Mission in Western Sahara

"UNITED NATIONS MISSION ON HOLDING

A REFERENDUM IN WESTERN SAHARA"

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established by Security Council resolution 690 of 29 April 1991 in accordance with the settlement proposals adopted on August 30, 1988 by Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Seguiet el Hamra and Rio de Oro (Frente POLISARIO).

The settlement plan approved by the Security Council provided for a transitional period for the preparation of a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara had to make a choice between independence and integration with Morocco. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General was to bear full responsibility for issues related to the referendum, receiving assistance in solving his tasks from an integrated group of civilian, military and civilian police personnel called the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.

Starting from 2014 to the present, the Republic of Kazakhstan annually sends 5 of its officers to participate in this mission as military observers.
The main tasks of the observers are:
  • To monitor compliance with the terms of the ceasefire agreement
  • Monitor the reduction of the Moroccan troops’ number
  • Monitor the presence of Moroccan troops and the troops of the Frente POLISARIO in the positions established within the framework of the signing of the peace treaty
  • Oversee the exchange of prisoners of war, to be implemented by International Committee of the Red Cross, (ICRC)
  • Identify and register qualified voters
  • Organize and ensure a free and fair referendum and proclaim the results
  • Reduce the threat of unexploded ordnances and mines
KAZAKHSTAN PEACE OPERATIONS CENTRE
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Contacts:

Adress:
Zharokov street - 210, Almaty city 050060, Republic of Kazakhstan
Telephone:
+7 (727) 274 13 81
+7 (727) 274 83 00 (Fax)
Email:
kazcent@mod.gov.kz
Website of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan