United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2573–2580 United Nations Security Council Resolutions are available at: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/resolutions-0

Resolution 2573 (April 27, 2021) –

The Security Council reaffirmed its recognition of the individuality and sovereign protections of independent states in addition to reiterating the role they possess in providing fundamental defenses for their citizens in times of mass conflict.

The Security Council reiterated the issues of inaccessibility to food resources, the significance of peace development and sustainability, and assessing the internal catalysts of armed conflict, while producing resolutions to dispel its consequences.

The Security Council reiterated its growing concerns regarding civilian safety and general wellbeing amid organized military conflicts. This included an issue pertaining to essential services being interfered with and contents labeled as “civilian objects” being destroyed entirely. This prompted the Council to “reiterate the call on all parties to armed conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.” Further emphasis was placed on the nature of how these methods inhibit essential services that are vital components to civilian wellbeing, which undermine international humanitarian law.

The Security Council made note of the ways in which the current pandemic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 virus has exacerbated these internal disputes and contributed to the instability. Additional emphasis was placed on the consequential devastation armed combat places on civilian populations and compounds those vulnerabilities.

The Council condemned “the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare,” systematic targeting of civilian populations, and the destruction or “denial of humanitarian access and depriving civilians of objects indispensable to their survival in times of armed conflict.”

The Council stressed the need for greater cohesion and coordination amongst member states of the UN and its associated groups to uphold and pursue methods of peace and aid. The Council referenced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as an example of what efforts are needed to reach a collective goal.

The Security Council submitted a request that was to be issued to the Secretary-General regarding the inclusion of a “sub-item” in the relevant reports on the topic of civilian protections and survival.

[https://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2573(2021)]

Resolution 2574 (May 11, 2021)

The Security Council reaffirmed its intention to continue progress with the Colombia peace process and acknowledged all previous statements issued by the President on this subject.

The Council was openly receptive to the degree of progress made regarding Colombian peace relations after the adoption of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace (the Final Agreement). The Security Council issued a statement of urgency for all associated institutions involved in conflict management and general societal relations to maintain these initiatives. The Council emphasized that this should be prioritized in areas of the country where conflict is most prominent.

The Council recalled two resolutions, the first being issued by the Secretary General and cited as report S/2020/1301, and the second which is cited as resolution 2366 (2017) and produced the UN Verification Mission in Colombia (the Verification Mission). The Council paid additional attention to the progress the latter resolution brought about to the initiatives listed in the Final Agreement concerning the Government of Colombia and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP).

The Security Council acknowledged terms outlined in a letter issued by the Colombian President in January of this year. The letter was drafted to include agreeing parties from the FARC-EP and conditions referenced within the Verification Mission, which aim to solidify sentences issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. Additionally, the Council acknowledged the collaborative efforts provided by the Office of the Presidential Counsellor for Stabilisation and Consolidation.

The Council noted the importance of the Verification Mission in restoring the general public's faith in the Comprehensive System for Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition as outlined in the Final Agreement resolution. The Security Council further recognized the validity of sentencing processes carried out by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in the realm of criminal accountability and human rights protections.

Based on the information provided by the letter issued by the Secretary General to the President of the Security Council in February of this year, the Council made the following decisions: (1) to support the Verification Mission's deference to the sentencing procedures issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and its affiliated branch, the Judicial Panel for Acknowledgement of Truth, Responsibility and Determination of Facts and Conduct; (2) to welcome the inclusion of the proposal issued by the Secretary General to continuously update the Council on the developments of the Verification Mission and report on sentencing activity and compliance; (3) to implement the methods the Secretary General proposed in the letter (cited as S/2021/186) regarding Colombian authorities, sentence completion, and ensuring the overall ability of the Verification Mission to implement inclusivity and comprehensive strategy; and (4) to expand the validity of the Verification Mission resolution until the end of October of this year.

Finally, the Council expressed its openness to the idea of expanding the Verification Mission.

