Report of the Secretary General on the situation in Abyei

Date: 
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Countries: 
Sudan
Report Analysis: 

  • The report focuses on the security situation, political developments, the humanitarian situation; protection of civilians and the status of UNISFA mandated tasks in the Abyei area.

  • The Secretary General discusses the new mandated tasks of UNISFA to support the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, and the implementation of other UNISFA mandated tasks. He moreover asked all parties to cease hostilities, resolve outstanding requirements necessary for the activation of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, withdraw unauthorized armed forces and support the return and migration processes also improving the living conditions of the communities.

  • No mention was made, however, to the allowance of aid into the state. Nor did the Secretary-General call for a full and impartial investigation by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) into events in Southern Kordofan and/or Blue Nile.

  • The document is characterized by a general absence of gender perspective and specific references to women’s protection and participation.

Analysis provided by the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security.

Security Council Agenda Geographical Topic: 
Sudan
Update on progress made in the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism and on the situation in Abyei and on the deployment and operations of UNISFA since the previous report on the matter (S/2012/175) issued on 23 March 2012.