Nearly three years since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, the number of civilian casualties in the war is alarming, says USG DiCarlo

On 16 January, Under-Secretary-General (USG) Rosemary DiCarlo said as the third year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approached, the devastation continued. There had been alarming increases in civilian casualties, with 12,456 killed and 28,382 injured by the end of 2024. The fighting had also led to widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, including over 580 schools and hospitals. Despite some diplomatic progress, including prisoner exchanges, the violence continued to escalate, with Russia’s attacks on civilian energy infrastructure and humanitarian aid access compounding the suffering. "Global calls for de-escalation and the beginning of a process to end the fighting are growing louder," she said, noting that the Secretary-General's “good offices remain available to support all good faith efforts to find a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.”

Special Envoy Grundberg: "We need immediate de-escalation and genuine engagement for peace" in Yemen

On 15 January, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg told the Council that the conflict in Yemen was becoming increasingly internationalized, with escalating strikes and counter-strikes threatening the fragile prospects for peace. He highlighted that Ansar Allah’s attacks on Israel and in the Red Sea had led to retaliatory strikes by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel, causing damage to critical civilian infrastructure. “We need immediate de-escalation and genuine engagement for peace,” Grundberg urged, stressing that nearly 40 million Yemenis “have waited far too long.” He also warned that further violence would “trigger further displacement, collapse essential services, and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis."

Council adopts presidential statement welcoming the election of Lebanese President Aoun

On 16 December, the Security Council adopted a presidential statement on Lebanon, which welcomed the recent election of President Joseph Aoun and the designation of Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister. By the text, the Council said that Lebanon’s recent domestic developments were “a long-awaited and critical step” to overcome its political and institutional crisis. The Council also welcomed the cessation of hostilities arrangement between Israel and Lebanon on 26 November, but voiced concern over the reported violations after 27 November, and also reiterated that UN peacekeepers and premises should never be the target of an attack. It called for further international assistance to help facilitate the country’s reconstruction and development, strengthen State institutions, and help secure a permanent ceasefire and long-term solution to the conflict.

Security Council updates sanctions regime on Libya

On 16 January, the Council adopted resolution 2769 (2025), which demands full compliance with the Libya arms embargo. It also called on all Member States not to exacerbate or intervene in the conflict and reiterated that those individuals or entities determined to have violated the provisions of resolution 1970 (2011) are subject to designation. By the terms of the resolution, the Council also decided that the relevant arms embargo did not apply to any technical assistance or training provided by Member States to Libyan security forces intended solely to promote the process of Libyan military and security institutions’ reunification. 

PBC deepens synergies with Peacebuilding Fund Advisory Group

On 15 January, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held its second meeting with the Advisory Group of the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). The first meeting between the two bodies was held in November 2023. The discussion centered on enhancing collaboration between the PBC and PBF, particularly in light of the Pact for the Future, the upcoming 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review and the assessed contribution to the PBF. Chaired by Sérgio França Danese, the Commission was briefed by Macharia Kamau, Chair of the PBF Advisory Group, Abakar Mouctar, Permanent Representative of Chad and Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support. They emphasized the growing urgency of peacebuilding efforts in today’s global environment and the value of supporting inclusive, nationally led peacebuilding programmes. Member States and the Advisory Group discussed ways to enhance collaboration through regular engagement, strategic advice to the Fund, and possible joint visits to countries supported by the PBF.

Eighth Peacebuilding Fund Advisory Group discusses strategic outlook, funding trends, and insights from visit to Papua New Guinea

The Eighth Advisory Group of the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) held its first session in New York on 15 January. The Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder received the Group and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Elizabeth Spehar. Discussions centered on the PBF’s 2024 strategy 2025-26 extension, nationally led prevention strategies and the programming of assessed contributions. Concerning resource mobilization, Members highlighted the need to maintain and broaden voluntary donors and committed to explore innovative financing and private sector engagement. Members also received briefings on the collaborative visit of the PBF contributors and Advisory Group to Papua New Guinea, noting the value of the UN’s work on dialogue mechanisms and the catalytic effect of PBF financing. Alain Noudehou, Executive Coordinator of the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund, shared insights on the pooled funding financing environment. The Advisory Group also explored the opportunities presented by the PBSO Peacebuilding Impact Hub to enhance collective understanding of the impact of peacebuilding efforts.

SRSG Al Hassan meets Qatari Minister of State

On 14 January, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan, met in Doha with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during his visit to the State of Qatar. They discussed the latest developments in the region, topics of mutual interest, and ways to enhance cooperation for the benefit of Iraq and the broader region. 

SRSG Al Hassan visits Khan Dhari

On 11 January, SRSG Al Hassan visited Khan Dhari west of Baghdad, where he met with Sheikh Jamal Al-Dhari, Secretary-General of the Iraqi National Project, as well as with Iraqi tribal leaders and notables. The SRSG emphasized the importance of national unity and the participation of all Iraqi stakeholders in the political process. 

SRSG Al Hassan meets with Iraqi senior officials

On 16 January, SRSG Al Hassan met with the Iraqi Minister of Interior, Mr. Abdul-Amir Al-Shammari. They discussed the situation in Iraq and cooperation between the UN and the Ministry of Interior. The SRSG was also briefed on the work of the Ministry in the service of the Iraqi people. On 11 January, SRSG Al Hassan met in Baghdad with the Minister of Migration and Displaced Evan Faiq Jabro and National Security Adviser, Qassim al-Araji. In their meeting, they discussed UN support for the repatriation of Iraqi nationals from the Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. 

Latest Secretary-General report on Colombia mission highlights achievements

On 13 December, Secretary-General António Guterres released his latest report on the UN Verification Mission in Colombia to the Security Council. In the report, Guterres said that Colombia had achieved significant milestones on its path to peace as it marks eight years since the signing of the Final Agreement. He welcomed the parties' renewal of their commitments to the Peace Agreement and reiterated his hope that in 2025, Colombians would move decisively forward on the road to peace. He underscored that the UN remained committed in its support of the Government and all actors involved in this endeavour. The report will be presented to the Security Council on 22 January by Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Colombia Carlos Ruiz Massieu.

Next Week

On 20 January, the Secretary-General will brief the Security Council at its open debate on the Middle East. On 21 January, it will hold an open debate on countering terrorism in Africa. On 22 January, SRSG Massieu will brief on Colombia. Also on 22 January, Special Representative of the Secretary-General María Isabel Salvador will update the Council on the situation in Haiti. On 23 January, the Council will meet on cooperation between the UN and regional and subregional organizations.