February
  http://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2016
• Meetings in 2015: 18 December, 11 November, 29, 22 July, 14 May, 17 February – Iraq
  http://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2015
  • Security Council Press Statement on ISIL’s Destruction of Religious and Cultural Artefacts in Mosul (SC/11804-IK/700, 27 February 2015):
    http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sc11804.doc.htm
• Meetings in 2014: 19 September, 30 and 23 July, 27 March, 10 January – Iraq
  http://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2014
• Earlier years: http://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/
• see also Repertoire of the Practice of the Security Council:
  https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/repertoire/middle-east#cat5

General Assembly

• 28 May 2015 – Saving the cultural heritage of Iraq
  • Resolution: A/RES/69/281 – http://undocs.org/A/RES/69/281
  • Meeting records: A/69/PV.91 – http://undocs.org/A/69/PV.910

Human Rights Council

• 22nd special session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in Iraq in light of abuses committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and associated groups – 1 September 2014: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/special-sessions/session22/nd-special-session

Selected Statements and Speeches by UN Officials

• Spotlighting window of opportunity for progress in Iraq, Secretary-General urges Sulaimani Forum to keep working towards sustainable, inclusive solutions (15 March 2023, SG/SM/21725): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21725.doc.htm
• Welcoming Formation of Iraq’s new government, Secretary-General urges that long-standing demands for reforms, accountability be realized (SG/SM/21555, 28 October 2022): https://press.un.org/en/2022/sgsm21555.doc.htm
• Secretary-General expresses concern over shelling in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region (SG/SM/21499, 28 September 2022): https://press.un.org/en/2022/sgsm21499.doc.htm
• Secretary-General urges steps to de-escalate situation in Iraq (SG/SM/21428, 29 August 2022): https://press.un.org/en/2022/sgsm21428.doc.htm
• World must stand with humanitarians, Secretary-General stresses at Baghdad Bombing Memorial wreath-laying, urging protection for those carrying out lifesaving work (SG/SM/21419, 19 August 2022): https://press.un.org/en/2022/sgsm21419.doc.htm
• Secretary-General appeals for immediate steps to de-escalate situation in Iraq (SG/SM/21389, 30 July 2022): https://press.un.org/en/2022/sgsm21389.doc.htm
• Secretary-General condemns deadly attack in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region (SG/SM/21380, 21 July 2022): https://press.un.org/en/2022/sgsm21380.doc.htm
• Secretary-General strongly condemns assassination attempt on Prime Minister of Iraq (SG/SM/21007, 7 November 2021): https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm21007.doc.htm
• Secretary-General commends Iraqis for determination to ‘make their voices heard’ by voting in largely peaceful parliamentary elections (SG/SM/20962, 11 October 2021): https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm20962.doc.htm
• Terrorism survivors denied justice, perpetrators enjoy impunity, Secretary-General notes, on Launch of Global Framework to Support Syria/Iraq Third Country Returnees (SG/SM/20936, 29 September 2021): https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm20936.doc.htm
• Honour humanitarian workers by re-committing to their safety, keeping hope alive, Secretary-General urges on Anniversary of United Nations Headquarters Bombing (SG/SM/20859, 19 August 2021): https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm20859.doc.htm
• Marking seven years since Islamic State attacked Yazidi in Iraq, Secretary-General says holding perpetrators of ‘these heinous acts’ fully accountable remains essential (SG/SM/20842, 3 August 2021): https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm20842.doc.htm
• Strongly condemning ‘horrific’ bombing of Iraq Market, Secretary-General says attack ‘is a reminder to us all’ that terrorism knows no bounds (SG/SM/20832, 19 July 2021): https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm20832.doc.htm
• Secretary-General strongly condemns deadly double suicide bombing in Iraq (SG/SM/20549, 21 January 2021): https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm20549.doc.htm
• Secretary-General welcomes newly constituted government in Iraq (SG/SM/20075, 7 May 2020): https://press.un.org/en/2020/sgsm20075.doc.htm
• Secretary-General Calls for de-escalation of tensions in Iraq, wider region (SG/SM/20008, 14 March 2020): https://press.un.org/en/2020/sgsm20008.doc.htm
• Deeply concerned about reported use of live ammunition against protesters in Iraq, Secretary-General calls on authorities to exercise maximum restraint (SG/SM/19884, 28 November 2019): https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sgsm19884.doc.htm
• Secretary-General expresses serious concern over rising number of deaths, injuries during Iraq protests, urging all actors to refrain from violence (SG/SM/19847, 6 November 2019): https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sgsm19847.doc.htm
• Concerned by deaths from demonstrations, Secretary-General urges Iraqi government, protestors to engage in dialogue, refrain from violence (SG/SM/19792, 4 October 2019): https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sgsmS19792.doc.htm
