Prior U.N. Action on the Crisis (continued)

Security Council Extends Mandate of UN Special Envoy Chissano

In December 2007 the Security Council extended the mandate of UN Special Envoy for the LRA-affected areas Joaquim Chissano through December 31st, 2008. Chissano's office was also upgraded from a temporary liaison office to a special political mission.

Press Statement by the President of the Security Council

On November 13, 2007, the President of the Security Council issued a press statement on behalf of the Council in which it expressed support for the ongoing Juba peace process and urged continued improvement in humanitarian conditions in northern Uganda. It also reiterated the Council's desire that those responsible for serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law be brought to justice. The press statement, issued after a briefing to the Council by UN Special Envoy Joaquim Chissano, also expressed strong support for his facilitation role in the peace process.

Presidential Statement by the President of the Security Council

On March 22, 2007, the President of the Security Council issued a statement on behalf of the Council in which it stressed its support for a negotiated settlement to the conflict in northern Uganda. The Security Council also commended efforts by the Government of Southern Sudan and others to mediate a peaceful settlement and welcomed the appointment of Joaquim Chissano as the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to the region. In addition to addressing the specifics of the negotiations, the Security Council also urged the international community and Government of Uganda to sustain and improve humanitarian and development support for war-affected communities.

Presidential Statement by the President of the Security Council [pdf]

On November 16, 2006, the President of the Security Council made a statement on behalf of all Council members in which he welcomed efforts to bring an end to the conflict in northern Uganda and stressed the importance of the Government of Uganda and LRA adhering to the conditions of the Cessation of Hostilities agreement. The Security Council also welcomed initiatives by the Government of Uganda, including its Peace, Recovery and Development Plan, to address the long-term needs of the region.

Security Council Resolution 1663

The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1663 on March 24th, 2006. It condemned the attacks of the Lord’s Resistance Army and urged the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) to use its capabilities and mandate to stop such attacks and disarm rebel combatants. It asked the Secretary-General to draft recommendations for the how the Security Council, specifically through UNMIS, could more effectively address the LRA.

Security Council Resolution 1653

The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1653 on January 27th, 2006 after a series of briefings on peace, democracy, and human rights in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. It expressed the Council's "deep concern at the devastating impact of conflict and insecurity on the humanitarian situation throughout the Great Lakes region and their implications for regional peace and security". The resolution further called for the LRA to end its campaign of terror on innocent civilians, and for regional governments to fulfill their responsibility to protect civilians and to cooperate in finding resolution to violent conflict.

Paragraph 139 of the World Summit Outcome Document [pdf]

From 14-16 September 2005, the world's leaders met at the United Nations headquarters in New York to discuss a range of global issues confronting the international community. The World Summit Outcome document was produced as a result of the meeting and it included a section titled, "The responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity."

Paragraph 139 of the document says that the international community has a responsibility, in accordance with Chapter VI and VII of the United Nations Charter, to help protect populations when national authorities are manifestly failing in their responsibility to protect.

The Outcome Document also addresses the need for adequate protection of internally displaced persons and and a commitment to uphold the Rights of the Child.

Security Council Resolution 1612

Adopted in July of 2005, this resolution addresses the role of children in armed conflict. It emphasizes the concern of member states over the continued recruitment of child soldiers and stresses the responsibility of primary Governments to provide relief and protection to all children affected by armed conflicts. It also establishes a working group of the Security Council to investigate more effective ways of protecting children from the effects of military conflict.