United Nations Security Council Resolution 1720

by the United Nations

The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous resolutions on Western Sahara, including resolution 1495 (2003) of 31 July 2003, resolution 1541 (2004) of 29 April 2004, and resolution 1675 (2006) of 28 April 2006,

Reaffirming its strong support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy,

Reaffirming its commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and noting the role and responsibilities of the parties in this respect,

Reiterating its call upon the parties and States of the region to continue to cooperate fully with the United Nations to end the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a political solution,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 16 October 2006 (S/2006/817),

1. Reaffirms the need for full respect of the military agreements reached with MINURSO with regard to the ceasefire;
2. Calls on Member States to consider voluntary contributions to fund Confidence-Building Measures that allow for increased contact between separated family members, especially family unification visits;
3. Requests the Secretary-General provide a report on the situation in the Western Sahara before the end of the mandate period;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to take the necessary measures to ensure full compliance in MINURSO with the United Nations’ zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including pre-deployment awareness training, and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;
5. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 30 April 2007;
6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.