United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2555-2560 United Nations Security Council Resolutions are available at: <https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/resolutions-0>

Resolution 2555 (December 18, 2020) –

In light of persistent tensions in the Middle East, and in response to reports issued by the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), the Security Council stressed adherence to the 1974 Disengagement of Forced Agreement by both Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic. Further, in response to the Secretary-General's findings of weapons fire across the ceasefire line and continued military activity, the Security Council underscored that no military forces, equipment, or personnel should be present in the area of separation, apart from those of UNDOF.

The Security Council called upon all parties to the Syrian domestic conflict to halt military actions throughout the country and to respect international humanitarian law. Additionally, the Council reaffirmed its willingness to consider listing individuals and groups actively supporting the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) or the Al-Nusra Front.

The Security Council called upon concerned parties to immediately implement resolution 338 (1973), which calls for a ceasefire effect within 12 hours after its issue. Additionally, the Council encouraged concerned parties to address issues of mutual concern through the UNDOF's liaison function, in order to prevent any escalation across the ceasefire line. The Council called upon all parties to fully cooperate with UNDOF operations and ensure its freedom of movement. The Secretary-General was urged to report any actions that could potentially impede the UNDOF's ability to fulfill its mandate to the Security Council and troop-contributing countries.

The Council called upon parties to lift COVID-19-related restrictions as soon as sanitary conditions permit, in order to enable UNDOF to make strides towards effective and efficient mandate implementation on the Bravo side. UNDOF was further requested to take appropriate steps in protecting the safety and health of all its personnel, in accordance with resolution 2518 (2020), in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Security Council underscored the importance of UNDOF having all necessary means and resources at its disposal to safely execute its mandate. The Council underscored the importance of advancement in deploying appropriate technology in efforts to ensure the security of UNDOF personnel and equipment. The Council notes that the Secretary-General's proposal for deploying technology including counter-improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and sense and warn systems has been delivered to the parties and is pending approval. The Council recalled its requests in resolution 2378 (2017) and 2436 (2018) for the Secretary-General to ensure the use of relevant performance data tied to the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. Further, the Council reaffirmed the importance of developing a clear and comprehensive performance policy framework for evaluating personnel supporting peacekeeping operations.

In light of resolution 2242 (2015), the Security Council request the Secretary-General take steps to increase the presence of women in UNDOF, and further, to ensure the full and equal participation of civilian women at all levels. The Council requested the implementation of relevant provisions of resolution 2538 (2020). Additionally, the Council requested the Secretary-General take extensive measures to ensure the complete compliance of UNDOF personnel with the UN zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. Police-contributing countries were also urged to take preventive action, including the vetting of all personnel and thorough investigation of all allegations. The Council stressed the need to improve how allegations are addressed in accordance with resolution 2272 (2016).

The Security Council decided to renew the UNDOF mandate for six months, until June 30, 2021, and requested the Secretary-General to report on relevant developments every 90 days.

[http://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2555(2020)]

Resolution 2556 (December 18, 2020) –

The Security Council determined that the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to form a threat to international peace and stability in the region. In light of this persistent volatility, the Council encouraged efforts by the UN Secretary General, the African Union (AU), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), among other international parties, to restore peace and security in the DRC. The Council acted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

The Security Council expressed significant concern over the humanitarian crisis that has left 25.6 million Congolese seeking humanitarian aid and 5.2 million individuals within the DRC internally displaced, recalling resolutions 2439 (2018) and 2286 (2016) that encompass protection of humanitarian and medical personnel. The Council recalled resolution 2532 (2020), which demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities, to enable the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those displaced.

The Security Council further welcomed efforts undertaken by the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) to deliver Congolese security institutions comprehensive human rights training—encompassing issues of gender mainstreaming, child protection, and gender-based violence. The Council requested the Secretary-General institute a zero-tolerance policy on serious misconduct, trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse, among other offenses. Additionally, the Council encouraged the government to continue its psychological and medical support of assault survivors.

With regard to the political situation, the Security Council urged the DRC Government's prioritization of the Congolese general public over any partisan aims. The Council welcomed President Tshisekedi's efforts towards achieving reconciliation and peace in the DRC and noted that elevated state presence in areas of conflict is vital for the consolidation of the current political transition. The Council called upon DRC authorities to work in conjunction with MONUSCO to strengthen the capacity of these state institutions.

The Security Council called upon the DRC Government to uphold President Tshisekedi's commitments to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in all areas. The Council urged the DRC Government to consistently hold those responsible for humanitarian violations accountable and emphasized the importance of cooperation with the International Criminal Court and African Court of Human and People's Rights. The Council called upon the DRC Government to enable the Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC's (UNJHRO) full access to all premises required for documenting human rights violations.

The Security Council reiterated its strong condemnation of numerous violations by armed groups of international humanitarian law, emphasized that those responsible must be held accountable and demanded that all armed groups immediately halt all forms of violence and cease their illegal exploitation of natural resources. It called on ICGLR member states and regional economic communities to promote the transparent and lawful management of natural resources and jointly combat their illegal exploitation and urged the DRC Government to pursue a community-based, national Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) approach to armed groups. The Security Council requested MONUSCO oversee the implementation the arms embargo described in resolution 2293 (2016) and report on any notable flow of military personnel or arms across the DRC's eastern border.

