UN chief António Guterres lent his support on Tuesday to international efforts to rebuild Ukraine, as a conference began in Switzerland to garner support for the war-shattered country.
UN chief António Guterres lent his support on Tuesday to international efforts to rebuild Ukraine, as a conference began in Switzerland to garner support for the war-shattered country.
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The UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Friday expressed alarm over the killing of at least nine protesters by security forces in Sudan a day earlier, including a 15-year-old child.
Read here the latest UNSOM Quarterly Newsletter.
Despite diplomatic engagements, restoring the so-called Iran nuclear agreement continues to be hindered by political and technical differences, the UN political and peacebuilding chief told the Security Council on Thursday.
Thank you, Mr. President for the invitation to brief the Council on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and resolution 2231 (2015).
Diplomatic engagements in and around the Joint Commission to restore the Plan resumed in November 2021. But despite their determination to resolve political and technical differences, the participants and the United States are yet to return to full and effective implementation of the Plan and resolution 2231.
Achieving the landmark JCPOA took determined diplomacy. Restoring it will require additional effort and patience. Together with the Secretary-General, I therefore urge the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States to quickly mobilize in this same spirit and commitment to resume cooperation under the JCPOA.
In this regard, we welcome the step taken by the United States in February 2022 to reinstate waivers on nuclear non-proliferation projects. We again appeal to the United States to lift or waive its sanctions as outlined in the Plan and to extend the waivers regarding the trade in oil with Iran.
We also again call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to reverse the steps it has taken that are not consistent with its nuclear-related commitments under the Plan.
While the International Atomic Energy Agency has not been able to verify the stockpile of enriched uranium in Iran, it estimates a total enriched uranium stockpile of more than fifteen times the allowable amount under the JCPOA. This includes amounts of uranium enriched to 20% and 60%, which is extremely worrying.
Moreover, on 8 and 20 June, the Agency reported that Iran had started to install additional advanced centrifuges at the Fuel Enrichment Plant at Natanz and began feeding uranium into advanced centrifuges at the Fuel Enrichment Plant at Fordow.
The Agency has also once again reported that its “verification and monitoring activities have been seriously affected as a result of Iran’s decision to stop the implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA, including the Additional Protocol”.
In his latest report, the Agency’s Director General informed the Security Council that the decision of Iran to remove cameras at various locations and to place them and the data collected from them under Agency seals “could have detrimental implications”.
The Agency’s ability to verify Iran’s nuclear activities and to confirm their peaceful nature are key to the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA.
Mr. President,
The Plan and resolution 2231 (2015) support our common objectives of nuclear non-proliferation and regional security. In this regard, the bilateral and regional initiatives to improve relationships with Iran remain key and should be encouraged and built upon.
We also continue to encourage Member States and the private sector to engage in trade with Iran using available trade instruments to address ongoing challenges.
In addition to the issues with regard to implementation of its JCPOA commitments, it is also important for Iran to address concerns raised by participants in the Plan and by other Member States in relation to annex B of resolution 2231 (2015).
Mr. President,
I will now turn to the measures set out in annex B to the resolution, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s thirteenth report on the implementation of resolution 2231 (S/2022/490).
First, on the nuclear-related provisions, no new proposals were submitted to the procurement channel in the last six months. The Council, however, received five notifications, submitted pursuant to paragraph 2 of annex B, for certain nuclear-related activities consistent with the Plan.
Second, regarding the ballistic missile-related provisions, France, Germany, Iran, Israel, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States provided information to the Secretary-General and the Security Council concerning ballistic missile launches and the presentation of a new Iranian medium-range ballistic missile between November 2021 and February 2022.
We also received information from these same Member States about two space launch vehicle tests and two static engine tests by Iran between December 2021 and March of this year.
The information provided reflects divergent views among those Member States as to whether those launches and other activities are inconsistent with the resolution.
Third, we reported on our analysis and examination of information, from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, related to paragraph 4 of annex B to resolution 2231 (2015).
This paragraph pertains to the supply, sale or transfer to or from the Islamic Republic of Iran of all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology as set out in Council document S/2015/546. This document includes ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and other Unmanned Aerial Vehicle systems with a range of 300 km or more.
In the reporting period, we conducted a follow up visit to Riyadh, as well as a visit to Abu Dhabi, upon invitation of their respective authorities.
We examined the debris of nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles and several UAVs used in various attacks by the Houthis against the territories of Saudi Arabia and the UAE since 2020 and which were alleged to have been transferred in a manner inconsistent with resolution 2231.
