LOCATION: Cambodia
HEADQUARTERS: Phnom Penh
DURATION: March 1992 to 24 September 1993 (Withdrawal completed by 15 November 1993, except as indicated in footnote 1 below)
AUTHORIZED STRENGTH: Some 22,000 military and civilian personnel
FATALITIES: 55
SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AND HEAD OF MISSION: Mr. Yasushi Akashi (Japan)
FORCE COMMANDER: Lieutenant-General John M. Sanderson (Australia)
The United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) was established by the United Nations Security Council on 28 February 1992. Its mandated functions ended on 24 September 1993 following the promulgation of the new Constitution and the installation of the Government based on the will of the Cambodian people expressed through free and fair elections. According to the schedule proposed by the Secretary-General and approved by the Security Council on 27 August 1993, the date for the completion of the phased withdrawal of UNTAC from Cambodia was set for 15 November 1993.1
BACKGROUND The Security Council was invited to establish UNTAC by the Agreements on a Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia Conflict, signed in Paris on 23 October 1991, at the final meeting of the Paris Conference on Cambodia. The Paris Agreements were the culmination of more than a decade of negotiations in which the United Nations had been closely involved from the outset. It was fully supported by the Council in resolution 718 (1991) of 31 October 1991.
Under the Agreements, the Supreme National Council of Cambodia (the SNC) was recognized as "the unique legitimate body and source of authority in which, throughout the transitional period, the sovereignty, independence and unity of Cambodia [were] enshrined". The SNC, under the chairmanship of Prince Norodom Sihanouk, comprised the four Cambodian parties signatory to the Agreements _ Front uni national pour un Cambodge ind‚pendant, neutre, p cifique et coop‚ratif (FUNCINPEC); Khmer People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF); Party of Democratic Kampuchea (PDK); and State of Cambodia (SOC). The SNC delegated to the United Nations "all powers necessary" to ensure the implementation of the Agreements. UNTAC's mandate under the Agreements included aspects relating to human rights, the organization and conduct of free and fair general elections, military arrangements, civil administration, the maintenance of law and order, the repatriation and resettlement of the Cambodian refugees and displaced persons, and the rehabilitation of essential Cambodian infrastructure during the transitional period. The transitional period commenced with the entry into force of the Agreements (23 October 1991) and terminated when the Constituent Assembly, elected in conformity with the Agreements, approved the new Cambodian Constitution and transformed itself into a legislative assembly, and a new Cambodian Government was created.
Prior to the establishment and deployment of UNTAC, the Secretary-General had recommended, on 30 September 1991, that the United Nations deploy a small advance mission in Cambodia to assist the Cambodian parties to maintain the cease-fire. Based on this recommendation, the Security Council, by its resolution 717 (1991) of 16 October 1991, decided to establish the United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC) immediately after the signing of the Agreements. UNAMIC became operational on 9 November 1991. It consisted of civilian and military liaison staff, a military mine-awareness unit, and logistics and support personnel. On 8 January 1992, by its resolution 728 (1992), the Council expanded the mandate of UNAMIC to include training in mine-clearance for Cambodians and the initiation of a mine-clearance programme.
ESTABLISHMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF UNTAC On 19 February 1992, the Secretary-General submitted to the Security Council a report containing his proposed implementation plan. The Council approved that report and, by its resolution 745 (1992) of 28 February, established UNTAC under its authority for a period not to exceed 18 months. Upon becoming operational on 15 March 1992, UNTAC absorbed UNAMIC.
UNTAC consisted of seven distinct components: Human Rights, Electoral, Military, Civil Administration, Civilian Police, Repatriation and Rehabilitation. At maximum strength, it comprised some 22,000 international civilian and military personnel deployed throughout the country, supplemented by locally recruited staff. UNTAC was headed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Yasushi Akashi (Japan). Headquarters personnel in Phnom Penh included executive managers, economic advisers and political, legal, information service and support staff.
DIFFICULTIES ARISE On 9 May 1992, UNTAC announced that Phase I of the cease-fire, in effect since the signing of the Paris Agreements, would be followed on 13 June by Phase II of the cease-fire (the cantonment, disarming and demobilization phase). However, following this announcement, it became clear that, of the four signatory parties, the Party of Democratic Kampuchea was not cooperating. In fact, PDK refused to allow UNTAC forces to proceed with their deployment in the areas under its control and did not provide the necessary information on the number of its troops and mat‚riel in compliance with the Paris Agreements. In explanation of its position, PDK introduced its own interpretation of the provisions of the Paris Agreements relating to the verification of the withdrawal and non-return of foreign forces, and to the role and powers of the SNC. Throughout the period of UNTAC's presence in Cambodia, the refusal of PDK to meet the obligations it had assumed in signing the Paris Agreements was the main obstacle to the implementation of UNTAC's mandate. In a 12 June 1992 special report to the Security Council, the Secretary-General stated that, despite the lack of cooperation from PDK, he had concluded that Phase II must commence on 13 June. In his view, any delay would result in a loss of momentum and would jeopardize UNTAC's ability to organize and conduct elections as scheduled. The Council endorsed the Secretary-General's position and called upon all parties to comply strictly with the commitments they had accepted, including cooperation with UNTAC.
At the Ministerial Conference on the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Cambodia, held in Tokyo on 22 June 1992, an informal "proposal for discussion" was drawn up. The proposal set out a number of measures designed to meet some of the concerns expressed by PDK and thus to facilitate its participation in the full implementation of the Paris Agreements without further delay. In a series of meetings of the SNC, three of the four Cambodian signatory parties accepted the proposal for discussion. However, PDK did not; instead, it introduced its own proposals.
Since the actions of PDK seriously compromised the ability of UNTAC to adhere to the timetable laid down in the implementation plan, the Secretary-General, in his 14 July 1992 report to the Security Council, offered two possible courses of action: to suspend the operation until all parties complied with the Paris Agreements, or to pursue the process, thus demonstrating the international community's determination to assist the Cambodian people despite the lack of cooperation from PDK. As the Secretary-General considered the latter to be appropriate, he requested his Special Representative to press forward with the regroupment and cantonment process in a manner that would ensure that the parties cooperating with UNTAC did not suffer a military disadvantage vis-…-vis PDK. He noted, however, that this process, with the cooperation of only three of the signatory parties, could not continue indefinitely. Further efforts, therefore, would have to be made by all concerned to persuade PDK to join Phase II of the cease-fire and to cooperate with UNTAC.
