United Nations Security Council Resolution 1620 – Sierra Leone

Resolution 1620 (2005)

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone,

Commending the valuable contribution the United Nations Mission in SierraLeone (UNAMSIL) has made to the recovery of Sierra Leone from conflict and tothe country’s peace, security and development,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 26 April 2005(S/2005/273), and its addendum of 28 July 2005 (S/2005/273/Add.2), and welcoming his recommendation that a United Nations integrated office beestablished in Sierra Leone, after the withdrawal of UNAMSIL at the end of 2005,in order to continue to assist the Government of Sierra Leone to consolidate peaceby enhancing political and economic governance, building the national capacity forconflict prevention, and preparing for elections in 2007,

Noting the letter of 21 June 2005 from the President of Sierra Leone to theSecretary-General (S/2005/419), that likewise emphasizes the need for an integratedUnited Nations office to support the above objectives,

Emphasizing the importance of a smooth transition between UNAMSIL andthe new United Nations integrated office, and of the effective and efficient operationof the office,

Emphasizing the importance of the continued support of the United Nationsand the international community for the long-term security and development Of Sierra Leone, particularly in building the capacity of the Government of Sierra Leone,

Reiterating its appreciation for the essential work of the Special Court forSierra Leone and its vital contribution to the establishment of rule of law in Sierra Leone and the subregion, underlining its expectation that the Court will finish its work in accordance with its Completion Strategy, and in this regard encouraging all States to cooperate fully with the Court and to provide it with the necessary financial resources,

Welcoming the publication of the report of the Sierra Leone Truth And Reconciliation Commission and encouraging the Government of Sierra Leone to take further steps to implement its recommendations,

1. Requests the Secretary-General to establish the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL), as recommended in the addendum to his report(S/2005/273/Add.2), for an initial period of 12 months beginning on 1 January 2006,with the following key tasks:

(a) to assist the Government of Sierra Leone in:

(i) building the capacity of State institutions to address further the rootcauses of the conflict, provide basic services and accelerate progress towardsthe Millennium Development Goals through poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth, including through the creation of an enabling framework forprivate investment and systematic efforts to address HIV/AIDS;

(ii) developing a national action plan for human rights and establishing the national human rights commission;

(iii) building the capacity of the National Electoral Commission to conduct afree, fair and credible electoral process in 2007;

(iv) enhancing good governance, transparency and accountability of public institutions, including through anti-corruption measures and improved fiscalmanagement;

(v) strengthening the rule of law, including by developing the independenceand capacity of the justice system and the capacity of the police andcorrections system;

(vi) strengthening the Sierra Leonean security sector, in cooperation with theInternational Military Advisory and Training Team and other partners;

(vii) promoting a culture of peace, dialogue, and participation in critical national issues through a strategic approach to public information andcommunication, including through building an independent and capable public radio capacity;

(viii) developing initiatives for the protection and well-being of youth, womenand children;

(b) to liaise with the Sierra Leonean security sector and other partners, toreport on the security situation and make recommendations concerning external andinternal security threats;

(c) to coordinate with United Nations missions and offices and regionalist Organization in West Africa in dealing with cross-border challenges such as theillicit movement of small arms, human trafficking and smuggling and illegal trade innatural resources;(d) to coordinate with the Special Court for Sierra Leone;

2. Emphasizes the primary responsibility of the Government of SierraLeone for the consolidation of peace and security in the country, and urgescontinued support from international donors for the Government’s efforts in thisregard;

3. Underlines the importance of establishing a fully integrated office witheffective coordination of strategy and programmes between the United Nationsagencies, funds and programmes in Sierra Leone, between the United Nations andother international donors, and between the integrated office, the EconomicCommunity of West African States and other United Nations missions in the region;

4. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s recommendation in the addendum tohis report (S/2005/273/Add.2) that the integrated office should be headed by anExecutive Representative of the Secretary-General and his intention that he/sheshould also serve as the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development programme and United Nations Resident Coordinator;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to continue planning for security for theSpecial Court for Sierra Leone on the basis outlined in paragraphs 15 to 24 of theaddendum to his report (S/2005/273/Add.2), and looks forward to further details onthe proposed arrangements;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed ofprogress with establishing the United Nations integrated office in Sierra Leone, andthereafter with the implementation of this resolution;

7. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Adopted by the Security Council at its 5254th meeting, on 31 August 2005.