HAMILTON, Canada 

The UN envoy for Iraq on Tuesday said the country is progressing toward further "stability, prosperity, and regional integration," with upcoming elections marking a key step forward.

"I would like to mention the most notable developments, at the forefront of which is Iraq’s drive towards more stability, prosperity, and regional integration," Mohamed Al Hassan, the UN special representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), said at a UN Security Council session.

He emphasized that "Iraq is well on its way to another national parliamentary election, set for 11 November 2025," while acknowledging existing logistical challenges.

"Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) is committed to doing its best towards a free, fair and transparent election," he said, pledging UNAMI's "most professional technical support towards."

Al Hassan further stressed the importance of cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil, calling it "a partnership that necessitates ongoing dialogue and collaboration, grounded in the Constitution of Iraq, to effectively address and resolve any outstanding issues between the two sides."

He raised concerns over internally displaced persons, noting that while Iraq is making progress on returns from northeast Syria, the situation "continues to demand urgent attention."

"Commitment to human rights is at the heart of Iraq’s stability and development," he added.

Hailing the resumption of Iraq-Kuwait border talks, the UN envoy called them "a welcome development" and stressed: "Continued efforts to rebuild trust and confidence between the two brotherly neighbors are essential for forging a more stable and cooperative future."

With just over six months remaining on UNAMI's mandate, he assured the council of a "structured transition according to schedule," thanking Iraq's transition team.

"I wish to reiterate my confidence in the resilience of the Iraqi people and the determination of their leaders," he said.

UNAMI is a political mission established by the 2003 UN Security Council Resolution 1500 at the request of the government of Iraq. It has been on the ground ever since, with its role greatly expanded in 2007 with the passage of Resolution 1770.

UNAMI is mandated to advise and assist the government and people of Iraq on a number of fronts. This includes advancing inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation, assisting in the electoral process and the planning for a national census, facilitating regional dialogue between Iraq and its neighbors, and promoting the protection of human rights and judicial and legal reform.