               United Nations                                                                   S/RES/2539 (2020)
               Security Council                                                 Distr.: General
                                                                                28 August 2020

               Resolution 2539 (2020)
               Adopted by the Security Council on 28 August 2020

                    The Security Council,
                     Recalling all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, in particular resolutions 425
               (1978), 426 (1978), 1559 (2004), 1680 (2006), 1701 (2006), 1773 (2007), 1832
               (2008), 1884 (2009), 1937 (2010) and 2004 (2011), 2064 (2012), 2115 (2013), 2172
               (2014) and 2236 (2015), 2305 (2016), 2373 (2017), 2433 (2018) and 2485 (2019) as
               well as the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon and the Press
               statements dated 19 December 2016, 27 March 2018, 9 August 2018, 8 February
               2019,
                    Expressing its solidarity with Lebanon and its people in the aftermath of the
               explosions which struck Beirut on 4 August 2020, causing a significant number of
               casualties and wounding thousands of people, including some UNIFIL personnel, and
               causing severe damages to commercial and residential infrastructures as well as to
               UNIFIL capacities, and welcoming the International Conference on Assistance and
               Support to Lebanon and Beirut, organized on the 9 August 2020 by France and the
               United Nations, further calling the international community to reinforce its support
               to Lebanon and its people in that context,
                    Calling for the swift formation of a new Government which can respond to the
               needs and aspirations of the Lebanese population and the current main challenges
               Lebanon is facing, in particular the reconstruction of Beirut and the reforms,
               absolutely necessary to overcome and recover from the current and unprecedented
               acute social and economic crisis,
                     Taking due note of the approval, by the Government of Lebanon, of an economic
               plan as well as of its decision to request an IMF program, stressing the urgent need
               for the Lebanese authorities to respond to the aspirations of the Lebanese people by
               implementing meaningful economic reforms, and notably the commitments made in
               the framework of the CEDRE conference as well as at the International Support Group
               for Lebanon meeting held in Paris on the 11 December 2019 and reiterating, on the
               basis of those necessary reforms, support to Lebanon to help it exit the current c risis
               and to address the economic, security, humanitarian challenges, as well as the impact
               of COVID-19 facing the country, and called upon the international community,
               including international organizations, to do so,
                     Commending UNIFIL for the preventive measures taken to fight the COVID-19
               pandemic and recalling resolution 2532 and its request to the Secretary-General to
               instruct peace-keeping operations to provide support, within their mandates and

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               capacities, to host country authorities in their efforts to contain the pandemic, in
               particular to facilitate humanitarian access, including to internally displaced persons
               and refugee camps and allow for medical evacuations, as well as its request to the
               Secretary-General and Member States to take all appropriate steps to protect the
               safety, security and health of all UN personnel in UN peace operations, while
               maintaining the continuity of operations, and to take further steps towards the
               provision of training for peacekeeping personnel on issues related to pre venting the
               spread of COVID-19,
                     Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon to extend the mandate
               of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for a period of one year
               without amendment presented in a letter from the Lebanese Foreign Minister to the
               Secretary-General of 2 June 2020 and welcoming the letter from the Secretary -
               General to its President of 29 July 2020 (S/2020/760) recommending this extension,
                     Reiterating its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and
               political independence of Lebanon,
                     Reaffirming its commitment to the full implementation of all provisions of
               resolution 1701 (2006), and aware of its responsibilities to help secure a permanent
               ceasefire and a long-term solution as envisioned in the resolution,
                     Expressing deep concern at the continued lack of progress made towards the
               establishment of a permanent ceasefire and other key provisions of r esolution 1701
               (2006) fourteen years after its adoption,
                    Calling upon all concerned parties to strengthen their efforts, including by
               exploring concrete solutions with the Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General
               and the UNIFIL Force Commander, to fully implement all provisions of resolution
               1701 (2006) without delay,
                    Expressing deep concern at all violations, both by air and ground, in connection
               with resolution 1701 (2006) as underlined by the Secretary-General in his reports,
               and recalling the importance of control of the Government of Lebanon over all
               Lebanese territory,
                    Underlining the risk that violations of the cessation of hostilities could lead to
               a new conflict that none of the parties or the region can afford,
                     Urging all parties to make every effort to ensure that the cessation of hostilities
               is sustained, exercise maximum calm and restraint and refrain from any action or
               rhetoric that could jeopardize the cessation of hostilities or destabilize the region,
                     Condemning the incidents of August-September 2019 and of the 14 April 2020
               of 17 April 2020, and of 27 July 2020 which occurred across the Blue line, calling on
               the parties to resort to the Tripartite Mechanism when such incidents occur, and
               further commending the liaison and prevention role played by UNIFIL allowing for
               de-escalation,
                    Emphasizing to all parties the importance of full compliance with the
               prohibition on sales and supply of arms and related materiel established by resolution
               1701 (2006),
                      Recalling the utmost importance that all parties concerned respect the Blue Line
               in its entirety, noting with great and increasing concern that UNIFIL still has not been
               able to access all relevant locations north of the Blue Line related to the discovery of
               tunnels crossing the Blue Line which UNIFIL reported as a violation of resolution
               1701 (2006), and urging the Lebanese authorities to urgently conclude all necessary
               investigations on the matter, in line with resolution 1701 (2006),

