Multilateralism and diplomacy critical to restore JCPOA, USG DiCarlo tells Security Council

On 17 December, Under-Secretary-General (USG) Rosemary DiCarlo told the Council that 10 months remained until the “termination day” of resolution 2231 (2015) but that an impasse on restoring the Plan persisted. She went on to note that the United States had not returned to the Plan, nor had it lifted or waived the unilateral sanctions it reimposed after withdrawing from the agreement in May 2018. For its part, Iran had not reversed any of the steps it had taken since moving away from its nuclear-related commitments. Citing the most recent quarterly report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), she said that the Agency’s verification and monitoring activities related to the Plan have been “seriously affected by the cessation of Iran’s implementation of its nuclear-related commitments.” She called on all participants in the Plan, along with the United States, to prioritize multilateralism and diplomacy, stressing that these were the principles that made agreement possible in 2015.

USG DiCarlo reiterates call for DPRK to comply with international obligations on non-proliferation

On 18 December, USG DiCarlo told the Security Council that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) had been actively working towards acquiring new military capabilities. In 2024, the country launched one intercontinental ballistic missile, four intermediate range ballistic missiles, multiple short-range ballistic missiles, and had attempted to launch a military reconnaissance satellite, she said. In September, DPRK state media reported on an inspection of a uranium enrichment base by its leader. DiCarlo went on to note the open display in November of weapons delivery systems at an exhibition in Pyongyang, including the latest solid-fuel “Hwasong-19” intercontinental ballistic missile, and reiterated her call on the country to fully comply with its international obligations. 

"There is a great hope" in Syria, Special Envoy Pedersen tells Council

On 17 December, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Geir Pedersen, briefed the Council from Damascus for the first time in his tenure. He stressed that “there is a great hope that Syria now has a real chance to move towards peace, economic stability and growth, inclusion for all Syrians and accountability and justice.” He went on to note that a Caretaker authority had assumed power in Damascus, installed by the leadership of the Military Operations Command, the dominant armed coalition in Syria, which is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its commander, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Syrians need an orderly transition that provides for preservation of State institutions that serve their interests and provide them with critical services; a new Constitution, in line with resolution 2254 (2015); and free, fair and inclusive elections, he said. However, he added that “the conflict has not ended yet,” with the north-east remaining under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by the United States, and he voiced concern about reports of a military escalation. Meanwhile, in the south-west, Israel’s continued strikes undermined the prospects of an orderly political transition. Noting reported plans to expand settlements in the Golan, he stressed: “Israel must cease all settlement activity in the occupied Syrian Golan, which are illegal.”

Deputy SRSG Koury briefs Council on progress of ongoing municipal elections in Libya

On 16 December, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Officer in Charge of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Stephanie Koury told the Council that the Libyan people had successfully elected 426 representatives in 58 municipalities across the country on 16 November. Municipal elections for a second group of 60 municipalities are set to start next month. UNSMIL has presented a plan for an inclusive political initiative to overcome the current deadlock, she said, adding that this process aims to preserve stability on the ground and strengthen institutions while including Libyan political forces and cultural components. “We must be mindful of past experiences, in particular of the failed 2021 election,” she said, adding that a time-bound advisory committee will propose options for an overall roadmap for holding national elections. 

ASG Khiari tells Council that Israeli settlements in occupied West Bank have "no legal validity"

On 18 December Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari told the Council that, since 7 October 2023, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and over 1,700 Israeli and foreign nationals have been killed in attacks in or originated from Gaza, according to Israeli sources. All hostages must be treated humanely and allowed visits from the Red Cross, he said, condemning acts of sexual violence and abuse perpetrated against them. He further reiterated that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, “have no legal validity” and are in flagrant violation of international law. 

