In Kosovo, the United Nations took on a sweeping undertaking that was unprecedented in both its scope and structural complexity. No other mission had ever been designed in a way that other multilateral organizations were full partners under United Nations leadership.

Mandate:

UNMIK was born on 10 June 1999 when the Security Council in resolution 1244  authorized the Secretary-General to establish in the war-ravaged province of Kosovo an interim civilian administration led by the United Nations under which its people could progressively enjoy substantial autonomy.

In particular, resolution 1244 has called upon UNMIK to:

• perform basic civilian administrative functions;
• promote the establishment of substantial autonomy and self-government in Kosovo;
• facilitate a political process to determine Kosovo's future status;
• coordinate humanitarian and disaster relief of all international agencies;
• support the reconstruction of key infrastructure;
• maintain civil law and order;
• promote human rights; and
• assure the safe and unimpeded return of all refugees and displaced persons to their homes in Kosovo.

Working closely with Kosovo's leaders and people, the mission performs the whole spectrum of essential administrative functions and services covering such areas as health and education, banking and finance, post and telecommunications, and law and order. In January 2000, Joint Interim Administrative Departments were created; in October 2000, local elections took place in Kosovo's 30 Municipalities; in May 2001, the new Constitutional Framework of Kosovo was adopted. Province-wide elections will take place in November 2001.

Operational Framework:

To implement its mandate, UNMIK initially brought together four "pillars" under its leadership. At the end of the emergency stage, Pillar I (humanitarian assistance), led by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), was phased out in June 2000. In May 2001, a new Pillar I was established. Currently, the pillars are:

Pillar I: Police and Justice, under the direct leadership of the United Nations
Pillar II: Civil Administration, under the direct leadership of the United Nations
Pillar III: Democratization and Institution Building, led by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
Pillar IV: Reconstruction and Economic Development, led by the European Union (EU)

The head of UNMIK is the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo. As the most senior international civilian official in Kosovo, he presides over the work of the pillars and facilitates the political process designed to determine Kosovo's future status.

Dr. Bernard Kouchner (France) served as head of UNMIK from July 1999 to January 2001. The current head of UNMIK is Mr. Hans Haekkerup (Denmark).