United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2581-2587 United Nations Security Council Resolutions are available at: <https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/resolutions-0>
- Resolution 2581 (June 29, 2021) –
The Council emphasized the validity of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement in relation to the conflict in the Middle Eastern region, especially with how it pertains to the relationship between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic. The ceasefire policy was expected to remain in effect and to be upheld by all relevant parties.
The Council expressed concern over military conduct, which could potentially be disruptive to peace relations, the ceasefire initiative, UN personnel, and residents of the area. Observations made within the report issued by the Secretary General detailed instances of continuous weapon fire within the designated zones that prohibit this activity. The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was given special recognition for its diplomatic efforts and de-escalation tactics. The Council noted the contributing violence in the Syrian Arab Republic would only serve to exacerbate pre-existing tensions in this area, and requested all military conduct outside that of the UNDOF cease in the area of separation.
The Security Council made note of the potential harm directed towards UNDOF personnel and stressed the importance of Syrian forces abiding by international humanitarian legal standards. This included demining operations, which are within the policies outlined in the 1974 Disengagement Forces Agreement.
The Security Council reaffirmed its planned initiative to list all relevant parties who are found to have allocated support and resources to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Al-Qaida, and the Al-Nusra Front. This was also extended to those found to be a threat to UN personnel, such as UNDOF peacekeepers, which may require alterations to the department's placement within the conflict overall. Safety of these peacekeepers was emphasized, and access by the Council and troop-contributing states to reports that detail UNDOF deployment was highlighted.
The Council stressed the importance of UNDOF personnel safety and their ability to carry out planned initiatives and operations without interference from disruptive parties, and that the confiscation of UN resources would not be tolerated. Appreciation was extended to UNDOF military personnel, which included those affiliated with the Observer Group Golan. Observer Group Golan's efforts in the Camp Faouar were appreciated by the Council.
The Council noted that data reports must be collected by the Secretary General, and incentivizing efforts of recognition based on performance data should be issued. The Council recalled how combined UNDOF efforts and the parameters of the 1974 Disengagement Forces Agreement could effectively aid in peace relations based on its own resolutions.
The Council stressed that the 1974 policy should be upheld, UN personnel and forces should be considered separate entities from the conflict and be exempt from targeting, and that liaison efforts be utilized fully and advanced. Numbers of women involved in law and military enforcement were requested to be increased per the recalling of previous resolution 2242 (2015). Additionally, the ceasefire mandate was to be upheld by all parties, UNDOF operations were to be respected and exempt from interference of any kind, and all stolen property was to be returned. COVID-19 restrictions were to be lifted once authorized, and the Quneitra crossing should be useable by UNDOF.
- Resolution 2582 (June 29, 2021) –
The Council reaffirmed its acknowledgement of the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and that of surrounding states and shared its concern about military conduct in the eastern region of the country. This conduct included exploitation of natural resources and civilian human rights abuses, with the Council emphasizing the importance of diplomacy to encourage peace relations. The Peace and Security Framework was referenced and its signatories were called to act on their commitments. Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Council took several measures, including the renewal until July 1, 2022, of measures set forth in resolution 2293 (2016) and the extension until August 1, 2022, of the mandate of the Group of Experts.
The Security Council called for the DRC Government to hold responsible the parties in the case regarding the murder of four Congolese nationals and two Group Expert personnel. Added support from the UN-affiliated Follow-On Mechanism in these investigations was encouraged in accordance with cooperative measures with Congolese authorities.
The Council stressed the importance of weapon storage and ensuring safety measures. The Council noted that these initiatives were not being implemented to disrupt the humanitarian well-being of DRC residents, but that the conflict remains an impediment to international peace relations and security efforts. The Council demanded that all states should abide by international law, especially as it pertains to human rights and refugee liberties.
- Resolution 2583 (June 29, 2021) –
The Security Council extended its condolences regarding the passing of James Richard Crawford, a presiding judge for the International Court of Justice. It acknowledged that his passing has left a vacancy on the Court which must be filled in accordance with the Statute of the Court. The Security Council set November 5, 2021, as the date for the election to fill the vacancy.
- Resolution 2584 (June 29, 2021) –
The Security Council expressed “grave concern about the continued deterioration of the political, security and humanitarian situation in Mali” and emphasized the need for the “full, effective and inclusive implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali.” Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Security Council set forth a number of actions needed in order to implement the Agreement, including the organization of “free and fair presidential, as well as legislative, regional and local elections and a constitutional referendum.”
The Council further enumerated a number of “priority measures” to be undertaken by Malian parties before the end of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated.
Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), such as achieving political transition; reaching an agreement regarding security sector reform; establishing the Territorial Police, and ensuring the “meaningful representation of women in all the activities of the Comité de suivi de l'Accord.
With regard to the situation in Central Mali, the Security Council identified priority measures including combating impunity for human rights and international humanitarian law abuses and disarmament of militias.
The Security Council extended until June 30, 2022, the mandate of MINUSMA and established a number of priority tasks, including supporting the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, supporting the stabilization and restoration of state authority in Central Mali, protecting civilians, promoting and protecting human rights, and providing humanitarian assistance.
The Security Council stressed the importance of coordination and information exchange with other security presences in Mali and the Sahel region, and urged MINUSMA and the Government of Mali to work toward redeployment of the Malian Defense and Security Forces. It also “welcome[d] the increased autonomy of the G5 Sahel Executive Secretariat and of the FC-G5S as steps toward self-sufficiency,” authorized the French forces to assist MINUSMA in the execution of its mandate, and encouraged the European Union's continued efforts to support the Malian authorities in security sector reform.
The Security Council called on Malian authorities “to address the issue of the proliferation and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons” and to cooperate with the UN and other relevant stakeholders in that regard.
- Resolution 2585 (July 9, 2021) –
The Council expressed its continued support of the sovereignty of Syria and encouraged the continued delivery of humanitarian aid without interference. The Council affirmed that the crisis remains an impediment to international humanitarian peace and security, and legal protections must be upheld, in addition to policies established by the UN concerning emergency aid.
The Council expressed its concern for the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in contributing to Syrian hardship within its medical institutions and systems, and recalled the importance of relevant parties to provide aid/relief for those impacted. This included the circulation of vaccines, which were to be distributed indiscriminately. The Council recognized that Syria's crisis extends beyond present obstacles and is multifaceted in the realm of civilian wellbeing and security.
The Council encouraged external humanitarian organizations to become active in their engagement with aiding Syria, and for member states to contribute. Awareness and transparency regarding the humanitarian operations taking place was affirmed.
- Resolution 2586 (July 14, 2021) –
The Security Council recognized the cumulative building of conflict caused by both the armed forces and COVID-19 pandemic in Yemen, and requested a ceasefire. The Council reaffirmed its support of the sovereignty of the state of Yemen its “commitment to stand by the people of Yemen.”
The Security Council reaffirmed the Hodeidah Agreement and requested that all relevant parties remain resolute in their cooperative operations. The Council re-emphasized the importance of collaboration between UN-affiliated institutions, such as the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) and other external parties such as the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC), especially with how it pertains to the Hodeidah Agreement.
The Council extended until July 2022 the UNMHA policy, and set forth a mandate for UNMHA which includes monitoring ceasefire efforts, local security within the city and surrounding ports (in accordance with Yemeni legal regulations), and implementing liaison efforts to ensure the Hodeidah Agreement is maintained.
The Security Council supported the chain of command that will be tasked with overseeing this operation and all associated parties, such as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY), the RCC, the UNMHA, the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator and the UN Country Team in Yemen, UNMHA and the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM). All operations were requested to be left to the jurisdiction of these parties, with the Council demanding that UNMHA personnel carry out their tasks without interference.
The Council requested that member states provide support for the UN on this matter, especially those that reside near the region.
The Secretary General was requested to issue reports and updates regarding the UNMHA and details pertaining to the enacted policy, with a final report to be shared one month before the expiration of the policy.
- Resolution 2587 (July 29, 2021) –
The Security Council welcomed developments regarding the UN operation in Cyprus, but underscored “that the responsibility for finding a solution lies first and foremost with the Cypriots themselves.” However, it stressed “that the status quo is unsustainable,” noting the statement by the Security Council President condemning the July 20, 2021 announcement by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders regarding the issue of Varosha.
The Security Council reaffirmed all of its relevant resolutions on Cyprus and noted its full support of the Secretary-General's efforts to hold further informal talks in the near future. It called on the leaders of the two Cypriot communities to engage in a number of actions, including enhanced cooperation and support for the work of the Technical Committees; effective coordination and cooperation on criminal matters; and increasing their support for civil society organizations.
The Council expressed “serious concern at the continued violations of the military status quo along the ceasefire lines” and encroachment by both sides into the Buffer Zone. It therefore urged the sides and all parties to respect the authority of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) with regard to the Buffer Zone. In view of the foregoing, the Security Council extended until January 31, 2022, the mandate of UNFICYP.
