More than nine in 10 children in Gaza are displaying signs of aggressive behaviour linked to more than two years of war between Hamas and Israel, welfare agencies have reported.
More than nine in 10 children in Gaza are displaying signs of aggressive behaviour linked to more than two years of war between Hamas and Israel, welfare agencies have reported.
Mr. Chair (Ambassador José Alberto Bríz Gutiérrez, Permanent Representative of Guatemala),
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
It is my honor to introduce, on behalf of the Secretary-General, his latest report on overall policy matters pertaining to special political missions.
I am joined today by my colleague, Assistant Secretary-General Lisa Buttenheim of the Department of Operational Support.
Let me also express my appreciation to Finland and Mexico for their continued leadership on this agenda item.
Mr. Chair,
The peace and security landscape is increasingly volatile.
Across the world, conflicts are destroying lives, displacing millions, and robbing people of hope and dignity. Conflict parties continue to flout international humanitarian law—attacking civilians, obstructing aid, and destroying essential infrastructure.
Extremist insurgencies, transnational crime, and armed gangs are driving violence, also with devastating consequences for civilians.
In Haiti, gang violence has turned cities into battlegrounds, displacing over a million people and leaving 5.7 million – almost half of the population – facing acute food insecurity.
Multilateral action is struggling to keep pace.
Geopolitical competition is deepening divides, fueling uncertainty, and weakening our ability to act together.
Charter norms—sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-intervention, and human rights—are increasingly being violated.
Comprehensive peace agreements are becoming rare. We see more partial agreements, such as ceasefires and truces. These are often fragile and prone to collapse.
New technologies—from artificial intelligence to drones—are being weaponized on an unprecedented scale, spreading disinformation and hate speech, and expanding both the reach and lethality of conflict.
Eroding solidarity and financial pressures are weakening multilateral efforts in humanitarian relief, development, and peacebuilding—just when global cooperation is needed most.
Mr. Chair,
As the global peace and security environment further deteriorates, our efforts to end violence, find political solutions, and build sustainable peace must be redoubled.
SPMs remain at the forefront of this effort. Through sustained—and often quiet—diplomacy, they are helping create space for dialogue, de-escalation and compromise.
In Libya, amid deep national and international divisions, our mission, UNSMIL, is advancing a Libyan-led roadmap to reunify state institutions, uphold Libya’s sovereignty, and promote an inclusive political process. The clashes in Tripoli last May revealed the fragility of the situation—UNSMIL worked to calm tensions and sustain dialogue among key security actors.
In Colombia, our Verification Mission continues to accompany the implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement, as the country makes significant progress on its path toward lasting peace and stability. Building durable peace depends on the full reintegration of former FARC-EP combatants into Colombia’s social, economic, and political life. More than 11,000 former combatants have laid down arms and remain active part of the peace process, and nearly 9,000 weapons have been destroyed under UN verification.
And in Iraq, UNAMI is finalizing preparations for its departure after two decades. Established in 2003, the mission has supported the Government and people of Iraq through multiple periods of transition. UNAMI will complete its phased drawdown and transfer of mandated activities by 31 December 2025. The mission’s drawdown reflects Iraq’s progress over the past two decades and offers valuable lessons on how SPMs can be designed and adapted. We are grateful for the strong cooperation with the Government of Iraq throughout these 22 years of partnership.
Mr. Chair,
As we mark the 25th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, we commemorated this milestone with recognition of the progress achieved and a renewed call for concrete action, which remains vital. To that end, last month, we convened a high-level meeting to advance implementation of the Secretary-General’s Common Pledge on Women’s Participation in Peace Processes.
Inclusion—and in particular the political participation of women—remains a priority across all SPMs. In Haiti, for example, BINUH is helping to advance women’s leadership, protection, and participation. It has supported the training of 124 women—including civil society leaders and community police officers—as peace ambassadors in conflict resolution and mediation, with many now training others in their communities.
Mr. Chair,
In light of the challenges facing peace operations, including SPMs, there is a clear need to reflect on their future.
The review of all forms of UN peace operations, requested in the Pact for the Future, offers an opportunity to rebuild consensus and reimagine how our missions can adapt and deliver more effectively in an increasingly complex environment. This is fully in line also with the Secretary-General’s vision for UN80.
To inform this review, we have engaged in extensive consultations with Member States—including the General Assembly and the Security Council—and received valuable written input from Member States and civil society. I wish to express our deep appreciation for these contributions.
From these consultations, several clear messages have emerged:
First, mandates should be more focused on political solutions. SPMs are most effective when their mandates are realistic, have clearly defined political objectives, and are anchored in the Organization’s comparative advantages.