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                Welcoming the continued progress in the marking of the Blue Line, and
           encouraging the parties to accelerate their efforts in coordination with UNIFIL,
           including through the tripartite mechanism, to continue working in the ongoing
           process to delineate and visibly mark the Blue Line in its entirety, as well as to move
           forward on the marking of its points of contention, as recommended by the Strategic
           Review,
                 Condemning in the strongest terms all attempts to threaten the security and
           stability of Lebanon,
                 Reaffirming its determination to ensure that no such acts of intimidation prevent
           UNIFIL from implementing its mandate in accordance with Security Council
           resolution 1701 (2006), recalling the necessity for all parties to ensure that UNIFIL
           personnel are secure and their freedom of movement is fully respected and unimpeded
           and continues to respect the separate, supporting mandate under which Observer
           Group Lebanon operates, condemning in the strongest terms all attacks against
           peacekeepers, including the attacks against UNIFIL forces on 4 August 201 8 near the
           town of Majdal Zun, on 25 May 2020 in the town of Belida Southern Lebanon, and
           on the 10 February 2020, in Brashit,
                 Urging the Lebanese authorities to swiftly provide UNIFIL with further updates
           and finalise investigations on this matter,
                Reiterating the importance of the extension of the control of the Government of
           Lebanon over all Lebanese territory in accordance with the provisions of resolution
           1559 (2004) and resolution 1680 (2006), and of the relevant provisions of the Taif
           Accords,
                 Encouraging all Lebanese parties to resume discussions towards a consensus on
           a National Defence Strategy as set out by the President of Lebanon a nd the Lebanese
           Defense Minister on 29 April 2019, in accordance with relevant Security Council
           resolutions and the Taif Agreement,
                  Welcoming Lebanon’s first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security,
           and encouraging the Government of Lebanon to fully implement it, with the support
           of UNIFIL and women’s civil society groups, as soon as possible and to ensure the
           full, effective, and meaningful participation of women at all levels of decision -making
           in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security,
                Recalling the importance of ensuring the protection of children and taking
           appropriate measures in this regard, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions
           on Children and armed conflict,
                Recalling the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of
           United Nations and Associated Personnel,
                Commending the active role and dedication of the personnel of UNIFIL and
           expressing its strong appreciation to Member States that contribute to UNIFIL and
           underlining the necessity that UNIFIL has at its disposal all necessary means and
           equipment to carry out its mandate,
                 Recalling the request from the Government of Lebanon to deploy an
           international force to assist it to exercise its authority throughout the territory, and
           reaffirming UNIFIL’s authority to take all necessary action in areas of operations of
           its forces and as it deems within its capabilities, to ensure that its area of operations
           is not utilized for hostile activities of any kind and to resist attempts by fo rceful means
           to prevent it from discharging its mandate,
                Welcoming the crucial role played by the Lebanese Armed Forces and security
           forces, as the only legitimate armed forces in Lebanon, in extending and sustaining

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               the authority of the Government of Lebanon, in particular in southern Lebanon, and
               responding to other security challenges, including the threat of terrorism, and the
               strong international commitment to support the Lebanese Armed Forces, which has
               helped strengthen the capability of the Lebanese Armed Forces to provide security
               for Lebanon, urging further international support to the Lebanese Armed Forces in
               the context of the current economic crisis, and further noting the relevance of this
               increased capacity in relation to their efforts to coo rdinate with UNIFIL in the
               implementation of the UNIFIL mandate,
                     Recalling resolution 2378 (2017) and its request of the Secretary-General to
               ensure that data related to the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, including
               peacekeeping performance data, is used to improve analytics and the evaluation of
               mission operations, based on clear and well identified benchmarks, further recalling
               resolution 2436 (2018) and its request of the Secretary-General to ensure that
               decisions to recognize and incentivize outstanding performance and decisions
               regarding deployment, remediation, training, withholding of financial
               reimbursement, and repatriation of uniformed or dismissal of civilian personnel, are
               predicated on objective performance data, and emphasizing the need to regularly
               evaluate UNIFIL’s performance such that the mission retains the skills and flexibility
               needed to effectively carry out its mandate,
                     Also recalling resolution 2242 (2015) and its request of the Secretary-General
               to initiate, in collaboration with Member States, a revised strategy, within existing
               resources, to double the number of women in military and police contingents of UN
               peacekeeping operations,
                     Emphasizing the need to regularly review all peacekeeping operations to ensure
               efficiency and effectiveness, including reviews of UNIFIL when appropriate, taking
               into account developments on the ground,
                     Bearing in mind the strategic priorities and recommendations identified by the
               Secretary-General in his letter of 12 March 2012 (S/2012/151) as a result of the
               Strategic Review of UNIFIL, taking note of his letter of 8 March 2017 (S/2017/202)
               as a result of the most recent Strategic Review of UNIFIL, and expressing the need
               for a follow-up and update,
                     Welcoming the Secretary-General’s 1 June 2020 Assessment of UNIFIL and
               noting with appreciation the recommendations to further increase the efficiency and
               effectiveness of UNIFIL,
                    Calling upon Member States to assist the Lebanese Armed Forces as needed to
               enable it to perform its duties in line with resolution 1701 (2006),
                     Determining that the situation in Lebanon continues to constitute a threat to
               international peace and security,
                    1.    Decides to extend the present mandate of UNIFIL until 31 August 2021;
                     2.   Commends the positive role of UNIFIL, whose deployment together with
               the Lebanese Armed Forces has helped to establish a new strategic environment in
               southern Lebanon, welcomes the expansion of coordinated activities between UNIFIL
               and the Lebanese Armed Forces, and calls for further enhancement of this cooperation
               without prejudice to UNIFIL’s mandate;
                    3.     Affirms its strong continuing commitment to the existing UNIFIL mandate
               and calls for the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006);
                     4.    Reiterates its call for Israel and Lebanon to support a permanent ceasefire
               and a long-term solution based on the principles and elements set out in paragraph 8
               of resolution 1701 (2006);

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                 5.   Strongly reaffirms the necessity of an effective and durable deployment of
           the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon and the territorial waters of Lebanon
           at an accelerated pace to fully implement the provisions of resolution 1701 (2006)
           and requests the Secretary-General to include in his future reports assessments of
           progress made in this regard and calls for renewed engagement of UNIFIL and the
           Lebanese Armed Forces in the Strategic Dialogue, which aims at carryin g out analysis
           of ground forces and maritime assets and setting a series of benchmarks reflecting the
           correlation between the capacities and responsibilities of UNIFIL vis -à-vis those of
           the Lebanese Armed Forces;
                6.    Recalls its request for precise timelines to be jointly and promptly
           elaborated by the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Secretary-General, for the
           deployments in paragraph 5, with a view to identifying Lebanese Armed Forces
           progress in implementing tasks mandated in resolution 1701 (2006);
                 7.    Reiterates its call for the Government of Lebanon to present a plan to
           increase its naval capabilities as soon as possible, including with appropriate support
           from the international community, with the goal of ultimately decreasing UNIFIL’s
           Maritime Taskforce and transitioning its responsibilities to the Lebanese Armed
           Forces (LAF), in close conjunction with the effective build -up of the capabilities of
           the Lebanese Navy, takes note in that regard of the letter dated 12 March 2019 to the
           United Nations outlining the commitment of the Government of Lebanon and
           welcomes its ongoing efforts towards that goal; takes note of the impact of the Beirut
           explosions on 4 August 2020 on the operations of the LAF and t he postponement of
           its advanced joint exercise with UNIFIL;
                 8.   Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the assessment of the
           continued relevance of UNIFIL’s resources and options for improving the efficiency
           and effectiveness between UNIFIL and UNSCOL, taking into consideration the troop
           ceiling and the civilian component of UNIFIL (S/2020/473) and requests the
           Secretary-General to elaborate a detailed plan, with timelines and specific modalities,
           in full and close consultation with the parties, including Lebanon, the troop -
           contributing countries and the Members of the Security Council, to impl ement
           recommendations, as appropriate, and further requests him to present the first
           elements of that plan to the Security Council within 60 days after the adoption of the
           present resolution;
                 9.   Reiterates its encouragement of the intention of the Government of
           Lebanon to deploy a model regiment and an offshore patrol vessel in UNIFIL’s area
           of operations to advance the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and the
           authority of the Lebanese State, recalls in this regard the joint statement issued at the
           end of the 15 March 2018 Rome Conference, in particular Lebanon’s concept for a
           new Model Regiment proposed in the context of the ongoing Strategic Dialogue
           between the LAF and UNIFIL, notes Lebanon’s proposed timeline for the deployment
           of the Model Regiment, and calls on the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL to
           strengthen their coordinated actions;
                 10. Urges further international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and all
           state security institutions, which are the only legitimate armed forces of Lebanon, in
           response to the capabilities development plan of the Lebanese Armed Forces, as well
           as in the framework of the International Support Group for Lebanon, through
           additional and expedited assistance in areas where the Lebanese Armed Forces are
           most critically in need of support, including counter-terrorism, border protection and
           naval capacity;
                11. Condemns all violations of the Blue Line, both by air and ground, and
           strongly calls upon all parties to respect the cessation of hostilities, to prevent any

