United Nations Security Council Resolution 1734

by the United Nations

Adopted by the Security Council at its 5608th meeting, on 22 December 2006

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone, in particular resolutions 1688 (2006) and 1620 (2005),

Commending the valuable contribution that the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) has made to the recovery of Sierra Leone from conflict and to the country’s peace, security and development,

Considering the report of the Secretary-General of 28 November (S/2006/922) and welcoming his recommendation that the mandate of UNIOSIL is extended for a further 12 months until 31 December 2007 with a view to providing continued peacebuilding assistance to the Government of Sierra Leone and preparing for the general elections in July 2007,

Noting the letter of 27 November from the President of Sierra Leone to the Secretary-General that likewise emphasizes the need for the mandate of UNIOSIL to be extended for a further 12 months,

Stressing that the July 2007 elections and the wide acceptance of their outcome will be a major milestone indicating the sustainability of peace and security in Sierra Leone, which should also help to define UNIOSIL’s exit strategy,

Emphasizing'' the importance of the continued support of the United Nations system and the international community for the long-term peace, security and development of Sierra Leone, particularly through strengthening the capacity of the Government of Sierra Leone,

Taking note of the Peacebuilding Commission country specific meetings of 12 October and 13 December 2006, which discussed four priority areas for peacebuilding efforts in Sierra Leone as well as gaps in those areas, recommended next steps for peacebuilding, and noted the determination of the Government of Sierra Leone to coordinate and prioritize work in country, working with UNIOSIL, donors, international institutions, civil society and the private sector to take forward these priorities in order to help bring about a sustainable peace,

Welcoming the progress made in reforming the security sector in Sierra Leone and, in particular, the developing professionalism of the Sierra Leone armed forces and police, and urging further strengthening and rationalizing of the security architecture so that the police and armed forces are sustainable in the long term and able to carry out their tasks effectively, in particular in connection with the elections in July 2007,

Welcoming the launch in July 2006 of the Improved Governance and Accountability Pact (IGAP) agreed between main donors and the Government of Sierra Leone, which sets out ten critical governance commitments, including on anti-corruption, public procurement, civil service reform and democracy, and a further ten donor principles of engagement to improve aid effectiveness,

Reiterating its appreciation for the work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and its vital contribution to reconciliation and the rule of law in Sierra Leone and the subregion, stressing the importance of the forthcoming trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor by the Court and the progress being made in other trials, reiterating its expectation that the Court will finish its work expeditiously, noting in this regard the Secretary-General’s letter of 27 November, and calling upon Member States to contribute generously to the Court,

Encouraging the Member States of the Mano River Union and other regional organizations to continue their dialogue aimed at building regional peace and security,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNIOSIL, as outlined in resolution 1620 (2005), until 31 December 2007;

2. Endorses the increase in the number of personnel of UNIOSIL recommended in paragraph 70 of the report of the Secretary-General of 28 November for a period from 1 January 2007 to 31 October 2007 in order to enhance the support provided by UNIOSIL for the elections and its ability to carry out its functions elsewhere in Sierra Leone;

3. Calls upon the Secretary-General to conduct a comprehensive assessment of UNIOSIL’s role, closer to the election date, with a view to developing its exit strategy;

4. Calls upon all parties in Sierra Leone to demonstrate their full commitment to the democratic process and to ensure that the 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections are peaceful, transparent, free and fair;

5. Calls upon the Government of Sierra Leone to provide the necessary support for the electoral institutions and urges Member States to provide technical and material support including to address the shortfall in the electoral budget;

6. Emphasizes that the Government of Sierra Leone bears the primary responsibility for peacebuilding, security and long-term development in the country, encourages the Government of Sierra Leone to continue its close engagement with the Peacebuilding Commission and international donors to continue to provide support to the Government;

7. Calls upon the Government of Sierra Leone, UNIOSIL and all other stakeholders in the country to increase their efforts to promote good governance, including through continued measures to combat corruption, improve accountability, promote the development of the private sector to generate wealth and employment opportunities, strengthen the judiciary and promote human rights;

8. Calls upon the Government of Sierra Leone to expedite the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and calls upon Member States to assist the Government in funding the activities of the National Human Rights Commission;

9. Emphasizes the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, as recognized in resolution 1325 (2000), underlines that a gender perspective should be taken into account in implementing all aspects of the mandate of UNIOSIL, welcomes in this regard the action plan developed by UNIOSIL, encourages UNIOSIL to work with the Government of Sierra Leone in this area, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure there is adequate capacity, expertise and resources within UNIOSIL to carry out this work;

10. Requests the Secretary-General, where appropriate, to include in his reporting to the Council progress on gender mainstreaming throughout UNIOSIL and all other aspects relating to the situation of women and girls, especially in relation to the need to protect them from gender-based violence;

11. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by UNIOSIL to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct;

12. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed of progress made in the implementation of the mandate of UNIOSIL and this resolution;

13. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.