Second, mandates should be more adaptable to rapidly changing conditions on the ground. Conflicts evolve rapidly—interests shifts and alliances change. Mandates should be reviewed more regularly to ensure that missions remain aligned with political realities on the ground and maintain domestic and international support.
Third, we need a clearer articulation of the long-term objectives and end states that our missions are set up to achieve. Mandates and resources must be aligned with these objectives, and missions should be regularly assessed based on their progress toward these goals.
Fourth, host-State consent and active partnership are critical. SPMs accompany national efforts. They have greater impact when they operate in close cooperation with host authorities, based on mutual trust and respect for sovereignty.
Fifth, the role of United Nations Country Teams operating alongside special political missions is critical. Country Teams are present before, during and after the deployment of a mission. Their support to national priorities ultimately goes hand in hand with the work of peace operations on the ground, as the Review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture demonstrates.
Sixth, regional partnerships. In almost all of the places where we work, we have collaborated closely with regional actors. We understand that joined-up efforts are necessary to address the complex drivers of conflict we face. We must continue to invest and prioritize these partnerships.
And finally, we need more investment in peacemaking and political settlements. Many SPMs now operate in contexts without a comprehensive peace agreement—this means that instead of being able to support an agreed framework for peace, SPMs must work to prevent violence, facilitate and sustain ceasefires, or support emerging peace processes. These efforts are vital, but lasting peace requires durable political solutions. The UN remains an indispensable actor in this regard, and our efforts—as recognized in the Pact for the Future—must be intensified. Effective good offices and peacemaking are intrinsically linked to the success of peace operations.
In the coming weeks, consultations on the review will continue, including engagements with all regional groups. We look forward to a continued dialogue with Member States as we shape recommendations to ensure that SPMs—and peace operations as a whole—remain fit for purpose: adaptable, effective, and focused on political objectives.
In conclusion, I wish to pay special tribute to United Nations personnel serving in SPMs, who work under challenging conditions to advance the promise of the Charter. We deeply value their dedication and commitment.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The 65th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place on 11-12 November 2025 in the UN Palais des Nations in accordance with the six-point agreement of 12 August 2008 and implementing measures of 8 September 2008.
The participants reiterated their commitment to this important process, emphasizing once again the need for the GID to make tangible progress and deliver on its core agenda items for the benefit of all those affected by conflict.
In Working Group I, the participants reviewed the security situation on the ground since the 64th round held in June 2025, engaging in a substantive exchange of views on the matter. They continued their discussions with a particular focus on non-use of force and international security arrangements. The participants also exchanged views on and reiterated their desire to further explore a possible political statement on non-use of force as a step, which would stress their respective commitments to this principle.
In Working Group II, the participants discussed humanitarian issues, including crossings, documentation, livelihoods and missing persons. Building on previous rounds, they also had a detailed discussion on freedom of movement and external mobility, recognizing the need to find practical solutions to ensure mobility within and outside the region. Due to a walkout by some participants, the agenda item “returns” of internally displaced persons and refugees could not be discussed. In this context, the Co-Chairs call on participants to address all agenda items without pre-conditions.
The participants expressed interest in continuing the practice of holding information sessions and discussed potential concrete topics for the next rounds.
The participants agreed to hold the next round in March 2026 in Geneva.
Some 90,000 people have been displaced following the fall of El Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur - with another 50,000 fleeing violence in the Kordofans, according to the UN migration chief.
Civilian casualties in Ukraine were 27 per cent higher from January to October 2025, compared to the same period last year, according to the latest UN human rights report on the situation in the eastern European country.
Hundreds of protesters and others have been killed and an unknown number injured or detained in Tanzania following protests surrounding last month’s elections, according to reports obtained by the UN human rights office (OHCHR).
South Sudan is entering a period of rising instability marked by political polarisation, renewed armed clashes, and severe humanitarian strain, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Tuesday.
In war-torn Sudan, rape is likely being used as a weapon of war and simply being a woman there is “a strong predictor” of hunger, violence and death, the UN’s gender equality agency warned on Tuesday.
The world is facing a cross-border “chain of violence” driven by small arms and light weapons, UN disarmament and law enforcement officials told the Security Council on Monday.
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The crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to worsen amid ongoing fighting that has driven tens of thousands of people from their homes and created acute hunger, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday.
Independent UN human rights investigators have heard first-hand accounts of torture, unlawful detention and the forced transfer of civilians during their first visit to Ukraine in more than a year.
