UNIFIL was originally established on 19 March 1978 with resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978)  to: 

• Confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
• Restore international peace and security.
• Assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area.

According to resolution 1701, adopted onf 11 August 2006, UNIFIL, in addition to carrying out its mandate under resolutions 425 and 426, shall:

• Monitor the cessation of hostilities.
• Accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the South, including along the Blue Line, as Israel withdraws its armed forces from Lebanon.
• Coordinate the above activities with the Government of Lebanon and the Government of Israel.
• Extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.
• Assist the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in taking steps towards the establishment between the Blue Line and the Litani river of an area free of any armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and of UNIFIL deployed in this area.
• Assist the Government of Lebanon, at its request, in securing its borders and other entry points to prevent the entry in Lebanon without its consent of arms or related materiel.

With resolution 1701, the Security Council also authorized UNIFIL to take all necessary action in areas of deployment of its forces and as it deems within its capabilities, to

• ensure that its area of operations is not utilized for hostile activities of any kind;
• resist attempts by forceful means to prevent it from discharging its duties under the mandate of the Security Council; and
• protect United Nations personnel, facilities, installations and equipment, ensure the security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel, humanitarian workers and, without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of Lebanon, to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence.

At the request of the Government of Lebanon, UNIFIL’s mandate is renewed annually by the Security Council. In the most recent renewal, Resolution 2749 (2024) called on all relevant actors to implement immediate measures towards de-escalation and demanded recommitment to the full implementation of resolution 1701, respect for the Blue Line, and full cessation of hostilities.

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Last updated: 4 November 2024