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               violation of the Blue Line and to respect it in its entirety, and to cooperate fully with
               the United Nations and UNIFIL;
                     12. Welcomes the constructive role played by the Tripartite Mechanism in
               facilitating coordination and in de-escalating tensions, and recognizes the mission
               leadership’s active efforts, which has helped to further stabilize the situation along
               the Blue Line and build trust between the parties, expresses in this regard strong
               support for the continued efforts of UNIFIL to engage with both parties to facilitate
               liaison, coordination, and practical arrangements on the ground and to continue to
               ensure that the Tripartite Mechanism enables the parties to discuss a wider range of
               issues, and encourages UNIFIL, in close coordination with the parties, to implement
               measures to further reinforce the capacities of the Tripartite mechanism, including the
               creation of additional ad hoc sub-committees, as recommended in the assessment
               report of the Secretary-General;
                    13. Stresses the need to foster enhanced cooperation between UNIFIL and the
               Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL), with the
               goal of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the missions, welcomes in this
               regard the improvements accomplished by the United Nations in terms of efficiencies
               and effectiveness between UNIFIL and UNSCOL and encourages the Secretary-General to further these efforts;
                     14. Urges all parties to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the
               safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel and reiterates its call for closer
               cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces in particular regarding
               coordinated and adjacent patrols, welcomes the commitment of t he Lebanese
               authorities to protect UNIFIL movements and reiterates its call for the rapid
               finalization of the investigation launched by Lebanon regarding all attacks against
               UNIFIL and its personnel, in particular the incidents of 4 August 2018, and the 10 th
               of February 2020, in order to bring to justice the perpetrators of these attacks; and
               requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council, within a reasonable
               timeframe, when such incidents occur as well as, when appropriate, on the follow -up
               of the related pending investigations;
                     15. Urges all parties to ensure that the freedom of movement of UNIFIL and
               UNIFIL’s access to the Blue Line in all its parts is fully respected and unimpeded, in
               conformity with its mandate and its rules of engagement, inc luding by avoiding any
               course of action which endangers United Nations personnel, condemns in the
               strongest terms all attempts to restrict the freedom of movement of UNIFIL’s
               personnel and all attacks on UNIFIL personnel and equipment; calls on the
               Government of Lebanon to facilitate UNIFIL’s prompt and full access to sites
               requested by UNIFIL for the purpose of swift investigation, including all relevant
               locations north of the Blue Line related to the discovery of tunnels crossing the Blue
               Line which UNIFIL reported as a violation of resolution 1701 (2006), in line with
               resolution 1701, while respecting the Lebanese Sovereignty;
                   16. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all appropriate
               measures to review and enhance the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel of
               UNIFIL, in line with resolution 2518 (2020);
                     17. Urges all parties to cooperate fully with the Security Council and th e
               Secretary-General to make tangible progress towards a permanent ceasefire and a
               long-term solution as envisioned in resolution 1701 (2006) and on all outstanding
               issues in the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1701 (2006), 1680
               (2006) and 1559 (2004), and other relevant Security Council resolutions;

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                 18. Urges the Government of Israel to expedite the withdrawal of its army
           from northern Ghajar without further delay in coordination with UNIFIL, which has
           actively engaged Israel and Lebanon to facilitate such a withdrawal;
                 19. Reaffirms its call on all States to fully support and respect the
           establishment between the Blue Line and the Litani River of an area free of any armed
           personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and
           UNIFIL;
                  20. Recalls paragraph 15 of resolution 1701 (2006) according to which all
           States shall take the necessary measures to prevent, by their nationals or from their
           territories or using flag vessels or aircraft, the sale or supply of arms and related
           materiel to any entity or individual in Lebanon other than those authorized by the
           Government of Lebanon or UNIFIL;
                  21. Acting in support of a request from the Government of Lebanon to deploy
           an international force to assist it to exercise its authority throughout the territory,
           recalls its authorization to UNIFIL to take all necessary action in areas of deployment
           of its forces and as it deems within its capabilities, to ensure that its area of operations
           is not utilized for hostile activities of any kind, to resist attempts by forceful means
           to prevent it from discharging its duties under the mandate of the Security Council,
           and to protect United Nations personnel, facilities, installations and equipment,
           ensure the security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel,
           humanitarian workers and, without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government
           of Lebanon, to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence;
                 22. Commends UNIFIL’s operational changes in line with resolution 2373
           (2017) and resolution 2433 (2018) and reiterates its request that the Secretary-General look at ways to enhance UNIFIL’s efforts as regards paragraph 12 of
           resolution 1701 (2006) and paragraph 14 of this resolution, including ways to increase
           UNIFIL’s visible presence, including through patrols and inspections, within its
           existing mandate and capabilities;
                 23. Recalls the decision that UNIFIL shall assist the government of Lebanon,
           at its request, as set out in paragraph 14 of resolution 1701 (2006) and within its
           capabilities, to implement resolution 1701 (2006);
                 24. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by UNIFIL to implement the
           Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to
           ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct,
           requests the Secretary-General to continue to take necessary measures to ensure full
           compliance of all personnel, civilian and uniformed, in UNIFIL with the United
           Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to keep the
           Security Council fully informed about the Mission’s progress in this regard, stresses
           the need to prevent such exploitation and abuse and to improve how allegations are
           addressed in line with its resolution 2272 (2016), and urges troop-contributing
           countries to continue taking appropriate preventative action, including vetting of all
           personnel, pre-deployment and in-mission awareness training, and to take appropriate
           steps to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel,
           including through timely investigations of allegations, as appropriate, and to hold
           perpetrators accountable and repatriate units when there is credible evidence of
           widespread or systemic sexual exploitation and abuse by those units;
                 25. Welcomes the initiatives undertaken by the Secretary-General to
           standardize a culture of performance in UN peacekeeping, recalls its requests in
           resolution 2378 (2017) and resolution 2436 (2018) that the Secretary-General ensure
           that performance data related to the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations is used
           to improve mission operations, including decisions such as those rega rding