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert meets religious and community leaders

On 17 December, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert visited Tripoli in the north of the country. The Special Coordinator met with the Archbishop of the Maronite Archdiocese of Tripoli Bishop Youssef Soueif, the Mufti of Tripoli and the North Sheikh Mohammad Imam, the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Tripoli Archbishop Aphram Kyriacos, the President the Islamic Alawite Council in Lebanon Sheikh Ali Mahmoud Qaddour, MP Ashraf Rifi, MP Elias Khoury, MP Jamil Aboud and security officials. Given recent developments in Lebanon, alongside seismic changes taking place in Syria, they discussed the importance of preserving Lebanon’s tradition of peaceful coexistence, which is key to the country’s stability. The role of a functioning, effective and empowered State that embraces and unites all its citizens was highlighted. The Special Coordinator reiterated the readiness and commitment of the United Nations to continue supporting all efforts aimed at consolidating Lebanon’s security and stability and advancing its long-term recovery.

SRSG Imnadze attends conference on interaction and confidence building in Asia

On 17 December, Kaha Imnadze, SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), participated virtually in the 7th Ministerial Council Meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). The meeting was hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan. In his remarks, SRSG Imnadze commended the efforts of CICA member countries in addressing the region's current challenges, including threats to peace and security, the severe impacts of climate change, the need for economic growth, and the promotion of youth, as well as working together to advance an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery in line with the 2030 Agenda. The CICA Ministerial Council adopted several key documents, aimed at enhancing cooperation, promoting regional stability, and advancing confidence-building measures among member states.

SRSG Al Hassan hosts celebration of World Arabic Language Day

On 18 December, President of the Republic of Iraq Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, ministers, diplomats and UN staff, the SRSG for Iraq and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan, celebrated World Arabic Language Day in Baghdad. “It’s a special pleasure to celebrate the Arabic Language Day here in Baghdad,” said SRSG Al Hassan, noting that it is “the language in which many poets have written some of the most beautiful verses in global literature.”

SRSG Al Hassan meets with President of Iraq and ministers

On 15 December, SRSG Al Hassan met with the President of Iraq, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid (pictured). They discussed the current political situation in the country and the region, with particular focus on developments in Syria. The SRSG reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to preserving Iraq’s security and development gains while striving for even greater progress. On 17 December, SRSG Al-Hassan met separately in Tehran with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, and the Deputy President for Strategic Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif. In their meetings, they discussed the situation and developments in the region and emphasized that stability and prosperity of Iraq is of paramount importance to the region and the world at large.

UNAMI Human Rights Office holds workshops and round table discussions

On 16 December, the UNAMI Human Rights Office organized a one-day training on “Promoting NGOs Engagement with UN Human Rights Mechanisms and drafting of shadow reports” in Sulaymaniya. The focus was on engaging with and reporting to the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The 22 participants, representing NGOs from various governorates in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, agreed on the roles and timelines for the preparation of a shadow report which is due for submission to the CEDAW by 15 February 2025.

In Dhiqar Governorate, the UNAMI Human Rights Office organized a roundtable discussion, in collaboration with the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights, on “International and National Standards on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials”. The discussion aimed at strengthening awareness of police officials with command-and-control responsibilities in relation to public order management to ensure that the force employed by police complies with the basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials. Participants engaged in an inclusive discussion on understanding the basic principles on the use of force and firearms during demonstrations.

Cultural day with the sons and daughters of peace in Medellín

On 16 December, as part of the commemoration of the 8th Anniversary of the Peace Agreement, the sons and daughters of peace signatories and their families in Medellín, department of Antioquia, Colombia, celebrated this special occasion together during a cultural and educational day at the Casa de la Lectura Infantil with the support of Comfenalco Antioquia, Partido Comunes in Medellín and the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. During the meeting, the theatre group Semillas del Común performed with young relatives of the peace signatories and read stories. UNVMC shared the virtual reality experience "Pathways Colombia" with stories about reincorporation and reconciliation.

Next Week

The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra will visit Port Sudan on 22-23 December. This Week in DPPA will resume on 10 January.