UN mandate extended in Haiti

The United Nations Security Council has extended the UN peacekeeping mission in earthquake-hit Haiti by a year to October 15, 2011.



The extension comes against the concern of increased insecurity in the country ahead of elections next month.



The council says it strongly condemns the grave violations against children affected by armed violence, as well as widespread rape and other sexual abuse of women and girls.



According to the resolution, the UN force in Haiti should assist the government in addressing those problems.



The Security Council says the government in Port au Prince must also redouble efforts to make sure the November elections are free and fair.