The Security Council on Thursday extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for another year as it welcomed recent security improvements in the country but stressed the need for further progress on the humanitarian, human rights and political fronts. In a resolution adopted unanimously, Council members agreed to continue the work of UNAMI for a period of 12 months, in line with the latest report of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the work of the mission. The resolution noted that Iraq's security situation had improved “through concerted political and security efforts” and added that further advances will be made through meaningful political dialogue. All communities in the country should be involved in the political process, refrain from statements or actions that aggravate tensions and reach “a comprehensive solution on the distribution of resources,” according to the resolution. Council members urged the Government to continue to promote human rights, including by supporting the country's Independent High Commission for Human Rights and by developing strategies to ensure that women can play a much greater decision-making role in society. The resolution also stressed the need for a coordinated response to Iraq's humanitarian needs and for all aid workers to be able to do their jobs unhindered. Civilians, especially children, women and members of religious and ethnic minorities, should be able to feel safe, while the dignified and orderly return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) should be encouraged, the Council said. Members also called on the Government to continue its ongoing cooperation with the Kuwaiti Government, with which it fought a war in 1990-91, and meet its outstanding international obligations on that issue. UNAMI was created in 2003 and is headed by Ad Melkert, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq. BM/UN
