Welcome to the United Nations

Reports and Policy Documents

2021

  • 28 Jun 2021

    Although the fight against terrorism has made important advances in thwarting attacks across the world, the UN chief said on Monday that threats continue to persist and diversify.

  • 28 Jun 2021

    The disregard for children’s rights amid war and upheaval “is shocking and heartbreaking”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday during a high-level open debate in the Security Council, held virtually. 

  • 28 Jun 2021

    Distinguished members of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), Ladies, and Gentlemen

    I...

  • 27 Jun 2021

    Tunis, 27 June 2021 - The Advisory Committee of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) concluded on Saturday, 26 June 2021, a three-day meeting, convened by UNSMIL at the request of LPDF members, in...

  • 26 Jun 2021

    New York, 27 June 2021

    As the world grapples unevenly with the effects of COVID-19, a parallel and equally horrific pandemic has threatened half the world’s population.  In the early months of the pandemic, the United Nations projected that quarantines and lockdowns could lead to a shocking 15 million additional cases of gender-based violence every three months.  Sadly, those predictions appear to be coming true....

  • 26 Jun 2021

    Three employees of the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) agency have been killed by unknown attackers in the restive Tigray region of Ethiopia, drawing swift condemnation from UN Secretary-General António Guterres who said on Saturday he was “deeply shocked” by the murders.

  • 25 Jun 2021
  • 25 Jun 2021
  • 25 Jun 2021
  • 25 Jun 2021
  • 25 Jun 2021
    This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world. 
     
    Under-Secretary-General takes part in Second Berlin Conference on Libya

    Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo led the UN delegation at the Second Berlin Conference on Libya on 23 June. She expressed her support for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the critical importance of holding national elections on 24 December 2021. “On the way forward, elections will be crucial. They respond to the overwhelming desire of the Libyan people to reinforce and consolidate the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya”, said USG DiCarlo in her remarks. Ján Kubiš, the Special Envoy for Libya, later welcomed the conclusions of the Conference. He praised the collective efforts of all Member States and regional and international organizations, and urged all Libyans and relevant external parties to agree on a comprehensive plan with clear timelines to achieve unity, peace, stability, and prosperity for future generations of the Libyan people.

    Read full remarks here

    Read Conference Conclusions here

    Security Council

    Lyons warns that the drivers of conflict in Afghanistan could hamper the negotiation process

    Deborah Lyons, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), shared with the Security Council on 22 June her concerns regarding the present situation in the country with regard to security, the peace process, the economy, the humanitarian emergency, and the continuing pandemic. Briefing on the recent offensives by the Taliban, she noted that UNAMA continues to find ways to move forward in the negotiation process, and urged the Council to do all it can to reinforce a political and peaceful pathway with the support of countries in the region. “There is only one acceptable direction for Afghanistan - away from the battlefield and back to the negotiating table”, she said.

    Full briefing to the Security Council here

     
    Wennesland: “Everyone must do their part to facilitate ongoing discussions to stabilize the situation in Gaza”

    Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO), updated the Security Council on 24 June, telling members that the cessation of hostilities reached last month between Israel and Hamas remained very fragile. He said the UN is working closely with all concerned parties and partners, including Egypt, to solidify a ceasefire, allow the entry of urgent humanitarian assistance and stabilize the situation in Gaza. Mr. Wennesland urged all sides to refrain from unilateral steps and provocations, to take steps to reduce tensions, and to allow these efforts to succeed.

    Full briefing to the Security Council here

     
    Pedersen: “We need a new constructive international dialogue on Syria to discuss concrete steps”

    Geir Pedersen, Special Envoy for Syria, briefed the Security Council in person on 25 June. He emphasized that it was absolutely vital to maintain and expand humanitarian access, including both cross-border and cross-line operations. He also expressed disappointment that there had been no real advances on the political track to implement resolution 2254, including in the areas of constitutional reform and elections administered under UN supervision. He said that the “gulf of mistrust” between the parties and the complexity of the situation on the ground made early progress towards a comprehensive settlement unlikely. “As we seek to advance a political process, we should engage the many Syrians who work to ameliorate the consequences of this conflict and to build bridges in their society”, he said.

