UN Security Council Resolution 1509 | ||
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Date | 19 September 2003 | |
Meeting no. | 4,830 | |
Code | S/RES/1509 (Document) | |
Subject | The situation in Liberia | |
Voting summary |
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Result | Adopted | |
Security Council composition | ||
Permanent members | ||
Non-permanent members | ||
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United Nations Security Council resolution 1509, adopted unanimously on 19 September 2003, after recalling all previous resolutions on the situation in Liberia, including Resolution 1497 (2003), the council established the 15,000-strong United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to assist in implementing a ceasefire and peace agreement. [1]
Prior to the resolution's adoption, the council was told that many peacekeepers would be needed to end the "cycle of brutality, violence, corruption and instability." [2] UNMIL was to replace a previous United National authorised West African force in the country from 1 October 2003. [3]
In the preamble of the resolution, the council expressed concern at the consequences of the prolonged civil war on the civilian population throughout Liberia and stressed the need for humanitarian assistance. [4] It deplored all violations of human rights, including sexual violence against women and children and the use of child soldiers. At the same, it was concerned at the limited access of humanitarian workers to people in need and emphasised the need to safeguard their safety. Once established, the new transitional government had to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law and an independent judiciary.
The efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), its mission in Liberia (ECOMIL) and African Union in the country were praised. [5] The Council noted that lasting stability in Liberia would depend on peace in the subregion, and supported the ceasefire agreement signed on 17 June 2003 and Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed on 18 August 2003, further stating that the parties themselves would be responsible for their implementation.
The preamble of the resolution also welcomed the resignation and departure of former president Charles Taylor and the peaceful transfer of power. It recalled that a long-term framework was required to relieve the ECOMIL forces in Liberia, and determined that the situation in Liberia constituted a threat to international peace and security in the region and to West Africa.
Acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the council established UNMIL for an initial period of twelve months. It would consist of 15,000 military personnel including 250 military observers, 160 staff and 1,115 police. [6] The operation was to be led by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Liberia, Jacques Klein. [7] It was given a comprehensive mandate in areas relating to supporting the ceasefire agreement, protecting United Nations personnel and facilities, supporting humanitarian assistance, supporting security reform and implementing the peace process which included elections in 2005. [8] [9]
The resolution demanded the end of hostilities throughout Liberia, the fulfilment of obligations by all parties concerned and co-operation with UNMIL. [10] The Liberian government was asked to conclude a Status of Forces Agreement with the Secretary-General Kofi Annan within 30 days and all Liberian parties had to ensure unimpeded access to the civilian population by humanitarian organisations. The Council recognised the importance of the protection of children in accordance with Resolution 1379 (2001) and related resolutions and further demanded an end to the use of child soldiers. [2] A gender perspective was also highlighted, in accordance with Resolution 1325 (2000) concerning women and girls. Meanwhile, the arms embargo against the country would not apply to UNMIL personnel.
All states were called upon to cease support for military groups in neighbouring countries, while the transitional government in Liberia was requested to restore diplomatic relations with nearby states and the international community. The international community was asked to consider future assistance to Liberia concerning economic development. The council stressed the need for the establishment of United Nations radio stations to inform the Liberian public on the role of UNMIL and the peace process. Referring to the disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and repatriation programme, the resolution called upon the transitional government, the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy and Movement for Democracy in Liberia to co-operate with UNMIL in the implementation of the process.
Finally, the Secretary-General was instructed to provide regular updates on the situation in Liberia, including a report every 90 days, to the council.
The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was a United Nations peacekeeping operation established in September 2003 to monitor a ceasefire agreement in Liberia following the resignation of President Charles Taylor and the conclusion of the Second Liberian Civil War (1999–2003). At its peak it consisted of up to 15,000 UN military personnel and 1,115 police officers, along with civilian political advisors and aid workers.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 813, adopted unanimously on 26 March 1993, after reaffirming Resolution 788 (1992) and determining that the situation in Liberia constituted a threat to international peace and security, the Council condemned the failure of the parties in the country – the Armed Forces of Liberia, ULIMO, National Patriotic Front of Liberia and Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia among others, to implement the Yamoussoukro IV Accord.
United Nations Security Council resolution 866, adopted unanimously on 22 September 1993, after reaffirming resolutions 813 (1993) and 856 (1993), the council noted that United Nations involvement would contribute significantly to the effective implementation of the peace agreement in Liberia and went on to establish the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL).