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               deployment, remediation, repatriation and incentives, and reaffirms its support for the
               development of a comprehensive and integrated performance policy framework that
               identifies clear standards of performance for evaluating all United Nations civili an
               and uniformed personnel working in and supporting peacekeeping operations that
               facilitates effective and full implementation of mandates, and includes comprehensive
               and objective methodologies based on clear and well-defined benchmarks to ensure
               accountability for underperformance and incentives and recognition for outstanding
               performance, and calls on the United Nations to apply this framework to UNIFIL as
               described in resolution 2436 (2018); notes the efforts of the Secretary-General to
               develop a comprehensive performance assessment system to help troop contributing
               countries meet United Nations performance standards and requests the Secretary-General and the troop-contributing countries to seek to increase the number of women
               in UNIFIL, as well as to ensure the full, effective and meaningful participation of
               women in all aspects of operations;
                    26. Requests UNIFIL to take fully into account gender considerations as a
               cross-cutting issue throughout its mandate and to assist the Lebanese authorities in
               ensuring the full, effective and meaningful participation, involvement and
               representation of women at all levels of decision -making in all efforts for the
               maintenance and promotion of peace and security, as well as to support the
               implementation of the action plan on Women and Peace and Security, including to
               prevent and respond to sexual and gender based violence, further requests enhanced
               reporting by UNIFIL to the Security Council on this issue;
                     27. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to report to the Council on the
               implementation of resolution 1701 (2006), every four months, or at any time as he
               deems appropriate, and to include in his reporting a prompt and detailed breakdown
               of all resolution 1701 (2006) violations, clarifications by the parties and updates on
               all pending investigations into such violations of resolution 1701, prompt a nd detailed
               reports on violations of the sovereignty of Lebanon, prompt and detailed reports on
               the restrictions to UNIFIL’s freedom of movement, an enhanced annex on the
               implementation on the arms embargo, reports on specific areas where UNIFIL does
               not access and on the reasons behind these restrictions, potential risks to the cessation
               of hostilities and UNIFIL’s response as well as reports on the implementation of the
               recommendations of the 2016–2017 Strategic review and on progress made as regards
               the detailed plan on the implementation of the 1 June assessment report as set out in
               paragraph 8 of the present resolution and on additional identified efficiencies to most
               appropriately fulfil its mandated tasks; requests the Secretary-General to continue to
               provide concrete and detailed information on the aforementioned issues to the
               Council, in line with changes to enhance reporting since the adoption of resolution
               2373 (2017), 2433 (2018) and 2485 (2019);
                    28. Authorizes UNIFIL, without prejudice to the implementation of its
               mandate and within existing resources, to take temporary and special measures to
               provide support to Lebanon and its people in the aftermath of the explosions that
               occurred in the port of Beirut on 4 August 2020; requests the Secretary-General to
               conduct an assessment of the impact of those explosions on UNIFIL personnel,
               capacities and operations, together with recommendations to address such impact,
               with a view to maintain continuity and effectiveness of UNIFIL’s operations;
                     29. Recognizing that UNIFIL has successfully implemented its mandate since
               2006 and has allowed for maintaining peace and security since then, decides to
               authorize the reduction of the troop-ceiling set out in OP11 of resolution 1701 from
               15, 000 authorized troops to 13, 000 troops, without prejudice to the possibility for
               the force strength to be increased in the future in case a degraded security situation
               requires such increase for the implementation of resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978)
               and 1701 (2006);

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                 30. Stresses the importance of, and the need to achieve, a comprehensive, just
           and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions including
           its resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967, 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973,
           1515 (2003) of 19 November 2003 and 1850 (2008) of 16 December 2008;
                31.   Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

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Security Council resolution 2539 (2020) [on extension of the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until 31 Aug. 2021]

UN Interim Force in Lebanon|Lebanon. Armed Forces|PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS|INTERNAL SECURITY|LEBANON|MIDDLE EAST SITUATION

S/75 [57] UN INTERIM FORCE IN LEBANON
S/75 [54] MIDDLE EAST SITUATION
S/75 [52] ISRAEL--LEBANON
S/ X The situation in the Middle East.


               United Nations                                                                   S/RES/2540 (2020)
               Security Council                                                  Distr.: General
                                                                                28 August 2020

               Resolution 2540 (2020)
               Adopted by the Security Council on 28 August 2020

                    The Security Council,
                    Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its President on the situation
               in Somalia,
                    Reaffirming its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political
               independence, and unity of Somalia, and underscoring the importance of working to
               prevent the destabilising effects of regional disputes from spilling over into Somalia,
                     Expressing serious concern at the ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabaab, as well
               as the presence of affiliates linked to Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also
               known as Da’esh), condemning the attacks by Al-Shabaab in Somalia and the region,
               including the attack on 28 December 2019 which killed over 90 people and injured
               over 140, expressing concern at the increase in the use of Improvised Explosive
               Devices (IEDs), and reiterating its determination to support comprehensive efforts to
               reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab in Somalia,
                     Paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made by the Somali security forces
               and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and in the fight against
               Al-Shabaab, commending the contribution of AMISOM to building lasting peace and
               stability in Somalia, recognising that security provided by AMISOM continues to
               make a significant contribution, and further recognising the need to make
               international support for Somali security efforts more efficient and effective,
               particularly ahead of the Somali security institutions and forces taking the lead on
               security in 2021,
                     Emphasising the essential role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in
               Somalia (UNSOM) in supporting the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and its
               Federal Member States (FMS) through the provision of strategic advice and good
               offices, capacity building, and the coordination of international partners’ support,
               including with respect to elections support, underscoring that this mandate is
               complementary to the mandates of AMISOM, the United Nations Country Team and
               support provided by other international partners, and underlining the importance of
               coordination among international partners,
                    Expressing its full support for the Special Representative of the Secretary -
               General and head of UNSOM, and for the Special Representative of the Chairperson
               of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, and

