Adopted by the Security Council at its 6188th meeting, on 15 September 2009
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions and statements by its President concerning the
situation in Liberia and the subregion, in particular its resolutions 1836 (2008), 1626 (2005), and 1509 (2003),
Welcoming the Secretary-General’s report of 10 August 2009 (S/2009/411), as
well as his special report of 10 June 2009 (S/2009/299), and taking note of the
recommendations in both reports,
Welcoming the efforts of the Government of Liberia to further national
reconciliation and economic recovery, and to combat corruption and promote
efficiency and good governance, in particular steps taken with regard to
strengthening Government control over natural resources and to address the
important issue of land reform,
Taking note of the conclusion of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission, which provides an important opportunity for the people of Liberia to
move the national reconciliation agenda forward and engage in a constructive
national dialogue on the root causes of the Liberian conflict,
Recognizing that lasting stability in Liberia and the subregion will require
well-functioning and sustainable security and rule of law sectors, and noting the continuing progress being made in developing and professionalizing the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Liberia National Police,
Recalling the benchmarks for the drawdown phase of United Nations Mission
in Liberia (UNMIL), including core benchmarks on the Liberia National Police and
the national security strategy, and noting with concern those areas where progress is still slow,
Recognizing the significant challenges that remain across all sectors, including
continuing problems with violent crime,
Welcoming the efforts of the Secretary-General to keep all peacekeeping
operations, including UNMIL, under close review and stressing the need for the
Council to pursue a rigorous, strategic approach to peacekeeping deployments, consistent with the statement of its President dated 5 August 2009 on United Nations peacekeeping operations (S/PRST/2009/24),
Expressing its appreciation for the continuing support of the international
community, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the
African Union (AU),
Noting with concern the threats to subregional stability, including to Liberia, in particular posed by drug trafficking, organized crime, and illicit arms,
Commending the work of UNMIL, under the leadership of the Special
Representative of the Secretary-General, for its continuing and significant
contribution to maintaining peace and stability in Liberia, and welcoming the close cooperation between UNMIL and the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), as well as with neighbouring Governments, in coordinating security activities in the border areas in the subregion,
Taking note of the conclusions of the needs assessment mission that evaluated
the requirements of the Liberian National Elections Commission to prepare for and conduct the October 2011 general presidential and legislative elections, and stressing that the responsibility for the preparation and conduct of the elections rests with the Liberian authorities, with the support of the international community,
Welcoming progress achieved on the benchmarks laid out in the Secretary-
General’s reports of 12 September 2006, 9 August 2007, and 19 March 2008,
Recalling its resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) on women, peace, and
security and condemning any sexual violence, further welcoming the continuing
efforts of UNMIL, in close cooperation with the Government of Liberia, to promote and protect the rights of civilians, in particular women and children, noting with appreciation that the Government’s strategy for implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is in place, recognizing the challenges that remain in addressing the serious issues of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation and abuse, and calling on member states to increase support to the government in its efforts,
Encouraging Liberian authorities to expedite their efforts to constitute the
Independent National Commission on Human Rights,
Reiterating the continuing need for UNMIL’s support for the security of the
Special Court for Sierra Leone, subject to periodic review as the Court’s work
progresses,