Independent UN human rights investigators have heard first-hand accounts of torture, unlawful detention and the forced transfer of civilians during their first visit to Ukraine in more than a year.
Around 1.5 million Jamaicans have been impacted by Hurricane Melissa – the worst climate disaster in the Caribbean nation’s history, said the top UN development official in the region on Thursday.
The United Nations said on Thursday that Israeli authorities have rejected more than 100 requests to bring relief materials into Gaza since the ceasefire began nearly a month ago.
From Gaza to Ukraine and beyond, conflict has caused widespread death and destruction, but it has also devastated natural resources such as water systems, farmland and forests.
The Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution to remove Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from sanctions measures targeting members and supporters of terrorist groups ISIL and Al-Qaida.
Mr President,
Distinguished Members of the Security Council,
Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the progress made in implementing Resolution 2046, which addresses outstanding bilateral issues between Sudan and South Sudan, as well as the situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.
The bilateral relationship between Sudan and South Sudan remains deeply affected by the war that started in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In particular, the conflict in Sudan continues to impact the security situation in South Sudan with cross-border movements of armed groups on both sides, increasing the insecurity in and around the border area.
The conflict in Sudan and the deterioration of security are also compounding the already dire economic situation in South Sudan by affecting its primary source of revenue. South Sudan’s oil flow and exports through Sudan have experienced significant disruptions, resulting in a 24.5% contraction of its economy. Following increased bilateral engagement and new arrangements to improve security along the pipeline route and other installations, oil production and transportation resumed early this year.
However, subsequent attacks by the RSF on oil installations, notably drone strikes on fuel depots storing South Sudan’s crude in Port Sudan on 5-6 May, and another attack on 26 August on oil facilities in Heglig, near the Sudan – South Sudan border, resulted in oil spills, environmental damage and led to an emergency shutdown of operations.
In the meantime, both Sudan and South Sudan continued to engage in efforts to secure oil infrastructure and improve the bilateral economic situation. From 4 to 6 October, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan visited Port Sudan, where he held meetings with the Chair of the Transitional Sovereign Council, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other Sudanese officials.
The visit led to a series of bilateral agreements aimed at protecting oil facilities and pipeline installations, the establishment of a joint economic committee, the designation of a free trade zone at Port Sudan for South Sudan, and increased cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and security. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to regular political consultations and regional coordination. These efforts mark a renewed bilateral commitment to stabilisation and cooperation.
Mr President,
Bilateral engagement between Sudan and South Sudan on the final status of Abyei has been at a low point since the start of the war in Sudan. South Sudan's internal political challenges have further complicated this impasse. Since 2017, the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC) has not convened, and since January 2023, meetings of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) between the two countries have remained suspended.
The Sudan conflict continues to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Abyei. About 41,000 displaced people from Sudan have entered Abyei since the start of the Sudan war, placing immense pressure on already limited water, food, healthcare, shelter and other humanitarian resources. Families live in overcrowded conditions, with some households accommodating multiple displaced families. Communities are unable to start agricultural activities due to displacements and insecurity.
The war in Sudan also increased the pressure on the Amiet market with an influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and people from Kordofan converging around the Amiet area. Combined with rural populations relocating to major towns due to conflict and flooding, this has led to a significant population surge in the Abyei area.
The war in Sudan is also affecting the security situation in Abyei. I note with concern that the growing presence and activities of the RSF in northern Abyei violates the 2011 Agreement on Interim Arrangements and the applicable Security Council resolutions on Abyei. Similarly, the South Sudanese Peoples' Defence Forces (SSPDF) have increased their presence in southern Abyei, breaching the same agreement and resolutions. These military activities in and around Abyei have significantly impeded the operations of UNISFA.
Although Abyei has enjoyed a relative period of calm in terms of intercommunal conflicts between the Ngok and Twic Dinka, as well as between the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya, recent clashes between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO, and increased attacks by armed Nuer elements on local communities, have heightened insecurity in the region. Both the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka communities share growing frustrations over the years of political uncertainty and the perceived inaction of both governments regarding the future of Abyei.
Against this backdrop, and in a welcome renewed effort to advance the Abyei political process, President Salva Kiir reconstituted the South Sudan Abyei High Level Committee last month. In my meeting with the Committee on 27 October in Addis Ababa, I expressed my full support for all efforts to improve the situation in Abyei and address its final status. While commending the stabilising role of UNISFA, the Committee urged full deployment of the United Nations police force and expressed hope that international partners would renew their diplomatic efforts regarding Abyei’s final status.
