Security Council

6591^st Meeting (AM)

Security Council Adopts Resolution 2000 (2011) Extending Mandate

 

of United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire until 31 July 2012

 

Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire remained a threat to international peace and security in the region, the Security Council decided today to extend until 31 July 2012 the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the West African country.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2000 (2011), under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the 15-nation body also decided to maintain the strength of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) at 9,792 military troops, 1,350 police officers and 8 customs officers.  It also decided that the military personnel were necessary for stabilizing Côte d’Ivoire and creating a security environment conducive to the legislative process.   The Council also authorized 205 additional police advisers, with expertise in specialized areas identified in the Secretary-General’s report, to serve within the mission.

Also by the text, the Council decided to continue the Operation’s authorization to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate, within its capabilities and areas of deployment.  By other terms, it decided to extend, also until 31 July 2012, the authorization provided to the French forces to support UNOCI, within the limits of their deployment and capabilities.

The Council requested the Secretary-General to provide, by year’s end, a midterm report on the situation on the ground and implementation of the resolution, as well as a final report by 30 June 2012.  It asked him to brief the Council regularly on significant events relating to the electoral process, including the Operation’s support for it.  The Council also requested him to submit, either through his midterm report or a special report issued by 31 March 2012, his recommendations for possible adjustments to the Operation’s structure and strength, taking into account the upcoming legislative elections, security challenges and progress in rebuilding national capacities.

The Council encouraged the recently installed Government of Côte d’Ivoire to ensure that the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established by presidential decree on 13 May 2011, became fully operational as soon as possible.  It called upon the Government to ensure that the conditions for the protection and detention of former President Laurent Ghagbo, his wife and former officials were in line with international obligations.

Also set forth in the wide-ranging text were the specific terms of UNOCI’s mandate relating to civilian protection; security-sector reform; addressing security threats; monitoring the arms embargo imposed on Côte d’Ivoire; weapons collection; disarmament, demobilization and reintegration; support for free, fair and transparent legislative elections; and humanitarian assistance, among other areas.

Côte d’Ivoire’s representative, speaking after the adoption, praised the Council’s action, describing the resolution as historic because it enshrined the “triumphant will” of the Ivorian people.  Its number was also symbolic, he said.  “The number 2000 symbolically represents a new start filled with promise for a future filled with peace and prosperity in Côte d’Ivoire.”  The country was gradually emerging from a crisis marked by post-electoral violence, he said, adding that the Administration of President Alassane Ouattara was working steadily to foster a return to normality and address pressing challenges, particularly those concerning security.

The meeting began at 10:50 a.m. and ended at 11 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of Security Council resolution 2000 (2011) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its previous resolutions, in particular resolutions 1933 (2010), 1942 (2010), 1951 (2010), 1962 (2010), 1967 (2011), 1968 (2011), 1975 (2011), 1980 (2011), 1981 (2011) and 1992 (2011) and the statements of its President relating to the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, and resolution 1938 (2010) on the situation in Liberia,

“Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire, and recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,

“Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 24 June 2011 (S/2011/387) and taking note of its recommendations, including of the assessment mission that deployed to Côte d’Ivoire from 1 to 14 May 2011,

“Welcoming the progress towards restoring stability and peace in Côte d’Ivoire following the inauguration of Alassane Dramane Ouattara as President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire on 21 May 2011,

“Commending President Ouattara’s commitment and initiatives to promote dialogue, justice and reconciliation, including the establishment of the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and calling upon all the Ivorian actors to work together in their efforts for the stabilization and reconstruction of the country,

“Taking note that the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has requested authorisation from the Pretrial Chamber to open an investigation into war crimes and crimes against Humanity in Côte d’Ivoire since 28 November 2010, on the basis of the declaration lodged by Côte d’Ivoire accepting the jurisdiction of the Court, pursuant to article 12, paragraph 3 of the Rome Statute,

“Taking note of President Ouattara’s request that President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso (“The Facilitator”), continue to assist the Ivorian Government in implementing the unfinished aspects of the peace process and Ouagadougou Agreements,

“Expressing its concern about the continuing precarious and volatile security situation and recalling that the Ivorian Government bears primary responsibility for ensuring peace, stability and the protection of the civilian population in Côte d’Ivoire,

“Taking note of the establishment of the Forces républicaines de Côte d’Ivoire (FRCI) by a decree issued by President Ouattara on 17 March, replacing the former Forces de sécurité et de défense de Côte d’Ivoire (FDSCI), and stressing the need for an inclusive process of security sector reform,

“Taking note of the remaining high risk of a relapse into renewed armed conflict and attacks against the civilian population, notably by ex-Republican Guards soldiers, militias, mercenaries, escaped prisoners and other illegal armed elements as referred to in the report of the Secretary General (S/2011/387),

“Recalling that the last legislative elections were held on 10 December 2000 and emphasizing that the holding of credible, free and fair legislative elections is critical for the full restoration of constitutional order in Côte d’Ivoire, national reconciliation and inclusive governance,

“Stressing the importance of an inclusive participation of the Ivorian civil society, men and women alike, in the electoral process, and of ensuring the equal protection of and respect for human rights of all Ivorian stakeholders as they relate to the electoral system, and in particular respect for freedom of opinion and expression,

“Strongly condemning the atrocities, serious human rights abuses and violations as well as violations of international humanitarian law that occurred throughout the post-elections crisis, including extrajudicial killing, maiming, arbitrary arrest and abduction of civilians, enforced disappearances, acts of revenges, sexual and gender-based violence, including against children, and the alleged recruitment and use of children in the conflict throughout the country and particularly in Abidjan and the west,

“Strongly condemning also the attacks and harassment against United Nations Personnel that occurred during the post-electoral crisis and reiterating that these acts constitute violations of international law,

“Stressing the importanceto investigate alleged human right abuses and violations committed by all parties, further reaffirming that those responsible for such abuses and violations, regardless of their affiliation, must be held accountable, and welcoming President Ouattara’s commitment in this regard,

“Taking note of the report (A/HRC/17/48) and recommendations of the International Commission of Inquiry established by resolution 16/25 (2011) of the Human Rights Council,

“Commending the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their efforts during the post-elections crisis and encouraging them to remain committed in support of the stabilization of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire and the implementation of the outstanding tasks of the peace process,

“Commending the contribution of troop- and police-contributing countries and donors to United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI),

“Recalling its resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009) and 1960 (2010) on women, peace and security, its resolutions 1612 (2005), 1882 (2009) and 1998 (2011) on children and armed conflict, and its resolutions 1674 (2006) and 1894 (2009) on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, and reiterating the vital role of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding and their key role in re‑establishing the fabric of societies recovering from conflict,

“Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,

“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

“1.   Decides to extend the mandate of UNOCI until 31 July 2012;

“2.   Decides that the authorized strength of UNOCI’s military component shall remain at 9,792 personnel, comprising of 9,600 troops and staff officers, including 2,400 additional troops authorized by resolutions 1942 (2010) and 1967 (2011), and 192 military observers;

“3.   Decides that the authorized strength of UNOCI’s police component shall remain at 1,350 personnel, and decides further to maintain the 8 customs officers previously authorized;

“4.   Decides to authorize an increase of the individual police personnel by 205 advisors, with the appropriate skills, who should be experts in the specialized areas identified in the Secretary General’s report, to be accommodated through appropriate adjustments to the military and police strength of the Mission, within the authorized strength of military and police personnel of UNOCI,

“5.   Decides that the additional 2,000 troops authorized by resolution 1967 (2011) and the additional 400 troops and 100 police authorized by resolution 1942 (2010) are necessary for the stabilization of Côte d’Ivoire, including the establishment of a security environment conducive to the legislative elections,  

“6.   Reiterates that, pursuant to paragraph 4 of resolution 1933 (2010) and previous resolutions, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General shall certify that all stages of the upcoming legislative elections provide all the necessary guarantees for open, free, fair and transparent elections, in accordance with international standards and the agreed criteria,