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               encouraging efforts to further strengthen relations between the FGS and the United
               Nations,
                     Welcoming Somalia’s attainment of the decision point under the Heavily
               Indebted Poor Countries Initiative on 25 March 2020, further welcoming Somalia’s
               economic and financial reforms and the development of its ninth National
               Development Plan which have underpinned this, including FGS -FMS cooperation,
               and recalling that further collaboration on political, security, development and
               economic reforms will be essential to meet the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries
               Initiative Completion Point,
                     Emphasising the importance of a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding and
               sustaining peace in Somalia, particularly through the prevention of conflict,
               addressing root causes at all stages of conflict, and undertaking political, economic
               and security reforms, and promoting social development,
                      Further welcoming commitments made by Somali stakeholders at the 2019
               Somalia Partnership Forum to accelerate security sector, economic and political
               reforms, in particular commitments to deepen federalism and conduct elections in
               2020/2021 that are free, fair, credible and, welcoming also recent dialogue between
               the FGS and FMS, reiterating that elections, which are to be held in 2020/2021,
               should be transparent and inclusive, held in accordance with the Provisional Federal
               Constitution of Somalia and taking fully into account the recommendations of the
               National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) and relevant parliamentary
               legislation, and be underpinned by broad based consensus involving all relevant
               stakeholders including the FGS, FMS and Parliament, underscoring the importance
               of a timely and inclusive electoral process for Somalia’s political stability, and further
               reiterating its expectation that future elections in Somalia ensure the representation
               of all Somalis, in line with long-standing commitments to conduct one-person-onevote elections,
                     Welcoming progress made in recent meetings between the FGS and FMS,
               emphasising the urgency of full cooperation between the FGS and all FMS, noting
               the responsibilities of all parties to improve cooperation and engage in discussions
               led by the FGS in Dhusamareb, and underlining of the importance of cooperation and
               consensus for further progress on key national priorities, including the
               implementation of the National Security Architecture, agreement on a federated
               justice system, power and resource-sharing, the constitutional review, fiscal
               federalism, and the planning and holding of national elections,
                     Welcoming also the enactment in February 2020 of the Electoral Law, which
               represents a significant step forward, and the resolution of key outstanding issues by
               the Somali Federal Parliament, in collaboration with the NIEC, including the
               definition of constituencies, allocation of seats to constituencies, implementation of
               the 30 percent quota of seats for women to which Somalia has committed and
               representation of Benadir and “Somaliland”, and noting the importance of timely
               donor support once an implementable, affordable and democratic electoral model has
               been agreed,
                     Further reaffirming the importance of inclusive politics and democratic
               elections in ensuring long-term peace and stability in Somalia, underlining the need
               for swift implementation of the jointly agreed Mutual Accountability Framework,
               including the political, economic and security milestones, and recognising that the
               FGS has the primary responsibility to deliver Somalia’s commitments in close
               cooperation with FMS,
                    Expressing concern about delays in consolidating Somalia’s federal system and
               underscoring the importance of progress on key priorities, including power and

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           resource-sharing, shared responsibilities for security, the constitutional review and
           fiscal federalism, all of which require political agreements that can form the basis for
           legislation in the Federal Parliament,
                 Recognising reconciliation efforts in Galmudug, reaffirming the importance of
           continued peace and reconciliation in Jubaland, underlining the importance of
           dialogue and local reconciliation processes to stability in Somalia, and further
           reaffirming the importance of leadership from the FGS and engagement by the FMS
           in de-escalating tensions and engaging in constructive dialogue,
                Welcoming the direct talks between the leaders of Somalia and “Somaliland” in
           Djibouti from June 12–15, and encouraging additional technical and political
           discussions between the parties to build confidence and strengthen political
           coordination,
                 Welcoming an increased focus on the need to revitalise the high-level meetings
           of the Comprehensive Approach to Security through the newly established Security
           and Justice Committee progress on security sector reforms, including on electronic
           payment of the security forces, human resource management, progress in
           implementing the New Police Model, and initial progress in conducting operations
           against Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle, expressing its concern that there have been
           further delays to the implementation of the National S ecurity Architecture, the
           delivery of the Somali-led Transition Plan, which the FGS has committed to updating
           by the end of September 2020, the generation of able, affordable, accountable and
           Somali forces, and the integration of regional forces in the fed eral armed forces,
           further expressing concern over the implications of the lack of political dialogue and
           rising tensions between the FGS and some of the FMS in delaying a range of security
           reforms, and underlining the need to accelerate implementation of security sector
           reforms,
                 Reiterating the need for coordinated engagement among all actors towards
           transition to Somali security leadership during 2021, in line with resolution 2520
           (2020), the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Strategic Concept of
           Operations 2018–2021, and the aims set out in the Somali-led Transition Plan, and
           emphasising in this regard the importance of the independent assessment with a view
           to presenting options to the Security Council on international engagement in security
           arrangements in Somalia post-2021, including the role of the UN, in particular that of
           UNSOM, AU and international partners, as mandated in its resolution 2520 (2020),
           and the need for inclusive discussions with all relevant actors,
                 Expressing grave concern at ongoing humanitarian crises in Somalia as a result
           of the protracted conflict and recurring events including drought, flooding and the
           locust infestation, recognising that the COVID-19 pandemic presents an additional
           and profound challenge to Somalia’s health system, socio-economic and humanitarian
           situation, as well as social cohesion due to increased stigmatisation, expressing
           further concern at the number of Somali refugees and increasing number of internally
           displaced persons (IDPs), as well as their increasing humanitarian and protection
           needs, welcoming the FGS’s recent ratification of the African Union Convention for
           the Protection and Assistance of IDPs in Africa (the Kampala Convention), calling on
           the FGS to fully implement its provisions and to make progress on its commitment to
           deliver durable solutions for displaced persons in Somalia, reaffirming its strong
           condemnation of the deliberate targeting of civilians, including humanitarian
           personnel, and civilian objects in situations of armed conflict, as well as the
           indiscriminate use of weapons in populated areas and their consequences for the
           civilian population, calling upon all parties to the conflict in Somalia to refrain from
           such practices in accordance with their obligations under international law,
           welcoming the efforts by the FGS, FMS, the United Nations, and the response and

