UN Reviews Financial Plan for Iraq Mission Drawdown
The Fifth Committee of the United Nations has commenced discussions on the financial implications of the Secretary-General’s plan to reduce personnel in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). This plan involves the withdrawal of 510 staff members by the end of 2025, following the Security Council’s recent resolution extending UNAMI’s mandate for an additional 19 months. The Secretary-General’s transition strategy includes retaining a smaller team to assist with the mission’s closure in 2026.
Details of the Drawdown Plan
During the meeting, Christophe Monier, Director of the Programme Planning and Budget Division, presented the Secretary-General’s report detailing the revised estimates for the 2025 program budget. The report outlines the financial framework necessary to facilitate the orderly drawdown of personnel and assets from UNAMI. A significant allocation of $21.7 million has been earmarked for separation costs associated with the phased reduction of staff. This budget adjustment replaces the previously proposed financial resources of $103.2 million, reflecting a strategic shift in the mission’s operational needs.
The Security Council’s resolution 2732 (2024) mandates this drawdown, which is set to conclude by December 31, 2025. According to the transition plan, 126 personnel will remain in Iraq to assist with liquidation and related activities into 2026. The adjustments in personnel and budget are crucial for ensuring that UNAMI can fulfill its remaining responsibilities while transitioning effectively.
Advisory Committee Recommendations
In a related report, Carlo Jacobucci, Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), highlighted that the revised budget estimates have increased by $12.3 million compared to the previous year’s appropriation. This increase reflects the need for a more balanced withdrawal schedule, as the majority of personnel reductions are concentrated towards the end of the year. Jacobucci urged the Secretariat to implement a gradual transition of responsibilities to the United Nations country team to ensure continuity of operations.
The Advisory Committee also recommended clarifying the staff separation costs, which are expected to extend into 2026. They suggested a reduction of $12 million in civilian personnel costs, adjusting the previous estimate for separation costs to $9.7 million. Additionally, operational costs were recommended for a reduction of $2.1 million, impacting various areas including facilities, air operations, and communications technology.
Iraq’s Commitment to Sustainable Development
The representative of Iraq expressed gratitude for the support received from the United Nations and member states over the past 22 years. He emphasized that Iraq’s circumstances have evolved significantly since the establishment of UNAMI in 2003. The focus has shifted towards sustainable development, health services, and infrastructure improvements. The Iraqi Government is committed to collaborating with the United Nations to ensure a responsible closure of UNAMI’s operations by the end of the year while advocating for adequate funding to support these initiatives.
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