A senior UN official has welcomed the start of the trial against an alleged leading figure in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, highlighting the importance of paying attention to hate speech in deterring atrocities.
New York, 29 September 2022
Maritime transport represents more than 80% of global trade. The war in Ukraine –and the Black Sea Grain Initiative – have reminded us of the vital role of shipping in feeding the world.
The theme of this year’s World Maritime Day, "New technologies for greener shipping", highlights the need for sustainable shipping solutions that...
The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council on Wednesday, that since the adoption in December 2016 of resolution 2334, which demands Israel stop building new settlements on Palestinian land, there’s been “little progress” implementing it.
Recent so-called referenda conducted in four Russian-occupied regions in Ukraine cannot be considered legal under international law, the UN’s political affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, told the Security Council on Tuesday.
Recent so-called referenda conducted in four Russian-occupied regions in Ukraine cannot be considered legal under international law, the UN’s political affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, told the Security Council on Tuesday.
Mr President,
The exceptional level of attention to the war in Ukraine reflects the wide-spread global concern about its dangerous and far-reaching consequences.
This concern can only deepen, as the most recent developments in the war are ominous, pointing to more death, destruction and suffering.
Indeed, since the last Council meeting on Ukraine on 22 September, we have seen actions that threaten to further escalate the conflict.
As we meet, so-called “referenda” were just conducted by de facto authorities in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukrainians were asked whether they approved their regions joining the Russian Federation. Voting took place in polling centers. De-facto authorities accompanied by soldiers also went door-to-door with ballot boxes.
These exercises, which began on 23 September, have been held during active armed conflict, in areas under Russian control and outside Ukraine’s legal and constitutional framework. They cannot be called a genuine expression of the popular will.
Unilateral actions aimed to provide a veneer of legitimacy to the attempted acquisition by force by one State of another State’s territory, while claiming to represent the will of the people, cannot be regarded as legal under international law.
Let me reiterate here that the United Nations remains fully committed to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
I would like to recall that, as the occupying power, the Russian Federation is obliged under international humanitarian law to respect the laws of Ukraine in the administration of occupied territories.
Mr. President,
The past few weeks have also seen heavy fighting in southern Ukraine in the direction of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, as well as escalating military operations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
In mid-September, the Ukrainian military undertook a successful counter-offensive to restore Ukrainian control over most of the Russian-held areas in Kharkiv region.
We have continued to see not only daily attacks on many Ukrainian cities, including in Donetsk and Luhansk, but also the targeting of civilian energy and water infrastructure, reportedly by Russian forces. Recent reports of drone attacks in and around Odesa are also deeply disturbing.
To date, OHCHR has recorded 14,844 civilian casualties, with 5,996 persons killed and 8,848 injured. This is 278 more civilians killed, and 649 more injured since I last briefed this Council on 7 September. These are verified individual incidents; actual figures are likely considerably higher.
We have also heard alarming rhetoric regarding the use of nuclear weapons. This is unacceptable.
Such rhetoric is inconsistent with the Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapons States on Preventing Nuclear War and Avoiding Arms Races, made on 3 January 2022.
Let me reiterate the Secretary-General’s appeal for all nuclear-armed states, including the Russian Federation, to recommit to the non-use and progressive elimination of nuclear weapons.
Mr. President,
Amid these grim developments, the United Nations continues to work to alleviate the suffering caused by the war, to support accountability for violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, and to prevent the deterioration of the already volatile situation around Ukraine’s nuclear sites.
UN and partner organizations need safe and unimpeded access to deliver life-saving assistance to all in need. In the areas of Kharkiv region back under Ukrainian control, they were able to organize several aid convoys.
However, in areas outside Government control in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia regions, access is the biggest challenge.
Mr. President,
The Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine continues to report on violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
We are gravely concerned by allegations of violations committed in parts of north-eastern Ukraine, including after the recovery of over 400 bodies from improvised graves in Izium.
OHCHR is working with local authorities to investigate this and other allegations of human rights violations and abuses in areas in Kharkiv region that were until recently under Russian control.
There are other extremely disturbing reports. Following investigations in the areas of Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Sumy, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, mandated by, the Human Rights Council has concluded that war crimes were committed in Ukraine.
Among other findings, the Commission was struck by the large number of executions and other violations carried out by Russian forces. In the four areas it covered, the Commission has processed two incidents of ill-treatment against Russian Federation soldiers by Ukrainian forces.
Rarely, if ever, has the international community collected so much evidence of human rights violations, war crimes and other atrocities as they were happening.