“7.   Decides that UNOCI shall have the following mandate:

“Protection and security

“(a)  Protection of civilians

–        To protect, without prejudice to the primary responsibility of the Ivorian authorities, the civilian population from imminent threat of physical violence, within its capabilities and areas of deployment,

–        To revise the comprehensive strategy for the protection of civilians and to coordinate with the United Nations protection of civilians strategy in liaison with the United Nations country team, to take into account the new realities on the ground and the specific needs of vulnerable groups, and to include measures to prevent gender-based violence pursuant to resolution 1960 (2010) and resolution 1882 (2009),

–        To work closely with humanitarian agencies, particularly in relation to areas of tensions and of return of displaced persons, to collect information on and identify potential threats against the civilian population, as well as reliable information on violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, bring them to the attention of the Ivorian authorities as appropriate, and to take appropriate action in accordance with the United Nations system wide protection strategy in harmonization with UNOCI’s protection strategy,

–        To monitor and report on violations and abuses against vulnerable populations, including children in line with resolution 1612 (2005), 1882 (2009) and 1998 (2011) and contribute to efforts to prevent such violations and abuses,

“(b)  Address remaining security threats and border-related challenges

–        To continue to support, within its existing authorities, capabilities, and its areas of deployment, the national authorities in stabilizing the security situation in the country,

–        To continue to monitor and deter the activities of militias, mercenaries and other illegal armed groups consistent within its existing mandate to protect civilians, and to keep the Council regularly informed of developments in this regard,

–        To support the Government in monitoring and addressing cross-border security and other challenges along its borders and in border areas, notably with Liberia, with particular attention to the cross-border movement of armed elements and weapons and, to this end, to coordinate closely with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) with a view to further inter-mission cooperation, such as undertaking joint patrols and contingency planning where appropriate and within their mandates and capabilities,

–        To liaise with the FRCI in order to promote mutual trust among all elements composing the FRCI,

–        To support, in coordination with the Government, the provision of security for members of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and key political stakeholders, including in view of the preparation and the holding of the upcoming legislative elections,

“(c)  Monitoring of the arms embargo

–        To monitor the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), in cooperation with the Group of Experts established under resolution 1584 (2005), including by inspecting, as they deem it necessary and when appropriate without notice, all weapons, ammunition and related materiel regardless of location, consistent with its resolution 1980 (2011),

–        To collect, as appropriate, arms and any related materiel brought into Côte d’Ivoire in violation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), and to dispose of such arms and related materiel as appropriate,

“(d)  Collection of weapons

–        To continue to assist the national authorities, including the National Commission to fight against the Proliferation and Illicit Traffic of Small Arms and Light Weapons, in collecting, registering, securing and disposing of weapons and in clearing explosive remnants of war, as appropriate, in accordance with resolution 1980 (2011),

–        To support the Government in coordination with other partners to develop and implement community weapons collection programs, which should be linked to community violence reduction and reconciliation,

–        To coordinate, with the Government in ensuring that the collected weapons are not disseminated or re-utilized outside a comprehensive national security strategy, as referred to in point (f) below,

“(e)  Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme (DDR)

–        To assist the Government, in close coordination with other international and bilateral partners, in developing and implementing without delay a new national programme for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants and dismantling of militias and self-defence groups, that includes clear individual criteria and is tailored to the new context, taking into account the rights and needs of the different categories of persons to be disarmed, demobilized and reintegrated, including children and women,

–        To continue to support the registration and screening of former combatants,

–        To support the disarmament and repatriation of foreign armed elements, where relevant in cooperation with UNMIL and UN country teams in the region,

“(f)  Reconstitution and reform of security and rule of law institutions

–        To assist the Government in conducting, without delay and in close coordination with other international partners, a sector-wide review of the security institutions and in developing a comprehensive national security strategy and plans for their reform, taking also into account the national DDR programme,