United Nations Security Council resolution 976, adopted unanimously on 8 February 1995, after reaffirming resolutions 696 (1991) and all subsequent resolutions on Angola, the Council authorised the establishment of a new peacekeeping mission in the country, the United Nations Angola Verification Mission III with an initial mandate ending on 8 August 1995.
United Nations Security Council resolution 1001, adopted unanimously on 30 June 1995, after reaffirming resolutions 813 (1993), 856 (1993), 866 (1993), 911 (1994), 950 (1994) and 972 (1995), and 985 (1995) on Liberia, the Council discussed the implementation of peace agreements in the country and extended the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) until 15 September 1995.
The United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) was a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia. It was established in Resolution 866 (1993) and headquartered in the capital Monrovia.
United Nations Security Council resolution 1020, adopted unanimously on 10 November 1995, after recalling all resolutions on the situation in Liberia, particularly 1001 (1995), the Council discussed the implementation of the peace process during the First Liberian Civil War and adjusted the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) to include other functions.
United Nations Security Council resolution 1270 was adopted unanimously on 22 October 1999. After recalling resolutions 1171 (1998), 1181 (1998), 1231 (1999) and 1260 (1999) on the situation in Sierra Leone and Resolution 1265 (1999) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, resolution 1270 adopted by the Security Council established the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to assist in the implementation of the Lomé Peace Accord.
United Nations Security Council resolution 1346, adopted unanimously on 30 March 2001, after recalling previous resolutions on the situation in Sierra Leone, the Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) for a further six months and increased the size of its military component.
United Nations Security Council resolution 1479, adopted unanimously on 13 May 2003, after reaffirming Resolution 1464 (2003) on the situation in Côte d'Ivoire and resolutions 1460 (2003) and 1467 (2003), the council established the United Nations Mission in Côte d'Ivoire (MINUCI) after determining the situation in the country to be a threat to international peace and security in the region.
United Nations Security Council resolution 1493, adopted unanimously on 28 July 2003, after recalling all resolutions on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) until 30 July 2004 and raised its troop level from 8,700 to 10,800.
United Nations Security Council resolution 1497, adopted on 1 August 2003, after expressing concern at the situation in Liberia, the Council authorised a multinational force to intervene in the civil war to support the implementation of a ceasefire agreement using "all necessary measures".
United Nations Security Council resolution 1521, adopted unanimously on 22 December 2003, after recalling all previous resolutions on the situation in Liberia and West Africa, the council established a monitoring body to oversee international sanctions against Liberia. It was the final Security Council resolution adopted in 2003.
United Nations Security Council resolution 1528, adopted unanimously on 27 February 2004, after recalling resolutions 1464 (2003), 1479 (2003), 1498 (2003), 1514 (2003) and 1527 (2004) on the situation in Côte d'Ivoire, the council established the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) for an initial period of twelve months.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1545, adopted unanimously on 21 May 2004, after recalling all resolutions on the situation in Burundi, particularly Resolution 1375 (2001), the council established the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) to bring about peace and national reconciliation in the country.
United Nations Security Council resolution 1579, adopted unanimously on 21 December 2004, after recalling all previous resolutions on the situation in Liberia, the Council extended arms, timber and travel sanctions against the country for twelve months and a diamond ban for six months.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1590, adopted unanimously on 24 March 2005, after recalling resolutions 1547 (2004), 1556 (2004), 1564 (2004), 1574 (2004), 1585 (2005) and 1588 (2005) on the situation in Sudan, the Council established the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) for an initial period of six months.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1607, adopted unanimously on 21 June 2005, after recalling all previous resolutions on the situation in Liberia, the Council extended the embargo on Liberian diamonds for a further six months.
United Nations Security Council resolution 1626, adopted unanimously on 19 September 2005, after recalling all previous resolutions on the situations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, particularly resolutions 1509 (2003), 1610 (2005) and 1620 (2005), the Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) until 31 March 2006 and authorised the deployment of 250 troops to Sierra Leone to protect the Special Court.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1712, adopted unanimously on 29 September 2006, after recalling all previous resolutions on the situation in Liberia and West Africa, particularly resolutions 1509 (2003), 1667 (2006) and 1694 (2006), the Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) for six months until 31 March 2007.