United Nations Security Council Resolution 1389

Adopted unanimously by the Security Council at its 4451st meeting, on 16 January 2002

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 significant progress made in the peace process in Sierra Leone, determining that the situation in Sierra Leone continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region, and calling for the further consolidation and advancement of the peace process,

Welcoming the official completion of the disarmament process, calling for the continuation of efforts to collect arms remaining in the hands of the civilian population, including ex-combatants, and urging the international community to provide adequate resources for the reintegration programme,

Emphasizing the importance of free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections for the long-term stability of Sierra Leone, and, in this regard, stressing the importance of all political parties having the freedom to campaign and having unrestricted access to the media,

Welcoming the progress made by the Government of Sierra Leone and the National Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone in preparing for elections, with the assistance of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), and encouraging further efforts, particularly by the National Electoral Commission, in this regard,

Stressing the primary responsibility of the Sierra Leone Police for the maintenance of law and order,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 13 December 2001 (S/2001/1195), and taking note of the request by the National Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations to provide support for the elections,

1. Decides that, further to paragraph 8 (i) of resolution 1270 (1999) of 22 October 1999, in order to facilitate the smooth holding of elections, UNAMSIL shall undertake election-related tasks within the parameters set out in paragraphs 48 to 62 of the Secretary-General’s report of 13 December 2001 (S/2001/1195), within its existing mandate, capabilities and areas of deployment and in the light of conditions on the ground, and decides that these tasks shall include:


 * (a) Assisting with logistic support to the National Electoral Commission for the transport of electoral materials and personnel, including the use of the air assets of UNAMSIL to reach areas inaccessible by road, the storage and distribution of election materials prior to the elections, the movement of ballot papers after the elections, logistic assistance to international election observers, and the use of the civilian communications facilities of UNAMSIL in the provinces;


 * (b) Facilitating the free movement of people, goods and humanitarian assistance throughout the country;


 * (c) The provision of wider security and deterrence, through its presence and within the framework of its mandate, throughout the period of preparation for the elections, the polling period itself, and the period immediately after the announcement of the election results, and, exceptionally, being prepared to respond to situations of public disorder, with the Sierra Leone police taking the lead, especially in the vicinity of polling stations and the locations of other related activities;

2. Reiterates its authorization to UNAMSIL, under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, as provided for in resolution 1270 (1999) of 22 October 1999 and resolution 1289 (2000) of 7 February 2000, to take the necessary action to fulfil the tasks set out in paragraphs 1 (b) and 1 (c) above, and reaffirms that, in the discharge of its mandate, UNAMSIL may take the necessary action to ensure the security and freedom of movement of its personnel and, within its capabilities and areas of deployment, to afford protection to civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, taking into account the responsibilities of the Government of Sierra Leone, including the Sierra Leone Police;

3. Authorizes the increase in the United Nations civilian police proposed by the Secretary-General in his report of 13 December 2001 (S/2001/1195), encourages the Secretary-General to request a further increase if appropriate, and endorses the Secretary-General's recommendation that the United Nations civilian police should perform the following tasks:


 * (a) To advise and support the Sierra Leone Police in carrying out their election-related responsibilities;


 * (b) To assist the Sierra Leone Police to devise and implement an electoral training programme for their personnel, focussed mainly on establishing security for public events, human rights and police conduct;

4. Welcomes the interim establishment of an electoral component in UNAMSIL aimed at strengthening UNAMSIL’s contribution to facilitating, in particular, the coordination of electoral activities between the National Electoral Commission, the Government of Sierra Leone and other national and international stakeholders;

5. Welcomes the intention of UNAMSIL, as indicated in the Secretary-General’s report of 13 December 2001 (S/2001/1195), to establish in each electoral region a UNAMSIL electoral office from which to monitor the electoral process, and to provide, within available resources, assistance to international election observers;

6. Notes with appreciation the ongoing support provided by the Public Information Section of UNAMSIL to the National Electoral Commission in designing and implementing a civic education and public information strategy, and encourages UNAMSIL to continue these efforts;

7. Underlines the responsibility of the Government of Sierra Leone and the National Electoral Commission for the holding of free and fair elections, and encourages the international community to provide generous support and assistance to that end;

8. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.