We observed that the debris of the nine ballistic missiles and six cruise missiles had similar design characteristics and parts consistent with those of missiles it had examined previously and assessed to be of Iranian origin.
We also assessed these missiles and/or parts thereof to be of Iranian origin. However, we have not been able to determine when the ballistic missiles or parts thereof may have been transferred from Iran, in particular, whether such transfer(s) occurred after 16 January 2016, the date on which the restrictive measures set out in annex B to resolution 2231 (2015) came into force.
Finally, on the assets freeze provisions, we did not receive any information alleging actions inconsistent with these provisions of resolution 2231 (2015).
Mr. President,
The JCPOA was a triumph for non-proliferation and multilateralism. After many years of uncertainty, the Plan is now at a critical juncture. We hope that Iran and the United States will continue to build on the momentum of the last few days of talks, facilitated by the European Union to resolve the remaining issues.
Will we realize the promise of multilateralism and diplomacy by reaching a compromise on the remaining issues? Or will we simply let the painstaking efforts of many years slip between our fingers?
The Secretary-General is convinced there is only one path to lasting peace and security for all Member States, and that is the one based on dialogue and cooperation. We hope that diplomacy will prevail.
In closing, I would like to thank the Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), Her Excellency Ms. Geraldine Byrne Nason, for her leadership throughout her tenure, as well as the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission for our continued cooperation.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Across Ukraine, the scale of needs caused by Russia's invasion is still massive and human rights concerns persist, UN humanitarians said in an update on Thursday, as they repeated calls for access to the country's Black Sea ports to export vitally needed cereals.
The resurgence of the M23 armed group has “broad repercussions” for the security, human rights and humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and for the wider region, the UN Special Representative there told the Security Council on Wednesday.
The “horrific conflict,” in Ukraine shows no signs of abating, the UN political and peacebuilding chief told the Security Council on Tuesday, pointing out that since her last update on 5 April, “countless Ukrainian civilians” have been killed in indiscriminate attacks, cities and towns levelled, and much of the country’s arable land “horribly disfigured by shelling”.
Mister President,
When I last briefed this Council on 5 April, it hardly seemed possible that the devastation being wrought on Ukraine and its people could get any worse.
In the 12 weeks since, countless more Ukrainian civilians have been killed in indiscriminate attacks, cities and towns continue to be levelled, and much of the country’s arable land has been horribly disfigured by shelling.
And this horrific conflict, an open source of instability in Europe, shows no signs of abating.
The depravity of the war was again on full display yesterday following the missile strike in Kremenchuk, in the central Poltava region.
Hundreds of people, perhaps even some trying to get a respite from the daily horrors of the war, suffered one of the most shocking attacks of the conflict when a shopping center was hit by what are reported to be Russian missiles.
Eighteen civilians were reportedly killed and 59 injured. The final toll may be much higher.
This incident, which should be investigated, was the latest in a new wave of airstrikes and missile attacks in Kyiv, Chernihiv, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv and other cities far from the frontlines, with many civilians killed or injured.
Presently, the most intense fighting is in and around the towns of Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk and Sloviansk in the Donbas. Heavy fighting is also reported around the cities of Kharkiv and Kherson.
In scenes reminiscent of the World Wars, large-scale artillery duels are devastating industrial areas, with thousands of civilians forced to hide in basements or flee for their lives. Large military casualties are claimed on both sides.
Mr. President,
Civilians continue to pay too high a price in this war. As of 26 June, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded 10,631 civilian casualties in the country: 4,731 killed and 5,900 injured. These are figures based on verified incidents; the actual figures are considerably higher.
Most of the civilian casualties recorded were caused by explosive weapons with a wide impact area. Many of these weapons are inherently indiscriminate when used in populated areas and, therefore, result in increased civilian casualties and devastating humanitarian impacts.
The Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded earlier this month its first mission to the country, including visits to Bucha, Irpin, Kharkiv and Sumy.
Though only in the initial stages of its work, the Commission received information and visited cities that quote “may support claims that serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, perhaps reaching war crimes and crimes against humanity, have been committed” end quote.
The work of the Commission of Inquiry, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and other fact-finding efforts are essential for establishing accountability for the crimes and atrocities committed during this war.
This work must lead to justice. It is imperative for the people of Ukraine. It is also crucial if we hope to be able to prevent such violations in the future, wherever they threaten to occur.
Mr. President,
Since 24 February, over 8.8 million people across Ukraine have received some form of humanitarian assistance and protection services. At least 16 million people need such aid.