[https://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2574(2021)]

Resolution 2575 (May 11, 2021)

The Security Council reaffirmed all statements made by public officials regarding the circumstances in Abyei and its recognition of both Sudan and South Sudan's autonomy and validity as sovereign nations. The Council offered its continued support for both Sudan and South Sudan to engage in cooperative peace relations and collectively formulate a temporary solution for Abyei that would produce humanitarian relief.

The Security Council encouraged both UN affiliated institutions and the African Union to assist in mediation processes between both countries and establish both temporary and permanent solutions for the situation in Abyei. These groups included the UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa and the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), which were encouraged to actively participate as referenced in a 2011 resolution designed to aid in the liberation of the Sudanese people.

The Council recognized the collective efforts of both the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), and expressed a need for the UNISFA to become more adaptive to the shifting developments, especially when it concerns successful retreat that ensures human protections. The Security Council, however, shared its concerns that delays in the release of UN security personnel could inhibit the initiatives of the UNISFA and exacerbate interference efforts issued by the governments of both Sudan and South Sudan.

The Council recognized the potential the continued conflict in Abyei presents to collective international peace relations. Therefore, the Council decided to extend the 2011 mandate into November of this year and affiliated initiatives as outlined by the UNISFA in accordance with Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Additionally, the Council planned to extend the UNISFA's initiative to aid in collaborative efforts with the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) and emphasized the need for collective cooperation from the governments of both countries with the UNISFA. This included ceasing interference efforts such as those that would constitute a security threat to civilians located in Abyei.

The Security Council reiterated the importance of de-escalating militant forces outside those of the UNISFA and the local law enforcement of Abyei. The Council noted the letter issued by the Secretary General and requested that a strategy be provided by September of this year regarding the following: (1) the progress of the UNISFA in its ability to discern any future or current social or political developments within the region; (2) formulate safe exit protocol, one which revolves around the guaranteed safety of Abyei civilians; (3) formulate an assessment about the general issue of security.

The Council requested updates regarding the UNISFA and its progress, which should come in the form of a report to be submitted in October of this year and upheld its decision to maintain its support on this issue.

[https://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2575(2021)]

Resolution 2576 (May 27, 2021) –

The Security Council recognized the autonomy and sovereign status of Iraq despite the domestic upheavals caused over the ISIL conflict. The Council emphasized the need for the greater global community to issue its support for the country.

The Security Council supported progressive initiatives for the protection of women and children, internal development, and the removal of destructive weaponry. Additionally, conflict resolution in the context of the terrorist activity of al-Qaeda and ISIL was supported.

The Council commended the collective effort of the Iraqi government to democratize and equalize electoral processes and encouraged guidance be shared by the UN, especially from representatives like the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. The Security Council welcomed any requests that were outlined in the correspondence issued by the Iraq Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Security Council. The Council also recognized the steps taken by the Iraqi government and its citizens to uphold the standards set for fair and just electoral processes within the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC).

The Council welcomed the protective policies outlined in the Yazidi Female Survivors Law, in addition to acknowledging the importance of resettling and stabilizing displaced persons. This also includes criminal prosecutions being issued to individuals responsible for sexual crimes and gender-specific acts of violence and supportive resources for those impacted.

The Security Council recognized the regional impact of both climate change and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which could effectively create destabilization within the country if preventative measures are not implemented. Risk assessment and institutional support from the UN was another comprehensive issue to be addressed.

The Council recognized and welcomed progressive initiatives to target political corruption, economic discrepancies, and oppressive measures to impede on free speech. The Council requested that state-led institutions make strides towards criminal accountability and welcomed precedents outlined in the financial agreement between the Iraqi government and the Kurdish branch of government.

The Council cited the importance of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to argue for maintaining diplomatic peace relations, and requested that the greater global community be demonstrative in its support for internal stabilization. Additionally, the Council extended the UNAMI mandate and instructed the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UNAMI to visibly and robustly be present during and monitor the elections, as well as engage the general public in the value of election processes and awareness regarding the necessity of equity for voting parties.

Additionally, the Council requested that these same offices employ measures of gender inclusivity, reporting, offer assistance, solve internal inequities/conflicts, and internal development, COVID-19 responsiveness, and multilateral cooperation. This would include economic development, humanitarianism, UN funding, human rights protections, gender regulations and female involvement in public service.