Similarly, the Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, in our meeting on 20 October, welcomed the reconstitution of South Sudan's Abyei committee and assured that the Sudanese government intends to resume the joint bilateral meetings on Abyei. He also emphasised the Sudan's commitment to enhanced bilateral cooperation with South Sudan to address shared security challenges.
With both South Sudan and the Sudan expressing willingness to revive the political process regarding Abyei’s future, I look forward to supporting the African Union-led process in line with the Communiqué of the 1108th Session of the Peace and Security Council that reiterated the need to accelerate the implementation of the 2011 Agreement on Temporary Security and Administrative Arrangements for the Abyei Area and to resume the bilateral political dialogue on Abyei’s final status.
Mr President,
The civilians living in the Two Areas, particularly in South Kordofan, continue to be affected by the Sudan war as the overall Kordofan region, alongside Darfur, has become the epicentre of the battle between SAF and RSF. The local population is facing increasing insecurity with intensified fighting, including drone strikes in several localities, most recently in the capital city of Kadugli, the town of Dilling and in the Dalami area.
The announcement, in February, of an alliance between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, and the RSF, as well as the subsequent constitution of joint parallel institutions, further fragilised South Kordofan and Blue Nile. This shift in the conflict highlights the deep divide between the Sudan’s “centre" and its so-called "peripheries".
This significant development is a strong indication that the settlement of the situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile cannot be separated from a national political dialogue and new institutional arrangements redefining the relationship between the centre of power and populations and territories that consider themselves excluded. Mediation efforts should provide an opportunity to address the long-standing status of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, which were initially part of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
In this regard, I will continue to provide support to the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, as well as the efforts of the African Union and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, seeking to end the war in Sudan and to initiate a political process that should include South Kordofan and Blue Nile states fully. I will also continue to engage with the governments of Sudan and South Sudan on further improving their bilateral relations and on ameliorating the current situation in Abyei. In addition, I will continue to provide my full support to the African Union and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development in their efforts to resolve the final status of Abyei.
Thank you for your attention.
The UN is ready to support Sudan and South Sudan in resuming talks on the disputed Abyei border region, the Security Council heard on Wednesday.
New analysis of hunger and malnutrition in war-torn Sudan has revealed sharp contrasts along conflict lines, three UN agencies reported on Tuesday.
Any transition in Gaza must uphold unity with the West Bank and a two-State solution between Israelis and Palestinians, the UN Secretary-General said in Doha on Tuesday.
The UN humanitarian relief chief, Tom Fletcher, has sounded the alarm over rising violence in the occupied West Bank, where attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and their property continue to escalate.
Food is slowly returning to the shelves in Gaza but supplies are still desperately inadequate, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday, as they issued fresh calls for wider access and continued financial support.
Sudan’s hunger crisis has deepened further, with new UN-backed analysis confirming that famine is underway in parts of Darfur and Kordofan, where fighting and sieges have cut off entire communities from food and aid.
After two years of war that kept them out of classrooms, Gaza’s children are finally returning to the classroom, surrounded by devastation – but determined to learn.
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The UN’s top aid official in Ukraine expressed concern on Friday about “continuous attacks” on energy production sites and distribution facilities.
The UN and partners are pushing ahead with aid deliveries across Gaza despite new Israeli airstrikes and a faltering ceasefire, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Friday.
More details continued to emerge on Friday of atrocities committed during and after the fall of El Fasher to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan’s Darfur region.
The UN is calling for restraint in Tanzania, amid deadly protests following the 29 October general election, as the country remains under curfew and faces widespread internet restrictions.
Building on the success of their 2025 joint campaign on information integrity, the United Nations in Lebanon and...
Building on the success of their 2025 joint campaign on information integrity, the United Nations in Lebanon and...
Mr. President
Since my last briefing to this Council, the conflict in Sudan has deteriorated even further. It has caused widespread suffering and new surges of horrific violence.
After more than 500 days under siege, the city of El Fasher in North Darfur has been captured by the Rapid Support Forces. Only small pockets of resistance remain.
The fall of the city marks a significant shift in the security dynamics. The implications for the people of Sudan and the region are significant.
Other parts of the country have not been spared from the relentless violence.
In recent weeks, fighting has intensified in the Kordofan region. This is likely the next arena of military focus for the warring parties.
In North Kordofan, the city of Bara, just 40 kilometers from the state capital of El Obeid and a strategic location for both sides, was captured by the Rapid Support Forces last week. This marked another escalation on the ground.
Drone strikes by both parties are also affecting new territories and new targets. These include Blue Nile, Khartoum, Sennar, South Kordofan and West Darfur, suggesting that the territorial scope of the conflict is broadening.