    Full briefing to the Security Council here

    Libya

    Special Envoy participates in the LPDF Advisory Committee meeting in Tunisia

    Ján Kubiš, the Special Envoy and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), welcomed the Advisory Committee of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) to a three-day in-person consultative meeting in Tunis on 24 June. Building on the proposal adopted by the LPDF Legal Committee and the discussions during the previous virtual LPDF meeting in May, the meeting was convened at the request of LPDF members, in order to reach consensus on outstanding issues and develop a proposal on a constitutional basis for the 24 December 2021 Parliamentary and Presidential election, for the consideration of the LPDF next week in Switzerland. The Special Envoy renewed his call for all concerned parties to respond to the aspirations of the Libyan people and work to finalize the constitutional basis and legal framework for the elections. He also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to facilitate the holding of national elections on 24 December 2021, as set out by the LPDF Roadmap and called for by UN Security Council Resolution 2570 (2021).

    Read more here

     
    UNSMIL facilitates meeting of the National Libyan Bar Association to adopt first code of conduct

    Facilitated by UNSMIL, the National Libyan Bar Association (LBA) succeeded in finalizing its first-ever code of conduct for the Libyan legal profession following three days of intensive legal debate, which concluded on 21 June. The meeting brought together the LBA’s 10-member elected leadership council, who hail from all parts of Libya, including Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata, Tobruk, AlBaidha, Khoms, Zawya, Sebha, and Gherian. The primary purpose of the code is to assist LBA members in making consistent choices when faced with ethical dilemmas, and to establish the ethical principles and standards applicable throughout their professional work. The finalized text represents a huge achievement for the new Bar and its democratically elected council.

    Read more here

    West Africa and the Sahel

    Special Representative concludes his visit to Togo

    Mahamat Saleh Annadif, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), is continuing his first official tour of the region this week. On 24 June, he concluded a two day visit to Togo, where he met with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, among others. The discussions focused on various subjects related to the national and regional situation, as well as the need to further strengthen the partnership between the United Nations and Togo, in order to consolidate democracy and development.

    Read more on his latest familiarization tour here

    Iraq

    Special Representative visits shooting victim’s family in Karbala

    Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), visited on 24 June the mother and brothers of the prominent activist Ihab Jawad Al-Wazni, who was recently assassinated in Karbala. She expressed her condolences and underlined that the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice. On the same day, she met with Nassif Jassem al-Khattabi, Governor of Karbala, to discuss the need to ensure accountability for crimes against civic and political activists. 

     
    UNAMI discusses forthcoming parliamentary elections

    On 22 June, Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Deputy Special Representative for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, met in Baghdad with Hassan Turan, former Member of Parliament and leading figure of the Iraqi Turkmen Front, to discuss the political situation in the country, including preparations for the forthcoming early parliamentary elections in October 2021. On the same day, Ricardo Rodriguez, Head of the UNAMI Regional Office in Erbil, met with Rewas Faiq, the President of the Kurdistan Region’s Parliament, to discuss the latest political developments in the region, including preparations for the October elections. 

    Peacebuilding

    15th Anniversary of the Peacebuilding Commission

    On 23 June, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) celebrated the 15th Anniversary of its first meeting. A social media campaign was launched, which including a video message showing how the General Assembly and the Security Council established the PBC to support conflict-affected countries on their paths towards long-term peace and development. Since its establishment, the Commission has engaged with a total of 22 countries and regions in support of efforts to address political, socio-economic, and security challenges in conflict-affected settings.

    Watch the commemorative video 

     
    PBF virtual partner visit to Madagascar

    The Peacebuilding Support Office held its first virtual partner’s visit to Madagascar on 22 June, chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator and the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff. Representatives from 12 Member States took part along with Members of the Secretary-General’s Advisory Group in the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), who joined the UNCT, authorities and civil society partners. The visit highlighted the impact of the UN’s peacebuilding support in the south of Madagascar, showing how it helped prevent violence and crime and strengthened trust in state institutions. Interlocutors from the Government emphasized the value of PBF support in improving local security, reducing criminality, enabling more inclusive livelihoods, empowering youth, and supporting local mechanisms of dialogue and conflict resolution. 

    Next Week

    The Security Council will hold an open debate to discuss children and armed conflict on Monday, 28 June. The Council will then hold a high-level open debate on cybersecurity on Tuesday, 29 June. USG DiCarlo will brief the Council on non-proliferation on Wednesday, 30 June.  