By resolution 766 (1992) of 21 July, the Security Council approved the efforts of the Secretary-General to continue implementing the Paris Agreements despite the difficulties, and demanded that PDK permit the deployment of UNTAC in the areas under its control and implement Phase II of the cease-fire as well as other aspects of the Agreements. It also requested the Secretary-General to ensure that international assistance to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Cambodia from then on benefit only the parties fulfilling their obligations under the Agreements and cooperating fully with UNTAC.
DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS CONTINUE On 21 September 1992, the Secretary-General reported to the Security Council that, despite the continuing refusal of PDK to grant UNTAC access to the zones it controlled or to commit its forces to cantonment, the implementation of the mission was proceeding apace in other areas.
The Secretary-General pointed out that having carefully reviewed what UNTAC had accomplished so far, as well as the obstacles it had faced, he remained convinced that the electoral process should be carried out in accordance with the implementation timetable. As UNTAC had consistently stressed, the door remained open for full and constructive participation by PDK in the peace process. The UNTAC Military Component stood ready to undertake the cantonment of PDK forces, the National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (NADK). Meanwhile, the Secretary-General said, UNTAC would press forward with the implementation of all the other provisions of the Paris Agreements, including those concerning the verification of the withdrawal and non-return of foreign forces and the cessation of outside military assistance to the Cambodian parties. This might require an increase in the number of checkpoints within the country and along its borders with one or more of the neighbouring countries, as well as appropriate modifications in the manning of those checkpoints and an updating of their mandate. More intensive military investigations and patrols might also be required. The Secretary-General suggested that the Council consider further action to impress upon the parties the international community's firm determination to press ahead with the implementation of the Paris Agreements. He also indicated his intention, subject to Security Council approval, to request the co-Chairmen of the Paris Conference (the Foreign Ministers of France and Indonesia) to undertake, within a definite time-frame, consultations with the aim of finding a way out of the impasse or, if that should prove impossible, exploring appropriate steps to ensure the realization of the fundamental objectives of the Agreements.
On 13 October, the Security Council, by its resolution 783 (1992), approved the Secretary-General's progress report and confirmed that the electoral process should proceed according to the implementation timetable. The Council, among other things, demanded that PDK fulfil immediately its obligations under the Paris Agreements, and invited the Governments of Japan and Thailand, which had been actively involved in finding solutions to the current problems, to continue their efforts and to report the results to the Secretary-General and to the co-Chairmen of the Paris Conference. The Council also invited the Secretary-General to ask the co-Chairmen immediately on receipt of that report to undertake appropriate consultations with a view to implementing fully the peace process. It requested the Secretary-General to report to the Council, no later than 15 November, on the implementation of resolution 783 (1992).
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL REPORTS ON CONTINUING DIFFICULTIES In the November report, the Secretary-General informed the Council that despite intensive efforts undertaken successively by the Governments of Japan and Thailand and by the co-Chairmen of the Paris Conference, PDK continued its non-compliance with the provisions of the Paris Agreements.
Due to the difficulties encountered in implementing Phase II of the cease-fire, the cantonment, disarmament and demobilization process had been effectively suspended. The Secretary-General also pointed to the cease-fire violations and increased tension in the central and northern parts of Cambodia following artillery exchanges. In addition, UNTAC personnel and helicopters were coming under attack in areas where NADK forces were known to be present.
The Secretary-General nevertheless continued to believe that "patient diplomacy" remained the best means of getting the peace process back on track. He stated that UNTAC would continue its dialogue with PDK in an effort to meet that party's concerns and persuade it to comply with its obligations under the Paris Agreements. The various components of UNTAC would pursue the implementation of their respective mandates, giving high priority to creating and maintaining a neutral political environment. The Secretary-General expressed his hope that the Security Council would adopt measures to facilitate UNTAC's mission and impress upon the parties concerned that the international community remained committed to see the goals of the Paris Agreements realized. On 30 November, the Security Council adopted its resolution 792 (1992) endorsing the Secretary-General's report and confirming that the elections for a constituent assembly in Cambodia would be held no later than May 1993. It condemned PDK for failing to comply with its obligations under the Paris Agreements and demanded, among other things, that it immediately fulfil those obligations, facilitate full deployment of UNTAC in the areas under its control, and not impede voter registration or the activities of other political parties in those areas.
The Council determined that UNTAC should proceed with preparations for the holding of elections in all areas of Cambodia to which UNTAC had full access as at 31 January 1993. It requested the Secretary-General to consider the implications which the failure by PDK to canton and demobilize its forces would have for the electoral process and, accordingly, to take all appropriate steps to ensure the successful implementation of the process. The Security Council supported the 22 September decision of the SNC to set a country-wide moratorium on the export of logs from Cambodia in order to protect the country's natural resources, and requested UNTAC to take appropriate measures to secure the implementation of this moratorium. The Council also requested the SNC to consider adopting a similar moratorium on the export of minerals and gems. In addition, it called for measures to prevent the supply of petroleum products from reaching areas occupied by any Cambodian signatory party not complying with the military provisions of the Paris Agreements.
The Council invited UNTAC to establish all necessary border checkpoints, as recommended by the Secretary-General.
THE ELECTORAL PROCESS PROCEEDS Voter registration began on 5 October 1992. On 21 December, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General announced the extension of the registration period until 31 January 1993. In a progress report on UNTAC activities, submitted to the Security Council on 25 January 1993, the Secretary-General noted the "remarkable success" of the registration process. Following its completion, including the registration of returning refugees, and the compilation of computerized voters' lists, the number of registered voters was set at over 4.6 million, or some 96 per cent of the estimated eligible population. The Secretary-General also reported that all 20 provisionally-registered political parties had officially registered to take part in the elections.
However, UNTAC's efforts to create and maintain a neutral political environment needed for the holding of elections were seriously hampered by a number of negative developments. Cease-fire violations had increased, and tension had risen in some parts of the country.
Since December 1992, there had been several incidents of temporary detention of or attacks on UNTAC personnel in PDK-controlled areas. At the same time, the Secretary-General reported, there seemed to be a growing reluctance on the part of some of the existing administrative structures in Cambodia to accept the control and supervision functions entrusted to UNTAC.
Over the preceding few months, a spate of violent incidents _ politically-motivated attacks on political party offices and staff, attacks on Vietnamese-speaking persons, and killings having no particular political motivation _ had also heightened a sense of insecurity among Cambodians. The Secretary-General's Special Representative publicly stated in November, that free and fair elections could not be held in circumstances where people faced threats to their lives, property and personal security for attempting to exercise their political rights.
In addition to investigating these incidents, UNTAC's Civilian Police, Military, and Civil Administration Components, together with the Human Rights Component, developed measures, including intensive patrols and static guard duty, to prevent and deal with threats to public order. UNTAC also announced that it would give priority to ensuring freedom from intimidation, freedom of party affiliation and freedom of action for political parties. On 6 January 1993, the Special Representative issued a directive establishing procedures for the prosecution of persons responsible for human rights violations; as a result, UNTAC assumed powers to arrest, detain and prosecute suspects in cases of serious violations.