Needs are increasing, especially ahead of winter. Humanitarian partners are working on a winterization assistance plan and revising the Flash Appeal, which runs through August, to cover the needs through the end of 2022.
Women, in particular, are facing immense hardship when it comes to health, safety, and access to food. A Rapid Gender Analysis by UN Women and CARE in April revealed that women are increasingly becoming heads of households and leaders in their communities as men are conscripted.
They must be included in formal decision-making processes related to humanitarian efforts, peace-making, and other areas that directly impact their lives.
Perilous conditions are hampering efforts by humanitarian partners to reach civilians, or for them to access the support they need. One statistic sheds light on this concern: since 24 February, the World Health Organization has recorded 323 attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel, resulting in 76 deaths.
We strongly remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law: All adequate measures must be taken to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Mr. President,
Ukraine is suffering the largest human displacement crisis in the world today. Since the start of the Russian invasion, more than one-quarter of the country’s population – 12 million people – have been forced from their homes.
Within Ukraine, over 7.1 million people remain displaced by the war. UNHCR estimates there are over 5.2 million refugees present across Europe. Over 3.5 million refugees from Ukraine have registered for temporary protection or similar national protection schemes in Europe.
The UN remains committed to provide support for the Government-led responses in host countries.
Also, given the increasingly protracted nature of the conflict, we must not neglect Ukraine’s long-term recovery and rebuilding needs.
Using early socio-economic assessments, UNDP launched a new Resilience and Recovery Programme to support the Ukrainian Government’s emergency response, its commitment to public services, and to keeping the economy running, as well as to help assess priority needs to deliver for the people of Ukraine.
Mr. President,
The war is having devastating consequences not only on the country and the immediate region, but far beyond Ukraine’s borders. As the Secretary-General noted on 8 June during the launch of the second brief of the UN Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance, the war is exacerbating the greatest cost-of-living crisis in a generation.
Price shocks in the global food, energy and fertilizer markets are escalating - in a world already grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
To address this multi-dimensional threat, strong political will across the multilateral community and a comprehensive approach is foremost necessary.
Mr. President,
We have run out of words to describe the senselessness, futility and cruelty of this war.
As the Secretary-General warned, “for those on the ground, every day brings new bloodshed and suffering. And for people around the world, the war, together with the other crises, is threatening to unleash an unprecedented wave of hunger and destitution, leaving social and economic chaos in its wake”.
No country or community will be left untouched.
The cycle of death, destruction, dislocation, and disruption must stop. For the sake of Ukraine, Russia, and the entire world.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Between 1 March 2011 and 31 March 2021, 306,887 civilians were killed in the on-going war in Syria - the highest estimate yet of conflict-related deaths in the country, according to a new report published by the UN rights office (OHCHR) on Tuesday.
A “staggering” average of 71 verified grave violations a day, are committed against children by parties to conflict in more than 30 settings across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.
Leaders in Libya must resolve outstanding issues so that long-awaited presidential and parliamentary elections can finally be held, UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council on Monday.
Mr. President,
Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on recent developments in Libya.
On the political front, I am pleased to report that, since the last briefing to the Council on 20 June, there has been some progress on the constitutional track.
The third and final round of consultations of the House of Representatives (HoR) and the High State Council (HSC) regarding a constitutional basis for elections was held in Cairo from 12 to 20 June.
The delegates reached a broad consensus on most of the contentious articles in the 2017 Constitutional Proposal. However, differences remain on measures governing the transitional period leading to the elections.
Nevertheless, the progress achieved is commendable. The meeting was the first time the House of Representatives and the High State Council engaged in a serious review of the Constitutional Proposal since its adoption in 2017.
We are encouraged that the leaders of both Chambers have accepted the invitation of Special Adviser Stephanie Williams to meet in Geneva from 28 to 29 June to discuss and reach agreement on measures governing the transitional period leading to elections.
Mr. President,
We are firmly convinced that elections are the only path to settle the disagreements over the democratic legitimacy of all Libyan institutions.
Let me recall that the House of Representatives was elected in 2014 for a four-year term, and the High State Council, which is the legacy body of the General National Congress, was elected nearly ten years ago in 2012.
I encourage this Council and all of Libya’s international partners to call on the leadership of the two Chambers to seize the opportunity presented by the agreement reached in Cairo. It is high time to agree on outstanding issues and make the elections happen.
Mr. President,
We remain committed to supporting Libyan national reconciliation efforts, working closely with our partners, including the African Union.
In this regard, we welcome the launch, on 23 June, of the Presidency Council’s Strategic Vision for National Reconciliation.