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               generous support by donors, encouraging further cooperation with international and
               national humanitarian actors to relieve immediate need, and underlining the need for
               greater and diverse investment in resilience, including for IDPs, in order to reduce
               long term need and support Somalia to achieve sustainabl e development,
                     Condemning continued violations of international humanitarian law and
               violations and abuses of human rights, expressing deep concern in particular at
               violations and abuses committed against children and those involving sexual and
               gender-based violence in conflict and post-conflict situations, recognising that
               women and girls are disproportionately affected by these violations and abuses in
               Somalia, recalling the 2020 Conclusions on Children and Armed Conflict
               (S/2020/174), resolution 1325 (2000) and all subsequent resolutions on Women,
               Peace and Security, encouraging the swift enactment of the Somali Child Rights Act,
               underscoring the need to respect, protect and promote human rights, end impunity,
               and hold accountable those responsible for violations or abuses of human rights and
               violations of international humanitarian law, and reaffirming its support for the United
               Nations’ zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse,
                     Recalling resolution 2532 (2020) demanding a general and immediate cessation
               of hostilities in all situations on the Council’s agenda, as well as calling upo n all
               parties to armed conflicts to engage immediately in a durable humanitarian pause for
               at least 90 consecutive days, in order to enable the safe, timely, unhindered and
               sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance in accordance with the humanitarian
               principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence,
                     Expressing deep concern about the serious humanitarian threat posed to
               civilians by landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW) and IEDs in Somalia, which
               causes serious social and economic consequences for the population of Somalia, and
               of personnel participating in law enforcement, humanitarian, peacekeeping,
               rehabilitation and clearance programmes and operations, recognising that mine action
               contributes to the protection of civilians and supports stabilization and peacebuilding
               efforts, and underlining the need to accelerate capacity-building measures that aim to
               strengthen capacities to mitigate against the threat of landmines, ERW and IEDs in
               Somalia,
                     Further recognising the adverse effects of climate change, other ecological
               changes, natural disasters, among other factors, on the stability of Somalia, including
               through drought, desertification, land degradation and food insecurity, and recalling
               its Presidential Statement S/PRST/2011/15,
                    1.   Decides to extend until 31 August 2021 UNSOM’s mandate as set out in
               paragraph 1 of resolution 2158 (2014);
                     2.   Strongly condemns continued attacks by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab,
               including attacks in the region, on the United Nations Compound in Mogadishu and
               AMISOM facilities, and urges the FGS, AMISOM and the United Nations to work
               closely on strengthening safety and security for the United Nations and AU facilities
               and staff;
                     3.   Requests UNSOM to maintain and strengthen its presence in all of the
               FMS, subject to United Nations security requirements and as the security situation
               allows, welcomes the strong relationship between UNSOM, the United Nations
               Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), the United Nations Country Team and
               AMISOM, and underlines the importance of all entities continuing to strengthen the
               relationship further at all levels, including through the Senior Leade rship
               Coordination Forum;
                     4.   Expresses its deep appreciation for UNSOM’s support to the FGS as set
               out in paragraph 1 of its resolution 2158 (2014), in particular with regard to the

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           development of inclusive politics and preparations for the elections in 2021, the
           constitutional review process, mediation, prevention and resolution of conflicts, the
           development of a federated police and justice system, strengthening the rule of law
           and security sector reform, and coordinating capacity-building support on anticorruption issues;
                 5.   Further decides that UNSOM should continue to coordinate UN efforts,
           in full cooperation with the FGS and FMS, with a particular focus on the following
           tasks:
                (a) provide support to the FGS and the FMS to accelerate Somali
           Government-led, inclusive politics, and reach political agreement, in order to deliver
           shared political and security commitments, through inclusive regular high -level
           dialogue at all levels between the FGS and all FMS;
                 (b) provide support to efforts undertaken by the FGS and the FMS to pursue
           inter- and intra-clan reconciliation at the local, regional and national level, including
           efforts in Galmudug and Jubaland, as the basis for long-term stability in Somalia, and
           provide support to efforts to strengthen the dialogue between the FGS and
           “Somaliland”;
                 (c) provide support, through the exercise of its good offices and through
           technical, operational and logistical assistance to the FGS, the Somali Parliament, the
           NIEC, and any other stakeholders with an agreed role in election delivery, in
           collaboration with UNSOS, for the delivery of elections which are free, fair, timely,
           peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive, incorporating a direct voting component
           enabling as many citizens as possible to vote in 2020/2021, in accordance with the
           Provisional Federal Constitution of Somalia, and taking fully into account the
           perspectives of relevant stakeholders, with a particular focus on supporting the NIEC
           at national level and in the FMS, along with local stakeholders to fulfil its independent
           constitutional mandate to implement elections as agreed by relevant stakeholders,
           continue to support efforts to make progress towards the objective of universal
           elections, and support strengthened coordination of international electoral support to
           Somalia;
                 (d) provide technical advice and capacity-building to support the FGS in its
           efforts to enable the full, equal and meaningful participation of all Somalis, including
           women, youth, minority clans, persons with disabilities, IDPs and Somali refugees in
           reconciliation efforts, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and elections, including
           supporting Somali commitments to ensure that women fill at least 30 percent of the
           seats in both Houses of Parliament, and increasing participation and empowerment of
           women, minority communities and other marginalised groups at all decision -making
           levels;
                 (e) provide support to the FGS and the FMS to accelerate implementation of
           key security sector reforms, in conjunction with international partners, AMISOM and
           UNSOS, including a coherent National Security Architecture with a military and
           civilian component, delivery of the Somali-led Transition Plan, agreement on a
           federated justice and corrections model, the establishment and strengthening of
           effective, accountable and constitutional rule of law institutions;
                 (f) provide coordination and strategic advice to improve the operation of the
           Comprehensive Approach to Security and collaboration between the FGS and
           international partners, as agreed in the Security Pact at the 2017 London Somalia
           Conference;
                (g) provide support to United Nations entities to ensure system -wide
           implementation of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy across all United Natio ns
           support to AMISOM and the Somali security sector, to include a strong focus on