ELECTION DATES ARE SET The SNC set the dates of the constituent assembly elections for 23 to 25 May 1993. These dates were later expanded to allow for polling at mobile stations on 27 and 28 May. The dates for the political campaign were set for 7 April to 19 May. In his 13 February 1993 report to the Security Council, the Secretary-General stated that UNTAC was proceeding on schedule with electoral preparations in all areas of Cambodia to which it had access as at 31 January. While progress had been made in a number of other areas, the Secretary-General noted the occurrence of a series of cease-fire violations, and an increase in politically-motivated violence in early February. He also reported that neither PDK nor the "National Unity of Cambodia Party", the political party whose formation PDK had announced in November 1992, had filed official registration to take part in the elections.
The difficulties encountered in implementing the military provisions of the Paris Agreements also gave rise to concern. Under the Agreements, peaceful conditions during this period were to be assured by the cantonment of all the forces of the four Cambodian signatory parties, the demobilization of at least 70 per cent of them before the end of voter registration and the continuing cantonment of the remainder, pending their demobilization before or shortly after the elections or their incorporation into a new national army, as decided by the newly-elected Government. However, the Secretary-General concluded that PDK's decision not to enter into Phase II of the cease-fire would make it impossible to apply those arrangements. The elections, therefore, would take place at a time when the two largest armed forces of the parties remained mostly intact, with the other two parties still having some of their forces in the field.
The Secretary-General again considered these difficulties in his progress report, submitted to the Council on 3 May 1993, and in a subsequent report of 15 May. Given the distortions that had arisen in the implementation of the peace plan, UNTAC was endeavouring to create and maintain the best possible conditions for the holding of free and fair elections. Preparations were well under way, including the selection of more than 50,000 Cambodian electoral staff. The 20 political parties were participating actively and vigorously in the electoral campaign since it had officially begun on 7 April. On 4 April, however, PDK formally announced its decision not to participate, asserting that "Vietnamese forces of aggression" continued to occupy Cambodia and that a neutral political environment did not exist. On 13 April, the PDK President wrote to Prince Sihanouk that PDK could no longer attend SNC meetings in Phnom Penh because there was insufficient security and that PDK would withdraw "temporarily" from the city. A major challenge to the creation and maintenance of a neutral political environment was posed by the various acts of violence and intimidation. The Secretary-General referred to four categories of violence: a) killings of Cambodians, including those of Vietnamese ancestry, by the forces of PDK, NADK, in an effort both to disrupt the elections and, evidently, to pressure those of Vietnamese ancestry to leave Cambodia; b) attacks and harassment by SOC elements aimed at intimidating other political parties, primarily FUNCINPEC; c) attacks on UNTAC personnel; and d) random violence associated with banditry and lawlessness. During his second visit to Cambodia on 7 and 8 April 1993, the Secretary-General issued an urgent appeal for an end to violence.
UNTAC further refined and strengthened measures to help ensure the security of the electoral process and the safety of the Cambodian political parties and of UNTAC staff under conditions of instability. Teams of military observers worked with UNTAC Civilian Police in monitoring political rallies and gatherings throughout the country. Personnel from both components were assisting electoral staff with the civil education campaign. All units of the Military Component in all locations were directed to increase vigilance and enhance their security measures and procedures. It was also decided that, during the election itself, no polling would be conducted in areas controlled by PDK, to which UNTAC had not been permitted access, as well as some remote areas in which NADK had been operating. Other parts of the country were designated as high-, medium- and low-risk areas. Different levels of security measures were established for each level of risk. In response to the heightened threat in one province, UNTAC civilian personnel were withdrawn from some locations and the number of polling sites was reduced.
The Security Council approved the Secretary-General's reports by its resolution 826 (1993) of 20 May 1993. It also expressed its satisfaction with the arrangements made by the United Nations for the elections and fully supported the decision of the Secretary-General that the elections be held as scheduled. At the same time, the Council demanded that all parties abide by the Paris Agreements and give UNTAC the full cooperation required under it.
ELECTIONS HELD THROUGHOUT CAMBODIA The elections were held from 23 to 28 May 1993 in all 21 provinces in Cambodia. The day after the final day of polling, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General declared, on behalf of the Secretary-General and the United Nations that, in view of the very high turnout throughout the country, the absence of violence or disruption during the polling, the success of the technical conduct of the poll and the calm and peaceful atmosphere that reigned throughout the polling period, the conduct of the poll had been free and fair. The Security Council endorsed this declaration in its resolution 835 (1993) of 2 June 1993, called upon all parties to stand by their obligations to respect fully the results, and invited the Secretary-General to make his report on the elections available as soon as possible.
On 10 June 1993, the Secretary-General reported to the Council that three of the four Cambodian parties signatory to the Paris Agreements had taken part in the electoral process _ SOC (through the Cambodian People's Party (CPP)), FUNCINPEC, and the KPNLF/Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP). PDK, the fourth Cambodian signatory party, had failed to register as a political party, had taken no part in the elections and had threatened to disrupt it with violence. Aside from a few incidents, however, polling was conducted in a peaceful and often festive atmosphere, with voters sometimes walking several miles to cast their ballots, apparently undaunted by threats of violence or banditry, by rough terrain or the heavy rain that swept much of the country. A total of 4,267,192 voters, representing 89.56 per cent of the registered voters, had turned out to vote.
The count of the 4,011,631 valid ballots indicated that FUNCINPEC had won 1,824,188 votes, or 45.47 per cent, to CPP's 1,533,471 votes, or 38.23 per cent. BLDP won 152,764 votes, or 3.81 per cent, and the other 17 political parties won the remainder. The number of seats won in the constituent assembly was 58 for FUNCINPEC, 51 for CPP, 10 for BLDP and 1 for a fourth political party, MOLINAKA. At a meeting of the SNC, held on 10 June and presided by Prince Norodom Sihanouk, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General issued a statement declaring, on behalf of the Secretary-General and the United Nations, that the elections as a whole had been free and fair. The Security Council approved the Secretary-General's report and endorsed the results of the elections by resolution 840 (1993) of 15 June 1993. It also expressed full support for the newly elected constituent assembly. The 120-member assembly would draw up a constitution and then transform itself into a legislative assembly to establish a new government for all Cambodians. The Council emphasized the necessity for the assembly to complete its work as soon as possible and within the three-month time-frame stipulated in the Agreements. It requested UNTAC to continue to play its role in conjunction with the SNC during the transitional period.
