United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2561-2572 United Nations Security Council Resolutions are available at: <https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/resolutions-0>
- Resolution 2561 (January 29, 2021) –
The Security Council reaffirmed the urgency of the UN's responsibility to help facilitate a peaceful, durable resolution to the Cyprus conflict. The Council likewise expressed its concern with regard to the continued tensions in the eastern Mediterranean region over hydrocarbon explorations. The Council in particular reaffirmed resolution 1251 (1999), reemphasizing the importance of reaching a settlement rooted in political equality.
The Council expressed its full support for the Secretary-General's desire to organize a “five plus UN meeting,” which would include leaders of both Cypriot communities and the Guarantor Powers.
The Council expressed concern at developments in Varosha, referencing its prior 2020 Presidential Statement and previous resolutions on the matter. The Council reemphasized that unilateral actions with the potential to instigate tensions must be avoided.
The Council recalled resolution 1325 (2000), and stressed the significance of the equal participation of women – particularly in leadership roles – during the peacebuilding process in Cyprus. Additionally, the Council recalled resolution 2250 (2015) and other relevant resolutions promoting the contribution of youth in peace sustainability efforts.
The Security Council expressed regret at the lack of coordination between all sides in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Separately, the Council expressed concern at the deteriorating order in Pyla and insisted on continued local collaboration with United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus to combat criminal activities. The Council noted the agreement of the Cyprus Government that UN Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus should remain beyond July 31, 2021.
The Security Council recalled resolution 2537 (2020), and particularly noted that the two leaders specified in that resolution should provide guidance and political support in order to allow the Technical Committees to function most effectively in improving the lives of Cypriots. This includes engaging the Technical Committee in ensuring coordination on health matters in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, the Council called upon the leaders of both communities to reopen crossing points as they existed before February 29, 2020.
The Council requested the Secretary-General to submit a report on the progress made towards reaching a settlement by July 10, 2021.
- Resolution 2562 (February 11, 2021) –
The Security Council lauded the signing of the Juba Peace Agreement, urged those who have not yet joined to do so, and encouraged the signatories to swiftly begin the implementation process.
The Council expressed concern regarding the continuously dire security situation in certain regions of Darfur and stressed that the primary responsibility of the Government of Sudan remains the protection of all its civilians and ensuring consistent accountability with regards to international humanitarian law.
Determining that the situation in Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace, the Security Council acted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts through March 12, 2022, and required the Panel to provide an interim report on its findings to the Security Council Committee (the Committee) in Sudan no later than August 21, 2021. The Council likewise expressed its intention to regularly review measures taken in Darfur and take note of reports submitted by the Committee and Panel of Experts.
The Council further requested the Secretary-General to thoroughly review the situation in Darfur – evaluating threats to security, ensuring the implementation of both the Juba Peace Agreement and National Plan for Civilian Protection, and combatting the proliferation of weapons.
- Resolution 2563 (February 25, 2021) –
The Security Council determined that the situation Somalia remains an enduring threat to international peace and security. Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Council authorized the African Union member states to continue the deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) through March 14, 2021. The Council further permitted AMISOM to take all possible measures, within the confines of international law, to execute its mandate as outlined in resolution 2520 (2020).
The Council requested the Secretary-General to continue providing a logistical support package to Non-UN security forces, AMISOM personnel, and AMISOM civilians as outlined in both resolution 2520 and 2245.
- Resolution 2564 (February 25, 2021) –
The Security Council stressed the urgent need for de-escalation across Yemen, expressing concern at persistent political, economic, and humanitarian challenges, and calling for the implementation of the Secretary General's Global Ceasefire Call, as described in resolution 2532 (2020). The Council reiterated its call for parties in Yemen to reach a resolution based on communication and dialogue, thoroughly rejecting any acts of violence.
The Council expressed support for the work of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, and its inclusivity, particularly with regards to the meaningful participation of women. The Council expressed alarm at both the enduring control of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula over certain areas of Yemen, and the building presence of the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL) in Yemen. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to addressing all angles of the threat posed by these groups and associated entities.
The Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the December 30, 2020 attack on Aden airport which resulted in the death of 27 civilians. The Council likewise strongly condemned violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, along with any form of human rights abuses occurring across Yemen. The Council expressed concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen, including the risk of widespread famine and devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Security Council acted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and reaffirmed the need for the complete implementation of political transition as outlined in the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and Implementation Mechanism. The Council further decided to extend the mandate of the Panel of the Experts as described in resolutions 2140 (2014) and 2216 (2015), and requested the Panel of Experts to provide a mid-term updated to the Committee by July 28, 2021. The Council urged all parties and member states to ensure cooperation with the Panel of Experts.
- Resolution 2565 (February 26, 2021) –
The Security Council emphasized the critical role of heightened international collaboration in combatting pandemics, particularly when manifesting in equitable access to medications, diagnostics, vaccines, and relevant health technologies at a global scale. Further, in light of the surfacing of new variants, the Council echoed calls by the World Health Organization for increased scientific collaboration and transparency. Specifically, the Council stressed the essential need for easily accessible, affordable Covid-19 vaccines, and expressed concern at its uneven accessibility, specifically in locations mired in conflict. The Council recognized the role of widespread immunization against COVID-19 in restoring public health.
The Council recognized the critical role of efforts made by health workers – particularly female health workers, and all frontline and essential workers. The Council emphasized the need to counter the harmful spread of misinformation on COVID-19 vaccines, as stressed by the World Health Organization.
The Council expressed deep appreciation for UN personnel in UN peacekeeping operations for their efforts in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council called for the strengthening of national and multilateral approaches to international cooperation; for example the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility within the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator, or other initiatives to propel affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
The Council demanded that all parties involved in armed conflicts immediately institute a sustained humanitarian pause to facilitate the safe, efficient distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations. The Council reaffirmed, however, that this humanitarian pause does not apply to military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al Qaeda, or Al Nusra Front. The Council further demanded that all parties to armed conflicts completely comply with their international law obligations, in particular under the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Additional Protocols of 1977 and 2005.
The Council called for COVID-19 national vaccination plans to include with priority those at a higher risk of displaying severe COVID-19 symptoms, and those most vulnerable, such as frontline workers, older people, or displaced people. The Council additionally called for the full funding of the Global Humanitarian Overview 2021. The Council called on member states to promote research and capacity-building initiatives, while enhancing cooperation through increased access to science and new technology.
- Resolution 2566 (March 12, 2021) –
The Security Council condemned the violations of the Political Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic (CAR), also known as “The Peace Agreement.” The Council called upon all stakeholders to respect the Constitutional Court's decision proclaiming the election of President Touadéra. The Council called for “concrete steps from the government of the Central African Republic and all political actors to engage effectively in dialogue,” as well as affirmed the importance of full and equal participation among women and CAR's youth. The Council stressed the urgency to end impunity as well as bring perpetrators of human rights and those who violate international humanitarian law to justice. It noted grave concerns about the humanitarian situation and the consequences that the security situation is having on humanitarian access. Collaboration between international agencies is also welcomed, and member states, as well as international and regional organizations are called upon to respond to the humanitarian crisis. The Council strictly condemned all perpetrators and armed forces who have committed attacks, provocations, and incitements of hatred and violence against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and other international forces. The Council urged CAR authorities to work with MINUSCA to increase the safety and security of MINUSCA's personnel.
The Security Council determined that the situation in the CAR is a continued threat to international peace and security in the region. The Council decided to implement the Secretary-General's recommended increase of 2,750 military and 940 police personnel to enhance MINUSCA's ability to perform its tasks without threat of violence. The Security Council put forth a standard for the Secretary-General to adhere to for decisions regarding the deployment of MINUSCA personnel.
- Resolution 2567 (March 12, 2021) –
The Security Council reiterated its deep concern for the political, security, economic, and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasized that there is no military solution to this situation. The Council condemned the fighting between armed groups that has resulted in the death and displacement of thousands. The Council noted its alarm at the dire humanitarian situation, including high levels of food insecurity and famine, the millions of displaced persons, and the millions more in need of humanitarian assistance. It stressed the urgent need to end impunity in the region and bring to justice all those responsible for grave human rights violations. The Council condemned the continued obstruction of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and other peace-keeping agencies that have resulted in restrictions on freedom of movement, assault of UNMISS personnel, and constraints on mission operations that are meant to monitor human rights conditions in South Sudan. The Council expressed its deep appreciation for the actions taken by UNMISS peacekeepers.
