| What is UNMIN? |
| The United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) is a special political mission in support of the peace process in Nepal. It was established in response to the letter to the Secretary-General sent on 9 August 2006, in which the then Seven-Party Alliance Government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) requested United Nations' assistance in creating a free and fair atmosphere for the election of the Constituent Assembly and the entire peace process. |
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| When was UNMIN established? |
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UNMIN was established on 23 January 2007 by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1740. At the request of the Government of Nepal, the Security Council unanimously extended UNMIN's mandate for six months on 23 January 2008 (Resolution 1796), on 23 July 2008 (Resolution 1825), the third time on 23 January 2009 (Resolution 1864), the fourth time on 23 July 2009 (Resolution 1879), the fifth time on 21 January 2010 (Resolution 1909),and for the sixth time on 15 May 2010 (Resolution 1921). |
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| Where is UNMIN based? |
UNMIN's headquarters is located at the International Convention Centre, New Baneshwor in Kathmandu. It also maintains a 24-hour presence at the weapons storage areas of the seven main Maoist army cantonment sites and the Chhauni barracks of the Nepal Army.
Previously UNMIN had regional headquarters in Biratnagar, Dhangadhi, Kathmandu, Nepalgunj and Pokhara. These were closed down with the downsizing of the Mission in July 2008.
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| What does UNMIN do? |
Resolution 1740 (2007) established UNMIN with a mandate to:
- monitor the management of arms and armed personnel of the Nepal Army and the Maoist army, in line with the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
- assist the parties through a Joint Monitoring Coordinating Committee in implementing their agreement on the management of arms and armed personnel
- assist in the monitoring of ceasefire arrangements
- provide technical assistance to the Election Commission in the planning, preparation and conduct of the election of a Constituent Assembly in a free and fair atmosphere
The mandate recognized the need to pay special attention to the needs of women, children and traditionally marginalized groups in the peace process, as mentioned in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
Resolution 1824 (2008), Resolution 1825 (2008), Resolution 1864 (2009), and then Resolution 1879 (2009) renewed this mandate, taking into account the completion of some of its elements with the holding of the 10 April Constituent Assembly election, as well as the ongoing work on the monitoring and management of arms and armed personnel in line with the 25 June Agreement among the political parties, which will support the completion of the peace process.
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| How does UNMIN relate to other UN agencies? |
Most UN agencies present in Nepal have been established for a long time, in order to support and implement a wide range of development programmes and assist in response to emerging humanitarian needs. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was established in May 2005, with the aim of protecting human rights in the context of the armed conflict and threats to democratic rights. The parties to the CPA expressly requested OHCHR to take responsibility for monitoring the human rights situation during the peace process, and UNMIN works closely with OHCHR in this regard.
The Representative of the Secretary-General works with the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to ensure that all UN agencies coordinate their efforts and maximize the UN support to Nepal's peace process.
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| How long will UNMIN stay in Nepal? |
| UNMIN is mandated to stay in Nepal till 15 September 2010. Longer term UN assistance to Nepal will continue to be delivered by UN agencies. |
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