The recent parliamentary elections in Iraq mark a fitting end to the work of the UN Mission in the country, the Security Council heard on Tuesday.

Six years after the defeat of ISIL, also known as Daesh, tens of thousands of people with alleged or actual ties to the terrorist group remain detained in camps in northeast Syria in dire conditions that continue to worsen.

TheSecretary-Generals Special Representative for Iraq,Mohammed Al Hassan,briefedmembersfor the last time as the UN Assistance Mission inIraq (UNAMI)prepares toconclude its mandate on 31 Decemberafter more than two decades of service.

Today, indeed, is a great day for the international community and the United Nations to witness anhonourableand dignified closure of a UN mission, he said.

Victory and sacrifice

UNAMIwasestablishedby the Council in 2003.At the time,the countrywas grappling with the effects of decades of dictatorship, regional wars, internal conflicts, foreign occupation, and the terror of Daesh, he recalled.

The road to peace, security and stability was long and difficult. However, with the support of the international community Iraq came out victorious, but with untold sacrifices,he said.

Heused theopportunity tohonourthe memory of all those who lost their lives sinceUNAMIbegan operations, including the 22 UN staff killed in the Canal Hotel bombing in August 2003 among the darkest days inthehistoryof the organization.

Hard-won gains

Mr. Al Hassan said both he and his predecessorshave beenstruck by the resilience and steadfastness of Iraq and its people as they worked to build a more secure and prosperous future.

From the adoption of a new Constitution to the strengthening and consolidation of democracy through13successful electoral processes, Iraq was able to incrementally consolidate hard-won gains against the odds, he said.

Last month, Iraq held its sixth parliamentary elections and the process was marked by a notable increase in turnout of registered voters, 56 per cent.The votewas also among the most free,orderlyand credible polls conducted so far.

He congratulated the Iraqi people, the Independent High Electoral Commission and UNAMI, which provided electoral assistance.

I can hardly think of a more fitting final chapter to UNAMIs activities than the scenes witnessed by myself and my team at polling stations across the country, as Iraqis from diverse backgrounds lined up in orderly queues, eager to cast their ballots, he said.

While I express confidence that Iraq will continue to build upon this solid electoral foundation, I fervently hope that a new Government will be formed without delay.

He also noted that the formation of a new Government in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region remains pending after more than a year of protracted negotiations.

Internal displacement, repatriations from Syria

Furthermore, although Iraq has overcome successive conflicts on the road to stability, the lasting effects have given rise to dire and persisting humanitarian needs.Roughly amillion peopleremaininternally displaced, including more than 100,000predominantly Yazidisfrom Sinjar.

The minority community enduredimmensesuffering at the hands oftheDaeshterrorist group, also known as ISIL, and members are still living in displacement camps.

Mr. Hassan highlighted Iraqs commendable leadership in launching a concerted effortearlier this yearto speed up the repatriation of nationals from northeast Syria.

Tens of thousands of peoplefrom various countrieswith alleged or actual ties toDaeshremain detained in campsin the region.

He reported that approximately20,800 peoplehave returned to Iraqto date.

As returns continue,thelast one taking place just yesterday, it remains essential for adequate resources to be directed toward ensuring dignified and sustainable reintegration, including reliable access to basic services, livelihoods, and community-level support, he said.

Human rights challenges

The envoyalsocongratulated Iraqon its election as a member of theUNHuman Rights Council,which he saidcomes with a corresponding responsibility to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights.

In this regard, he pointed to the many challengesthatremain,notably for ensuring full protection and fulfillment of the rights of minorities, women and youth, and continuing to uphold freedom of expression as a cornerstone of open public dialogue in a strong democraticsociety.

Concluding his remarks,Mr. Hassan affirmed that UNAMIs departure does not mark an end to the Iraq-UN partnership. Rather, itrepresentsthe start of a new chapter rooted in Iraqs leadership of its own future.

TheUNwill continueto standby Iraq to build on its hard-won gains, providingtechnicalexpertise, advice and support, he said.

I wish to reaffirm my full confidence in the resilience of the Iraqi people and the determination of their leaders to tackle whatever challenges may lie ahead, as they have so commendably done over the last20years, headded.

I call on them to strive to build bridges of trust and friendship, promote common interests with all the neighboring countries and to regain the glory of Iraq as the cradle of civilization.