MINURSO
United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara
MINURSO
United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara

Our Mission

MINURSO acts as a conflict-prevention mechanism by monitoring, investigating and reporting on the military activities by the parties and on general developments in Western Sahara. It works with the parties to promote a cessation of hostilities.

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established in 1991 to support the settlement proposals and ceasefire reached by Morocco and Frente POLISARIO.

Today, following the resumption of hostilities in November 2020, MINURSO continues to advocate for their cessation, while also focusing on mine action operations to help protect the local population from explosives left behind by the war, and on observing the security situation across its area of operations. The Mission also provides logistical support to the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to Western Sahara, who leads the political process between the parties under the auspices of the United Nations.

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Standards of conduct
Standards of behaviour for service in field missions Peacekeepers represent both the UN and their own countries. Their conduct, both negative and positive, impacts on the success on the whole mission. The UN embodies the aspirations of the people of the world for peace. In this context, the UN Charter requires all peacekeeping personnel to maintain the highest standards of integrity and conduct. Peacekeepers, whether military, civilian police, or…
Two women peacekeepers in military uniform point at a sign that poses the question "do we need more women in peacekeeping" and gives "yes" or "yes" as possible responses.
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Women in peacekeeping
MINURSO works to ensure the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of its peacekeeping work. To support women’s deployment experience, MINURSO has joined the Pilot Network for Uniformed Women Peacekeepers. Women, Peace, Security and MINURSO In line with the Women, Peace and Security Agenda established in 2000 and the UN system-wide gender parity launched in 2017, the UN Security Council has requested in its resolutions…
Rows of solar panels on a UN base in the desert
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Environmental management
MINURSO operates in one of the most arid and environmentally challenging environments of all peacekeeping. In the Sahara Desert where temperatures can rise above 50 degrees Celsius during the summer, where drought is extensive and distances vast, MINURSO has been putting significant efforts into diminishing its environmental footprint and promoting its sustainability. Our dedicated environment staff and engineers work on optimizing resource use…

United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara

MINURSO acts as a conflict-prevention mechanism, monitoring the security situation in Western Sahara to help prevent an escalation of tensions and create an environment where the political process can unfold.