The Council recognized the need for children protections and supportive endeavors, especially for those negatively impacted by internal conflict. It also encouraged the implementation of the budget plan, acknowledged the value of UN personnel in executing UNAMI initiatives, and requested that the Secretary General report on its progress on a three-month cycle.

[https://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2576(2021)]

Resolution 2577 (May 28, 2021) –

The Security Council reaffirmed its support for the Revitalization initiative designed to encourage peaceful relations within areas of conflict within South Sudan. The Council encouraged collective support to be rallied in favor of this resolution being implemented, which also required employing the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. The Security Council gave distinctive recognition to the progress that was being made by political representatives from the Community of Sant'Egidio and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in their diplomatic engagement in support of the Revitalization initiative and Sudanese peace talks.

The Council acknowledged the decrease in cases of conflict amongst parties in support of the Revitalize Agreement and the continued upholding of the cease fire agenda in many regions, but was concerned with failures to maintain the initiatives proposed in the Revitalized Agreement, the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (ACOH), and expressed the urgency of solidifying the creation of Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGNU) affiliated institutions.

The Security Council shared its concern regarding misuse of funding, past and current violations of international humanitarian law and systematic civilian abuse and stated that the RTGNU possesses the role of employing protections from these activities. Illegal use and distribution of weaponry and domestic law enforcement's ability to uphold the Panel of Expert's policies was another area of concern for the Council.

The Security Council noted the arms embargo and the Secretary General's relevant report and the ongoing threat that the South Sudanese conflict presents to greater international peace. Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Council renewed arms embargoes and inspection mandates imposed under resolution 2428(2018) and decided to follow through with embargo resolutions due to positive changes being employed. On an organizational level, this would involve the RTGNU, the Necessary United Forces (UNF), and the Strategic Defense and Security Review (SDSR).

The Council requested that the following steps be taken: the RTGNU to become active in financial development initiatives regarding the Revitalized Agreement, create a Hybrid Court for South Sudan, create and enforce agendas outlined in the Compensation and Reparation Authority and a Commission for Truth.

The Council requested that member countries, especially those located close to the region of South Sudan be active in inspection for illegal contraband within their cargo shipments, and conduct themselves in accordance with international law. These items were requested to be removed and reported to the Committee outlining inspection processes and justifications.

The Council emphasized its willingness to establish particularized sanctions in order to encourage peace processes in South Sudan, and reaffirmed its position on various policies outlined in various paragraphs within resolutions 2206 and 2428. The Council expressed its concern over resources being inappropriately utilized and the potential negative consequences this conduct could produce on the Revitalized Agreement and South Sudanese internal stability.

The Security Council called for collective involvement and monitoring by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and relevant member countries and extended the mandate issued by the Panel of Experts until July of the following year

The Council requested that all affiliated parties engage cooperatively with the Panel and maintain its authority when relevant issues arise, which includes reporting illegal financial activity that violates its mandates. It was also requested that the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict collaborate with the Committee through information distribution. UNMISS was also requested to be involved with work concerning the Panel and the Committee, with welcomed involvement from the Revitalised Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).

[https://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2577(2021)]

Resolution 2578 (June 3, 2021) –

The Security Council recalled the Libya embargo policy outlined in resolution 1970 (2011) as well as the relevant resolutions that deal with its enforcement in the coastal region of the country. The Security Council reaffirmed resolutions 2570 (2021) and 2510 (2020), the latter which references the Berlin Conference conducted in January of the previous year.

The Council recognized the collective responsibility of both itself and neighboring states and institutions in maintaining global peace and cooperation, especially in accordance with the UN Charter. The Council continued to reaffirm its resolve to categorize terrorist activity as an international security threat.

In reference to Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Council made the decision to extend its relevant mandates in resolution 2526 (2020) for an additional year after the passing of this resolution and for the Secretary-General to report accordingly within an eleven-month period after the passing and execution of this resolution.