–        Under the leadership of the Ivorian Government and in close cooperation with international stakeholders, to support effective coordination, transparency and harmonization of efforts, as well as a clear division of tasks and responsibilities, by all international partners involved in assisting the security sector reform (SSR) process, and to report to the Council, when appropriate, on developments in the SSR process,

–        To advise the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, as appropriate, on security sector reform and the organization of the future National Army, to facilitate the provision of, within its current resources, as requested by the Government and in close coordination with other international partners, training in human rights, child protection and protection from sexual- and gender-based violence to the security and law enforcement institutions, as well as support for capacity development through technical assistance, co-location and mentoring programmes for the police, gendarmerie, justice and corrections officers and to contribute to restoring their presence throughout Côte d’Ivoire and to offer support with regard to the development of a sustainable vetting mechanism for personnel that will be absorbed in security sector institutions,

–        To support the Government’s development and implementation of a national justice sector strategy as well as the development and implementation of a multi-year joint United Nations justice support programme in order to develop the police, judiciary, prisons and access to justice in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the initial emergency rehabilitation of relevant infrastructure and the provision of equipment, within existing resources and in coordination with international partners,

–        To support, within its current resources and in collaboration with the broader United Nations system, reconciliation, including the establishment and functioning of mechanisms to prevent, mitigate or resolve conflict, in particular at the local level, as well as to foster social cohesion,

“(g)  Support for efforts to promote and protect human rights

–        To contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire, with special attention to grave violations and abuses committed against children and women, notably sexual and gender based violence, in close coordination with the Independent Expert established under the Human Rights Council’s resolution A/HRC/17/27,

–        To monitor, help investigate, and report publicly and to the Council, on human rights and humanitarian law violations with a view to preventing violations, developing a protecting environment and ending impunity, and, to this end, to strengthen its human rights monitoring, investigation and reporting capacity,

–        To bring to the attention of the Council all individuals identified as perpetrators of serious human rights violations and to keep the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004) regularly informed of developments in this regard,

–        To support the efforts of the Ivorian Government in combating sexual and gender-based violence, including through contributing to the development of a nationally owned multisectoral strategy in cooperation with UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict entities, to appoint Women Protection Advisors and to ensure gender expertise and training, as appropriate and from within existing resources, in accordance with resolutions 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009) and 1960 (2011),

“(h)  Support humanitarian assistance

–        To continue to facilitate unhindered humanitarian access and to help strengthening the delivery of humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected and vulnerable populations, notably by contributing to enhance security conducive to this delivery,

–        To support the Ivorian authorities in preparing for the voluntary, safe and sustainable return of refugees and displaced persons in cooperation with relevant humanitarian organizations, and in creating security conditions conducive to it,

“Peace and electoral process

“(i)  Support for the organization and conduct of open, timely, free, fair and transparent legislative elections

–        To promote an inclusive political process and support the creation of a political environment conducive to the upcoming elections, including in coordination with efforts undertaken by ECOWAS and the African Union,

–        To support the organization and conduct of open, free, fair and transparent legislative elections, provide appropriate logistical and technical assistance and assist the Government to put in place effective security arrangements,

–        To provide technical and logistical support to assist the Independent Electoral Commission in completing outstanding tasks prior to the holding of the legislative elections and to facilitate, as required, consultations between all political stakeholders as well as with the Independent Electoral Commission to this end,

–        To undertake the coordination of international observers and to contribute to their security, within its capabilities and areas of deployment,

–        To provide the Special Representative of the Secretary-General the necessary assistance to fulfil his role of certifying the legislative elections consistent with paragraph 6 above, taking into account the specificity of legislative elections,

“(j)  Public information

–        To continue to closely monitor the Ivorian media and continue to facilitate providing assistance, as appropriate, to media and regulatory bodies, consistent with its mandate,

–        To continue to use UNOCI’s broadcasting capacity, through ONUCI FM, to contribute to the overall effort to create a peaceful environment, including for the legislative elections,

–        To encourage the Ivorian mass media and the main political actors to fully implement the Code of Good Conduct for elections that the Ivorian parties have signed under the auspices of the Secretary-General as well as to sign up and adhere to the Code of Good Conduct for the media,

