United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2689–2696Footnote *
United Nations Security Council Resolutions are available at: <https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/resolutions-0>
- Resolution 2689 (June 29, 2023) –
Noting the situation between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic, called on both parties to abide by the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and “scrupulously observe the ceasefire”, while also expressing concern and alarm over violence and ongoing military activities conducted in Syria and the UN Disengagement Observer Force's (UNDOF) area of separation. Recalling resolutions 338 (1973), 2378 (2017), 2436 (2018), and 2242 (2015), the Security Council called upon the parties to immediately implement resolution 338 (1973), stressed the obligation of both parties to “scrupulously and fully respect the terms of the 1974… Agreement,” called for them to exercise maximum restraint and prevent breaches of the ceasefire, encouraged them “to take full advantage of UNDOF's liaison function,” and “underscored that there should be no military activity of any kind on the area of separation.” The Council underlined the impartiality of UNDOF, called on all parties to fully cooperate with UNDOF operations, and called “on all groups other than UNDOF to abandon all UNDOF positions” and return any equipment belonging to the peacekeepers. The resolution further called on the parties to take appropriate steps to protect UNDOF personnel, welcomed UNDOF's efforts to consolidate its presence and intensify its efforts, and underscored the importance of deploying appropriate technology to secure the safety and security of UNDOF personnel and equipment. The Council encouraged constructive facilitation for UNDOF's return to the area of separation with discussions on recommendations for improving the mission's performance and implementation of its mandate. Finally, the Council requested that the Secretary-General continue to “take all necessary measures to ensure full compliance of all personnel in UNDOF” with the UN zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, renewed the mandate of UNDOF until December 31, 2023, requested the Secretary-General ensure that UNDOF has the necessary capacity and resources available, and requested from the Secretary-General reports on developments and measures for implementation of resolution 338 (1973) on a 90-day basis.
- Resolution 2690 (June 30, 2023) –
The Security Council commended efforts made by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and welcomed the Malian Transition Government's commitment to organize free and fair presidential elections in February 2024 and ensure the return to constitutional order by March 2024. In determining that the situation in Mali “continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security” and acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Security Council terminated MINUSMA's mandate under resolution 2640 (2022), ordered it to cease operations, transfer its tasks, and withdraw its personnel by December 31, 2023, requested the Secretary-General engage with the Transition Government to create a plan for transferring MINUSMA's tasks to the Government, and called on the Transition Government to fully cooperate with the UN during MINUSMA's drawdown and to fully respect all provisions of the Status of Forces Agreement until MINUSMA's departure is complete. The Council authorized MINUSMA to respond to threats of violence against civilians and further authorized it to fulfill various function in consultation with the Malian Government. Finally, the Council decided to liquidate MINUSMA beginning on January 1, 2024, authorized the retainment of a guard unit to protect MINUSMA personnel and assets, called for the establishment of a UN Country Team, and requested MINUSMA fully comply with UN practices and financial regulations for handing over team sites and assets.
- Resolution 2691 (July 10, 2023) –
Reaffirming its commitment to a united and sovereign Yemen and its endorsement of the agreement reached in Sweden between the Government of Yemen and the Houthis, the Security Council extended the mandate of the UN Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) until July 14, 2024, requested from the Secretary-General monthly reports on the progress of implementation of this resolution and a review of UNMHA “at least one month before” its expiration, and expressed its intention to “make any necessary adjustments as may be required” of UNMHA.
- Resolution 2692 (July 14, 2023) –
Recalling the situation in Haiti and the establishment of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), condemning the “increasing violence, criminal activities, and human rights abuses and violations” taking place, stressing the Haitian Government's primary responsibilities to address the root causes of the situation, and reiterating the importance of BINUH's role in forming a Haitian-led solution, the Security Council extended BINUH's mandate until July 15, 2024, made some modifications to BINUH's makeup, and reiterated the need for all Haitian stakeholders to be involved in the mission of BINUH. The Council further strongly urged all member states to prohibit the “sale, supply or transfer of small arms, light weapons, and ammunition to non-state actors” in Haiti and demanded cooperation among member states, BINUH, and other UN agencies in preventing illicit arms trafficking. The Council encouraged close collaboration between BINUH, UN agencies, and regional organizations, encouraged contributions to the Basket Fund for assisting Haiti, and emphasized the importance of “unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need.” Finally, the Security Council requested that BINUH increase its support and security capabilities, urged member states to provide security support for the Haitian National Police, and requested the Secretary-General submit a report within thirty days “outlining the full range of support options the United Nations can provide to enhance the security situation.”
