Following the agreement between the Government of Morocco and the Frente POLISARIO, MINURSO was deployed in September 1991 to monitor the ceasefire and to organize and conduct a referendum which would allow the people of Western Sahara to decide the Territory's future status.

Background

MINURSO was originally mandated in accordance with the settlement plan to:

* monitor the ceasefire;

* verify the reduction of Moroccan troops in the Territory;

* monitor the confinement of Moroccan and Frente POLISARIO troops to designated

 locations;

* take steps with the parties to ensure the release of all Western Saharan political prisoners

 or detainees;

* oversee the exchange of prisoners of war, to be implemented by International Committee of

 the Red Cross, (ICRC);

* repatriate the refugees of Western Sahara, a task to be carried out by the United Nations

 High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR);

* identify and register qualified voters;

* organise and ensure a free and fair referendum and proclaim the results;

* reduce the threat of unexploded ordnances and mines.

While the organisation of the referendum has not been possible to date, other requirements

of the mandate have been pursued successfully. MINURSO continues to perform the

 following tasks:

* Monitor the ceasefire;

* Reduce the threat of mines and UXOs;

* Support the confidence building measures.

On an exceptional basis, MINURSO has been involved in providing assistance to irregular

 migrants as well as humanitarian help in case of natural disasters.

• September 1991 todate

• 5x Military Observers