The United Nations Security Council has expressed concern over the "potentially destabilising impact" of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s plans to unilaterally hold a referendum next week.

In a statement issued, members of the council noted that the planned referendum is scheduled to be held while operations to counter Da’esh, in which Kurdish forces have played a critical role, are ongoing.

The referendum "could detract from efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary return of over three million refugees and internally displaced persons," the 15-member body added.

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, earlier this week voiced similar concerns about the timing of the vote in a statement issued by his Spokesman, which noted that all outstanding issues between the federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government should be resolved through structured dialogue and constructive compromise.