     
    UNSMIL to facilitate a meeting for the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Switzerland

    The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) will convene an in-person meeting of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Switzerland from 28 June to 1 July. The meeting is an opportunity for the members of the LPDF to develop proposals to facilitate the holding of national elections on 24 December 2021, in particular with regard to the constitutional basis for the elections.  

  • 25 Jun 2021

    Progress towards resolving Syria’s decade-long war is unlikely, given the ‘gulf of mistrust’ among parties and complexity of conditions on the ground, the chief UN mediator for the country told the Security Council on Friday, as he urged delegates to unite around elements of resolution 2254 (2015) and called for a new international dialogue to achieve a breakthrough.

  • 25 Jun 2021

    New York, 26 June 2021

    Science and trust in science are the hero and lesson of the pandemic; the world needs both to win against the virus. Scientists delivered safe and effective vaccines in record time. Access to reliable and verifiable information is making the difference between life and death.

    Action based on evidence is crucial for our responses to drugs, too...

  • 25 Jun 2021

    The imminent closure of the last cross-border aid lifeline to northwest Syria must be postponed beyond the 10 July deadline, UN humanitarians said on Friday, noting that no cross-line supplies had reached Idlib from Damascus, in 11 months.

  • 25 Jun 2021

    Speaking in Nigeria, the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has emphasized the importance of prevention as “the only real, sustainable solution” to resolving the challenges thrown up by conflict.

  • 25 Jun 2021

    New York, 25 June 2021

    The world depends on shipping, and shipping depends on seafarers.  But the life and work of seafarers have been affected dramatically by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Throughout the crisis, seafarers have faced enormous challenges concerning repatriation, travel to join their ships, proper access to vaccinations and medical care, and shore leave. Yet...

  • 24 Jun 2021

    The cessation of hostilities negotiated last month between Israel and Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, remains “very fragile”, the UN envoy there told the Security Council on Thursday. 
     

  • 24 Jun 2021

    The UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, appealed on Thursday for urgent resources to support thousands of people who have fled armed violence in two small towns in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) over the past two months. 

  • 24 Jun 2021

    TUNIS, 24 June 2021 - Today, the Advisory Committee of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) commenced a three-day in-person consultative meeting in Tunis in...

  • 24 Jun 2021

    Ján Kubiš (Archive)

    Distinguished members of the LPDF Advisory Committee,

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    ...
  • 24 Jun 2021
  • 24 Jun 2021

    The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mahamat...

  • 24 Jun 2021
  • 24 Jun 2021

    ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

    In June 2021, the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for...

  • 23 Jun 2021

    Humanitarian convoys from Turkey that bring lifesaving aid into northwest Syria must continue, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Wednesday. 

  • 23 Jun 2021

    Defense forces, soldiers from nearby countries and other security personnel have been fighting an “asymmetric war” against armed groups, sparking an “unprecedented humanitarian crisis”, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.

  • 23 Jun 2021

    Thank you, Minister Maas.  First let me express appreciation to the Federal Republic of Germany for hosting the Second Berlin Conference on Libya, and thank Germany for its leadership of the Berlin Process in support of the Libyan people. The United Nations is pleased to co-convene

    We are very pleased that representatives of Libya, Prime Minister Dabeihba and Foreign Minister Mangoush joined us for this session and thank them for sharing their views on Libya’s transition and for their requests to the international community, which we will do our best to honor.

    ---

    Libya has made significant progress since the first Berlin conference in January 2020:  

    • the agreed on 23 October ceasefire is holding;
    • a political Roadmap agreed by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum resulted in the formation of a new interim, unified executive authority;
    • and Libyans have committed to holding national elections by 24 December 2021.

     

    On the way forward, elections will be crucial. They respond to the overwhelming desire of the Libyan people to reinforce and consolidate the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya.

    The United Nations is providing technical assistance to Libyan authorities on the conduct of these elections.  It is critical to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and youth in the elections as candidates and voters, as well as to enable the full participation of Internally Displaced Persons.

    ---

    Regarding the ceasefire agreement, the United Nations looks forward to deploying monitors in support of the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism.