[https://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2578(2021)]

Resolution 2579 (June 3, 2021) –

The Security Council reaffirmed its continuous support for the sovereignty and state autonomy Sudan possesses, in addition to welcoming the execution of the Constitutional Document and the creation of the Transitional Legislative Council. The Council welcomed the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA) being signed in October of last year and the diplomatic manner in which South Sudan conducted itself in engaging negotiations, which was mutually supported by the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS). This pertained to the complexities of the conflict within the Darfur region and the Council encouraged the Darfuri armed forces to aid in counteracting the conflict.

The Security Council welcomed the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North's willingness to sign the Declaration of Principles (DoP) resolution in March of this year and to solidify a course of action for peace relations to take place. The Security Council acknowledged the security efforts made in Darfur, but that other areas are critical and demand an increase in peace development. Climate change was considered a contributing and exacerbating factor to both current and growing instabilities within Darfur.

The Council welcomed the utilization of humanitarian aid and its distribution and the removal of unnecessary processes that do not support the proper implementation of these practices. It stressed the importance of criminal accountability being issued against those who have violated international humanitarian law. The Council stressed the significance of the Government of Sudan taking on that role in enacting justice for those negatively impacted and the importance of the government's ability to address the root causes of internal conflict and to formulate solutions through the use of necessary resources.

The Security Council recognized the disparities that exist with female representation and the progress made by the Government of Sudan to combat these inequalities. The Council encouraged that more long-term measures be taken, such as illegalizing the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), to employ the tactics outlined in the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, to increase female involvement in government affairs to a 40% quota, and the initiating of the JPA. The Council recognized the importance of women being involved in matters of conflict resolution and peace relations.

The Security Council encouraged that civil society possess a more substantial role in peace relations, which would include support from the UNITAMS initiative. The Council emphasized the negative consequences that could result from the COVID-19 pandemic and its ability to exacerbate current circumstances in Sudan. International support was encouraged.

The Council decided to extend UNITAMS until June of the following year and requested that Sudan become a signatory for the Status of Mission Agreement component of the previous initiative. The Council further requested that support be given to the mandates outlined in the JPA and decided that UNITAMS would engage in peacebuilding protocols in conflict-impacted areas and offer human rights protections to IDPs and to prevent socialized violence.

The Council requested that the UNITAMS mandate support activities designed to strengthen peacebuilding objectives and negotiations and the utilization of previously mentioned policies. Additionally, the Secretary-General was requested to release UNITAMS-affiliated personnel, an ISF strategy employed by UNITAMS and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), and that subsequent activity be effectively monitored and reported.

The Council welcomed coordination between various institutions, such as the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice, UNITAMS, and the Government of Sudan. The Secretary-General was requested to authorize the sending of individual police officers (IPOs) in support of the UNITAMS mandate. The Secretary-General was requested to be actively engaged in a full determination of future plans for combatting Sudanese instabilities, and for UNITAMS to solidify the Sudan Peacemaking, Peacebuilding and Stabilisation Programme (SPPSP).

The Government of Sudan was encouraged to cooperate with the UN Peacebuilding Commission, which could potentially garner global support and responsiveness.

Female and youth populations were encouraged to become active components of the UNITAMS initiative as well as the JPA, and for the Secretary-General to uphold a strict policy against sexual harassment, abuse, or exploitation, which should apply with all UNITAMS-affiliated personnel with a strong culture of accountability and reporting to the Council on related matters. Contributing parties and states should ensure that all personnel are vetted and trained accordingly.

UNITAMS was requested to remain cooperative with the Panel of Experts and for collaborative efforts to be enacted between various UN-African affiliated initiatives. These would include the following: 1) the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA); 2) the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 3) the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); 4) the Special Envoy of Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa.

As previously mentioned, the African Union, UNITAMS, Inter-governmental Authority for Development (IGAD), and the Sudanese government were encouraged by the Council to collectively coordinate their efforts to stabilize the region.

[https://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2579(2021)]

Resolution 2580 (June 8, 2021) –

The Security Council recommended that the current Secretary-General to the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, receive a secondary term to his position, which will begin in January of 2022 and last until the end of December in the year 2026.

[https://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2580(2021)]