United Nations Security Council Resolution 2288 – The situation in Liberia

Resolution 2288 (2016)

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and statements by its President on the situation in Liberia,

Welcoming the sustained progress made by the Government of Liberia in rebuilding Liberia for the benefit of all Liberians,

Commending the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1521 (2003) (“the Committee”) and expressing its gratitude to the Panel of Experts established pursuant to paragraph 22 of resolution 1521 (2003),

Having considered the report of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Liberia (S/2016/348) as well as the briefing to the Security Council by the Chair of the Committee on 13 May 2016,

Having also considered the Secretary-General’s letter, dated 31 July 2015 (S/2015/590), updating the Security Council on progress made by the Government of Liberia to implement the recommendations on the proper management of arms and ammunition, including enacting the necessary laws, and on facilitating the effective monitoring and management of the border regions between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, while stressing the need that such progress continue in order to further contribute to the peace and stability of Liberia,

Recalling that responsibility for controlling the circulation of small arms within the territory of Liberia and between Liberia and neighbouring States rests with the relevant governmental authorities in accordance with their obligations under the Economic Community of West African States Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons of 2006,

Encouraging the Government of Liberia to expedite the adoption and implementation of remaining appropriate arms and ammunition management legislation and to continue to take other necessary and appropriate st eps to establish the necessary legal and administrative framework to combat the illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition,

Noting the positive role that the Security Council’s imposition of targeted measures has played in responding to the conflict in Liberia and supporting Liberia’s stabilization,

Affirming that the Government of Liberia bears primary responsibility for protecting all populations within its territory, stressing that lasting stability in Liberia will require the Government of Liberia to sustain effective and accountable government institutions, particularly in the rule of law and security sectors, including capable, professional, and efficient military, police and border security forces, and, in this regard, welcoming the relevant assistance of bilateral partners and multilateral organizations,

Underlining that the transparent and effective management of natural resources is critical for Liberia’s sustainable peace and security,

Recalling the Council’s readiness to terminate the measures imposed by paragraphs 2 (a) and (b) of resolution 1521 (2003) upon its determination that the ceasefire in Liberia is being fully respected and maintained, disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, repatriation and restructuring of the security sector have been completed, the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement are being fully implemented, and significant progress has been made in establishing and maintaining stability in Liberia and the subregion, and determining that those conditions have been met,

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

1. Decides to terminate, with immediate effect, the measures on arms, previously imposed by paragraph 2 of resolution 1521 (2003) and modified by paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1683 (2006), by paragraph 1 (b) of resolution 1731 (2006), by paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of resolution 1903 (2009), by paragraph 3 of resolution 1961 (2010), and by paragraph 2 (b) of resolution 2128 (2013);

2. Decides further to dissolve, with immediate effect, the Committee established by paragraph 21 of resolution 1521 (2003) and the Panel of Experts established pursuant to paragraph 22 of resolution 1521 (2003), and subsequently modified and extended, including in paragraphs 3 and 4 of resolution 2237 (2015).

Adopted by the Security Council at its 7695th meeting, on 25 May 2016.