[http://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2556(2020)]

Resolution 2557 (December 18, 2020) –

The Security Council stressed its grave concern about persistent patterns of violence and terrorism within Afghanistan and the threat it continues to pose to international peace.

Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Security Council reemphasized the role of the Committee established in resolution 1998 (2011) and established that states should take measures with respect to individuals associated with the Taliban as outlined by the Committee. The Council tasked the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, established in resolution 1526 (2004), to provide full support to the Committee and report on any occasions of non-compliance with measures outlined in resolution 2255 (2015) regarding illicit activities and terrorism in Afghanistan.

The Security Council enlisted the Monitoring Team—operating under the guidance of the Committee—to submit annual independent reports on the adherence of member states to measures outlined in previous resolutions. The Council advised the Monitoring Team to consistently report to the committee on the nature of the threat posed by any entities associated with the Taliban and maintain an active dialogue with relevant academic bodies and experts. The Council additionally designated the Monitoring Team to identify individuals who could be added or removed from the Sanction List established in resolution 1988 (2011).

The Security Council further enlisted the Monitoring Team to engage in consistent dialogue with UN agencies such as the United nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and regularly consult with member states regarding their annual reports. The Council requested the Monitoring Team maintain frequent communication with the ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee established in resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) and advised close cooperation between the Monitoring Team and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to combat persistent patterns of illicit drug trafficking.

The Security Council established that the Monitoring Team should consult with relevant to assist with the implementation of asset freezing, as outlined in FATF Recommendation 6, and raise awareness on imposed sanctions. The Council further tasked the Monitoring Team to consult with private sector representatives and international organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA), among others, with regard to the practical implementation of travel bans.

[https://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2557(2020)]

Resolution 2558 (December 21, 2020) –

The Security Council expressed its grave concern with regard to the devastating global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the urgency of resolution 2532 (2020), pertaining to the maintenance of international peace, and its full implementation. Further, the Council acknowledged that, in light of obstacles that could potentially be posed toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, efforts to integrate and sustain peacebuilding remain imperative.

The Security Council welcomed progress made by member states in implementing relevant resolutions on peacebuilding and sustaining peace, particularly lauding efforts at the field level through peacekeeping operations, political missions, and UN country teams. The Council likewise welcomed the efforts of the Peacebuilding Commission and called for the continuation of their advisory and convening roles in support of nationally-owned priorities in relevant countries.

The Security Council acknowledged the challenges posed by peacebuilding financing and thus took note of the General Assembly's decision to convene a meeting in the seventy-sixth session centering on the consideration of various approaches to guaranteeing sustained financing. The Council lastly called for a comprehensive review of UN peacebuilding efforts in 2025 and requested the Secretary-General present detailed interim reports on progress to the General Assembly and Council in 2022 and 2024.

[https://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2558(2020)]

Resolution 2559 (December 22, 2020) –

The Security Council reaffirmed the primary responsibility of the Government of Sudan to protect its civilians and stressed its enduring commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan. The Council thus welcomed the October 3, 2020, signing of the Juba Peace Agreement by the Government of Sudan, commended all parties for their political commitment, and encouraged the swift implementation of the agreement's key provisions, specifically regarding security arrangements. The Council urged armed movements currently stationing troops in Libya to immediately withdraw.

The Security Council decided to terminate the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation (UNAMID) in Darfur as of December 31, 2020, taking note of the recommendation issued through the Special Report of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and UN Secretary-General. The Council requested that the Secretary-General commence drawdown of UNAMID personnel on January 1, 2021, and achieve full withdrawal by June 30, 2021. The Council expressed its deep gratitude for UNAMID's work in Sudan and its crucial role in maintaining peace and security in Darfur.

The Security Council urged the Government of Sudan to oversee the swift implementation of the National Plan for Civilian Protection and further requested the Government of Sudan to adhere to provisions of the 2008 Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) until the completion of UNAMID's full withdrawal. The Council called upon the Government of Sudan to grant full UN access to UNAMID premises until an agreed handover to help ensure UNAMID personnel's continued freedom of movement.

The Security Council emphasized the importance of a smooth transition from efforts centered on peacekeeping to those focused on peacebuilding and special political missions in Darfur and consequentially underscored the need for close cooperation between UNAMID and the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS). The Council requested the Secretary-General expedite transition planning to provide for a phased and efficient transition between UNAMID and UNITAMS. Further, the Council restated its request that UNAMID oversee the safe hand-over of team sites consistent with general UN practices and financial regulations. The Security Council called upon the Government of Sudan to efficiently conclude its active investigations into the looting of UNAMID team sites and continue to hold accountable responsible individuals.

[http://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2559(2020)]

Resolution 2560 (December 29, 2020) –

The Security Council expressed grave concern regarding the expanding global presence of ISIL and Al-Qaida affiliates. It emphasized the crucial role of sanctions under the UN Charter in maintaining international peace and security, particularly in combatting terrorism. The Council further stressed the importance of the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee in determining potential cases of non-compliance with measures outlined in resolution 2368 (2017).

The Security Council encouraged member states to more actively submit requests of any entities that qualify under paragraph 2 of resolution 2368 (2017), in order to ensure the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List remain consistently up to date. The Council additionally requested the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team to intently review the basic and extraordinary exemptions procedures outlined in this resolution and comprehensively report to the Committee in nine months, making recommendations on whether updates to these exemptions prove necessary.

[http://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2560(2020)]