Security Council resolution 2340 (2017) [on extension of the mandate of the UN Panel of Experts Established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1591 (2005) on the Sudan until 12 Mar. 2018]
Symbol: S/RES/2340 (2017)
Date: 2017-02-08
Status: adopted
Agenda: S/72 [160] SUDAN--POLITICAL CONDITIONS
S/72 [204] AU/UN HYBRID OPERATION IN DARFUR
Subjects: UN. Security Council Committee Established pursuant to Resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan|UN. Panel of Experts Established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1591 (2005)|AU/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur|Charter of the United Nations (1945). Chapter VII|ARMS EMBARGO|SANCTIONS|SANCTIONS COMPLIANCE|INTERNAL SECURITY|HUMAN RIGHTS IN ARMED CONFLICTS|DARFUR (SUDAN)|SUDAN
Votes in favour: 15
Votes against: 0
Abstentions: 0
Voting record:
country: BOLIVIA (PLURINATIONAL STATE OF)
vote: yes
country: CHINA
vote: yes
country: EGYPT
vote: yes
country: ETHIOPIA
vote: yes
country: FRANCE
vote: yes
country: ITALY
vote: yes
country: JAPAN
vote: yes
country: KAZAKHSTAN
vote: yes
country: RUSSIAN FEDERATION
vote: yes
country: SENEGAL
vote: yes
country: SWEDEN
vote: yes
country: UKRAINE
vote: yes
country: UNITED KINGDOM
vote: yes
country: UNITED STATES
vote: yes
country: URUGUAY
vote: yes

               United Nations                                                                S/RES/2340 (2017)
               Security Council                                               Distr.: General
                                                                              8 February 2017




               Resolution 2340 (2017)
               Adopted by the Security Council at its 7878th meeting, on
               8 February 2017

                    The Security Council,
                   Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its President concerning
               Sudan,
                      Reaffirming its commitment to the cause of peace throughout Sudan, to the
               sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, and to the full
               and timely implementation of resolution 1591 (2005), recalling the importance of
               the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and cooperation in the
               relations among States in the region, and further recalling that the Government of
               Sudan bears the primary responsibility for protecting all populations within its
               territory, with respect for the rule of law, international human rights law and
               international humanitarian law,
                     Noting the importance of the work of the African Union High -Level
               Implementation Panel (AUHIP), the aims of the Doha Document for Peace in
               Darfur (DDPD), and the stated commitment of the Government of Sudan to an
               inclusive national dialogue building on the AUHIP’s ongoing peace efforts,
               welcoming the African Union Peace and Security Council’s decision to extend the
               AUHIP’s mandate for another year, and further welcoming the AU Roadmap
               Agreement, signed by both the Government and the opposition, and urging the
               signatory groups to implement the Roadmap by working towards a negotiated
               cessation of hostilities and an open and inclusive political dialogue,
                     Reiterating the need for an end to the violence and continued violations and
               abuses in Darfur, underscoring the importance of fully addressing the root causes of
               the conflict in the search for a sustainable peace, and recognizing that the Darfur
               conflict cannot be resolved militarily and a durable solution can only be obtained
               through an inclusive political process,
                    Noting that the conflict between the Government and armed groups has mostly
               become limited to the Jebel Marra region and acknowledging an overall reduction in
               violence, while remaining particularly concerned at the violence and insecurity that
               remains, including intercommunal violence, militia activity, banditry, and fighting
               between the government and armed groups, expressing concern that such violence



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               and insecurity continues to negatively affect civilians and has contributed to an
               increase in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) observed in 2016, and
               that the Government of Sudan continues to restrict humanitarian access to conflict
               areas where vulnerable civilian populations reside, and urging the Government of
               Sudan to work with international partners to address the urgent humanitarian crisis
               faced by the people of Darfur, including by improving the facilitation of timely and
               unhindered humanitarian access to all areas by humanitarian agencies and
               personnel, consistent with the United Nations guiding principles of humanitarian
               assistance, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence, and the
               relevant provisions of international law,
                     Emphasizing the imperative for all armed actors to refrain from all acts of
               violence against civilians, in particular members of vulnerable groups such as
               women and children, and to end all violations and abuses of human rights and
               violations of international humanitarian law, and further emphasizing that some of
               these acts may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity under international
               law,
                     Expressing concern about the external links, in particular military, between
               non-signatory armed groups in Darfur and groups outside Darfur, demanding that
               direct or indirect military support for such armed groups in Darfur ceases, and
               condemning actions by any armed group aimed at forced overthrow of the
               Government of Sudan, noting there is no military solution to the conflic t in Sudan,
                     Demanding that the parties to the conflict exercise restraint and cease military
               action of all kind, including aerial bombardments,
                    Welcoming the unilateral cessation of hostilities declarations by the parties,
               urging continued implementation of the cessation of hostilities declarations, and
               encouraging the parties to promptly reach a permanent cessation of hostilities,
                     Urging all armed groups engaged in conflict in the Jebel Marra area, including
               the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid (SLA/AW) to join the AU-led peace
               negotiations, as a first step towards a comprehensive and sustainable peace
               agreement, and recalling its willingness to consider targeted sanctions against
               individuals or entities who impede the peace process, constitute a thre at to stability
               in Darfur and the region, commit violations of international humanitarian or human
               rights law or other atrocities, or violate the measures implemented by Member
               States in accordance with relevant resolutions,
                     Recalling its resolution 2117 (2013) and the report of the Secretary-General
               (S/2015/289), and expressing concern at the threat to peace and security in Darfur
               arising from the illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms
               and light weapons, and the use of such weapons against civilians affected by armed
               conflict, and the continued threats to civilians posed by unexploded ordnance,
                      Deploring the continued violations of resolution 1591 (2005) by the
               Government of Sudan, including its Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and government -
               affiliated armed groups, involving the routine movement of weapons and
               ammunition into Darfur, without prior authorization of the 1591 committee,
               established pursuant to paragraph 3 of resolution 1591 (the Committee),