It is tragic that we have not been able to stop them. But it would be shameful if we were not able to ensure justice for the victims and their loved ones. Those responsible for the outrages being committed in Ukraine, wherever they sit, must be brought to account.
Mr. President,
We remain deeply troubled by reports of continuing attacks, as recently as last week, in the vicinity of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The UN continues to support the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
We urge all concerned to provide maximum cooperation with the IAEA. It is imperative that all attacks on nuclear facilities end, and that the purely civilian nature of such plants be re-established.
Mr. President,
By now, the global implications of this war on food and energy security, felt by millions of people, are well-known. During the general debate, many Member States decried this predicament.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative continues to gather pace, with more than 4.5 million metric tons of foodstuff shipped from Ukrainian ports, including to the Horn of Africa, Yemen and Afghanistan.
Efforts to remove remaining obstacles to the export of Russian food products and fertilizers also continue. These products are not under sanctions, and it is crucial to get them back to world markets.
Averting a global food crisis makes it vital to renew the Black Sea Grain deal when it expires at the end of November.
Mr. President,
In his remarks to the General Assembly, the Secretary-General warned that the UN Charter and its ideals are in jeopardy, and that we have a duty to act.
I repeat his appeal to all Member States to help prevent further escalation, and to do all we can to end the war and ensure lasting peace - in accordance with the principles of the Charter and international law.
Thank you.
“Patience is running out” for many in the international community when it comes to effectively engaging with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers, the Taliban, senior UN envoy for the country, Markus Potzel, told the Security Council on Tuesday.
Ongoing armed attacks by Russia against Ukraine have led to devastating human rights abuses there, according to a new report released on Tuesday by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission for the war-torn country (HRMMU).
The Security Council must act urgently to support Haiti as the gang, economic, and fuel supply crises there “intersect in altogether new and frightening ways”, the head of the UN Mission in the country, BINUH, said on Monday.
The UN and its humanitarian partners are stepping up efforts to assist more than 150,000 people who have been impacted by fighting across the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, where Government forces recently announced they had regained full control after months of Russian occupation.
The UN chief on Monday issued a statement expressing deep sadness at the death of 15 people, including 11 children, at a school in the Russian city of Izhevsk, following an attack by a lone gunman who killed himself at the scene. Two dozen people were wounded.
New York, 27 September 2022
World Tourism Day celebrates the power of tourism to foster inclusion, protect nature and promote cultural understanding.
Tourism is a powerful driver for sustainable development. It contributes to the education and empowerment of women and youth and advances the socioeconomic and cultural development of communities. It plays a critical part in the social...
In an era of “nuclear blackmail”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday urged countries to step back from the threat of potential global catastrophe and recommit to peace.
New York, 26 September 2022
On the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, we reject the claim that nuclear disarmament is some impossible utopian dream.
Eliminating these devices of death is not only possible, it is necessary.
At a moment of rising geopolitical division, mistrust and...
Colombia’s 2016 Peace Agreement has led to an unexpected outcome: the discovery of a new species of dinosaur.
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The bodies of 71 migrants have reportedly been recovered following another shipwreck in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Syria, which heads of UN agencies described as a “simply tragic” development that demanded an international response to improve conditions for those forced to flee their homes.
Refugees from Ukraine are eager to work in their host countries but need additional support to do so, and to ensure their inclusion in the communities where they are staying, according to a new survey published on Friday by UN refugee agency, UNHCR.
Rising insecurity, including the proliferation of terrorist and other non-State armed groups, coupled with political instability, is creating a crisis in the Sahel that poses a “global threat”, the UN chief warned Thursday’s high level meeting on the vast African region, which took place behind closed doors at UN Headquarters in New York.
She Stands For Peace | Season 3-Episode 6 | Out Now! Click here to listen: https://unoau.unmissions.org/podcast-series-she-stands-peace
With the war in Ukraine showing no signs of letting up, countries must increase efforts to prevent further escalation and end the fighting, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told Foreign Ministers meeting in the Security Council on Thursday.
Since the Myanmar military launched its “disastrous” coup last year, UN-appointed independent human rights expert Tom Andrews said on Wednesday that conditions have worsened, “by any measure”.
Minister Haavisto (Finland),
Minister Çavuşoğlu (Türkiye),
Excellencies,
At the outset, allow me to express my appreciation to Finland and Türkiye for your steadfast leadership as co-chairs of the Group of Friends of Mediation, and for convening today’s Ministerial Breakfast.
