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Political Missions and Offices

The Security Council has established a wide variety of organs to support its political work, including through supporting peace processes or conflict prevention efforts. Below is a list of all the political missions and integrated and regional offices established by the Security Council, with a short description prepared on the basis of the content of the Repertoire, as well as links to the sections covering them in the Repertoire. They are organized by region, and then under relevant areas or subregions, placed chronologically starting with those established most recently. This list includes peacebuilding offices, which are political offices designed to support peacebuilding efforts in post-conflict countries. The Repertoire also covers information on the Peacebuilding Commission, which was jointly established by the Security Council and the General Assembly. For more information on political missions and offices, please visit the Department of Political Affairs website.

Content

  1. Africa
  2. Americas
  3. Asia
  4. Europe
  5. Middle East

Africa

Angola

United Nations Mission in Angola (UNMA)

The United Nations Mission in Angola (UNMA) was established on 15 August 2002 as a follow-on mission for the United Nations Office in Angola (UNOA) to assist the parties to conclude the Lusaka Protocol and assist the Government of Angola in the areas of human rights, economic recovery and development.

United Nations Office in Angola (UNOA)

The United Nations Office in Angola (UNOA) was established on 15 October 1999, to liaise with the political, military, police and other civilian authorities, with a view to exploring effective measures for restoring peace, assisting the Angolan people in the area of capacity-building, humanitarian assistance, the promotion of human rights, and coordinating other activities.

Burundi

United Nations Electoral Observation Mission in Burundi (MENUB)

The United Nations Electoral Observation Mission in Burundi (MENUB) was established by the Security Council resolution 2137 (2014) of 13 February 2014 to follow and report on the 2015 electoral process in Burundi. MENUB was deployed on 1 January 2015 and it concluded its mandate on 18 November 2015.

United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB)

The United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB) was established on 1 January 2011 to replace BINUB. It is mandated to support the Government in strengthening the independence, capacities and legal frameworks of key national institutions, in particular the judiciary and parliament; promoting dialogue between national actors; fighting impunity and protecting human rights. The mission completed its mandate on 31 December 2014 and transferred its responsibilities to the UN Country Team.

United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB)

The United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB) was established by the Security Council on 25 October 2006 through the adoption of resolution 1719 (2006), to support the Government of Burundi in its effort towards long-term peace and stability throughout the peace consolidation phase, including by ensuring coherence and coordination of the United Nations agencies in Burundi. It was preceded by a peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB).

United Nations Office in Burundi (UNOB)

The United Nations Office in Burundi (UNOB) was established in November 1993, to facilitate the restoration of constitutional rule in Burundi through the implementation of the Arusha Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation and subsequent ceasefire agreements. UNOB was replaced by a peacekeeping operation, the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) in May 2004.

Central African Republic

United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA)

The United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA) was authorized on 10 December 1999 through an exchange of letters between the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, and was established on 15 February 2000 to follow upon the withdrawal of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA). BONUCA was initially tasked with supporting the Government of the Central African Republic’s efforts to consolidate peace and national reconciliation, strengthening democratic institutions, and facilitating the mobilization of international political support and resources for national reconstruction and economic recovery.

United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Support Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA)

The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Support Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA) was established by the Security Council on 7 April 2009 through the adoption of a presidential statement to succeed BONUCA and ensure the coherence of peacebuilding support activities by the various United Nations entities present in the Central African Republic. In 2014, BINUCA was subsumed into the newly established Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Côte d’Ivoire

United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire (MINUCI)

The United Nations Mission in Côte d'Ivoire (MINUCI) was established on 13 May 2003 to facilitate the implementation by Côte d’Ivoire and the rebel groups of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement following the cessation of the Ivorian Civil War. MINUCI was terminated on 4 April 2004 and was succeeded by the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI).

Guinea-Bissau

United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS)

The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) was established on 26 June 2009 to succeed UNOGBIS in assisting the Peacebuilding Commission in its multidimensional engagement with Guinea-Bissau as well as enhancing cooperation with the African Union, ECOWAS, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, the European Union and other partners in efforts to contribute to the stabilization of Guinea-Bissau.