–        To monitor any public incidents of incitement to hatred, intolerance and violence, and bring to the attention of the Council all individuals identified as instigators of political violence, and to keep the Committee established under resolution 1572 (2004) regularly informed of developments in this regard,

“(k)  Redeployment of State administration and the extension of State authority throughout the country

–        To support the Ivorian authorities to extend and re-establish effective State administration and strengthen public administration in key areas throughout the country, at the national and local levels, as well as the implementation of the unfinished aspects of the Ouagadougou Agreements as they relate to the reunification of the country,

“(l)  Facilitation

–        To coordinate with the Facilitator and his Special Representative in Abidjan, to assist the Government in the implementation of the outstanding tasks of the peace process, as needed and within available means, including by providing logistical support to the office of the Special Representative as appropriate,

“(m)  Protection of United Nations personnel

–        To protect United Nations personnel, installations and equipment, and ensure the security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel,

“8.   Decides to continue its authorization given to UNOCI to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate, within its capabilities and its areas of deployment, pursuant to resolutions 1933 (2010) and 1962 (2010),

“9.   Welcomes the establishment of the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission by a decree issued by President Ouattara on 13 May 2011, encourages the Government to ensure that the Commission becomes fully operational as soon as possible, and further calls upon the United Nations system to support its work, with a view to ensuring that it will function in a manner consistent with Côte d’Ivoire’s international obligations,

“10.  Calls upon the Government to take the necessary steps to re-establish and reinforce relevant institutions, including the judiciary, police and corrections services, and further to ensure the effective protection of human rights and accountability for all perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses in Côte d’Ivoire,

“11.  Calls upon the Government to ensure that the conditions of protection and detention of former President Gbagbo, his wife, former officials and any other detainees are in line with international obligations, including with regard to access by relevant organizations with a mandate to monitor detention centres, and fulfil their prosecutions and trials in accordance with international obligations relating to due process and fair trial requirements;

“12.  Calls upon UNOCI, where consistent with its existing authorities and responsibilities, to support national and international efforts to bring to justice perpetrators of grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Côte d’Ivoire,

“13.  Urges all parties to cooperate fully with the operations of UNOCI and of the French Forces, which support it, in particular by ensuring their safety, security and freedom of movement with unhindered and immediate access throughout the territory of Côte d’Ivoire to enable them to fully carry out their mandates;

“14.  Calls upon the United Nations Country Team to contribute to the planning and the implementation of micro-projects, in consultation with the Government and close collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and interested international partners, to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods for some former combatants, as part of the socio-economic reintegration component of the national DDR programme,

“15.  Encourages ECOWAS to develop, with the support of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA), a subregional strategy to address the threat of the cross-border movements of armed groups and weapons as well as illicit trafficking, with the assistance of UNOCI and UNMIL, as appropriate,

“16.  Calls upon the Government and all international partners, including private companies, involved in assisting the Government in the reform of the security sector, to comply with the provisions of resolution 1980 (2011) and to coordinate their efforts with a view to promoting transparency and a clear division of labour amongst all international partners,

“17.  Decides to extend until 31 July 2012 the authorization that the Security Council provided to the French Forces in order to support UNOCI, within the limits of their deployment and their capabilities;

“18.  Requests the Secretary-General to provide to it a midterm report no later than 31 December 2011 and a final report no later than 30 June 2012 on the situation on the ground and the implementation of this resolution, and further requests the Secretary-General to regularly brief and inform it on the significant events of the electoral process, including on UNOCI’s support to this process;

“19.  Requests the Secretary-General to submit to it, through the midterm report referred to in paragraph 20 above or through a special report no later than 31 March 2012, taking into account the holding of the upcoming legislative elections as well as the prevailing security challenges and progress in rebuilding national capacities, recommendations on possible adjustments in UNOCI’s structure and strength,

“20.  Decides to remain seized of the matter.”

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For information media • not an official record