United Nations Security Council Resolution 1508

by the United Nations

Adopted unanimously by the Security Council at its 4829th meeting, on 19 September 2003

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone,

Affirming the commitment of all States to respect the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Sierra Leone,

Welcoming the increasingly stable security situation in Sierra Leone, while encouraging further progress towards strengthening the capacity of the Sierra Leone Police and armed forces to maintain security and stability independently,

Noting that lasting stability in Sierra Leone will depend on peace in the subregion, especially in Liberia, and emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the countries of the subregion to this end, as well as the need for coordination of United Nations efforts to contribute to the consolidation of peace and security in the subregion,

Reiterating the importance of the effective consolidation of stability and State authority throughout Sierra Leone, particularly in the diamond fields, the reintegration of ex-combatants, voluntary and unhindered return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and full respect for human rights and the rule of law, paying special attention to the protection of women and children, and stressing continued United Nations support to the Government of Sierra Leone in fulfilling these objectives,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 5 September 2003 (S/2003/863),

1. Decides that the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) shall be extended for a period of six months from 30 September 2003;

2. Expresses its appreciation to those Member States providing troops, civilian police personnel and support elements to UNAMSIL and those who have made commitments to do so;

3. Commends UNAMSIL for the progress made to date in the adjustments to its size, composition and deployment, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1436 (2002) and 1492 (2003), and welcomes the Secretary-General’s intention to continue with these adjustments, as outlined in paragraph 10 of his report;

4. Emphasizes that the development of the administrative capacities of the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly an effective and sustainable police force, army, penal system and independent judiciary, is essential to long-term peace and development, and urges the Government of Sierra Leone, with the assistance of donors and UNAMSIL, in accordance with its mandate, to accelerate the consolidation of civil authority and public services throughout the country, and to continue to strengthen the operational effectiveness and capabilities of the security sector;

5. Urges the Government of Sierra Leone to continue to strengthen its control over, and regulation of, diamond mining, including through the High Level Steering Committee, and encourages member States to volunteer candidates for the post of diamond mining police adviser;

6. Notes with serious concern the precarious financial situation of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, reiterates its appeal to States to contribute generously to the Court, as requested in the Secretary-General’s letter of 18 March 2003, and urges all States to cooperate fully with the Court;

7. Commends the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for its work, encourages States to contribute generously to it, and welcomes the intention of the Government of Sierra Leone to establish a Human Rights Commission;

8. Expresses its strong support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) towards building peace in the subregion, and encourages the Presidents of the Mano River Union member States to resume dialogue and to implement their commitments to building regional peace and security;

9. Welcomes the deployment of ECOWAS forces to Liberia, supported by UNAMSIL, reiterates its demand that armed groups in Liberia refrain from illegal incursions into Sierra Leone, and encourages the Sierra Leonean armed forces, together with UNAMSIL, to maintain intensive patrolling of the border with Liberia;

10. Encourages the continued support of UNAMSIL, within its capabilities and areas of deployment, for the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons;

11. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s intention to keep the security, political, humanitarian and human rights situation in Sierra Leone under close review and to report to the Council, after due consultations with troop-contributing countries and the Government of Sierra Leone, with any additional recommendations;

12. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.