UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS 2766-2679

United Nations Security Council Resolutions are available at:

<https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/resolutions-0>

Resolution 2766 The situation in the Middle East (UNDOF) (December 20, 2024) –

On December 20, 2024, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2766, renewing the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) for six months until June 30, 2025. UNDOF monitors the ceasefire between Israel and Syria established by the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.

The Security Council noted that the situation in the Middle East remains tense and expressed concern about ongoing military activities in the area of separation that could escalate tensions between Israel and Syria. The resolution referenced reports from the Secretary-General dated September 24, 2024, and December 2, 2024, which documented weapons fire across the ceasefire line and military activity on the Syrian side of the separation zone.

The Council stated that violence in Syria risks expanding the conflict regionally and expressed alarm about various violations of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement. It noted significant threats to UN personnel from unexploded ordnance, explosive remnants of war, and mines, emphasizing the need for demining operations in compliance with the 1974 agreement.

UNDOF has had to adjust its operations due to security concerns. The force has experienced theft of weapons, ammunition, and vehicles, along with looting and destruction of UN facilities. Groups other than UNDOF have occupied some peacekeeping positions. The mission has made progress toward expanding its presence through patrols and rehabilitation of positions on the Syrian side, with plans for eventual return to full operations based on continuous security assessments.

The resolution calls on both Israel and Syria to respect the terms of the 1974 agreement and maintain the ceasefire. It states that no military forces should operate in the area of separation except UNDOF personnel and specifically calls for an end to military operations by Syrian Armed Forces in the separation zone.

The Council expressed full support for Major General Anita Asmah as Head of Mission and Force Commander. It called for parties to cooperate fully with UNDOF operations, ensure freedom of movement for UN personnel, and provide access to the Quneitra crossing while lifting COVID-19 restrictions when conditions permit.

The resolution emphasizes the need for UNDOF to have appropriate technology and equipment, including counter-improvised explosive device capabilities and sensing systems. The Secretary-General’s proposal for such technologies has been delivered to the parties for approval.

Regarding broader peacekeeping standards, the resolution calls for improved performance assessment systems, increased participation of women in peacekeeping operations, and strict enforcement of the zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. It references previous resolutions requiring objective performance data to guide decisions about personnel deployment and accountability.

The Council reaffirmed its readiness to impose sanctions on individuals and entities supporting ISIS or Al-Nusra Front, including those attacking UNDOF peacekeepers. It called on all parties to the Syrian conflict to cease military actions and respect international humanitarian law.

[https://docs.un.org/en/S/RES/2766(2024)]

Resolution 2767 The situation in Somalia (AUSSOM) (December 27, 2024) –

This UN Security Council Resolution establishes the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to replace the previous African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The resolution authorizes AUSSOM for an initial 12-month period beginning January 1, 2025, with a phased approach.

AUSSOM is mandated to support Somalia’s Federal Government in: (1) degrading Al-Shabaab and ISIL/Da’esh affiliates while prioritizing civilian protection; (2) building capacity of Somali security forces for eventual full responsibility handover; (3) supporting stabilization, state-building, and political processes; and (4) facilitating humanitarian assistance delivery.

There is a strong emphasis on compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law, including: (1) Human Rights Due Diligence Policy implementation; (2) Civilian Casualty Tracking, Analysis, and Response Cell operation; (3) prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse; and (4) regular monitoring and investigation of violations.

The resolution acknowledges Somalia’s progress in assuming security responsibilities, including taking over from 7,000 ATMIS personnel and 24 Forward Operating Bases since 2022. It emphasizes the need for inclusive political agreements between federal and state governments, constitutional review completion, and electoral reforms.

The resolution stresses coordination with regional organizations like IGAD and emphasizes that military action alone cannot resolve Somalia’s security challenges. It calls for holistic approaches addressing governance, development, and socioeconomic factors.

Multiple reporting mechanisms are established, including:

• Strategic review of UNSOS by April 2025

• Progress reports by March and September 2025

• Joint technical assessments to inform future phase authorizations

Civilian protection is prioritized throughout, with specific provisions for women’s participation, child protection, and safe humanitarian access. The resolution condemns Al-Shabaab’s continued terrorist attacks and emphasizes the need for comprehensive counter-terrorism approaches.

[https://www.undocs.org/s/res/2767(2024)]

Resolution 2768 Maintenance of international peace and security (January 15, 2025) –

The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2768 on January 15, 2025, addressing the ongoing situation in Yemen and Red Sea maritime security. The resolution builds upon previous resolutions including 2216 (2015), 2722 (2024), and 2739 (2024).

The Security Council condemns continued Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea region. It emphasizes that maritime security in the Red Sea is essential for global supply chain stability and economic development, while reaffirming respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of coastal Red Sea states. The resolution expresses concern about previous Houthi attacks on oil terminals in government-controlled areas of Yemen, noting their devastating impact on oil exports, Yemen’s economy, humanitarian situation, national currency, and civilian livelihoods.

The resolution extends the reporting requirement from Resolution 2722 (2024) until July 15, 2025, and demands that the Houthis immediately stop all attacks on merchant and commercial vessels and release the M/V Galaxy Leader and its crew. The Security Council notes the use of advanced weaponry in these attacks and reiterates that all UN member states must comply with the targeted arms embargo established in Resolution 2216, specifically demanding that states stop providing arms to the Houthis and prevent them from acquiring weapons and related materials to carry out further attacks.

The resolution urges caution and restraint to prevent further regional escalation and encourages enhanced diplomatic efforts, including continued support for UN-mediated dialogue and Yemen’s peace process. It emphasizes the need to address underlying causes of the attacks, including regional conflicts and tensions that contribute to the disruption of maritime security. The Security Council decides to remain actively engaged with this matter going forward.

[https://docs.un.org/en/S/RES/2768(2025)]

Resolution 2679 The situation in Libya (Libya sanctions) (January 16, 2025) –

The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2769 on January 16, 2025, extending and modifying sanctions measures related to Libya. The resolution reaffirms the Security Council’s commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a Libyan-led political process that enables free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections and formation of a unified government.

The resolution expresses grave concern over continued violations of the arms embargo imposed by Resolution 1970 (2011), noting that the Panel of Experts reported the embargo remains ineffective where member states control logistics flows and supply chains to armed actors in Libya. The Security Council demands full compliance with the arms embargo and calls on all member states not to intervene in the conflict or take measures that exacerbate it.

The resolution modifies the arms embargo to allow technical assistance and training to Libyan security forces intended solely to promote reunification of military and security institutions, as well as temporary introduction of weapons for non-Libyan providers of such assistance. It also permits military aircraft or naval vessels temporarily introduced by other member states solely to deliver humanitarian assistance or defensive materials.

Regarding travel bans and asset freezes, the resolution calls on member states to report on implementation measures and emphasizes that frozen assets should eventually benefit the Libyan people. Notably, it allows the Libyan Investment Authority’s frozen cash reserves to be invested in low-risk time deposits and fixed income instruments under specific conditions and committee approval, while requiring the investments and accrued interests to remain frozen.

The resolution condemns illicit petroleum exports from Libya and extends authorization measures until May 1, 2026. It extends the Panel of Experts’ mandate until May 15, 2026, requiring interim and final reports by September 15, 2025, and March 15, 2026, respectively. The Security Council affirms its readiness to review all measures as needed based on developments in Libya.

[https://docs.un.org/en/S/RES/2769(2025)]