    It is critical to implement all provisions of the ceasefire agreement, including the departure of foreign forces and mercenaries, who are a scourge not only on Libya, but on the entire subregion.

    Member States and regional organizations must apply and enforce the arms embargo on Libya and assist Libya in controlling and managing its borders.

    ---

    Further, we welcome the Presidency Council’s establishment of the High National Reconciliation Commission, especially its focus on community-level engagement with the rights of victims central to the process. These efforts are critical for sustainable peace.

    The United Nations, together with the African Union, looks forward to supporting the implementation of a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned rights-based process on reconciliation and transitional justice.

    ---

    The level of participation in today’s meeting demonstrates the regional and international commitment to peace and stability in Libya.

    I would like also to pay tribute to the work and the dedication of my colleagues in the UN Support Mission in Libya. Under the able leadership Special Envoy Jan Kubis, they have played an important role in getting us where we are today.

    As Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed in his message to the conference, the United Nations by the Libyan people in their efforts to achieve an inclusive, democratic society for all Libyans.

    Thank you.

     

  • 23 Jun 2021

    Full implementation of a historic ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of foreign forces are critical for consolidating peace in Libya, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday in remarks to a major international meeting aimed at shoring up the country after a decade of civil conflict. 

  • 23 Jun 2021

    23 June 2021 

     Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

    I am honored to open this important meeting, and I...

  • 23 Jun 2021

    Mogadishu—It was one hot Sunday late afternoon, in August 2020, when 42-year-old Batuulo Harun Amin’s world was ripped apart. 

    Fetching firewood near her...

  • 22 Jun 2021

    New York, 23 June 2021

    United Nations Public Service Day honors the hundreds of millions of public servants across the globe who dedicate themselves to ensuring the wellbeing of our communities.  As the world continues to face the devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic, their work is more important than ever.

    This year’s observance highlights digital...

  • 22 Jun 2021

    New York, 23 June 2021

    For many widows, losing their husband also means losing identity, land rights, property, income, and possibly their children.  Their physical safety is at greater risk, just when they may be suffering serious emotional trauma. 

    Human rights, including the right to inherit and own property...

  • 22 Jun 2021

    With all the major indicators for Afghanistan’s security and development looking “negative or stagnant” as international troops withdraw, the threats that lie ahead cannot be overstated, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Tuesday. 

  • 22 Jun 2021

    TUNIS, 22 June 2021 - Following three days of intensive legal debate, the National Libyan Bar Association (LBA) succeeded in finalising its first-ever code of conduct for the Libyan legal...

  • 22 Jun 2021

    Mogadishu – Mahad Abdullahi Wasuge knew from the outset that hard work and determination pay.

    The 32–year–old who is...

  • 21 Jun 2021

    South Sudan, the UN’s youngest Member State, is marking its tenth anniversary of independence amid languishing political progress and a range of humanitarian challenges, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative told Security Council members on Monday.

  • 21 Jun 2021

    UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Monday urged UN Member States to promote a more inclusive post-pandemic recovery to help the world’s most vulnerable recover from the impact of COVID.

  • 21 Jun 2021

    More than 19,300 boys and girls affected by war last year were victims of grave violations such as recruitment or rape, and the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for experts to reach them, the UN said in its annual report on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), published on Monday. 

  • 19 Jun 2021

    New York, 20 June 2021

    War, violence and persecution have forced more than 80 million people around the world to flee their homes, leaving everything behind to save themselves and their families. 

    Refugees must begin their lives anew.

    But for so many, the pandemic has wiped out their livelihoods, led to stigmatization and...

  • 19 Jun 2021

    Mogadishu – On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia...

  • 19 Jun 2021

    Mogadishu – On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General...

  • 19 Jun 2021

    19 JUNE 2021 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is pleased to announce that it intends to convene an in-person meeting of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Switzerland from...

  • 19 Jun 2021

    TUNIS, 19 June 2021 – A group of Libyan experts – lawyers, judges, activists, and human rights defenders – met in Tunis from 16-18 June, to review...

  • 19 Jun 2021

    I. Introduction

    1. The present report is submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 68/11 and Security Council resolution 2543 (2020), in which the Secretary-General was requested to report every three months on developments in Afghanistan.

    2. The report provides an update on...

  • 18 Jun 2021
    This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world. 
     