We appreciate the document’s focus on addressing the root causes of conflict. At the same time, we reiterate the need for a reconciliation process that is inclusive, victim-centred, rights-based, and grounded in the principles of transitional justice, with a focus on truth, accountability and reparations.
Mr. President,
Continued political divisions are contributing to a tense security environment in and around Tripoli. The issue of the executive is yet to be resolved.
As armed groups continue to position themselves in support of either Mr. Dbeibah or Mr. Bashagha, the risk of escalation increases.
I reiterate the United Nations readiness to facilitate dialogue between Mr. Dbeibah and Mr. Bashagha.
I call again on all Libyan political and security actors to exercise maximum restraint and address all disputes through dialogue.
I also welcome the recent resumption of the activities of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) and the Chiefs of Staff and commend their joint call for maintaining calm and stability in the country.
On 7 June in Tunis, Special Adviser Williams co-chaired with France a plenary meeting of the Security Working Group of the Berlin Process, with the participation of the 5+5 JMC.
The discussion focused on the need to strengthen the ceasefire, including by ensuring progress in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of armed groups and militias and the withdrawal of mercenaries, foreign fighters, and foreign forces from Libya.
The meeting also provided a valuable opportunity for the Libyan ceasefire monitors from the East and West to hold their first discussions to operationalize the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism (LCMM). With UNSMIL facilitation, the JMC and the local monitors plan to meet again in Tunis on 28 and 29 June.
Meanwhile, UNSMIL ceasefire monitors continue to be based in Tripoli, pending approval by relevant authorities of accommodation and workspace, among other conditions necessary for the monitors to operate from Sirte.
Mr. President,
On the economic front, the partial shutdown of Libya’s oil sector continues. Since 16 April, the shutdown has reduced Libyan oil exports by one third and cost the country 3.1 billion US dollars in lost revenue.
In addition, the disagreement over the control and use of public funds that triggered the partial shutdown continues and could lead to further oil field closures in the near term.
The suspension of oil revenue transfers could negatively impact the ability of the Government of National Unity to pay salaries and meet other spending needs, including for basic social services.
On a positive note, I am pleased to report that on 7 June, the United Nations and the Ministry of Planning signed the first Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, covering the period 2023 to 2025.
The Framework serves to guide the peacebuilding and development work of UN entities in Libya, in alignment with national priorities and in support of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mr. President,
The human rights situation in Libya remains alarming.
Nine civil society and humanitarian workers arrested between November 2021 and February 2022 for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression remain in detention.
On 8 June, four of these arbitrarily detained persons were not permitted to attend a scheduled court hearing. The hearing, moreover, fell far short of fair trial standards.
I remain concerned that civic space is consistently being eroded. Arbitrary restrictions continue to be imposed on civil society organisations. Politically active women and men defending human rights are targeted with hate speech and incitement to violence, compromising their safety and security.
Since May, UNSMIL has received further reports of serious allegations of torture against Libyans, migrants, and asylum-seekers in detention facilities and prisons.
Libyan authorities must investigate all allegations of torture and other human rights violations in detention centres, including those facilities under the control of the Ministry of Interior’s Department for Combating Illegal Immigration.
Those responsible for grave human rights violations, including atrocity crimes, must be held accountable domestically or, as applicable, by international justice mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court.
Regrettably, for many victims and survivors, justice and accountability – including remedies and reparation – are illusive or painfully slow.
For example, on 14 June, the Tripoli Appeals Court referred the 1996 Abu Salim massacre case to the military justice system, asserting that it lacked the competency to process the case.
This latest judgment, coupled with the time lapsed, suggests that the Libyan criminal justice system is unable or unwilling to try individuals for atrocity crimes.
To this end, the extension of the mandate of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya is essential to investigate and report on violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.
The Fact-Finding Mission’s role will serve to advance human rights, contribute to securing sustainable peace, and foster rights-based national reconciliation in Libya.
Mr. President,
As of 14 June, the United Nations recorded the return of an additional 10,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their places of origin since the start of the year. The total number of IDPs now stands at 159,000.
However, threats of forced evictions of IDPs remain of concern. In Tripoli, on 15 June, around 90 displaced families were threatened by members of armed groups with bulldozers. They were ordered to evacuate buildings where they reside within ten days. This warning follows forced evictions of three camps hosting displaced Tawerghan families in May.
Increased efforts are needed on the part of the Government, with the support of UN partners, to find durable solutions for those who remain internally displaced, in line with international standards.
