United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2506–2518

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

Resolution 2506 (January 30, 2020) –

The Security Council addressed the situation in Cyprus, reiterating the supportive role that the United Nations can play in helping to resolve the conflict, should the political will to continue begin negotiations again be established. The Council expressed “deep concern at the further escalation and increased tensions in the eastern Mediterranean over hydrocarbons exploration.” The Council welcomed the November 25, 2019, meeting of the leaders of the two Cypriot communities with the Secretary-General “at which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality,” as well as efforts to develop “terms of reference to serve as a consensus starting point for phased, meaningful, and results-oriented negotiations.” The Council called for the creation of “an effective mechanism for direct military contacts between the sides and the relevant involved parties” and urged the U.N. Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) to assist in this endeavor. The mandate of the UNFICYP was extended until July 31, 2020.

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2506(2020)]

Resolution 2507 (January 31, 2020) –

The Security Council welcomed efforts to reform the security sector made by Central African Republic (CAR) authorities and their partners. However, the Council determined “that the situation in the CAR continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region.” Therefore, acting under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, the Council extended, until July 31, 2020, the obligation of all member states to take necessary measures to prevent the “supply, sale, or transfer to the CAR” of “arms and related material of all types” (with exceptions for items such as supplies for use by the U.N. Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. The Council also renewed a number of measures established in previous resolutions and extended August 31, 2020, the mandate of the Panel of Experts on the CAR.

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2507(2020)]

Resolution 2508 (February 11, 2020) –

The Security Council, after having reviewed the final report of the Sudan Panel of Experts, determined “that the situation in Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region.” The Council therefore decided to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts until March 12, 2021. The Council expressed its “intention to regularly review the measures on Darfur . . . in light of the evolving situation on the ground” and “to establish clear, well identified, and measurable key benchmarks that could serve in guiding the Security Council to review measures on the Government of Sudan.”

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2508(2020)]

Resolution 2509 (February 11, 2020) –

The Security Council reaffirmed “its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya,” but determined “that the situation in Libya continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security.” Acting under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, the Council took a number of actions. First, the Council condemned attempts to unlawfully export petroleum and refined petroleum products from Libya and extended until April 30, 2021, the authorizations and measures provided in resolution 2146 (2014) concerning inspection of U.N.-designated sea vessels. The Council requested that the Government of National Accord confirm the existence of its sole and effective oversight of its financial institutions, in particular, the National Oil Corporation, the Central Bank of Libya, and the Libyan Investment Authority. The Council called upon the member states and the Government of National Accord to fully comply with the requirements of the arms embargo, including improved implementation of the embargo by the Government of National Accord. The Council further called upon the member states to report on implementation activities linked to travel bans and asset freezing of designated persons and to take all measures necessary to implement such bans. The Council reiterated its intention to make assets frozen under the U.N. framework to later be “made available to and for the benefit of the Libyan people.” Finally, the Council extended until May 15, 2021, the mandate of the Panel of Experts.

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2509(2020)]

Resolution 2510 (February 12, 2020) –

The Security Council welcomed the Berlin Conference of January 19, 2020, and endorsed its conclusions. The Council recalled the commitment of those at the Conference “to refrain from interference in the armed conflict or in the internal affairs of Libya” and the call of those participants on other international actors to refrain as well. The Council expressed “grave concern over the exploitation of the conflict by terrorist and violent groups” and emphasized “the vital importance of making progress towards a political solution to end the conflict” in Libya. The Security Council called upon the Secretary-General to take forward tasks assigned to the U.N. Support Mission in Libya as delineated in the operationalization paper contained in S/2020/63, a letter dated January 22, 2020, from the Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council, which also includes the conference report. The Council welcomed the nomination of new members to the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and called for its meetings to continue with full participation in order to “agree a permanent ceasefire including the terms of reference for a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, the separation of forces, confidence building measures and the establishment of associated working groups supported by the U.N.” The Council also recalled that the commitment of the participants at the Berlin Conference to continue to abide by and fully comply with the arms embargo imposed by resolution 1970 (2011) and subsequent modifying resolutions.

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2510(2020)]

Resolution 2511 (February 26, 2020) –

The Security Council determined “that the situation in Yemen continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security.” Acting under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, the Council renewed until February 26, 2021, renewed and reaffirmed a number of measures imposed by resolutions 2140 (2014), 2140 (2015), and 2216 (2015) concerning, inter alia, asset freezing, travel bans, and arms embargoes. The Council further reaffirmed prior designation criteria set forth in resolutions 2140 (2014) and 2216 (2015) and affirmed “that sexual violence in armed conflict, or the recruitment or use of children in armed conflict in violation of international law, could constitute an act” that is sanctionable under paragraphs 17 and 18(c) of resolution 2140 (2014). The Council also extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts until March 28, 2021, and imposed new reporting deadlines on the Panel. The Council urged all parties, including international, regional, and subregional organizations to cooperate with the Panel and to ensure their safety and access to persons, documents, and sites.

