UN Security Council extends UNMISS mandate

The United Nations Security Council on Friday extended the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) till December 15th.

The Security Council voted 13-0 to adopt the resolution with two of the fifteen countries abstaining from the vote.

The 45 day extension increases the lifespan of UNMISS to 15 December 2015.

The core pillars remain the protection of civilians, monitoring and investigating human rights, creating conditions conducive for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and supporting the IGAD-led peace process and implementation of transitional security arrangements.

Two outstanding elements included are clearance for UNMISS to actively participate in a Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission verifying the implementation of the peace agreement. .

Second is UNMISS’ support in the creation of a hybrid court to hold accountable human rights violators during the conflict.

Another noted element is the Security Council’s clearance for UNMISS to use unarmed drones to monitor and carry out its peacekeeping role.

In this interview, Ariane Quentier, spokesperson for the UN Mission in South Sudan explains more about the mandate.