Following the announcement of its reopening, the airport in Khartoum quickly became the target of a barrage of drone attacks. This showed that control of the city remains contested, and that no part of Sudan is beyond reach.
The implications of these drone strikes are clear – mounting civilian casualties, increased humanitarian and protection needs, and the continued erosion of essential infrastructure and livelihoods.
Mr. President,
Shifting military dynamics continue to shape the course of the conflict. The human cost is profound.
The risk of mass atrocities, ethnically targeted violence and further violations of international humanitarian law, including sexual violence, remains alarmingly high across the country, and particularly in El Fasher.
The situation is simply horrifying. In the past week, the UN Human Rights Office has documented widespread and serious human rights violations in and around El Fasher. These include credible reports of mass killings in various locations and summary executions during house-to-house searches and as civilians have tried to flee the city.
Communications have been cut off. The situation is chaotic. In this context, it is difficult to estimate the number of civilians killed.
Despite commitments to protect civilians, the reality is that no one is safe in El Fasher. There is no safe passage for civilians to leave the city.
There are also reports of large-scale atrocities perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces in Bara, in North Kordofan, following the recent capture of the city. These included reprisals against so-called “collaborators”, which are often ethnically motivated.
At least 50 civilians have been killed over the past few days in Bara, both during fighting and as a result of summary executions. This allegedly includes the summary execution of five Red Crescent volunteers.
The United Nations will continue to call for all those with influence to act now to prevent further violations and atrocities.
Efforts towards accountability will also continue to be essential to end the cycles of violence. The recent renewal of the UN Fact-Finding Mission’s mandate, and the ICC verdict in the case of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman signal the international community’s continued commitment to justice and accountability in Sudan.
Mr. President
This week the Secretary-General once again renewed his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
It is high time to take the first step towards lasting peace for the Sudanese people.
The parties must return to the negotiating table, in good faith. They must pursue a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
An immediate end to the fighting and sustained dialogue are needed to reverse Sudan’s spiraling descent into de facto fragmentation.
The Secretary-General has also been unequivocal in his call for external interference in Sudan’s conflict to stop.
External support is enabling the conflict. Weapons and fighters continue to flow into Sudan, further contributing to the already desperate situation.
Mr. President,
Given the deteriorating situation on the ground, Personal Envoy Lamamra has invited both parties to separately enter into technical talks with the United Nations, focused on de-escalation and the protection of civilians.
He has received encouraging indications from both parties of their willingness to commit to this process.
We urge Member States with leverage over the parties to encourage them to take this critical step which could lead to an improvement in the protection of civilians throughout Sudan.
Mr. President,
Coordination among Sudan’s international partners is essential to maximize our collective efforts to end this war. In this regard, Personal Envoy Lamamra has intensified his engagements with regional and international actors.
The Quartet mechanism - comprising the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States and the United Nations - is preparing an inter-Sudanese dialogue, under the auspices of the African Union, which could pave the way for a Sudanese-owned and led political process.
Consultations are ongoing with key Sudanese stakeholders to refine the design, timeline and criteria for participation, and map out the role of the sponsoring organisations.
Personal Envoy Lamamra is also coordinating his efforts with members of the Quad initiative - comprising Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Mediation efforts by regional and international actors are welcome and essential. To be effective and deliver solid outcomes, they must be underpinned by strong coordination, ensuring complementarity and coherence with other efforts.
In that regard, Personal Envoy Lamamra is currently finalizing consultations with the African Union on the next Consultative Group meeting, to be jointly convened at Ministerial level by the African Union and the United Nations in Addis Ababa.
This meeting will provide an opportunity for all mediation actors to exchange information, take stock of efforts and map out areas of complementarity and comparative advantage as they consider next steps.
Mr. President,
As the conflict reaches yet another critical point, we must intensify our call for an urgent and lasting solution.
Reports and warnings about the unfolding catastrophe in El Fasher have been issued for months. Thus far, the Unted Nations Security Council has not taken decisive action to prevent the situation from deteriorating.
We must all play our part in helping to bring this devastating war to an end. We must stand with the people of Sudan who have suffered far too much for far too long.
I call on the Council to use all the tools at its disposal to demand peace in the Sudan. We count on the Council to lead the way.
Incidents of mass killings and torture in post-Assad Syria are tempering early optimism about the transitional government’s ability to put an end to entrenched cycles of violence, the head of the UN-mandated independent investigative body on Syria said on Thursday.
The newly appointed Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, has praised the country’s peace process as “a global model,” while urging greater financial support to strengthen the Mission’s work.