United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS)

1996-1999 2000-2003 2004-2007 2008-2009

The United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) was established on 6 April 1999, to facilitate the general election in Guinea-Bissau as well as to assist in the implementation of the Abuja Agreement of 26 August 1998. Following the ouster of the President of Guinea-Bissau on 7 May 1999, UNOGBIS was adjusted to accommodate changed circumstances on the ground; to assist in national reconciliation efforts, to create a stable environment to allow free elections and to promote confidence building measures.

Liberia

United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Liberia (UNOL)

The United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Liberia (UNOL) was established on 1 November 1997, following the elections and the withdrawal of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL). UNOL focused on the promotion of reconciliation and the strengthening of democratic institutions, political support for efforts to mobilize international resources and assistance for national recovery and reconstruction; and coordination of United Nations efforts related to peacebuilding. It was followed-on by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

Libya

United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) was established by the Security Council on 16 September 2011 through the adoption of resolution 2009 (2002), to support the Libyan political process through mediation and good offices. In addition, UNSMIL is mandated to conduct human rights monitoring and reporting, support key Libyan institutions and efforts to secure uncontrolled arms, provide essential services and deliver humanitarian assistance, and coordination of international assistance.

Sierra Leone

United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL)

The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) was established by the Security Council on 4 August 2008 through the adoption of resolution 1829 (2008), to succeed the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) with a mandate to provide political advice to foster peace and political consolidation, offer support and training to the national police and security forces, and build the capacity of democratic institutions in furtherance of good governance and the promotion and protection of human rights. The mission completed its mandate on 31 March 2014 and transferred its responsibilities to the UN Country Team.

United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL)

The United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) was established by the Security Council on 31 August 2005 through the adoption of resolution 1620 (2005), to succeed the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). It was mandated to assist the Government of Sierra Leone in, inter alia, the capacity-building of State institutions, the establishment of a national human rights commission, and the strengthening of the security sector. It was succeeded by the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) on 4 August 2008.

Somalia

United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS)

The United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) was established by the Security Council on 15 April 1995 through the adoption of a presidential statement, to assist the Secretary-General in advancing the cause of peace and reconciliation through contacts with Somali leaders, civic organizations and the states and organizations concerned. UNPOS completed its mandate on 2 June 2013, and was replaced by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM)

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) was established by resolution 2102 (2013) of 2 May 2013 to succeed the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS). UNSOM has been mandated to provide good offices functions supporting the peace and reconciliation process of the Federal Government of Somalia, including coordinating international donor support, in particular on security sector assistance and maritime security, and to help build its capacity in the areas of protection of human rights and rule of law.

Central Africa

United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA)

The United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) was established in 2010 and officially launched in 2011 in Libreville, Gabon with a mandate to help prevent conflict and consolidate peace in Central Africa. UNOCA makes available the UN’s good offices and other assistance to support preventive diplomacy and mediation in situations of tension or potential conflict. It also works closely with UN entities on the ground, governments, regional and sub-regional organizations to address cross-border challenges. Such as arms trafficking, organized crime and the presence of armed groups such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

West Africa

United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA)

The United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) was authorized by the Security Council on 29 November 2001 through an exchange of letters between the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, to better address the cross-border impact of conflict in West Africa and harmonize United Nations activities in the sub-region. UNOWA’s mandate was focused on a number of priorities: encouraging recovery efforts in countries affected by crisis, consolidating good governance and the rule of law, promoting human rights and gender mainstreaming, and raising awareness of the imperative need for economic growth and the fair distribution of wealth.

West Africa and Sahel

United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)

The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) was established further to a letter from the Security Council to the Secretary-General dated 28 January 2016, requesting the merger of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Office of the Special Envoy for the Sahel into a single entity with the mandate to support the consolidation of peace and democratic governance in the region.

Americas

Colombia

United Nations Mission in Colombia

The United Nations Mission in Colombia was established by the Security Council through the adoption of resolution 2261 (2016) of 25 January 2016 to monitor and support the implementation of the peace agreement signed between the Government of Colombia and rebels.