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                 Demanding an immediate and complete cessation by all parties to the armed
           conflict of all deliberate and indiscriminate attacks on civilians, acts of sexual
           violence against civilians, the recruitment and use of children in violation of
           applicable international law, and other violations and abuses against children, and
           indiscriminate attacks on civilians, in line with all relevant res olutions on these
           issues, and emphasizing that those responsible for violations of international
           humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights must be held
           accountable,
                 Welcoming the signing of an action plan in March 2016 between the United
           Nations and the Government of Sudan, to prevent the recruitment and use of
           children by Sudan Government Security Forces, urging continued progress on its
           implementation, and urging the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM)-Gibril forces
           to refrain from the recruitment and use of children in violation of applicable
           international law,
                 Reaffirming its concern over the negative effect of violence in Darfur on the
           stability of Sudan as a whole, as well as the region, welcoming the ongoing good
           relations between Sudan and Chad, and encouraging Sudan and the countries of the
           region to continue to cooperate in order to achieve peace and stability in Darfur and
           the wider region,
                 Deploring the violations of international humanitarian law and human rights
           violations and abuses committed by Government of Sudan security forces, their
           proxies, and armed groups, including those opposing the Government of Sudan,
           against civilians, including IDPs, particularly in the Jebel Marra area,
                 Stressing the need for improved cooperation between the Government of
           Sudan and the Panel of Experts, originally appointed pursuant to paragraph 3 of
           1591 (2005) (the Panel of Experts), during the course of its mandate, reiterating its
           call on all parties in Darfur to cooperate fully with its mission, including by
           ensuring its free movement in, and access to, the region, notably to areas of armed
           conflict and areas of reported violations and abuses of human rights and violations
           of international humanitarian law, expressing continued concern at all the continued
           obstacles and impediments imposed by the Government of Sudan on the work of the
           Panel of Experts,
                 Recalling the report (S/2017/22) by the Panel of Experts, and expressing its
           intent to further study, through the Committee, the Pa nel’s recommendations and to
           consider appropriate next steps,
                Emphasizing the need to respect the provisions of the United Nations Charter
           concerning privileges and immunities, and the Convention on the Privileges and
           Immunities of the United Nations, as applicable to United Nations operations and
           persons engaged in such operations,
                Noting the critical importance of effective implementation of the sanctions
           regime, including the key role that neighbouring states, as well as regional and
           subregional organizations, can play in this regard, and encouraging efforts to further
           enhance cooperation,
               Reminding all States, particularly States in the region, including the
           Government of Sudan, of the obligations contained in resolutions 1556 (2004), 1591




