The mandate of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) was established by the Security Council in its resolution 1244 (1999). The Mission is mandated to help ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo and advance regional stability in the Western Balkans.

The Mission is headed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who enjoys civilian executive power as vested in him by the Security Council in resolution 1244 (1999).

The Special Representative ensures a coordinated approach by the international civil presence operating under Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which retains the status of UNMIK's pillar for institution building.

The Special Representative also ensures coordination with the head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), which has operational responsibility in the area of rule of law. EULEX is deployed under Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), and operates under the overall authority of the United Nations.

The Mission has its headquarters in Pristina and is supported by field offices in Mitrovicë/Mitrovica and Pejë/Peć.

In addition, the UN Office in Belgrade plays an important political and diplomatic role and liaises with political leadership of Serbia.

Kosovo declared independence on the 17 February 2008 and it has been recognized by more than 100 UN Member States. UNMIK continues to implement its mandate in a status neutral manner and operate under Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).