• Secretary-General expresses deep sorrow over loss of life, injuries at Iraq shrine (SG/SM/19729, 11 September 2019): https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sgsm19729.doc.htm
• Secretary-General welcomes Iraqi Government’s repatriation of Kuwaiti property as important step towards fully normalizing bilateral relations (SG/SM/19344, 14 November 2018): https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm19344.doc.htm
• Secretary-General congratulates Iraq Prime Minister, hopes new government will accelerate inclusive rebuilding efforts after years of conflict (SG/SM/19320, 26 October 2018): https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm19320.doc.htm
• Secretary-General congratulates newly elected President of Iraq (SG/SM/19276, 3 October 2018): https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm19276.doc.htm
• Secretary-General marks fifteen years since terrorist attack against United Nations Mission in Iraq, pledging to carry forward memory of those who lost their lives (SG/SM/19173, 19 August 2018): https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm19173.doc.htm
• Secretary-General, at ceremony marking 15 Years since bombing of United Nations Baghdad Office, vows to honour fallen staff by keeping their mission alive (SG/SM/19169, 17 August 2018): https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm19169.doc.htm
• Secretary-General hails people of Iraq on ‘peaceful and orderly’ elections, saying they represent further progress in building stronger democracy (SG/SM/19031, 13 May 2018): https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm19031.doc.htm
• Secretary-General, at Iraq Reconstruction Conference, launches recovery, resilience programme, pledges support for nation committed to unity (SG/SM/18895, 14 February 2018): http://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm18895.doc.htm
• Secretary-General strongly condemns twin terrorist attacks in Iraq (SG/SM/18854, 15 January 2018): http://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm18854.doc.htm
• Iran-Iraq earthquake death toll deeply saddens Secretary General (SG/SM/18783, 12 November 2017): http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18783.doc.htm
• Secretary-General mourns former President Jalal Talabani, calling former Iraq leader compassionate, symbol of national unity (SG/SM/18732, 4 October 2017): http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18732.doc.htm
• UN human rights chief “appalled” at Iraq mass execution (27 September 2017): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2017/09/un-human-rights-chief-appalled-iraq-mass-execution?LangID=E&NewsID=22166
• Secretary-General expresses concern about potentially destabilizing effects of referendum in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region (SG/SM/18724, 25 September 2017): http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18724.doc.htm
• Referendum in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region would detract from need to defeat Islamic State, reconstruct recovered territories, Secretary-General warns (SG/SM/18682, 17 September 2017): https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18682.doc.htm
• Secretary-General Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Southern Iraq (SG/SM/18680, 15 September 2017): http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18680.doc.htm
• Statement by Andrew Gilmour, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, on Global Citizen initiative on Yazidis in Iraq, New York, 12 September 2017: https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2017/09/statement-andrew-gilmour-un-assistant-secretary-general-human-rights-global?LangID=E&NewsID=22117
• Accountability and reconciliation key to heal Iraq’s ISIL wounds – Zeid (11 July 2017): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2017/07/accountability-and-reconciliation-key-heal-iraqs-isil-wounds-zeid?LangID=E&NewsID=21860
• Secretary-General welcomes recovery of Mosul, pledges to stand by Iraq’s efforts to resettle displaced, prevent relapse into violence, ensure accountability (SG/SM/18606, 10 July 2017): http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18606.doc.htm
• Mosul: UN receives reports of mass killings of fleeing civilians by ISIL (8 June 2017): https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2017/06/mosul-un-receives-reports-mass-killings-fleeing-civilians-isil?LangID=E&NewsID=21701
• Secretary-General condemns Iraq terrorist attacks ‘in the strongest terms’ (SG/SM/18541, 30 May 2017): http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18541.doc.htm
• Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien – Statement on protection of civilians in Mosul’s Old City, Iraq (26 May 2017): https://reliefweb.int/report/iraq/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-coordinator-stephen-1
• Secretary-General condemns recent terrorist attacks in Iraq, pledges solidarity with Nation’s efforts to fight terrorism, violent extremism (SG/SM/18444-IK/717, 17 February 2017): http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18444.doc.htm
• INTERVIEW: Despite ISIL’s terrorist tactics, Iraqi government forces are gaining more ground – Ján Kubiš, UN Special Representative in Iraq (UN News Centre, 22 November 2016): https://www.un.org/victimsofterrorism/es/node/2719
• Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien – Statement on Iraq, 16 October 2016: https://bit.ly/2r9rO80