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               (2005), and 1945 (2010), in particular those obligations relating to arms and related
               materiel,
                      Calling on the Government of Sudan to fulfil all its commitments, including
               lifting the state of emergency in Darfur, allowing free expression and undertaking
               effective efforts to ensure accountability for violations and abuses of human rights
               and violations of international humanitarian law, by whomsoever perpetrated,
                    Noting that acts of hostility, violence or intimidation against the civilian
               population, including IDPs, in Darfur, endanger or undermine the parties’
               commitment to a complete and durable cessation of hostilities, and would be
               inconsistent with the aims of the DDPD,
                     Determining that the situation in Sudan continues to constitute a threat to
               international peace and security in the region,
                    Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
                     1.   Decides to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts, originally
               appointed pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) and previously extended by
               resolutions 1651 (2005), 1665 (2006), 1713 (2006), 1779 (2007), 1841 (2008), and
               1891 (2009), 1945 (2010), 1982 (2011), 2035 (2012), 2091 (2013), 2138 (2014),
               2200 (2015) and 2265 (2016) until 12 March 2018, expresses its intent to review the
               mandate and take appropriate action regarding further extension no later than
               12 February 2018, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary
               administrative measures, including basing arrangements, as expeditiously as
               possible;
                     2.   Requests the Panel of Experts to provide to the Committee a first report
               on its activities no later than 12 August 2017, and, after discussion with the
               Committee, a final report to the Council no later than 12 January 2018 with its
               findings and recommendations;
                     3.    Requests the Panel of Experts to provide updates every three months to
               the Committee regarding its activities, including Panel travel, and requests that any
               obstacles encountered to the fulfilment of its mandate, as well as violations of any
               part of the sanctions regime, be reported immediately;
                     4.   Requests the Panel of Experts to report, in the timeframe identified in
               paragraph 3 of this resolution, on the implementation and effectiveness of paragraph
               10 of resolution 1945 (2010);
                     5.     Expresses concern that the Panel of Experts was not able to access
               Darfur since the adoption of resolution 2265 (2016), underscores the need for the
               Panel to have full and unfettered access to all of Darfur to fulfil its mandat e,
               throughout the length of its mandate, insists that the Government of Sudan remove
               all restrictions, limitations and bureaucratic impediments imposed on the work of
               the Panel of Experts, including by issuing timely multiple -entry visas to all
               members of the Panel of Experts for the duration of its mandate, and by waiving the
               requirement of Darfur travel permits for said Panel members and enhance its
               cooperation and information sharing with the Panel, and stresses that it will monitor
               the degree of cooperation of the Government of Sudan on such matters;




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                6.    Reiterates its support for the efforts of the United Nations/African Union
           Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), the United Nations Secretary -General,
           AUHIP, the Joint Special Representative, and the leaders of the region to promote
           peace and stability in Darfur;
                7.      Urges the non-signatory groups to sign the AU Roadmap urgently as an
           important milestone in determining a practicable way forward towards a cessation
           of hostilities and an inclusive political dialogue;

           Arms Embargo
                 8.    Expresses its concern that the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to
           Sudan of technical assistance and support, including training, financial or other
           assistance and the provision of spare parts, weapons systems and related materiel,
           could be used by the Government of Sudan to support military aircraft being used in
           violation of resolutions 1556 (2004) and 1591 (2005), including those aircraft
           identified by the panel, and urges all States to be mindful of this risk in light of the
           measures contained in resolution 1591 (2005);
                 9.   Recalls the Government of Sudan’s obligations under resolution 1591
           (2005), including the requirement to request advance approval from the Committee
           for the movement of military equipment and supplies into the Darfur region;
                  10. Calls upon the Government of Sudan to address the illicit transfer,
           destabilizing accumulation, and misuse of small arms and light weapons in Darfur,
           which also contributes to instability in the region, and further to ensure the safe and
           effective management, storage and security of their stockpiles of small arms and
           light weapons, and the collection and/or destruction of surplus, seized, unmarked, or
           illicitly held weapons and ammunition, and calls upon the Government of Sudan
           and other signatories to swiftly fulfil their commitments under the DDPD to
           implement and complete disarmament, demobilization and reintegration;
                  11. Expresses its concern that certain items continue to be converted for
           military purposes and transferred to Darfur, and urges all States to be mindful of
           this risk in light of the measures contained in resolution 1591 (2005);

           Implementation
                 12. Condemns the continued violations of the measures contained in
           paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004) and paragraph 7 of resolution 1591
           (2005), as updated in paragraph 9 of resolution 1945 (2010) and 4 of resolution
           2035 (2012) and directs the Committee, in line with its mandate and guidelines, to
           consult as soon as possible with any Member State about which the Committee
           deems there is credible information that provides reasonable grounds to believe the
           State is facilitating such violations or any other acts of non -compliance with these
           measures;
                 13. Expresses its concern that the travel ban and asset freeze on designated
           individuals is not being implemented by all Member States, requests the Panel to
           share with the Committee any information regarding possible non -compliance with
           the travel ban and asset freeze as soon as possible, and directs the Committee to
           respond effectively to any reports of non-compliance by Member States with




