The United Nations Mission in Kosovo

On 10 June 1999, after the end of the Kosovo conflict, the United Nations Security Council passed resolution 1244 authorising the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to begin a long process of building peace, democracy, stability and self-government.

In the first-ever operation of its kind, UNMIK brought together four Pillars under UN leadership: Police and Justice and Civil Administration under the direct responsibility of the United Nations, Democratisation and Institution-Building under the responsibility of the OSCE, and Economic Reconstruction, Recovery and Development under the responsibility of the European Union (EU). In particular, resolution 1244 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.