[1] The Government of Sierra Leone and rebels in the country had taken important steps to implement the peace agreement of 7 July 1999 in Lomé.

Meanwhile, the Council deplored the taking of hostages, including personnel from the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL) and the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) by rebel groups.

The Security Council then established UNAMSIL for a period of six months with the following mandate:[2] The mission would consist of up to 6,000 troops including 260 military observers and would take over the tasks of the previous UNOMSIL operation which was terminated upon the establishment of UNAMSIL in addition to participating alongside ECOMOG.

[4] Furthermore, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council authorised the mission to take necessary measures for its own security to ensure the freedom of movement of its personnel and to protect civilians against direct threats.

[5] The resolution also remarked that refugees should be able to return home, further humanitarian aid was essential and it was important to address the needs of children affected by the conflict.