Statement [Made on Behalf of the Security Council, at the 5921st Meeting, 23 June 2008, in Connection with the Council's Consideration of the Item Entitled "Peace and Security in Africa"]

S/PRST/2008/23View PDF

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

A Presidential Statement of the Security Council, under agenda item 139 Peace and security in Africa, published in 2008.

What subjects does this mandate have?

10 subjects

Civil and Political Rights Detained Persons Elections Humanitarian Assistance Political Conditions Political Violence Regional Cooperation Regional Security Right of Assembly Zimbabwe

What’s in this document?

7 paragraphs

At the 5921st meeting of the Security Council, held on 23 June 2008, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “Peace and security in Africa”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

“The Security Council condemns the campaign of violence against the political opposition ahead of the second round of the presidential elections scheduled for 27 June, which has resulted in the killing of scores of opposition activists and other Zimbabweans and the beating and displacement of thousands of people, including many women and children.

“The Security Council further condemns the actions of the Government of Zimbabwe that have denied its political opponents the right to campaign freely, and calls upon the Government of Zimbabwe to stop the violence, to cease political intimidation, to end the restrictions on the right of assembly and to release the political leaders who have been detained. The Council urges the international monitors and observers to remain in Zimbabwe while the crisis continues.

“The Security Council regrets that the campaign of violence and the restrictions on the political opposition have made it impossible for a free and fair election to take place on 27 June. The Council further considers that, to be legitimate, any government of Zimbabwe must take account of the interests of all its citizens. The Council notes that the results of the 29 March 2008 elections must be respected.

“The Security Council expresses its concern over the impact of the situation in Zimbabwe on the wider region. The Council welcomes the recent international efforts, including those of SADC leaders and particularly President Mbeki. The Security Council calls on the Zimbabwean authorities to cooperate fully with all efforts, including through the United Nations, aimed at finding a peaceful way forward, through dialogue between the parties, that allows a legitimate government to be formed that reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people.

“The Security Council further expresses its concern at the grave humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe and condemns the suspension by the Government of Zimbabwe of the operations of humanitarian organizations, which has directly affected one and a half million people, including half a million children. The Council calls on the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately allow humanitarian organizations to resume their services.

“The Security Council will continue to monitor closely the situation and requests the Secretary-General to report on ongoing regional and international efforts to resolve the crisis.”

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

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