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               strengthening engagement with the Government, including on implementation of
               mitigation, compliance and accountability measures;
                     (h) provide technical advice and capacity-building support to the
               establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and to the FGS, in
               particular the Ministry for Women and Human Rights Development, to promote and
               protect human rights in Somalia, including to protect women and girls from sexual
               and gender based violence, to promote accountability for human rights violations and
               abuses, including through working with civil society, reinforcing and aligning human
               rights efforts across security-related and humanitarian agendas, and monitor and
               include information on the human rights situation in the Secretary-General’s reporting
               in accordance with paragraph 16;
                    (i) provide support, within its mandate and existing resources, to the FGS in
               the implementation of the 2019 Mutual Accountability Framewor k (MAF) for
               Somalia;
                     (j) provide support to the FGS to implement Somalia’s National Strategy and
               Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, in order to strengthen
               Somalia’s capacity to prevent and counter terrorism, including Somalia’s c apacity to
               address conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, in compliance with Somalia’s
               obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law,
               international human rights law and international refugee law, and provide suppor t to
               Somalia’s efforts to become a state party to the international counter-terrorism
               conventions and protocols;
                    (k) provide support and strategic policy advice to bolster the FGS’s ability to
               deliver services and attract investment, and help the FGS to e stablish frameworks for
               managing resources and power sharing, in order to enable Somalia to strengthen
               revenue mobilisation, resource allocation, budget execution, and anti -corruption
               measures, as set out in the New Partnership for Somalia;
                     (l) support Somalia’s efforts to advance 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
               Development, working closely with the United Nations Country Team, provide
               strategic advice to institutional capacity building in line with the Somalia National
               Development Plan, collaborate with the international financial institutions to support
               the mobilisation of economic and development assistance, and ensure effective and
               integrated cooperation of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes and
               promote cooperation with relevant partners, with a view to making maximum use of
               development financing in Somalia, including in response to flooding, locusts and the
               COVID-19 pandemic;
                     6.   Calls upon the FGS and the FMS to enhance as a matter of urgency broad -
               based consultations and consensus building through consultative mechanisms at all
               levels and with the two Houses of Parliament on key national priorities, including the
               implementation of the National Security Architecture, the delivery of the Somali-led
               Transition Plan, delivery of further economic reforms, the review of the Constitution,
               and implementation of timely elections;
                     7.    Urges the Somali authorities to create a conducive political and security
               climate for inclusive elections across Somalia and at all levels to foster political
               pluralism, ensure political space for the role, rights and responsibilities of legally
               constituted political parties, including opposition parties, uphold the righ ts of
               freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and movement, including the
               ability of independent journalists to freely operate, and condemn hate speech and
               incitement to violence, and calls upon all FMS to allow the NIEC to operate freely in
               each FMS to the extent required to deliver an agreed electoral model;

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                8.     Expresses its concern about all violations of international humanitarian
           law and violations and abuses of human rights, including those involving sexual and
           gender-based violence in conflict, further calls upon all parties to comply with their
           obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, as
           applicable, in relation to the protection of the civilian population, and civilian objects,
           and further reiterates the urgent and imperative need to hold accountable all those
           responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses
           of human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, including against
           journalists and other media professionals and associated personnel;
                 9.    Demands all parties to the conflict to take appropriate measures to end and
           prevent violations and abuses against children, including the continued recruitment
           and use of children in armed conflict, in accordance with obligations under
           international law, identify those responsible for such violations and abuses, consider
           primarily as victims those children who have been released or otherwise separated
           from armed forces and armed groups as per the Paris Princip les endorsed by the FGS,
           cease detention of all children on national security charges where it is in violation of
           applicable international law, calls upon the FGS to implement fully the
           UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 (UNCRC), the two Action Plans
           signed by the FGS in 2012 to end and prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers
           and the killing and maiming of children, the Somali National Army Command Order
           on the Protection of Children’s Rights Before, During and After Operations, the
           roadmap signed in 2019 and the Standard Operating Procedures on the handover of
           children, and underscores the need to strengthen the legal and operational framework
           for the protection of children in Somalia, including by Somalia becoming a party to
           the Optional Protocols to the UNCRC and the African Charter on the Rights and
           Welfare of the Child;
                  10. Further strongly condemns any misuse or obstruction of humanitarian
           assistance, including attacks against humanitarian and medical personnel, and against
           their means of transport and equipment, as well as hospitals and other medical
           facilities in violation of international law, and demands that all parties allow and
           facilitate full, safe, rapid and unhindered access for the timely delivery of aid to
           persons in need across Somalia in line with the humanitarian principles, including by
           dismantling illegal checkpoints and removing administrative hurdles, and underlines
           the importance of proper accounting in international humanitarian support;
                11. Calls upon the FGS, the FMS and all relevant actors to facilitate, support
           and, where appropriate, implement durable solutions for internal displacement,
           including local integration or resettlement, and to create the conditions conducive to
           the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of refugees and IDPs, with the
           support of the international community;
                 12. Underlines the need for the FGS to establish and operationalise the
           National Human Rights Commission, accelerate the appointment of Commissioners,
           and establish and operationalise the Constitutional Court and the Judicial Service
           Commission in line with the Provisional Constitution and the relevant legislation,
           calls on the FGS to implement legislation aimed at protecting human rights and
           investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of crimes involving violations or abuses of
           human rights, violations of international humanitarian law, and sexual and gender -
           based violence in conflict and post-conflict situations, further calls on the FGS to
           ensure that sexual offences legislation be compatible with its obligations under
           international law and commitments on the protection of children and women, and
           urges the FGS, with the support of the United Nations, to accelerate the
           implementation of the Joint Communiqué and the adoption and implementation of the
           new National Action Plan to Combat Sexual Violence in Conflict, and commends the

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               FGS for its commitment to fulfilling its reporting obligations under human rights
               treaty bodies;
                    13. Requests the United Nations, the FGS and the FMS to consider the adverse
               implications of climate change, other ecological changes, natural disasters, among
               other factors, in their programmes in Somalia, including by undertaking risk
               assessments and risk management strategies relating to these factors, and requests the
               Secretary-General to provide an update in mandated reporting as appropriate;
                    14. Recalls its request in resolution 2520 (2020) that the Secretary-General
               conducts an independent assessment, by 10 January 2021, and present options to the
               Security Council on international support to the whole security environment in
               Somalia post 2021, and reiterates that options on UNSOM’s role in this regard should
               be provided as part of this independent assessment;
                     15. Affirms that it shall keep the situation in Somalia under continuing review
               and be prepared to review the provisions contained in this resolution, at any time as
               may be necessary, in light of the evolution of the political deve lopments and the
               situation in the country;
                     16. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Security Council regularly
               informed on the implementation of this resolution, and to identify and report on
               progress towards achieving key political benchmarks, in p articular progress towards
               elections, including through oral updates and no fewer than four written reports, with
               the first written report due by 15 November and every 90 days thereafter;
                    17.   Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

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Security Council resolution 2540 (2020) [on extension of the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) until 31 Aug. 2021]

UN Assistance Mission in Somalia|African Union Mission in Somalia|PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS|PEACEBUILDING|HUMAN RIGHTS|SECURITY SECTOR REFORM|SOMALIA|SOMALIA SITUATION

S/75 [84] SOMALIA SITUATION
S/ X The situation in Somalia.