United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia

The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, which replaced the United Nations Mission in Colombia, was established by the Security Council in resolution 2366 (2017) of 10 July to verify and support the implementation of the next phase of the peace agreement signed between the Government of Colombia and rebels. 

Asia

Afghanistan

United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) was established by the Security Council on 28 March 2002 through the adoption of resolution 1401 (2002), to provide political good offices in Afghanistan; to work with and to support the government; to support the process of peace and reconciliation; to monitor and to promote human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; to promote good governance; and to encourage regional cooperation.

Central Asia

United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA)

The United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) was authorized by the Security Council on 15 May 2007 through an exchange of letters between the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, at the initiative of the governments of the five Central Asian countries. While initiating this proposal, the Governments took into consideration the multiple threats that face Central Asia, including international terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking, organized crime and environmental degradation.

Nepal

United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN)

The United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) was established by the Security Council on 23 January 2007 through the adoption of resolution 1740 (2007) at the request of the Government of Nepal, to assist in creating a free and fair atmosphere for the election of the Constituent Assembly as well as to facilitate the peace process between the Army of Nepal and the Army of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists). UNMIN was terminated on 15 January 2011.

Papua New Guinea

United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville (UNOMB)

The United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville (UNOMB) was established on 23 December 2003 for six months, as a follow-on from the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB). UNOMB was tasked to finish the residual tasks of UNPOB and support the efforts of the parties in the transitional period leading to the elections as well as assess whether the level of security in Bougainville was conducive to the holding of elections, in accordance with the amended Constitution of Papua New Guinea.

United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB)

The United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB) was established in August 1998, following the ceasefire and the signing of the Lincoln Agreement in January 1998 between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville parties to the conflict. UNPOB was mandated to monitor the implementation of the Lincoln and Arawa Agreements, including the activities of the Peace Monitoring Group, in relation to its mandate.

Tajikistan

The United Nations Tajikistan Office of Peacebuilding (UNTOP)

The United Nations Tajikistan Office of Peacebuilding (UNTOP) was established on 1 June 2000 in order to consolidate peace and promote democracy in Tajikistan. UNTOP was mandated to provide the political framework and leadership for post-conflict peace-building activities of the United Nations system in the country, and to mobilize international support for the implementation of targeted programmes aimed at strengthening the rule of law, demobilization, voluntary arms collection and employment creation for former irregular fighters. The Office ended in August 2007.

Timor-Leste

United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL)

The United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL) was established on 28 April 2005, as a follow-on political mission to the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET). UNOTIL was mandated to support the development of critical State institutions, to support further development of the police and of the Border Patrol Unit, to provide training in observance of democratic governance and human rights and to monitor and review progress of the above tasks. UNOTIL’s mandate expired on 25 August 2006, when it was replaced by the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).

United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET)

The United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) was established on 31 August 1999, to organize and conduct a popular, direct, and universal ballot in order to ascertain whether the East Timorese people accepted the proposed constitutional framework providing for a special autonomy for East Timor within the unitary Republic of Indonesia or rejected the proposed special autonomy for East Timor, leading to East Timor’s separation from Indonesia, in accordance with the General Agreement of 5 May 1999 reached by the Governments of Indonesia and Portugal and the United Nations. The establishment of the peacekeeping operation, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) on 22 October 1999 marked the termination of UNAMET.

Middle East

Iraq

United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) was established by the Security Council on 14 August 2003 through the adoption of resolution 1500 (2003), to coordinate among UN and international agencies engaged in humanitarian assistance and reconstruction activities in Iraq and to advance efforts to restore and establish national and local institutions.

Lebanon

Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL)

The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) was authorized by the Security Council on 13 February 2007 through an exchange of letters between the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, to represent the Secretary-General politically and to coordinate the work of the United Nations in the country following the July 2006 war. The Office of the Special Coordinator replaced the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General for Lebanon and predecessors that had been in Lebanon since 2000.