Mr. President,
In closing, let me stress that Libya has made significant progress in the last few years toward a more inclusive society. For the sake of the Libyan people, we should not allow this progress to dissipate.
The United Nations’ priority in Libya remains to facilitate a return to the electoral process, based on a sound and consensual constitutional basis for elections. This is what the Libyan people have asked for.
The outcome of the Cairo talks is a step in the right direction.
It is my hope the upcoming meeting in Geneva between the heads of the House of Representative and High State Council will result in a final agreement that would lead to elections at the earliest possible date.
Let me stress the Council’s continued and united support to these efforts is essential.
Thank you.
At least ten people have reportedly been killed by what Ukrainian authorities have said was a Russian missile strike on a crowded shopping centre, and attack which the UN condemned on Monday as “utterly deplorable”.
“High level” violence has resulted in “scores of Palestinian and Israeli casualties”, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council on Monday.
New York, 27 June 2022
Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises represent around 90 per cent of global businesses, more than 60 percent of employment and half of GDP worldwide. They are the economic lifeblood of communities around the world.
But they have also been disproportionately impacted by a host of challenges that are...
New York, 26 June 2022
This year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking shines a spotlight on the impact of drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises.
Conflicts, climate disasters, forced displacement and grinding poverty create fertile ground for drug abuse — with COVID-19 making a bad situation even worse. At the same time, people...
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New York, 25 June 2022
The world counts on seafarers.
Their contribution is immeasurable. Ships transport a remarkable 90 per cent of the world’s commodities — from grains and energy, to consumer goods and much more. Without ships and the women and men who work on them, economies would stall and people would starve.
Seafarers...
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me begin by thanking the Government of Mongolia for hosting the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue at this vital time. The United Nations highly values its partnership with Mongolia, and we appreciate your initiative to convene this important meeting.
Our world is facing multiple crises and threats that transcend national borders. The global peace and security landscape is becoming more complex and contested.
Northeast Asia is facing rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, increased geopolitical competition, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and environmental degradation. At the same time, the region is on the leading edge of technology and the search for solutions for the future.
I applaud Mongolia’s initiative – through the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue – to complement existing security and coordination mechanisms and explore ways to bridge any gaps.
I am particularly encouraged by the inclusion of young voices here today. The visions, insights and solutions offered by young people will be crucial as Northeast Asian countries confront current and future challenges.
This afternoon, the United Nations is co-organizing a session on the Youth, Peace and Security agenda. It is part of our joint efforts to support regional youth engagement, including in high-level policy fora on security issues.
This objective is very much a part of the Secretary General’s priorities outlined in his report, Our Common Agenda. I look forward to the ideas and recommendations of our young colleagues.
We will all benefit greatly from a future-oriented Northeast Asia that is more integrated, engaged, and assumes greater responsibilities.
As the region continues to be a center of economic dynamism and influence, I count on your courage and political will to promote peace, inclusion, and sustainable development.
Thank you.
The devastating earthquake on Wednesday is just one of several emergencies facing Afghanistan, and continued dialogue with the de facto Taliban authorities remains the only way to address ongoing challenges in the country, the Security Council heard on Thursday.
Efforts are underway to reinvigorate the Central African Republic’s political process, which has lapsed into a state of “de facto lethargy” even as horrific attacks against civilians have risen, the senior UN official in the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.
New York, 23 June 2022
There is no higher calling than serving others.
Each year on United Nations Public Service Day, we honour those women and men around the world who proudly dedicate their ideas, innovations and energies to serving their communities and humankind.
As this year’s theme reminds us, public servants are increasingly...
The Secretary-General issued a statement on Wednesday expressing his shock and outrage over reports that well over a hundred civilians have been killed in the past week, during attacks by armed extremists in central Mali, and further north.
The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide briefed the Security Council on Tuesday, reinforcing concerns already voiced by other senior UN officials in the chamber, over “the heightened risks” of sexual violence, and trafficking, which are “significantly impacting women and children”, following the Russian invasion of 24 February.
Critical relief supplies for nearly 64,000 people have been delivered to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, two cities in the Government-controlled areas of the eastern Donetska oblast, or region, in Ukraine, the UN humanitarian agency OCHA reported on Tuesday.
Global cooperation is critical to confront the surge in suffering due to conflict, climate disruption, hunger, the rising cost of living, and the COVID-19 pandemic. senior UN officials said on Tuesday at a meeting organized by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to strengthen delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Nuclear weapons are “a deadly reminder of countries’ inability to solve problems through dialogue and collaboration”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday, urging the international community to abandon them once and for all.