    ASG Fernandez-Taranco speaks on “Efforts for Peace in a New Era”

    Assistant Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco attended the Republic of Korea-UN 30th Anniversary International Forum: Fostering Peace with the UN, which took place on 17 June. The ASG participated as a panelist and spoke of the value of peacebuilding, the contribution of the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P+) initiative and the impact of peacekeeping on sustaining peace, including through the support of the Peacebuilding Fund. He highlighted the need to support conflict prevention and peacebuilding across the UN system and beyond, and called for broader partnerships and more resource mobilization for collaborative prevention and peacebuilding efforts.

    Security Council

    Griffiths appeals for “real” leadership that secures the rights and the future of people

    Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy for Yemen, gave his final briefing on 15 June in the Security Council. He will succeed Mark Lowcock as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator next month. Griffiths expressed his fears that armed and political actors have multiplied and fragmented over the course of the conflict, and that an international conversation of process may need to restate realistic goals for a negotiation process. “My worry is not so much about the ceasefire as about the future,” he said. “Yemen needs a pluralistic political future, and the UN-facilitated political process must reflect that in the most robust and inclusive way."

    Full briefing to the Security Council here

     
    La Lime: Political consensus remains best way forward for upcoming referendum

    Helen La Lime, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), told the Security Council on 17 June that the polarization of Haitian politics is ever-growing, while technical preparations for the referendum have been faced with critical operational delays. “A political consensus remains the best possible means to holding a peaceful process that will allow the Haitian people to fully exercise their right to vote”, she said, adding that "all Haitian stakeholders must urgently set aside their differences, eschew their narrow interests, and work together to tackle the protracted political, structural, and social issues that hinder the country’s progress."

    Full briefing to the Security Council here

    Central Asia

    Special Representative speaks on economic empowerment of women in Central Asia and Afghanistan

    Natalia Gherman, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), delivered an address on 15 June at the International Forum for the Economic Empowerment of Women for Sustainable Development in Central Asia and Afghanistan. The Forum was organized by the Women Leaders’ Caucus, launched in 2020 with the support of UNRCCA and UNDP. Gherman emphasized the link between the economic empowerment of women and the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. She also underscored the importance of economic co-operation in addressing regional challenges, including climate change and environmental degradation.

    Read more here

    UNRCCA organizes online seminar on Water and Emergency Coordination

    On 15-16 June, UNRCCA organized an online capacity building seminar and a meeting of experts from Central Asia and Afghanistan, dedicated to cooperation in the field of water and energy. Representatives of ministries and state agencies, partner organizations, and international experts attended the event. The seminar focused on addressing the promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation on transboundary water resources management through the application of legal instruments governing the sustainable exploitation of transboundary watercourses.

    Read more here

    Lebanon

    UN supports call for help for Lebanese Armed Forces to meet emergency needs

    On 17 June, Joanna Wronecka, Special Coordinator for Lebanon, called on countries taking part in a French-hosted virtual conference in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces to do everything in their power to meet the immediate emergency needs of Lebanon’s military institution, which has been deeply affected by the economic crisis. She noted the pivotal role played by the Lebanese army in safeguarding security and stability and in the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). She said that meeting immediate material and human needs was necessary and that the UN will support the Forces in instituting follow-up arrangements.

    West Africa and the Sahel

    Special Representative concludes his visits to Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria

    Mahamat Saleh Annadif, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), is continuing his regional tour to meet with the authorities in the subregion this week. On 14 June, he concluded a two-day visit to Burkina Faso, where he met with President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, among others, and reiterated his condemnation of the terrorist attacks against the people of Burkina Faso. On 15 June, he was in Côte d'Ivoire, where he discussed with President Alassane Ouattara the actions to be implemented to better support the country in its efforts to consolidate peace, democracy, and development. The SRSG then traveled to Nigeria on 16 June, where he met with President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Read more on his latest familiarization tour here

     

     

     

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    Somalia

    Somali youths discuss role in political participation

    Adam Abdelmoula, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia (DSRSG/RC/HC), opened a conference on the future of the political participation of youth on 16-17 June in Mogadishu. The meeting brought together young politicians and representatives of women’s groups, people with disabilities, youth-led/focused civil society organizations, the Government and international partners to discuss ways in which young Somalis can overcome challenges and seek ways to strengthen political participation. “The opportunity of Somalia as a country depends greatly on the opportunities awarded to its youth”, said DSRSG. “Truly transformative change will happen only when young Somalis are invested in, included and partnered with in a meaningful way”.

