United Nations Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)

16:11 Admin


 
 
Following the agreement between the Government of Morocco and the Frente POLISARIO, MINURSO was deployed in September 1991 to monitor the ceasefire and to organize and conduct a referendum which would allow the people of Western Sahara to decide the Territory's future status.

Background
 
The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established by Security Council resolution 690 of 29 April 1991 in accordance with settlement proposals accepted on 30 August 1988 by Morocco and the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO).
The settlement plan, as approved by the Security Council, provided for a transitional period for the preparation of a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara would choose between independence and integration with Morocco. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General was to have sole and exclusive responsibility over matters relating to the referendum and was to be assisted in his tasks by an integrated group of civilian, military and civilian police personnel, to be known as the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara. 
 
 
MINURSO was originally mandated in accordance with the settlement plan to:
* monitor the ceasefire;
* verify the reduction of Moroccan troops in the Territory;
* monitor the confinement of Moroccan and Frente POLISARIO troops to designated
 locations;
* take steps with the parties to ensure the release of all Western Saharan political prisoners
 or detainees;
* oversee the exchange of prisoners of war, to be implemented by International Committee of
 the Red Cross, (ICRC);
* repatriate the refugees of Western Sahara, a task to be carried out by the United Nations
 High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR);
* identify and register qualified voters;
* organise and ensure a free and fair referendum and proclaim the results;
* reduce the threat of unexploded ordnances and mines.
 
 
While the organisation of the referendum has not been possible to date, other requirements
of the mandate have been pursued successfully. MINURSO continues to perform the
 following tasks:
* Monitor the ceasefire;
* Reduce the threat of mines and UXOs;
* Support the confidence building measures.
On an exceptional basis, MINURSO has been involved in providing assistance to irregular
 migrants as well as humanitarian help in case of natural disasters.
 
 
Duration
  • September 1991 todate
Contribution
  • 5x Military Observers

0 comments:

Post a Comment