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UN Involvement

The UN has had a long presence in Iraq. The Oil for Food program (OFFP) was a UN effort to relieve the Iraqi public of hardships imposed by UN sanctions. On May 22, 2003 the Security Council lifted civilian sanctions on Iraq, and passed resolution 1483 which called for the phased termination of the OFFP by November 21st 2003. The same resolution gave the Secretary General the power to appoint a Special Representative to oversee UN efforts within Iraq, and coordinate with occupying forces. The Secretary General, Kofi Annan, appointed Ramiro Lopes da Silva to the position.

On May 1, 2003, Mr. Silva and 20 staff members set up a permanent UN presence in Baghdad in the Canal Hotel. The UN staff embarked on assessment tours of various cities and regions within Iraq, and held meetings with prominent leaders and agencies. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) was, as of June 2003, conducting an emergency assessment of 18 hospitals and 30 health care centers, and provided emergency obstetric materials. UNICEF provided teams to repair sewage lines, pumping stations and pick up garbage in Baghdad. As of June 20th, UNICEF had repaired 28 pumping stations and planned to expand operations.

On June 21, 2003, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and UNICEF contributed to an effort by the Ministry of Education to coordinate end of the year exams for Iraqi students. UNESCO agreed to revise textbooks, and reprint mathematics and science books.

The role of the UN in Iraq remains largely undefined. The text of UN Resolution 1483 was vague as to what role the Secretary General's representative would play in Iraqi reconstruction. The issue is a point of much debate. One school of thought holds that a UN led effort would grant legitimacy to any newly formed Iraqi authority, and the UN's experience in the Balkans and Afghanistan are essential. In opposition to that view; there are those who believe the UN's role should be limited to humanitarian aid, and the responsibility for interim rule of Iraq falls squarely on the shoulders of the US and UK.