    Read more here

    Central Africa

    Tenth edition of the UNOCA annual review

    The United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) issued on 15 June the tenth edition of UNOCA MAGAZINE, its annual review. The 24-page document showcases the Office’s main activities during a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. It covers work on good offices, preventive diplomacy and mediation, cooperation with sub-regional, regional, intergovernmental organizations and civil society, responding to COVID and more.

    Read more here

    Colombia

    Former combatants guide birdwatchers in Tolima

    On 14 June, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia participated in a visit to Planadas, Tolima, in south-central Colombia, where the former FARC-EP guerrillas were founded. Delegates from the Canadian and United Kingdom embassies, donors to the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund for the Post-Conflict in Colombia, officials from the Colombian Foreign Ministry, and Colombia in Peace Fund learned about the projects carried out by former combatants in this area of the country. In addition, a bird watching activity was led by a former combatant who is now a specialized photographer and "bird watcher", together with a biologist who,15 years ago, was kidnapped by the FARC for three months while participating in a scientific expedition. Both shared their stories as an example of reconciliation. The community and former combatants now cultivate one of the best coffees in Colombia and generate reconciliation through a school of bird watching for children.

    Peacebuilding

    Call for participants: Virtual dialogue series with Northeast Asian youth

    The United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), invites young people aged 18 to 35 to “Futuring Peace”, a Futures Dialogue Series starting in July 2021. It is a series of virtual dialogues dedicated to the role of youth in the future of Northeast Asia in 2060. Designed and led by young champions from the region, the dialogues will enable young people to share their visions for Northeast Asia in several decades. The call for participants is now open through 8 July.

    For more information

     
    “United Nations and Decolonization” video is now available in all official UN languages

    DPPA’s Decolonization Unit has launched translations of its animated video “United Nations and Decolonization: Past to Present” in Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish and Russian. The seven-minute film walks the viewer through the Organization’s work on decolonization since 1945..

    Watch the videos here

     
    A new episode of “She Stands for Peace” is out

    This week’s episode, released on 18 June, features Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. SRSG Patten discusses sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women in conflict and post-conflict settings. She also speaks about the plight of refugees in conflict areas and offers her insights on how the international community can better address the issue.

    For more information on the podcast series, click here

    Next Week

    Special Representative Deborah Lyons will brief the Security Council on the latest Secretary-General’s report on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Tuesday, 22 June. Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland will update the Council on the Middle East Peace Process on Thursday, 24 June in the morning, while Special Envoy Geir Pedersen will deliver a briefing on Syria on Friday, 25 June. 

     
    PBSO to host the first virtual country visit in Madagascar

    On 22 June, DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) will host a two-hour virtual country visit in Madagascar, inviting donor partners to see the ongoing engagement in the Southern part of the country. PBSO has been organizing country visits to engage with authorities at all levels, partners and beneficiaries. PBSO organized nine country visits between 2017 and 2019, though this has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

  • 18 Jun 2021

    New York, 19 June 2021

    Sexual violence in conflict is a cruel tactic of war, torture, terror and repression.

    It reverberates down generations, and threatens both human and international security.

    In places affected by conflict, the turmoil caused by the COVID-...

  • 18 Jun 2021

    The UN Special Envoy for Myanmar said on Friday she has called for timely action from the Security Council in response to the ongoing crisis in the Southeast Asian country stemming from the military coup in February. 

  • 18 Jun 2021

    Mogadishu- The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Adam Abdelmoula, opened a youth conference on the future of youth...

  • 18 Jun 2021

    Out now! Season 2 | Episode 5 | She Stands For Peace | Click here: https://unoau.unmissions.org/podcast-series-she-stands-peace

  • 17 Jun 2021

    Amid worsening socioeconomic conditions, rising criminal gang violence and a resurgence of COVID-19, Haiti’s leaders must commit to good-faith dialogue aimed at ending a longstanding and damaging political impasse, the UN’s senior official in the country told the Security Council today.