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the UN, the Security Council extended the UNMISS mandate until March 15, 2022. It also authorized UNMISS to use all necessary means to implement its mandate: protection of civilians; creating the conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance; supporting the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement and the Peace Process; monitoring the investigating and reporting on violations of international humanitarian law and violations and human rights abuses. The Council also set forth conditions for the South Sudan Peace Process, which include asking for parties’ cooperation in implementing the Revitalised Agreement and calling on the Government of South Sudan and all relevant actors to take action to fulfill the priority measures of UNMISS's current mandate, as well as to fully comply with the obligations set out for them. The Process also demands for the ceasing of all forms of violence, including armed violence and sexual violence, and proper responses to such instances of violence.
- Resolution 2568 (March 12, 2021) –
The Security Council reiterated the immediate and pressing threat to the stability and security of Somalia, the Somali people, and their neighbors posed by Al Shabaab and armed opposition groups, and condemned, in the strongest terms, their attacks in Somalia and beyond. The Council concluded that military action alone will not overcome the threat posed by Al Shabaab and reiterated the need to pursue a capacity building approach that addresses stabilization, governance challenges, and addresses gaps related to public administration, rule of law, combating organized crime, justice and law enforcement, preventing and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and security and military reform. The Council also expressed concerns at the delays regarding arrangements for the 2021 election and urged the Federal Government of Somalia and its Federal Member States to organize free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections in line with the September 17, 2020, agreement as soon as possible. The Council condemned all violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law in Somalia and called on all parties to comply with their obligations under international human rights law.
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the Council reiterated that Somalia should be responsible for its own security and encouraged the start of the transition process. The transition of authority to Somali authorities is slated to begin in 2021, with the ultimate goal of giving them full responsibility by the end of 2023. The Security Council stressed that Al Shabaab is the most immediate and pressing security threat to Somalia and that military means alone are not enough, and urged all peacekeeping parties to work together to increase non-military activities to address Al-Shabaab's threats. The Council stated that protecting civilians is of the utmost importance and that this responsibility lies with Somali authorities. The Security Council resolution listed a number of the objectives and functions for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), as well as details of UN logistical and financial support.
- Resolution 2569 (March 26, 2021) –
The Security Council determined, with regard to non-proliferation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, that proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and the delivery of these weapons, continue to pose a threat to international peace and security. Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the Council extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts until April 30, 2022. It requested that the Panel of Experts submit a midterm report by September 6, 2021, after a discussion with the Committee, and a final report no later than February 25, 2022. In addition, the Panel of Experts are to provide to the Committee a planned “programme of work” with a deadline of thirty days after the Panel's reappointment. In an objective and impartial matter, the panel must carry out credible, fact-based, independent assessments, analysis, and recommendations in accordance with the Mandate of the Panel of Experts. The Council expressed that it will continue to follow the work of the Panel and urged all states and other parties to cooperate fully with the Committee and Panel of Experts.
- Resolution 2570 (April 16, 2021) –
The Security Council expressed concern over the exploitation of the situation in Libya by terrorist groups, the humanitarian crisis in Libya, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Libya. The Council reiterated its concerns of human trafficking in Libya and recognized the need to protect women from these threats.
Recalling resolution 2213 (2015), the Security Council concluded that the situation in Libya continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security. The Council welcomed the interim Presidency Council and interim Government of National Unity and called on this interim government to make the necessary preparations for free, fair, and inclusive elections on December 24, 2021. The Council called on the interim Government of National Unity to improve their basic services and the equitable management of resources to the Libyan people while protecting human rights and combatting corruption. The Security Council emphasized the need to plan for security sector reform by disarming, demobilizing, and later reintegrating armed groups and relevant non-state armed actors, and stressed that those who are responsible for violations of international and humanitarian law, as well as violations and abuses of international human rights law, be brought to justice.
- Resolution 2572 (April 22, 2021) –
The Security Council reaffirmed its continued support for the work already carried out by the 1540 Committee and its support for the Committee's work to come. Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the Council extended the mandate of the Committee until February 28, 2022, with continued assistance of its group of its experts, and requested that the Secretary-General take all necessary administrative measures to this effect. Further, the 1540 Committee, while continuing the work of its current mandate, shall submit a full report to the Security Council on the conclusion of the review on the status of implementation of resolution 1540 (2004).
