United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2697-2703

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

Resolution 2697 (September 15, 2023) –

In reaffirming Iraq's sovereignty, recalling and condemning ISIL, and welcoming the Iraqi government's efforts to defeat ISIL, the Security Council reaffirmed the establishment of the Investigative Team created by resolution 2379 (2017) and extended the Team's mandate for one year as requested by the government of Iraq. The Council took note of Iraq's request to “promote national accountability in Iraq” for ISIL members and requested a report from the Secretary-General detailing recommendations for implementing that request. The Council asked the Team to work with the Iraqi government to “determine the modalities for evidence sharing with third states” and requested that the Investigative Team provide bi-annual reports and “a roadmap for the completion of the Team's mandate.”

[http://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2697(2023)]

Resolution 2698 (September 29, 2023) –

The Security Council took up the issue of Libyan refugees, having expressed grave concern “at the continued endangerment of lives by the smuggling of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, in particular off the coast of Libya.” The Council emphasized that the rights of migrants must be respected and reaffirmed the need to “promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants….” The Council condemned “all acts of migrant smuggling and human trafficking into, through and from the Libyan territory…,” called on Member States to place migrants' rights and needs at the forefront, and called upon Members to investigate and prosecute those responsible for human trafficking and smuggling. The Security Council requested a report due in eleven months from the Secretary-General on the implementation of this resolution.

[http://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2698(2023)]

Resolution 2699 (October 2, 2023) –

Condemning the increase of violence and criminal activities in Haiti and stressing the need for a safe and secure environment in that country, the Security Council, acting under Article VII of the UN Charter, authorized Member States to form and deploy a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission “in close cooperation and coordination with the Government of Haiti” for a period of twelve months. The MSS will provide support to the Haitian police and will “help ensure unhindered and safe access to humanitarian aid….” The Council called on Member States to contribute to the MSS and authorized participants in the MSS to “take all necessary measures to fulfill its mandate” so long as they adhere to all international law, including adopting “urgent temporary measures” and arresting and detaining suspects. Any participating member is required to inform the Council on concepts of operations, mission goals, financial needs, and rules of engagement. Participating Members were requested to fully respect Haitian sovereignty and ensure the “highest standards of transparency, conduct and discipline” while in Haiti. The Council amended resolution 2653 (2022) to prohibit the sale or transfer of arms to Haiti with exceptions for selling or transferring arms to the UN or UN missions and to the government of Haiti. The Council requested the Secretary-General create a trust fund for “facilitating voluntary contributions to the [MSS]” and authorized the Secretary-General to provide logistical support to the MSS. Finally, the Council requested recommendations from the Secretary-General on adapting the mandate of the MSS, a strategy for mission conclusion from MSS leadership, and emphasized the need for international cooperation and participation from all Haitian stakeholders.

[http://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2699(2023)]

Resolution 2700 (October 19, 2023) –

Addressing the situation in Haiti and acting under Article VII of the UN Charter, the Security Council demanded an immediate end to the “violence, criminal activities, and human rights abuses” gripping the country and urged “all political actors to constructively engage in meaningful negotiations to overcome the current political stalemate.” The Council renewed travel bans and assets freezes implemented by resolutions 2653 (2022) and 2664 (2022), directed expeditious updates of the list of designated individuals and entities, and expressed its intention to further the development of “fair and clear” delisting procedures established by resolution 1730 (2006). The Council reaffirmed for an additional year the existing arms embargoes on Haiti which require Member States to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of small arms, light weapons, and ammunition (with limited exceptions) to the nation. The mandate of the Sanctions Committee established by resolution 2653 (2022) was extended for thirteen months, and the international community was requested to fully cooperate with the Committee. The Council affirmed its intention to “keep the situation in Haiti under continuous review” and to “review the appropriateness of the measures contained in this resolution” according to key progress benchmarks. The Council requested a progress report from the Secretary-General no later than October 1, 2024 and invited the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti to give recommendations for stemming illicit financing and arms trafficking in Haiti.

[http://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2700(2023)]

Resolution 2701 (October 19, 2023) –

The Security Council determined that the situation in Libya “continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security” and acted under Article VII of the UN Charter to extend until February 1, 2025 measures established by resolutions 2146 (2014) that relate to illicit exports of petroleum products from Libya. The Council expressed concern over continued violations of existing arms embargoes and called on all Member States to fully comply with the embargoes and not intervene in the conflict. In terms of travel bans and asset freezes, the Council called on Member States to report on their actions taken to implement those bans and reiterated the necessity of taking preventative measures. Finally, the Council extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts created by resolution 1973 (2011) until February 15, 2025 with two reports on findings and recommendations due on or before June 15, 2024 and December 15, 2024. The Council urges all States and interested parties to fully cooperate with the Panel, and affirmed its intentions to review the appropriateness of the measures in this resolution.

[http://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2701(2023)]

Resolution 2702 (October 30, 2023) –

The Security Council recognized the continued threat to international peace and security that the situation in Libya continued to present and extended the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) until October 31, 2024. The Council reiterated its request of UNSMIL to implement recommendations given in the Independent Strategic Review (S/2021/716) and recalled the LPDF Roadmap, which has not been fulfilled despite its relevance and importance to the peace process in Libya. Regarding political elections, the Council called on Libyan political institutions and stakeholders “to resolve outstanding politically contentious issues” and to engage in negotiations so that elections can take place. The Council expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Libya and emphasized “that there can be no military solution in Libya.” The Council called on all parties to implement the ceasefire agreement of October 23, 2020, and requested the Secretary-General report on the implementation of this resolution every sixty days.

[http://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2702(2023)]

Resolution 2703 (October 30, 2023) –

Regarding the situation in Western Sahara and “having considered the report of the Secretary General of October 2, 2023, the Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until October 31, 2024 and called upon the parties to resume negotiation in good faith to find a “mutually acceptable political solution.” The Council reiterated its calls for all parties to fully cooperate with MINURSO and “for the safe and regular resupply of MINURSO team sites.” Parties and neighboring states were urged to productively engage with MINURSO and the parties were encouraged to cooperate with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The Council urged Member States for new and additional voluntary contributions for funding of food programs to ensure that the needs of refugees are met.

[http://undocs.org/en/S/RES/2703(2023)]