United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia
Encyclopedia
The United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) was a United Nations
peacekeeping
mission in Liberia
. It was established in Resolution 866
(1993) and headquartered in the capital Monrovia
.
UNOMIL was created as part of the Cotonou Agreement to support the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) in Liberia during the First Liberian Civil War (1989–1996). Its initial mandate was to monitor the implementation of peace agreements between the Liberian parties, investigate ceasefire
violations, assist in maintenance of assembly sites and demobilisation
of combatants, facilitate humanitarian assistance
, investigate violations of human rights
and to monitor the electoral process
. During its mandate, UNOMIL carried out logistical work while the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group
provided security, and undertook public information campaigns with the aim of educating voters.
It was superseded by the United Nations Mission in Liberia
, established in September 2003.
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
peacekeeping
Peacekeeping
Peacekeeping is an activity that aims to create the conditions for lasting peace. It is distinguished from both peacebuilding and peacemaking....
mission in Liberia
Liberia
Liberia , officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Sierra Leone on the west, Guinea on the north and Côte d'Ivoire on the east. Liberia's coastline is composed of mostly mangrove forests while the more sparsely populated inland consists of forests that open...
. It was established in Resolution 866
United Nations Security Council Resolution 866
United Nations Security Council Resolution 866, adopted unanimously on September 22, 1993, after reaffirming resolutions 813 and 856 , the Council noted that United Nations involvement would contribute significantly to the effective implementation of the Peace Agreement in Liberia and went on to...
(1993) and headquartered in the capital Monrovia
Monrovia
Monrovia is the capital city of the West African nation of Liberia. Located on the Atlantic Coast at Cape Mesurado, it lies geographically within Montserrado County, but is administered separately...
.
UNOMIL was created as part of the Cotonou Agreement to support the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States
Economic Community of West African States
The Economic Community of West African States is a regional group of fifteen West African countries. Founded on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, its mission is to promote economic integration across the region....
(ECOWAS) in Liberia during the First Liberian Civil War (1989–1996). Its initial mandate was to monitor the implementation of peace agreements between the Liberian parties, investigate ceasefire
Ceasefire
A ceasefire is a temporary stoppage of a war in which each side agrees with the other to suspend aggressive actions. Ceasefires may be declared as part of a formal treaty, but they have also been called as part of an informal understanding between opposing forces...
violations, assist in maintenance of assembly sites and demobilisation
Demobilization
Demobilization is the process of standing down a nation's armed forces from combat-ready status. This may be as a result of victory in war, or because a crisis has been peacefully resolved and military force will not be necessary...
of combatants, facilitate humanitarian assistance
Humanitarian aid
Humanitarian aid is material or logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to humanitarian crises including natural disaster and man-made disaster. The primary objective of humanitarian aid is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity...
, investigate violations of human rights
Human rights
Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
and to monitor the electoral process
Elections in Liberia
Liberia elects on national level a head of state - the president - and a legislature. The president is elected for a six-year term by the people. The Legislature has two chambers. The House of Representatives has 64 members, elected for a six-year term. The Senate has 30 members...
. During its mandate, UNOMIL carried out logistical work while the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group
Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group
The Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group, or ECOMOG, was a West African multilateral armed force established by the Economic Community of West African States . ECOMOG was a formal arrangement for separate armies to work together...
provided security, and undertook public information campaigns with the aim of educating voters.
It was superseded by the United Nations Mission in Liberia
United Nations Mission in Liberia
The United Nations Mission in Liberia is a peace-keeping force established in September 2003 to monitor a ceasefire agreement in Liberia following the resignation of President Charles Taylor and the conclusion of the Second Liberian Civil War....
, established in September 2003.