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               paragraph 3 of resolution 1591 (2005) and resolution 1672 (2006), including by
               engaging immediately with all relevant parties;
                     14. Reiterates that all States, particularly those in the region, shall take the
               necessary measures to prevent entry into or transit through their territories of all
               persons as designated by the Committee, in accordance with paragraph 3 of
               resolution 1591 (2005), and calls upon the Government of Sudan to enhance
               cooperation and information sharing with other States in this regard;
                     15. Urges all States, in particular those in the region, to report to the
               Committee on the actions they have taken to implement measures imposed by
               resolutions 1591 (2005) and 1556 (2004), including imposition of targeted
               measures;
                    16. Expresses its intention, following the first report, to review the state of
               implementation, including obstacles to full and effective implementation of the
               measures, imposed in resolutions 1591 (2005) and 1945 (2010), with a view to
               ensuring full compliance;
                     17. Regrets that some individuals of the Government of Sudan and armed
               groups in Darfur continue to commit violence against civilians, impede the peace
               process, and disregard the demands of the Council, expresses its intention to impose
               targeted sanctions against individuals and entities that meet the listing criteria of
               paragraph 3 (c) of resolution 1591 (2005), and encourages the Panel of Experts, in
               coordination with the Joint African Union/United Nations Mediation, to provide to
               the Committee when appropriate the names of any individuals, groups, or entities
               that may meet the listing criteria;
                     18. Deplores the attacks against UNAMID while acknowledging that such
               attacks have been less frequent in 2016, and calls upon the Government of Sudan to
               swiftly investigate and bring the perpetrators to justic e, taking into account the
               findings of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 final reports of the Panel of Experts, and the
               Secretary-General’s report of 23 December 2016 (S/2016/1109), and reaffirms its
               deep condolences to the Governments and families of those killed;
                     19. Condemns the use of civilian establishments, in particular the camps for
               IDPs, by the armed groups, including those opposing the Government of Sudan, to
               gain a military advantage in a manner that places civilians and civilian objects at
               risk from the dangers arising from armed conflict;
                    20. Requests the Panel of Experts to continue to investigate the financing and
               role of armed, military, and political groups in attacks against civilians and
               UNAMID personnel in Darfur;
                     21. Recalls that individuals and entities who plan, sponsor or participate in
               such attacks constitute a threat to stability in Darfur and may therefore meet the
               designation criteria provided for in paragraphs 3 (c) of resolution 1591 (2005), and
               expresses its intention to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities who
               plan, sponsor or participate in such attacks;
                    22. Requests the Panel of Experts to investigate any means of the financing
               of armed groups in Darfur;




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           Cooperation
                 23. Urges the Government of Sudan to respond to the Committee requests on
           measures put in place to protect civilians in all of Darfur, particularly in Jebel
           Marra, including those affected by new displacements; investigations conducted and
           accountability measures undertaken for unlawful killings of civilians and other
           human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law,
           including investigations conducted and accountability measures undertaken for
           attacks against peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel; and the situation of
           civilian populations in areas across Darfur and in particular the Jebel Marra region
           affected by the humanitarian crisis, where the Panel of Experts, UNAMID and
           humanitarian agencies and personnel have been denied access, and measures taken
           to allow timely, safe, and unhindered access for humanitarian relief to these areas,
           in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law, and
           the United Nations guiding principles of humanitarian assistance, including
           humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence;
                24. Welcomes the Committee’s work, which has drawn on the reports of the
           Panel and taken advantage of the work done in other fora, and urges all States,
           relevant United Nations bodies, the African Union and other interested parties, to
           cooperate fully with the Committee and the Panel of Experts, in particular by
           supplying any information at their disposal on implementation o f the measures
           imposed by resolution 1591 (2005), resolution 1556 (2004), and resolution 1945
           (2010) and to provide timely responses to information requests;
                 25. Requests the Panel of Experts to continue to coordinate its activities as
           appropriate with the operations of UNAMID, with international efforts to promote a
           political process in Darfur, and with other Panels or Groups of Experts, established
           by the Security Council, as relevant to the implementation of its mandate;
                 26. Requests the Panel of Experts to assess in its first and final reports
           progress towards reducing violations by all parties of the measures imposed by
           paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2005), paragraph 7 of resolution 1591
           (2005), and paragraph 10 of resolution 1945 (2010), and progress towards removing
           impediments to the political process, threats to stability in Darfur and the region;
           violations of international humanitarian law or violations or abuses of human r ights,
           including those that involve attacks on the civilian population, sexual - and genderbased violence, violations and abuses against children, and other violations of the
           above-mentioned resolutions, and to provide the Committee with information on the
           individuals and entities that meet the listing criteria in paragraph 3 (c) of resolution
           1591;

           Sanctions Committee
                 27. Reaffirms the mandate of the Committee to encourage dialogue with
           interested Member States, in particular those in the region, in cluding by inviting
           representatives of such States to meet with the Committee to discuss
           implementation of the measures and further encourages the Committee to continue
           its dialogue with UNAMID;




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                    28. Emphasizes the importance of holding regular consultations with
               concerned Member States, as may be necessary, in order to ensure full
               implementation of the measures set forth in this resolution;
                    29.   Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.




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