Security Council extends UN-AU operation in Darfur for another year

UN Security Council on Monday decided to extend the mandate of the African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), in western Sudan, for another year, until June 30, 2016.

The mission consists of 15,845 military personnel, 1,583 police personnel and 13 formed police units of up to 140 personnel each, according to a resolution adopted unanimously by the 15-member Council Monday.

In the resolution, the Security Council reiterates its endorsement of UNAMID's revised strategic priorities: civilian protection, facilitating delivery of humanitarian assistance and safety and security of humanitarian personnel; as well as mediation between the Sudanese government and non-signatory armed movements on the basis of Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, and support to the mediation of community conflict, said the resolution.

While welcoming progress made in implementation of some elements of the Doha Document, including the completion of some security arrangements, the council deplores "continuing serious delays" in overall implementation of the accord, according to the resolution.

The council therefore "demands that all parties to the conflict in Darfur, including in particular the non-signatory armed groups, and other groups to immediately cease all acts of violence, and commit themselves to a sustained and permanent ceasefire," the resolution said.

In terms of increasing human rights violations and abuses in Darfur, the council "requests UNAMID to monitor, verify, and draw to the attention of the authorities on abuses and violations of human rights, including those committed against women and children, and violations of international humanitarian law, and further requests enhanced, detailed, full and public reporting by the Secretary-General to the council on this issue."

Established on July 31, 2007, UNAMID has the protection of civilians as its core mandate, but is also tasked with contributing to security for humanitarian assistance, monitoring and verifying implementation of agreements, assisting an inclusive political process, contributing to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law, and monitoring and reporting on the situation along the borders with Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR), according to UNAMID website.