The newly established United Nations Integrated Peace building Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) has commenced effective operations for a period of one year with 70 staff to function as a fully integrated UN Mission with effective coordination strategy to support the people and Government of Sierra Leone.
Speaking at a Press Conference at the UN Headquarters at Aberdeen Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown, the Acting Executive Representative of the Secretary-General Michael v. der Schulenburg said the new office succeeded the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) which successfully completed its mandate in October 2008.
He added that, the Security Council Resolution 1829 (2008) adopted by the Security Council at its 5948th meeting on August 4, 2008, recalling its resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone.
According to Michael v. der Schulenburg “UNIPSIL will support consolidation of peace, promote sustainable development and strengthen the democratization process in the country, by bringing in reforms and capacity building of national institutions”.
He added that the new UN Mission would also build on the achievements made by the people and Government of Sierra Leone towards the democratic transformation of the country, demonstrated in both the national and local elections of 2007 and 2008.
He further spoke about their four core areas of intervention, which include establishment of regional integrated offices in the country to coordinate and fast track Government, NGO’s and Community Base Organizations to access adequate information and communication technologies to effectively harness their activities; support to human rights, good governance and consolidation of peace through sustainable development.
By Saidu Bah
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