The U.N. Security Council Wednesday extended the mandate of the U.N. Integrated Peace-Building Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS). Under the renewed mandate, which was extended for one year, UNIOGBIS will focus on supporting an inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation process to facilitate democratic governance, and assisting in strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing the capacity of State organs to function effectively and constitutionally. The office also will provide strategic and technical advice and support for the establishment of effective and efficient law enforcement and criminal justice and penitentiary systems. The council noted the evolving human rights situation in the country and urged the Guinea-Bissau government to take "all necessary measures" to protect human rights, put an end to impunity, and "initiate investigations to identify the perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses, including those against women and children."