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2511(2020)]

Resolution 2512 (February 28, 2020) –

The Security Council extended the mandate of the U.N. Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) until December 31, 2020. The Council recommended that UNIOGBIS focus on Phase II (post-electoral) and Phase III (transition) activities, including assisting in achieving the goal of a “peaceful, stable and democratic” resolution of the electoral dispute; working with Bissau-Guinean national authorities to implement the reform agenda; and continuing the implementation of its transitional plan, which consists of transferring its tasks to other actors, such as the U.N. Office for West Africa and the Sahel. The Security Council also outlined a number of priorities for UNIOGBIS, including full implementation of the Conakry Agreement and the ECOWAS Six-Point Roadmap. The Council also asks UNIOGBIS to “assist, coordinate and lead international efforts” in a number of areas, including the strengthening of democratic institutions; promoting and protecting human rights; and providing support to combat drug trafficking. The Security Council also expressed “concern at the political situation in Guinea-Bissau” and called upon the Government of Guinea-Bissau to implement reforms under the Conakry Agreement and the ECOWAS Six-Point Roadmap. The Council also noted it support of “efforts by the Government of Guinea-Bissau to ensure effective civilian control and oversight of the Bissau-Guinean defence and security forces.” With regard to drugs trafficking and organized crime, the Security Council reiterated its “call on the Bissau-Guinean authorities to implement and review national legislations and mechanisms to combat transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and money-laundering, which threaten security and stability in Guinea-Bissau and in the sub-region.” The Council also addressed the human rights situation, urging “the Bissau-Guinean authorities to take all necessary measures to promote and protect human rights, end impunity, ensure due process, including through the protection of witnesses, and conduct transparent, independent and credible investigations into human rights violations and abuses.”

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2512(2020)]

Resolution 2513 (March 10, 2020) –

The Security Council welcomed the Joint Declaration between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the United States of America for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan and the Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between the United States of America and the Taliban, both from 2020, as means of “ending war an opening the door to intra-Afghan negotiations.” The Council also welcomed “intention of all Afghan parties to pursue the successful negotiation of an inclusive political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, taking into account the Joint Declaration and Agreement,” emphasizing, in particular, the importance of the “meaningful participation” of all parties, including women and children, in the political settlement process. The Council urged the Government of the Republic of Afghanistan to actively advance the peace process and to establish and “diverse and inclusive negotiating team.” It called upon the Government of the Republic of Afghanistan to engage in additional “confidence building measures,” including “additional reductions in violence . . . agreement on a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, as well as release of prisoners.” The Security Council also noted its readiness to review “the status of designations of individuals, groups, undertakings and entities on the List established and maintained pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011)” once the intra-Afghan negotiations begin.

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2513(2020)]

Resolution 2514 (March 12, 2020) –

Citing a number of continued concerns, the Security Council determined “that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region.” Therefore, acting under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, the Security Council demanded an end to fighting in South Sudan and the implementation of the ceasefires called for in previous agreements, as well as compliance by the Government of South Sudan with obligations set forth in the status of forces agreement between it and the U.N. The Council also called for the immediate termination of the obstruction of the U.N. Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) ability to perform its mandate, which the Council extended to March 15, 2021. The Council gave UNMISS the authority to “use all necessary means” to perform a number of tasks relating to the protection of civilians, the creation of conditions to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, support to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and the peace process, and monitoring and investigating human rights. The Council also tasked UNMISS with performing actions intended to provide “a secure environment in and around Juba and in other parts of South Sudan as necessary,” including strengthening its “presence and active patrolling in areas of high risk of conflict, or where there are emerging protection risks or threats such as high rates of sexual and gender-based violence.”

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2514(2020)]

Resolution 2515 (March 30, 2020) –

The Security Council determined that “proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security” in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Therefore, acting under Chapter 41 of the U.N. Charter, the Council extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts which was established in resolution 1874 (2009) until April 30, 2021. The Council asked that the Panel of Experts produce an midterm report to the Council by September 4, 2020, and a final report by March 5, 2021. The Council asked that all states, UN bodies, and other interested parties, to cooperate with the Panel of Experts as far as possible.

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2515(2020)]

Resolution 2516 (March 30, 2020) –

The Security Council recognized the important role of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) “in supporting the Federal Government of Somalia and its Federal Member States through the provision of strategic advice and good offices, capacity building and the coordination of international partners’ support.” The Council therefore decided to extend the mandate of UNSOM until June 30, 2020.

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2516(2020)]

Resolution 2517 (March 30, 2020) –

The Security Council reaffirmed its “commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan” and determined that the situation there poses a “threat to international peace and security.” Acting under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, the Council decided that the African Union-United Nations Mission Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) should retain its current troop and police ceilings, and its team sites, until May 31, 2020. The Council intends to make decisions regarding drawdown and exit of UNAMID by that date.

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2517(2020)]

Resolution 2518 (March 30, 2020) –

The Security Council emphasized the important role that peacekeeping plays in U.N. “promotion and maintenance of international peace and security,” but expressed “grave concern” about continued threats to and targeted attacks on U.N. peacekeepers and their missions and violations of status-of-forces agreements. The Council therefore requested that states hosting peacekeepers and missions “fulfil their obligations to facilitate access and freedom of movement for United Nations peacekeepers and their equipment” and called on such states promptly investigate and effectively prosecute those responsible for attacks on United Nations personnel.” The Council further “underscore[d] the importance of ensuring that peacekeeping missions evolve their capacities and systems to remain agile and effective in implementing their mandates” and requested that peacekeeping operations elevate their engagement and communication with host state governments, local authorities, and the population. The Council also requested that the Secretary-General review and harmonize U.N. training and performance standards to improve the safety and security of peacekeepers.

[https://undocs.org/S/RES/2518(2020)]