POST-ELECTORAL PERIOD Notwithstanding the successful holding of the elections and the creation of a Constituent Assembly, the post-election period was not without difficulties. In his report of 16 July 1993, the Secretary-General informed the Council that SOC had made numerous allegations of electoral irregularities and had initially withheld recognition of the election results. Every concrete allegation had been promptly investigated by UNTAC. After the elections, some SOC elements declared a short-lived "secession" in three eastern provinces which, however, collapsed after a few days. SOC did subsequently accept the results of the elections.
The duly elected Constituent Assembly began work on 14 June 1993. At the request of the Cambodian parties, UNTAC provided logistical and operational assistance, as well as technical advice, to the Assembly. The Secretary-General informed the Council that the establishment of an Interim Joint Administration (Provisional National Government), although not foreseen under the Paris Agreements, provided for a cooperative framework between all parties which held seats in the Constituent Assembly. The Administration should be viewed as an attempt to fuse three of the existing administrative structures, with Prince Sihanouk as head of State. The Secretary-General also reported that PDK had declared that it would accept the outcome of the elections.
Detailed plans were drawn up for the orderly withdrawal in three phases of the Military, Civilian Police and other components of UNTAC. In some cases the civilian tasks had already been completed; the whole of the Repatriation Component and the great majority of the staff of the Electoral Component had already been withdrawn. According to the plan, all UNTAC elements were to have withdrawn completely from the country by 15 November 1993. The Secretary-General said that, although UNTAC would soon cease to exist, Cambodia clearly required continued international assistance and support. The country still faced enormous problems of security, stability, mine-clearance, infrastructure improvement and general economic and social development.
Further details of the withdrawal plans and preparations for the post-UNTAC period were provided by the Secretary-General in his report to the Council of 26 August 1993. In order to coordinate the full range of civilian activities that would be undertaken by various agencies of the United Nations system, in accordance with their existing mandates, to promote development, provide humanitarian assistance and foster respect for human rights in Cambodia, the Secretary-General reiterated his intention to establish in Phnom Penh an integrated office headed by a United Nations representative. The office would also deal with a number of residual issues arising from the Paris Agreements and UNTAC's presence in the country. The Secretary-General had decided at that stage not to recommend that the Security Council authorize the retention of United Nations military personnel in Cambodia after the departure of UNTAC, but would give careful consideration to such a request if the new Government were to make one. (On 7 October 1993, the Secretary-General reported to the Council that such a request had been received. The Council agreed in principle with the Secretary-General's recommendation to establish in Phnom Penh a team of 20 military liaison officers, contributed by Governments, for a single period of six months, and requested a further detailed report on the matter.1)
On 27 August 1993, the Security Council in its resolution 860 (1993) welcomed the Secretary-General's reports and approved the UNTAC withdrawal plan. It also decided that the period of withdrawal would end on 15 November 1993.1
The mandate entrusted to UNTAC was concluded on 24 September 1993. On that date, His Royal Highness Prince Norodom Sihanouk, Head of State, formally promulgated the Constitution which the Constituent Assembly had formally adopted by a vote of 113 to 5 against, with 2 abstentions, a greater margin than the two-thirds majority specified in the Paris Agreements. Accordingly, Cambodia was a constitutional monarchy with the official name "The Kingdom of Cambodia", and was an independent, sovereign, peaceful, neutral and non-aligned State. The same day, Prince Sihanouk was elected King of Cambodia by the Royal Council of the Throne. In accordance with the Constitution and the Paris Agreements, the Constituent Assembly transformed itself into a legislative assembly. It was with great satisfaction that the Secretary-General reported to the Council on 5 October 1993 the formation of the new Government of Cambodia, based on the will of the people expressed through free and fair elections organized and conducted by the United Nations. The central objectives of the Paris Agreements had thus been realized. The Council issued a statement on 5 October in which, among other things, it expressed its satisfaction at the auspicious developments that had taken place in Cambodia since the holding of the elections and stressed the importance of the continued support of the international community to the consolidation of peace and democracy and the promotion of development in Cambodia.
UNTAC ACTIVITIES
Human Rights Component
Function.
The Paris Agreements gave UNTAC the responsibility during the transitional period for fostering an environment in which respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms were ensured and where free and fair elections might take place. UNTAC activities in this regard comprised three aspects: a human rights education programme; general human rights oversight of all existing administrative structures in Cambodia; and the investigation of allegations of human rights abuses occurring during the transitional period.
Highlights.
The UNTAC Human Rights Component was active in three broad areas. First, it encouraged the SNC to adhere to relevant international human rights instruments and undertook a review of the existing judicial and penal systems in the light of international provisions. Secondly, it conducted an extensive human rights information and education campaign in close cooperation with the Information/Education Division of UNTAC (see "Information/Education Activities", below). Thirdly, it investigated human rights-related complaints and took corrective measures where necessary. On 20 April 1992, the SNC ratified the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. On 10 September, it agreed to accede to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and the Convention and Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees.
Human rights officers were progressively deployed in all 21 provinces in Cambodia, including in the zones controlled by FUNCINPEC and KPNLF. However, the component had no access to the zones controlled by PDK.
UNTAC developed a human rights education programme with particular reference to teacher training, dissemination of relevant international instruments, education of health professionals, training of public and political officials and support for local human rights organizations. Educational materials, posters, leaflets, stickers and other printed materials were disseminated throughout the country. As part of the effort to promote the development of an independent judiciary, a major programme of training for judges, defence lawyers and public defenders was initiated. Training sessions for officials of the existing administrative structures and professional or activist groups were undertaken in almost every province. Participants included representatives of political parties, members of human rights associations, teacher trainees, justice officials and police. Human rights training was introduced into the Cambodian education system, and human rights studies were incorporated in the curriculum of Phnom Penh University's Law School and Medical Faculty.
Collaboration with local human rights organizations was an important aspect of UNTAC's work. UNTAC provided them with materials, training and expertise as well as small grants for basic office expenses. It organized an International Symposium on Human Rights in Cambodia, and conducted a special course for human rights advocates, including a training programme on United Nations human rights procedures and a special training programme dealing with human rights issues in the electoral process. UNTAC closely monitored conditions of detention in civil prisons throughout Cambodia and pressed local authorities to improve the situation to the extent possible within the means available to the prison administration. It investigated all cases of prisoners whose detention might be politically motivated. On 19 February 1993, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights adopted a resolution providing for the first time for the operational involvement of the Centre for Human Rights in Cambodia in the post-UNTAC period. One of the major tasks of UNTAC's Human Rights Component was to prepare for this operational presence.