               United Nations                                                                  S/RES/2541 (2020)
               Security Council                                                 Distr.: General
                                                                                31 August 2020

               Resolution 2541 (2020)
               Adopted by the Security Council on 31 August 2020

                    The Security Council,
                    Recalling all its previous resolutions, statements of its President and press
               statements on the situation in Mali,
                     Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial
               integrity of Mali, emphasizing that the Malian authorities have primary responsibility
               for the provision of stability and security throughout the territory of Mali, and
               underscoring the importance of achieving national ownership of peace - and securityrelated initiatives,
                     Recalling the provisions of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali
               (“the Agreement”) calling upon the Security Council to give its full support to the
               Agreement, to closely monitor its implementation and, if necessary, to take measures
               against anyone hindering the implementation of the commitments contained therein
               or the realization of its objectives,
                     Expressing its deep concern regarding the recent developments in Mali, strongly
               condemning the mutiny which happened in Kati, on 18 August 2020, underlining the
               urgent need to restore rule of law and to move towards the return to constitutional
               order, reiterating its strong support to the Economic Community of West African
               States’ (ECOWAS) initiatives and mediation efforts in Mali, and expressing its
               readiness to discuss this matter, in the course of the year, in light of the potential
               implications of these recent developments on the implementation of the Agreement,
                     Recognizing that some progress was made during the past eight months in the
               implementation of the Agreement, and that a combination of some level of political
               will and international pressure, including through the prospect of sanctions,
               constituted important factors in securing this progress, expressing a significant sense
               of impatience with parties over the persistent delays in the full implementation of key
               provisions of the Agreement, further noting that continued delays in implementation
               contribute to a political and security vacuum jeopardizing the stability and
               development of Mali as well as the viability of the Agreement, stressing the need for
               increased ownership and prioritization in the implementation of the Agreement, and
               further stressing the importance of the full, effective and meaningful participation of
               women in the mechanisms established by the Agreement to support and moni tor its
               implementation,

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                     Strongly condemning all abuses and violations of human rights and violations
               of international humanitarian law in Mali, calling upon all parties to bring an end to
               such violations and abuses and to comply with their obligations un der applicable
               international law,
                     Recalling the provisions of resolution 2531 (2020) urging the Malian parties to
               take immediate and concrete action, in a spirit of genuine cooperation, to fulfil the
               priority measures listed in its paragraph 3 before the end of MINUSMA’s current
               mandate, encouraging the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 2374
               (2017) (“the Panel of Experts”) to identify parties responsible for potential lack of
               implementation of these priority measures through its regular reporting and interim
               updates, and expressing its intent, should these priority measures not be implemented
               by the end of MINUSMA’s current mandate, to respond with measures pursuant to
               resolution 2374 (2017) on individuals and entities who are thus obstructing or
               threatening the implementation of the Agreement,
                   Stressing that all parties to the Agreement share the primary responsibility to
               make steadfast progress in its implementation,
                     Taking note of the decisions of the Security Council Committee established
               pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017) concerning Mali (“the Committee”) of
               20 December 2018 and 10 July 2019 that several individuals be placed on the list of
               individuals and entities subject to measures pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017) (“the
               2374 Sanctions List”) and further taking note of the intention of the Committee to
               consider the removal of these individuals from the 2374 Sanctions List if the priority
               measures listed in paragraph 3 of resolution 2531 (2020) are fully implemented and
               the individuals designated cease all illicit activities, including those listed in the
               statement of case, while stressing that the Security Council has not yet seen sufficient
               progress to merit such consideration,
                     Reiterating that individuals or entities placed on the 2374 Sanctions List shall
               not benefit from any financial, operational or logistical support from United Nations
               entities deployed in Mali, until their removal from the 2374 Sanctions List and
               without prejudice to the exemptions set by paragraphs 2, 5, 6 and 7 of resolution 2374
               (2017), welcoming the measures already taken by United Nations entities deployed in
               Mali to ensure these individuals or entities do not benefit from such support, and
               reiterating its request made in resolution 2531 (2020) for the Secretary-General to
               include in his next quarterly report on MINUSMA an update on these measures,
                    Taking note of the final report (S/2020/785) of the Panel of Experts,
                    Noting the importance of continued cooperation and information exchange
               between the Panel of Experts and all other United Nations entities operating in Mali,
               within their mandates and capabilities,
                     Determining that the situation in Mali continues to constitute a threat to
               international peace and security in the region,
                    Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
                    1.   Decides to renew until 31 August 2021 the measures as set out in
               paragraphs 1 to 7 of resolution 2374 (2017);
                    2.    Reaffirms that these measures shall apply to individuals and entities as
               designated by the Committee, as set forth in paragraphs 8 and 9 of resolution 2374
               (2017);
                    3.    Decides to extend until 30 September 2021 the mandate of the Panel of
               Experts, as set out in paragraphs 11 to 15 of resolution 2374 (2017), as well as the
               request to MINUSMA, as set out in paragraph 16 of resolution 2374 (2017), expresses

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           its intention to review the mandate and take appropriate action regarding its further
           extension no later than 31 August 2021, and requests the Secretary-General to take
           the necessary administrative measures as expeditiously as possible to re -establish the
           Panel of Experts, in consultation with the Committee, drawing, as appropriate, on the
           expertise of the current members of the Panel of Experts;
                 4.    Requests the Panel of Experts to provide to the Council, after discussion
           with the Committee, a midterm report no later than 28 February 2021, a final report
           no later than 15 August 2021, and periodic updates in between, as appropriate;
                5.    Reaffirms the reporting and review provisions as set out in resolution 2374
           (2017);
                6.    Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

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Security Council resolution 2541 (2020) [on renewal of sanctions imposed by Security Council resolution 2374 (2017) and extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts concerning Mali until 30 Sept. 2021]

UN. Panel of Experts Established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2374 (2017) concerning Mali|Charter of the United Nations (1945). Chapter VII|SANCTIONS|TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS|FROZEN ASSETS|MALI|SANCTIONS COMPLIANCE|GROUPS OF EXPERTS

S/75 [225] MALI--POLITICAL CONDITIONS
S/75 [226] UN MULTIDIMENSIONAL INTEGRATED STABILIZATION MISSION IN MALI
S/ X The situation in Mali.