United Nations Security Council resolution 1389, adopted unanimously on 16 January 2002, after recalling all previous resolutions on the situation in Sierra Leone, the council expanded the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to include wide-ranging provisions for supporting the May 2002 general elections.

It emphasised the importance of free and fair elections on the long-term stability of the country, and welcomed progress made by the Sierra Leonean government and National Electoral Commission in preparing for the elections.

In addition to Resolution 1270 (1999), the council decided that UNAMSIL would undertake election-related tasks.

The tasks included assisting with logistic support to the National Electoral Commission through the transport of electoral materials and personnel; facilitating the free movement of people, goods and humanitarian assistance; and providing security.

[3] Finally, the council underlined the importance of free and fair elections in the country, and urged the international community to contribute to provide assistance in this regard.