Electoral Component
Function.
The elections were the focal point of the comprehensive settlement in Cambodia. The Paris Agreements entrusted UNTAC with the organization and conduct of free and fair general elections, to be held no later than May 1993. As stipulated in the Agreements, the election of 120 members to the constituent assembly was held throughout Cambodia on a provincial basis in accordance with a system of proportional representation. Every person 18 years of age or older who was born in Cambodia to a parent also born in Cambodia was eligible to vote. The Agreements provided for a multi-party electoral system. Voting, therefore, was for political parties and not for individuals. However, the list of party candidates for each province was published before the elections. All political parties were registered by UNTAC in order to participate in the elections.
UNTAC designed and implemented a system for every phase of the electoral process, starting with the establishment, in consultation with the SNC, of a legal framework including electoral law and regulations to govern the electoral process and an electoral code of conduct. Other aspects of UNTAC activities included civic education and training, registration of voters and political parties, and the polling process itself. The Special Representative was assisted in these areas of responsibilities by a chief electoral officer. International staff included: electoral personnel at headquarters; personnel at the 21 provincial offices responsible for electoral operations, information, training, communications, compliance and complaints, and coordination; and district electoral supervisors at approximately 200 district offices. Their number was augmented by international personnel seconded from Member States during the polling process and by local staff, whose numbers exceeded 50,000 during the poll.
Highlights.
The Electoral Law, which had been submitted by UNTAC on 1 April 1992, was adopted by the SNC on 5 August and was promulgated on 12 August. The Special Representative subsequently promulgated a number of minor revisions to the Law in order to respond to security or other considerations as they arose or were anticipated. The registration of political parties began on 15 August. On 27 January 1993, 20 out of the 22 provisionally-registered political parties applied for official registration, in accordance with the Electoral Law, by submitting a list of at least 5,000 registered voters who were members of the party.
Voter registration, which began on 5 October 1992 initially for a three-month period, was subsequently extended. When it ended on 31 January 1993, over 4.6 million Cambodians had been registered, representing nearly all the estimated eligible voters in the zones to which UNTAC then had access. For the purposes of controlling voter registration, UNTAC established a computer support system, designed to store up to 5.2 million voter registration records. The registration process was scrutinized by representatives of the political parties with the right to challenge registrants whom they deemed to be unqualified. UNTAC was not given access to PDK-controlled areas, which were considered to be populated by about 5 per cent of the total population of Cambodia. The electoral campaign began on 7 April 1993 and ended on 19 May, with a four-day cooling off period before the elections. The 20 political parties campaigned actively and vigorously. Scores of political meetings and rallies were held daily and peacefully with the participation of tens of thousands of people in virtually all parts of Cambodia. UNTAC itself organized multi-party meetings. According to the Special Representative, the freeness and fairness of the elections would be judged in accordance with three main criteria: the extent to which the campaign and voting were marred by violence, intimidation and harassment; the extent to which SOC, which controlled the largest zones and had the most extensive administrative structure, enjoyed unfair advantages; and the technical conduct of the poll. UNTAC raised the issue of the separation of party and State several times both in public and in private meetings with the leading figures of the Phnom Penh authorities. UNTAC took particular issue with the Phnom Penh authorities over the access of other political parties to the media and their right to freedom of movement. All political parties had access to UNTAC information media. Three political parties requested and received assistance from UNTAC with air transport facilities for campaign purposes.
During the first three days of the elections, between 23 and 25 May, some 1,400 large, medium and small fixed polling stations operated throughout the country, as well as 200 mobile teams in remote or difficult areas. A Cambodian Presiding Officer was in charge of each station, supported and assisted by one International Polling Station Officer. The mobile teams operated for the entire six-day period, while on 26 May some of the fixed stations were converted to mobile operations and worked as mobile teams on 27 and 28 May.
Most of the 963 International Polling Station Officers were repatriated immediately after the polling and counting of ballots, between 31 May and 5 June 1993. Two hundred and seventeen Polling Officers and 41 fingerprint and handwriting experts were retained for the tendered ballot count and left between 7 and 15 June. The bulk of the remaining international electoral staff _ some 420 District Electoral Supervisors recruited by the United Nations Volunteer Service _ departed the mission by 15 June.
Military Component
Function.
The objectives of the military arrangements during the transitional period were to stabilize the security situation and build confidence among the parties to the conflict. The Military Component of UNTAC, headed by a Force Commander, was charged with the following main functions: verification of the withdrawal from Cambodia and non-return of all categories of foreign forces and their arms and equipment; supervision of the cease-fire and related measures, including regroupment, cantonment, disarming and demobilization of forces of the Cambodian parties; weapons control, including monitoring the cessation of outside military assistance, locating and confiscating caches of weapons and military supplies throughout Cambodia, storing of the arms and equipment of the cantoned and demobilized military forces; and assisting with mine-clearance, including training programmes and mine-awareness programmes.
In addition, the Military Component was responsible for undertaking investigations of alleged non-compliance with any of the provisions relating to military arrangements, and to provide assistance in relation to the release of prisoners of war and in the repatriation of Cambodian refugees and displaced persons. At maximum strength, the Component comprised more than 15,500 military personnel.
Highlights.
The Military Component established checkpoints on Cambodia's borders with Viet Nam, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand. Checkpoints were also established at Cambodia's airports and at the port of Sihanoukville, as well as on major routes within the country. These checkpoints gave UNTAC the capacity to observe activities in zones controlled by FUNCINPEC, KPNLF and SOC. They were supplemented by regular patrols for discouraging unauthorized movements of armed persons and weapons, deterring banditry and establishing UNTAC's presence.
According to information provided by the four Cambodian parties during the visit of the military survey mission to Cambodia in November-December 1991, the regular military forces totalled over 200,000 deployed in some 650 locations. In addition, militias, totalling some 250,000, operated throughout the country. Those forces were armed with over 300,000 weapons of all types and some 80 million rounds of ammunition. Although UNTAC had cantoned by mid-November 1992 some 55,000 troops of the three cooperating parties, the refusal of PDK to participate fully in the peace process made it impossible to implement Phase II of the cease-fire and, as a result, the cantonment, disarming and demobilization of the armed forces of the four parties was suspended.
