Agreement between the United Nations Benin concerning the status of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in the territory of Benin

The Agreement sets out the legal framework for the activities of MINUSMA and its members and contractors in the territory of Benin and establishes their status and the rights, privileges and immunities of MINUSMA and its members.

MINUSMA, as a subsidiary organ of the United Nations, as well as its members, shall enjoy the rights, privileges, immunities, exemptions and facilities mentioned in the present Agreement and those provided for in the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. The Government undertakes to respect the exclusively international status of MINUSMA.

The Special Representative, the Deputy Special Representatives, the Force Commander and the Police Commissioner of MINUSMA, together with such high- ranking members of the Special Representative’s staff as may be agreed upon with the Government, the status specified in sections 19 and 27 of the Convention, inasmuch as the privileges and immunities therein referred to are those accorded to diplomatic envoys under international law.

Officials of the United Nations assigned to the civilian component of MINUSMA and made available to it, as well as United Nations Volunteers assimilated thereto, the privileges and immunities set out in articles V and VII of the Convention.

Locally recruited personnel of MINUSMA the immunities pertaining to acts performed by them in their official capacity, exemption from taxation and immunity from national service obligations provided for in article V, section 18, paragraphs (a), (b) and (c), of the Convention. Other personnel participating in missions for MINUSMA, including military observers, military liaison officers and military advisers, members of the United Nations Civilian Police, including members of formed police units, and civilian personnel who are not United Nations officials, the privileges, immunities, exemptions and facilities accorded to experts on mission for the United Nations under articles VI and VII of the Convention.

Military personnel of national contingents serving in the military component of MINUSMA immunity from legal process of every kind in respect of any criminal offence that they might commit in Mali or Benin. The personnel concerned shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the contributing States of which they are nationals in connection with such offences.