• Legacy of fallen staff lives on in determination to create peaceful future, Deputy Secretary-General says at service commemorating Iraq bombing (DSG/SM/999-IHA/1412-OBV/1648, 19 August 2016): http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/dsgsm999.doc.htm
• On Sinjar, Iraq seizure anniversary, Secretary-General expresses profound sympathy to survivors, victims’ families (SG/SM/17956-IK/715, 3 August 2016): http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sgsm17956.doc.htm
• Addressing parliamentarians, Secretary-General urges Iraqis to become leaders in global partnership to combat violent extremism (SG/SM/17630-IK/740, 26 March 2016): http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sgsm17630.doc.htm
• Condemning ‘atrocious’ terrorist attacks in Baghdad, Secretary-General urges Iraq’s people to reject such attempts at ‘fear-mongering’ (SG/SM/17568-IK/709, 29 February 2016): http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sgsm17568.doc.htm
• Secretary-General condemns murder of United Nations staff member, calls on Iraqi authorities to hold perpetrators accountable (SG/SM/17546-IK/708, 16 February 2016): http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sgsm17546.doc.htm
• 16 February 2016, Security Council briefing on the situation in Iraq, Special Representative Jan Kubiš: https://dppa.un.org/en/security-council-briefing-situation-iraq-special-representative
• 11 November 2015, Security Council briefing on the situation in Iraq, Special Representative for Iraq Jan Kubiš: https://dppa.un.org/en/security-council-briefing-situation-iraq-special-representative-jan-kubis-0
• Condemning Attack on Camp Hurriya in Baghdad, Secretary-General urges Iraqi Government to promptly investigate, hold perpetrators accountable (SG/SM/17283-IK/705, 30 October 2015): http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sgsm17283.doc.htm
• Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen are ‘our common concern’, Secretary-General tells Security Council, urges collective efforts to fight terrorism (SG/SM/17159-SC/12065, 30 September 2015): http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sgsm17159.doc.htm
• INTERVIEW: “I believe that the country is at a very difficult stage of its development… But at the same time, there is hope” – UN envoy for Iraq Ján Kubiš (UN News Centre, 7 August 2015): https://news.un.org/en/story/2015/08/505922-interview-i-believe-country-very-difficult-stage-its-development-same-time
• 22 July 2015, Security Council briefing on the situation in Iraq, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jan Kubis: https://dppa.un.org/en/security-council-briefing-situation-iraq-special-representative-jan-kubis
• Condemning devastating bomb attack on Iraq market, Secretary-General expresses hope perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice (SG/SM/16953-IK/704,  20 July 2015): http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sgsm16953.doc.htm
• World must do all in its power to halt destruction of Iraq’s cultural heritage, Deputy Secretary-General tells General Assembly (DSG/SM/869-GA/11647-IK/703,  28 May 2015): http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/dsgsm869.doc.htm
• 14 May 2015, Security Council briefing on the situation in Iraq, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jan Kubis: https://dppa.un.org/en/security-council-briefing-situation-iraq-special-representative-of-secretary-general-jan-kubis
• Addresses by Ms. Flavia Pansieri, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, at the Interactive Dialogue on the Human Rights Situation in Iraq (25 March 2015): https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2015/03/addresses-ms-flavia-pansieri-united-nations-deputy-high-commissioner-human?LangID=E&NewsID=15758
• Secretary-General outraged by continued destruction of Iraqi cultural sites, calls for swift international action to hold perpetrators accountable (SG/SM/16576-IK/702, 8 March 2015): http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sgsm16576.doc.htm
• Calling attacks ‘a war crime’, Secretary-General strongly condemns destruction of cultural heritage sites in Iraq (SG/SM/16570-IK/701, 6 March 2015): http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sgsm16570.doc.htm

Further Information

• UN Member States on the Record: Iraq
  https://www.un.org/en/library/unms
  United Nations Member States on the Record provides access to selected documents reflecting the views of United Nations Member States.
• Remembering the Fallen – In Memoriam:  Baghdad, 19 August 2003:
  https://www.un.org/en/memorial/baghdad2003.shtml
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – IAEA & Iraq (archived pages):
  https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/focus/iraq
• United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC, 1999-2007):
  https://www.un.org/Depts/unmovic/
  https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/repertoire/commissions-and-investigative-bodies#cat5
• United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM, 1991-1999):
  http://www.un.org/Depts/unscom
• United Nations Office of the Iraq Programme (“oil for food”, 1995-2003):
  http://www.un.org/Depts/oip
• United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM, 1991-2003):
  https://peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/past/unikom/index.html
• United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG, 1988-1991):
  https://peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/past/uniimog.htm

Non-UN Sources

• Security Council Report – Iraq
  http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/iraq/