Under these circumstances, the Secretary-General proposed that the level of deployment of the Military Component be maintained until the elections, and that the Component focus its attention on enhancing UNTAC's ability to protect voter registration and, subsequently, on the electoral and polling processes, particularly in remote or insecure areas. The deployment pattern, which was originally based on the requirements of regroupment and cantonment, was realigned to correspond with the borders of the Cambodian provinces so as to conform with the deployment, and ensuring the security, of the electoral teams. The new deployment was also intended to foster a sense of security among Cambodians in those areas with a higher potential for conflict. During the registration period, military observers accompanied electoral teams in order to negotiate, where necessary, with local authorities or forces that tried to hinder registration. To provide security for the polling period, the Military Component concluded agreements with the armed forces of the SOC, FUNCINPEC and KPNLF. Security of the polling stations and their vicinity was provided by UNTAC alone. The armed forces of the factions assisted UNTAC, conveyed information on possible or actual threats to the elections and ensured security in the zones under their control.
At the same time, the Component continued to perform many of the tasks entrusted to it since the beginning of the mission, including weapons control and assistance to the Repatriation Component, as well as its essential engineering, demining, logistics, communications and other functions. The Component continued its patrolling, observation and monitoring duties by land and water and its civil action programmes to build confidence in the countryside. UNTAC devoted serious attention to the question of the possible presence of foreign forces in Cambodia. It repeatedly requested the Cambodian parties to provide it with verifiable information relating to foreign forces, but none did so. It also established Strategic Investigation Teams to follow up on allegations. UNTAC found no evidence of the presence of any formed units of such forces in areas to which it had access, although some seven men were identified as "foreign forces" within the meaning of the definition approved by the SNC.
The Mine-Clearance Training Unit trained Cambodians to identify, locate and destroy land mines and to mark minefields, and promoted mine awareness among the general public. By August 1993, including the work done by non-governmental organizations, more than 4 million square metres were cleared of mines and about 37,000 mines and other unexploded ordnance destroyed. Some 2,300 Cambodians were trained in mine-clearance techniques. The Cambodian Mine Action Centre continued this work in the post-UNTAC period. The Centre, established on 10 June 1992 by the SNC at the initiative of UNTAC, is a non-profit Cambodian institution which carries out programmes in mine-awareness, mine-marking, mine-clearing and related training.
Civil Administration Component
Function.
In order to ensure a neutral political environment conducive to free and fair general elections, UNTAC was to exercise direct control over existing administrative structures acting in the field of foreign affairs, national defence, finance, public security and information. UNTAC was to exercise, as determined in consultation with the SNC, a lesser degree of scrutiny over other administrative structures that could influence the outcome of the elections. UNTAC's civil administration activities were governed by the Paris Agreements and the implementation plan. They were also guided by the discussion proposal drawn up by participants at the Ministerial Conference on the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Cambodia held in Tokyo in June 1992.
In exercising its operational responsibilities, the Civil Administration Component used three complementary means of control: control a posteriori, control a priori and appraisal. Control a posteriori was achieved through the receipt of all documentation dealing with the operation of the existing administrative structures, including the lines of decision-making, personnel policies and mat‚riel questions. Control a priori was achieved through the Component's authority to obtain prior knowledge of decisions reached by the structures, as well as the authority to change decisions dealing, for instance, with personnel, finance and the sale of assets. Control by appraisal was achieved through the proposal of improvements in the operations of the existing administrative structures. On a day-to-day basis, these three means of direct control were exercised in various ways, including the physical presence of civil administration personnel alongside their highest-ranking counterparts in the existing administrative structures, regular meetings between UNTAC staff and these officials and the establishment of clear lines of decision-making.
Highlights.
On 1 July 1992, the Civil Administration Component began to exercise full control over the five key areas in the Phnom Penh administration, as specified in the Paris Agreements: foreign affairs, national defence, public security, finance and information. By 15 July, UNTAC civil administration offices had been established in all 21 provinces. Like the other Components of UNTAC, civil administration personnel were denied access to the PDK-controlled areas. In addition, UNTAC established optional control over other administrative structures identified as having direct influence over the outcome of elections.
In accordance with the implementation plan, the Civil Administration Component requested the four Cambodian parties to submit a list of their current laws for review by UNTAC. With the exception of PDK, all parties complied. At the initiative of UNTAC, the SNC adopted laws enshrining the rights of freedom of association and of assembly, and approved a set of principles relating to the legal system, penal law and penal procedure with a view to establishing uniform standards for the judiciary and for substantive law that would be applicable throughout Cambodia. Among its activities in the area of foreign affairs, the Component supervised policies of the existing administrative structures regarding passports and visas. It also exercised control over the various border functions, such as immigration, customs and the implementation of the SNC moratoriums on timber, gems and minerals. A Border Control Unit was established with responsibility for liaison between UNTAC components and the existing administrative structures, civilian field operations, civilian logistical support and other activities. The Component also established control over the receipt and distribution of foreign aid.
In the area of defence, UNTAC inspected the defence structures of the three parties and established other modalities, including the monitoring of incoming and outgoing correspondence, in order to control any actions that might impair the neutrality of the political environment. The leaders of the armed forces of the three factions complying with the Paris Agreements signed the directive prepared by UNTAC regulating the political activity of military personnel. At the request of UNTAC, the SOC "ministry of defence" established a committee to investigate allegations of illegal activity on the part of CPAF armed forces.
UNTAC's activities with regard to public security included the training of judges, prosecutors and police officers of the existing administrative structures in the implementation of the Penal Code adopted by the SNC on UNTAC's initiative, and a programme of regular prison visits. Working groups on road safety and banditry were established. The Special Representative issued a directive prohibiting the illegal possession and carrying of weapons and explosives.
In the area of finance, UNTAC worked with the administrative structures to put in place controls over expenditure, sources of revenue, central bank functions and the sale of public assets. The SNC adopted a financial control directive prepared by the Special Representative on the transfer of public assets in order to introduce orderly and transparent procedures into the process of privatization of property owned by the existing administrative structures. Another dimension of UNTAC's work was the effort to stabilize the country's economy in order to reduce possible causes of unrest that might have an adverse effect on the electoral environment. Control Teams were set up to supplement the regular supervision that UNTAC exercised over the existing administrative structures, particularly outside Phnom Penh. Each Team was headed by an Inspector assisted by Finance and Public Security Services staff, representatives of the Military and Civilian Police components, and analysts and interpreters from the
Information/Education Division.
In the area of information, UNTAC published media guidelines aimed at lifting legal restrictions and encouraging the operation of a free and responsible press, and launched a Cambodian Media Association of all Cambodian journalists. It pursued efforts to exercise control over the administrative structures dealing with information. The Special Representative issued a directive on fair access to the media during the electoral campaign. UNTAC made its own television/video, radio and other information facilities available to the 20 political parties participating in the elections.