The prevention of humanitarian crises is at the core of what the United Nations seeks to achieve through our practice of mediation and good offices.
A deteriorating global peace and security environment is affecting all aspects of our work. Several of the peace processes where the UN is involved face difficulties because of geopolitical divisions, the increased regionalization and fragmentation of conflicts, and climate-related and technological challenges.
We are increasingly seeing high levels of violence where we operate, and humanitarian needs that outpace our ability to respond. In short, our tools to manage the humanitarian consequences of conflict are being pushed to the limit.
It is in this context that the Secretary-General has proposed the development of the New Agenda for Peace, in his report “Our Common Agenda.” In order to help prevent or end humanitarian crises, it will place inclusion, prevention and reduction of violence at the centre of our work.
Our goal, of course, is to mediate ends to conflict once and for all. However, there are times when interim measures can help to alleviate human suffering. Let me provide two examples.
In Yemen, seven years of conflict have left some 19 million people food insecure. In UN mediation efforts have consistently sought to address the dire situation and help create space for comprehensive peace talks.
The local ceasefire in the 2018 Hudaydah Agreement was driven by a humanitarian imperative to avert famine in the country and the political objective to de-escalate the conflict. It aimed to facilitate free movement of civilians and goods and maintain the delivery of humanitarian aid through Yemen’s Red Sea ports - a "lifeline" for the country given the number of Yemenis relying on humanitarian assistance.
This Agreement continues to provide a framework for an overall reduction of violence. Unfortunately, a lack of funding threatens the operations of the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), which inspects all commercial imports, including food, through these ports.
Most recently, the UN-brokered country-wide truce that took effect in April of this year has allowed for the longest pause in fighting since the war began and has delivered tangible humanitarian benefits to the Yemeni people, even if a comprehensive peace agreement is not in place.
Civilian casualties have declined significantly, fuel imports through Hudaydah have eased fuel shortages, and we have seen the first international commercial flights out of Sana’a in years.
The UN is urgently calling for funding to allow UNVIM to continue operations while working with the parties to extend and expand the truce agreement and resume an inclusive and comprehensive political process.
Also, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, signed in Istanbul in July, is a landmark achievement. Thanks to the deal, more than three million metric tons of grain and other food are now on their way to markets around the world, including a recent humanitarian grain shipment to Yemen.
Some two months since it took effect, it is worth highlighting some observations about the grain initiative:
First, discrete engagement around realistic and pragmatic initiatives to solve issues of global concern can open the space for conflict parties to reach agreements.
The Initiative came about in response to clear global concerns, which the Secretary-General highlighted early in the crisis, namely food insecurity, energy concerns and financial instability.
The likely severe humanitarian consequences of these trends provided an acceptable framework for the parties to work together constructively.
Secondly, the Initiative has borne out that the UN’s impartiality and technical expertise can support Member States in reaching agreements.
Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian, and UN delegations worked with dedication and professionalism. Under the leadership of the Secretary-General, the UN acted as a trusted intermediary and mobilized ceasefire, humanitarian, maritime and operational expertise from across the system.
Thirdly, the Initiative confirmed that effective partnerships are crucial.
Here, I would like to pay tribute to Türkiye for collaborating with the United Nations to make this initiative a reality, and for its work to mobilize the crucial political support of relevant actors and the broader UN membership, including those constituencies that stand to benefit the most in humanitarian terms.
In the absence, for now, of prospects for a political process to end the war, the Initiative, and the work behind it, is evidence of what can be achieved through dialogue and compromise even in the most difficult circumstances.
Excellencies,
In Ukraine and Yemen, our hope is that these interim agreements will generate the trust necessary for further compromise and a peaceful settlement.
I know that members of the Group of Friends are ready to continue to harness the power of mediation at all levels to come to the aid of people caught in violent conflict. My Department looks forward to continuing its close engagement with you.
Thank you.
The UN chief on Tuesday strongly condemned attacks by Government troops in Myanmar on a northern rebel stronghold which targeted a school, leaving at least 13 dead, including 11 children.
Human rights violations committed by mercenaries and private security companies create grave challenges for victims seeking justice and redress, UN-appointed independent human rights experts warned on Tuesday.
New York, 21 September 2022
Peace is a noble and necessary pursuit, and the only practical pathway to a better, fairer world for all people.
Yet in too many places, in too many contexts, we are failing the cause of peace.
The theme of this year’s International Day of Peace — “End Racism, Build Peace” — reminds us of the many...