- Resolution 2693 (July 27, 2023) –
In welcoming the efforts of the Central African Republic (CAR) to advance reform of the country's security sector (SSR), encouraging continued implementation of the National Defense Plan, Force Employment Concept, and National Security Policy, condemning cross-border criminal activity, use of mercenaries, and violations of humanitarian law, expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in the country, and acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Security Council rescinded arms embargoes on the CAR security forces (but reaffirming all other arms embargoes until July 31, 2024) and extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts created by paragraphs 30 – 39 of resolution 2399 (2018) until August 31, 2024. The Council requested reports be submitted by the Panel on January 31, 2024 and June 15, 2024, plus progress reports “as appropriate.” The Council strongly condemned the attacked committed by the Coalition des patriotes pour le changement (CPC) and expressed concern over reports of illicit trafficking networks providing funding and supplies to armed groups in the CAR, especially in light of “increasing use of explosive ordinances, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and landmines….” The Security Council urged all parties and member states to cooperate with the Panel of Experts and ensure the Panel has unhindered access to “persons, documents, and sites” so that it can fulfill its mandate. The Council requested a report from the CAR Government on the progress of the SSR and Peace Agreement, a report from the Secretary-General, and affirmed that it will continue to “closely monitor the situation.”
- Resolution 2694 (August 2, 2023) –
Considering the positive effect on Columbia's humanitarian situation made by the ceasefire between the Government of Columbia and the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) and noting the initiation of dialogue between the Government and the Estado Mayor Central (EMC) to re-establish a ceasefire, the Security Council decided to add to the UN Verification Mission in Colombia's mandate the task of monitoring and verifying implementation of the ceasefire between Colombia and the ELN as outlined in the Second Cuba Agreement. The Council expressed a willingness to add to the Verification Mission's mandate a similar task to monitor the agreement between Colombia and the EMC, but will wait until the Secretary-General confirms the ceasefire. The Council welcomed the Secretary-General's proposals to incorporate reporting of the new tasks into the existing quarterly reporting structure, and to apprise the General Assembly of the situation “on the ground.”
- Resolution 2695 (August 31, 2023) –
The Security Council urged Lebanese politicians to elect a new President so that the Lebanese government can take action on “the current unprecedented acute political, social, economic and humanitarian crises” presently ongoing in the country. The Council responded to Lebanon's request to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), reaffirmed its commitment to full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) (establishing ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel), and expressed “deep concern at the continued lack of progress made towards the establishment of a permanent ceasefire,” while urging all parties to ensure a cessation of hostilities. The council expressed concern over violation of the Blue Line, condemned cross-border incidents involving the Blue Line, and recalled the importance of respecting the Blue Line. Determining that the “situation in Lebanon continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,” the Council extended UNIFIL's mandate until August 31, 2024, commended UNIFIL's positive role, and reiterated its call for “a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution.” The Council “strongly reaffirm[ed] the necessity of an effective and durable deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in southern Lebanon” and requested progress reports on the LAF's implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). The Council urged for international support of the LAF and demanded the parties remove “any restrictions and hindrances to the movement of UNIFIL personnel.” Further, the Council strongly urged Israel to remove its forces from areas north of the Blue Line and condemned the “maintenance of arms” by armed groups in violation of 1701 (2006). In conclusion, the Council made multiple requests of the Secretary-General that would aid in the realization of the UN's objectives in Lebanon.
- Resolution 2696 (September 7, 2023) –
Regarding Somalia, the Security Council welcomed constructive engagement “on the matter of charcoal stockpiles in and around Kismayo” but determined that the situation in Somalia continued to threaten international peace and security. Acting under Article VII of the UN Charter, the Council recognized a proposal for complete disposal of the charcoal stockpiles from the Somali federal government and authorized its implementation “as a one-off exemption to the ban on the import and export of charcoal from Somalia” created by resolution 2036 (2012).