Following the elections, the Component streamlined its activities to help ensure a smooth transition from the existing administrative structures to the new Government. At the provincial level, Civil Administration staff maintained their contacts with the personnel of the existing administrative structures, promoted dialogue and national reconciliation, monitored any sale, transfer or disposal of public assets, followed up on allegations of human rights violations or political intimidation, and facilitated the work of United Nations agencies. On the national level, civil administration staff focused their efforts on the judiciary and the administration of justice, on monitoring the implementation of the SNC moratoria on timber, gems and minerals, on border and customs control, and on the control and safeguarding of public funds and State assets. Financial control activities continued through the transitional period at both the national and provincial levels.
Civilian Police Component
Function.
UNTAC civilian police monitors supervised or controlled the local civil police in order to ensure that law and order were maintained effectively and impartially, and that human rights and fundamental freedoms were fully protected. The UNTAC Civilian Police Component included a policy and management unit at headquarters, 21 units at the provincial level and 200 district-level units. The strength of the Component was 3,600 civilian police monitors. This gave an estimated ratio of one UNTAC police monitor in the field to approximately 15 local civil police, or one UNTAC police monitor to some 3,000 Cambodians.
Highlights.
Much of the daily work of the Component focused on supervision or control of local police activities. In accordance with the implementation plan and in order to ensure effective supervision by UNTAC of the police forces of the parties, the Component undertook a comprehensive study of the size, organization and equipment of the police forces of the three Cambodian factions complying with the Paris Agreements. The Component conducted courses which included basic training, operational training, traffic control, human rights, criminal law, criminal investigation, the roles of UNTAC and the Civilian Police Component, crime prevention, demonstration and riot control and the code of conduct. Training took place in Phnom Penh and in the provinces. Basic training also took place in the FUNCINPEC zone and in the zone controlled by KPNLF. A number of police officers from PDK participated in this training.
CIVPOL supervised investigations carried out by local police and undertook independently investigations into serious crimes, particularly those which were considered to be politically or ethnically motivated. In a number of cases, the Special Prosecutor had enough evidence to issue a warrant. In cases where the crime involved political or ethnic considerations, the Special Representative raised the matter in the SNC or at other appropriate meetings.
Following the Special Representative's directive prohibiting the possession and carrying of firearms and explosives by unauthorized persons, CIVPOL jointly staffed checkpoints with local police. It also directed other efforts of the local police force against banditry. CIVPOL cooperated with the Military Component in supervising the checkpoints and patrols of the existing police forces in sensitive areas.
The Component joined with other components in promoting a neutral political environment in Cambodia. Following a steep rise in attacks against offices of political parties, CIVPOL, in collaboration with other UNTAC components, launched a special operation to curb the attacks. It instituted the static guarding of political party offices considered most likely to be attacked after dark. During the campaign period, it monitored political rallies and meetings. During the elections, CIVPOL was present at all polling stations.
Repatriation Component
Function.
Some 365,000 Cambodian refugees and displaced persons from camps on the Thai border and elsewhere were repatriated under United Nations auspices in an inter-agency effort under the overall authority of UNTAC. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which acted as the lead agency, oversaw the movement of returnees, the provision of immediate assistance and food, and a reintegration programme. The Repatriation Component of UNTAC was headed by a Director, appointed by the Secretary-General and reporting to the Special Representative as well as to the High Commissioner for Refugees.
Highlights.
The repatriation exercise began on 30 March 1992; on 30 March 1993, the largest and last of the refugee camps, Site 2, was closed at an official ceremony presided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Some 365,000 refugees and displaced persons had returned to Cambodia under United Nations auspices. The monthly rate of return rose from 4,000 in April 1992 to 20,000 in June 1992. By July, some 30,000 Cambodians were returning home each month. Although the rains made travelling conditions difficult, this was largely overcome by the use of rail and, in some cases, waterways. The rate of return rose to 35,000 a month by November and reached a peak of 40,000 in the months of January and February 1993. Though the great bulk of the returnees came from Thailand, some 2,000 were also repatriated from Indonesia, Viet Nam and Malaysia.
Most refugees chose to settle in areas controlled by the Phnom Penh authorities. Of the rest, about 33,000 chose to settle in the KPNLF zone, while several thousand settled in the PDK and FUNCINPEC zones. In addition to rations for 400 days and a domestic kit, returnees had the choice of several forms of assistance, including agricultural land, a housing plot and a cash grant in lieu of building materials. Most returnees, some 88 percent, chose the cash grant. UNHCR advised returnees on the situation prevailing in their communes of final destination, particularly when they were unsafe or inaccessible.
In cooperation with other UNTAC components, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations, UNHCR established a country-wide mechanism for monitoring the condition of returnees. Quick-impact projects were also implemented to help communities absorb the returnees. These included road and bridge repair, mine-clearance, agricultural development, digging of wells and water ponds and improvement and construction of sanitation, health and education facilities.
All eligible returnees were given the opportunity to register to vote, either in their final destination along with the local population or in the six reception centres. In January 1993, as the deadline for the end of the electoral registration period was approaching, a special arrangement was made between the Repatriation and Electoral Components to enable registration of the remaining eligible population in the border camps whereby they were temporarily "listed" in Thailand and received their registration cards upon return to Cambodia.
Rehabilitation Component
Function.
The Declaration on the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Cambodia was one of the three instruments comprising the Paris Agreements. Chronologically, the rehabilitation phase ran from the signing of the Agreements and the establishment of UNTAC until the formation of a new Cambodian Government following free and fair elections.
The Rehabilitation Component of UNTAC focused on food security, health, housing, training, education, the transport network and the restoration of Cambodia's basic infrastructure, including public utilities. The Component's Director, appointed by the Secretary-General and reporting to the Special Representative, ensured effective coordination of rehabilitation activities, and made ongoing assessments of needs. In addition, the Director had responsibilities related to raising resources through donor contributions.
Highlights.
Shortly after the establishment of UNTAC in Cambodia, a Technical Advisory Committee of the SNC was set up under the chairmanship of the UNTAC Director of Rehabilitation in order to facilitate the approval of projects by the Cambodian parties. At the Ministerial Conference on the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Cambodia, held in Tokyo in June 1992, the international community pledged nearly $880 million in aid to Cambodia. However, the Secretary-General reported that the actual level of disbursements by early 1993 stood at no more than $95 million. Further, the lack of funding for certain specific sectors, including training and maintenance of essential social services, also gave rise to concern that these deficiencies might compromise the overall rehabilitation effort. These issues of concern were discussed at a meeting of donors in Phnom Penh on 25 February 1993. The participants recognized the need for speedy disbursement of the commitments made in Tokyo; reviewed the emerging priority needs; and agreed that arrangements be made for meetings, following the elections, of the International Committee on the Reconstruction of Cambodia (ICORC) _ a consultative body envisaged under the Paris Agreements to monitor the international community's contributions to the reconstruction of Cambodia. As of mid-August, approximately $200 million had been disbursed. A meeting of the ICORC was held in Paris on 8 and 9 September 1993. At that meeting, new pledges amounting to $120 million were made. ICORC is scheduled to hold another meeting in the first quarter of 1994.