A fund set up by the United Nations to build peace, prevent violence, reinforce justice, strengthen the rule of law and security institutions, and boost resilience amongst Haiti’s most vulnerable people, is supporting government efforts to restore security and stability in the country.
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Since 2018, the Revitalized Agreement between the key players in South Sudan’s long-running civil war has provided a framework for peace, the Head of the UN mission there, UNMISS, told the Security Council on Friday – “despite continued outbreaks of intercommunal violence”.
An escalation in what the UN is calling “violent civil unrest” in Haiti, and the subsequent blockading of roads across the country, is making it “very challenging for humanitarian partners to provide assistance” according to the UN Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.
The widening gap between the stalled political track and the progress achieved since the PA’s founding is reaching the point of unsustainability, putting at great risk the historic accomplishments in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
A newly published United Nations report identifies a package of strategic elements that, if implemented by the parties and their partners, can contribute to reversing the...
The UN chief commemorated the International Day of Peace on Friday with the annual ringing of the Peace Bell ceremony followed by a minute of silence at the UN Peace Garden in New York.
The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) is pleased to present its mid-year report under the Multi-Year Appeal (MYA), which highlights the and activities made possible through voluntary contributions received during the first part of the year (from 1 January to 30 June). Thanks to the support of our eleven donors so far, DPPA was able to make a difference and meet nearly every benchmark in its current Strategic Plan (2020-2022). With a funding gap of 77 per cent at mid-point, the MYA urgently needs additional contributions in the second half of the year to meet its operational needs and deliver on its mandate. For any information on the MYA, please contact: DPPA-DonorRelations@un.org.
Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to start with words of gratitude to President Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan for the hospitality. It is a great pleasure to be here, on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in the famed Great Silk Road city of Samarkand.
This Summit takes place at a critical moment. Today’s global peace and security environment is more volatile than in at least the last 30 years.
New crises are erupting even as our established conflict management capacities become dangerously overstretched or are crippled by geopolitical tensions.
We are feeling the strain of the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. And climate change exacerbates risks and creates new sources of stress, particularly in conflict environments.
Perhaps the most perilous aspect of this seemingly chaotic environment is that it feeds on itself, breeding more instability and mistrust in a vicious cycle. And the risk of catastrophic miscalculation or escalation only grows.
In the face of these challenges, a multilateral system based on cooperation and the rule of law remains indispensable if we are to build more peaceful societies.
This vision is at the core of the Secretary-General’s report on “Our Common Agenda”, which includes the drafting of a New Agenda for Peace. The report offers a far-reaching vision for sustainable peace, development and human rights.
Excellencies,
Among the key proposals in “Our Common Agenda” is strengthening United Nations partnerships with regional and subregional organizations.
This is integral to the UN Secretary-General’s vision for a networked multilateralism. It is also essential for our preventive engagements and conflict resolution efforts worldwide.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a leading player in facilitating the exchange on regional peace and security in Eurasia.
One important area of joint action is in countering violent extremism and international terrorism. The United Nations and the SCO continue to mobilize efforts, in particular, through joint capacity building exercises and regular dialogue.
Excellencies,
The situation in Afghanistan remains a major concern for the region. The Afghan people require support and concerted action. The SCO States have already assumed great responsibility in this regard.
And I would like to commend Uzbekistan for its leading role for supporting humanitarian relief operations in Afghanistan.
The International Conference on Afghanistan held in Tashkent on 25-26 July provided further evidence of the recognition that peace and security are essential for ensuring stability and prosperity in the region.
In this context, strengthening transport and economic connectivity – among the priorities of Uzbekistan’s Chairmanship of the SCO – can also play a vital role in promoting sustainable development and peaceful cooperation.
It was, therefore, particularly encouraging to see the General Assembly adopt a resolution on “Strengthening Connectivity between Central and South Asia” in July.
Excellencies,
The difficulties we face today are undoubtedly significant. But they are not insurmountable.
It is no coincidence that we are meeting in Samarkand, a historical melting pot of cultures, ideas and knowledge.
I believe that a spirit of solidarity and cooperation will continue to guide our two organizations as we work to advance peace and security, sustainable development and human rights.
I’d like to extend to all of you congratulations on a successful Summit.
Thank you.
<p>An escalation in what the UN is calling “violent civil unrest” in Haiti, and the subsequent blockading of roads across the country, is making it “<strong>very challenging for humanitarian partners to provide assistance</strong>” according to the UN Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.</p>
As risks of conflict-induced famine and widespread food insecurity continue to rise, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator urged the Security Council on Thursday to address the interlinked crises, and work towards establishing lasting peace in affected regions.