Towards the end of the transition period, the Rehabilitation Component concentrated on the implementation of small-scale rehabilitation projects yielding quick results. These projects involved the repair and maintenance of public utilities and education and health facilities. Most projects were highly labour-intensive, thus creating jobs. Donor response to the Component's initiative to implement these projects was relatively positive after the elections had taken place.
In the area of Cambodia's natural resources management, the SNC established on 23 July 1992 a Technical Advisory Committee, as suggested by UNTAC, for reviewing and examining the different contractual arrangements relating to the exploitation of natural resources such as timber stock and gem mines. On the Committee's recommendation, the SNC, on 22 September, instituted a country-wide moratorium on the export of logs _ a decision supported by the Security Council in its resolution 792 (1992). Compliance with the moratorium was monitored by the Rehabilitation Component, in close coordination with UNTAC military observers, Civil Administration and Civilian Police personnel deployed at border checkpoints. On 10 February 1993, the SNC adopted supplementary measures aimed at discouraging further tree felling by reducing the volume of sawn timber allowed to be exported from Cambodia.
In March 1993, the SNC approved the UNTAC draft action plan on the implementation of the Declaration on Mining and Export of Minerals and Gems from Cambodia. The Declaration placed a moratorium on the commercial extraction of mineral resources on land and offshore and on the export of minerals and gems from Cambodia, effective 28 February 1993.
Also in 1993, the SNC approved the proposal made by UNTAC in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the establishment of a National Heritage Protection Authority of Cambodia to coordinate efforts aimed at protecting and administering the physical cultural heritage of Cambodia.
Information/Education Activities
The Information/Education Division of UNTAC was the production point and conduit for information disseminated to the Cambodian people by UNTAC. The Division informed the Cambodians of the essence of the Paris Agreements and UNTAC's role, objectives and activities. After two decades of fighting and isolation, many Cambodians were little aware of the international community's efforts to assist their country. Many were sceptical about the applicability in Cambodia of basic concepts of human rights, including free and fair elections and multi-party political campaigning. The flow of information between UNTAC and the grass roots, therefore, was considered essential to UNTAC operation. UNTAC established its own radio station and, on 9 November 1992, it began broadcasting from a Phnom Penh-based transmitter loaned by SOC for UNTAC's exclusive use. By April 1993, relay stations brought the UNTAC message to all parts of the country and, by early May, programming had expanded to 15 hours per day. In addition, under arrangements made with the Thai Foreign Ministry and Voice of America (VOA), UNTAC materials were broadcast via a VOA transmitter in Thailand at prime time twice daily. The broadcasts concentrated on information regarding the electoral process, human rights and other aspects of the UNTAC mandate. During the electoral campaign particular emphasis was given to the secrecy of the ballot. In accordance with the directive of the Special Representative on fair access to the media during the electoral campaign, Radio UNTAC offered weekly segments to each political party for the broadcast of political material and allowed a "right of response" where a political party, its candidate or official believed it had been unfairly attacked or its public statements misrepresented. The Division produced a variety of videos, posters, information leaflets, flyers, banners, billboards and advertisements for public display to illustrate the work of UNTAC and to inform Cambodians of the events of the electoral process and encourage their full participation in it. Activity during the campaign included disseminating information on various political party platforms, building confidence in the secrecy of the ballot and instructing voters in voting procedures. Information videos, including round-table discussions involving representatives of the 20 political parties contesting the elections, were shown in Phnom Penh and distributed throughout the country.
Translations and analyses of the Khmer-language radio and print output of all four Cambodian parties signatory to the Paris Agreements were provided to the Special Representative and all UNTAC components. Information officers conducted regular opinion surveys among Cambodians to assess the impact of UNTAC's information programme and to monitor the attitude of the people towards UNTAC and its implementation of the peace process.
COMPOSITION OF UNTAC UNTAC military and/or civilian police personnel were provided by Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Egypt, Fiji, France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Russian Federation, Senegal, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay. Other components of UNTAC consisted of staff members of the United Nations and its specialized agencies, United Nations Volunteers, staff seconded from Member States, and local staff.
FINANCIAL ASPECTS The total cost of UNAMIC and UNTAC for the period from 1 November 1991 to 24 September 1993 was approximately $1,500 million. Initially, the General Assembly appropriated an amount of some $840 million for the expenses of UNAMIC and UNTAC, through 31 October 1992. On 22 December 1992, the General Assembly decided to appropriate a further amount of some $484 million for the continued UNTAC operation for the period from 1 November 1992 to 30 April 1993. To meet the additional requirements of UNTAC for the period 1 May to 31 July 1993 and from 1 August 1993 until the end of its mandate, the Assembly decided on 14 September 1993 to appropriate an amount of $85 million.
As at 31 October 1993, contributions outstanding to the UNAMIC and UNTAC Special Accounts amounted to approximately $231 million. In addition, repatriation and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons, as well as rehabilitation assistance, are funded from voluntary contributions. At the June 1992 Ministerial Conference on the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Cambodia, some $880 million was pledged for these activities. New pledges totalling $120 million were made at the September 1993 meeting of ICORC. (See Rehabilitation Component above).
Notes
1 On 4 November 1993, the Security Council, by its resolution 880 (1993), decided to extend the period of withdrawal of the mine clearance and training unit of UNTAC until 30 November 1993. It also decided to extend the period of withdrawal beyond 15 November 1993 for elements of the military police and medical components of UNTAC as follows: 71 Military Police Officers between 16 and 30 November 1993; 30 Military Police Officers between 1 and 31 December 1993; 10 members of the medical unit between 16 November and 7 December 1993; and 8 members of the medical unit between 8 and 31 December 1993. The Council also decided to establish a team of 20 military liaison officers for a single period of six months with a mandate to report on matters affecting security in Cambodia, to maintain liaison with the Government of Cambodia and to assist the Government in dealing with residual military matters relating to the Paris Agreements. These liaison officers are separate from UNTAC. On 21 November 1993, the Secretary-General informed the Security Council that he proposed to form the Military Liaison Team of 20 military liaison officers from contributions offered by 15 nations: Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, China, France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, and Uruguay. The Secretary-General also proposed to appoint Col. A.N.M. Muniruzzaman (Bangladesh) as Chief Military Liaison Officer.
PS/DPI/16/Rev.3 October 1993
Note: Data effective 31 October 1993