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This Week in DPPA: 14 - 20 January 2023

This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world. 

Security Council

Special Envoy Grundberg briefs Council on mediation efforts in Yemen

On 16 January, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg briefed the Security Council on developments in the country. He said that the military situation remained stable, with no major escalation.  On current mediation efforts, he said he had been in continued contact with the parties, as well as with regional countries. Discussions focused on securing agreements on military de-escalation, measures to prevent economic deterioration, and on mitigating the impact of the conflict on civilians. Overall, there had been an intensification of regional and international diplomatic activity to resolve the conflict, he said. 

Special Coordinator Wennesland briefs Security Council, highlights recent violence in Middle East

On 18 January, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland briefed the Security Council.  “The violent trends that dominated the last months of 2022 continue to take a devastating human toll,” he said, adding that “preventing more loss of life and reversing negative trends on the ground must be our collective priority.” He also noted that Israelis and Palestinians remained on a collision course amid “escalating political and inflammatory rhetoric.” Against that backdrop, Wennesland said that “courageous political leadership is urgently required to generate the momentum necessary to transform the current dynamic.”

Iraq

UNAMI Human rights Office discusses detainee due process rights 

On 16 January, the Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) held a roundtable with the Ministry of Interior in Mosul on the due process rights of defendants under Iraqi and international law. The discussion focused on the Iraqi and international human rights law frameworks protecting the right to legal counsel, the right to remain silent and the right to prepare an adequate defense. The roundtable also covered the legal framework governing legitimate arrests and investigations as well as the prohibition of torture. UNAMI Human Rights Officers discussed the Iraqi Criminal Procedure Code, the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, the Convention against Torture and the International Convention for Protection from Enforced Disappearance. 

Syria

Special Envoy Pedersen discusses regional developments with Turkish Minister 

On 16 January, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Geir O. Pedersen met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. They discussed regional developments related to the crisis in Syria, including the need for a political solution in line with Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a ceasefire and political settlement in Syria. 

Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi discusses humanitarian needs with European Commission

On 16 January, the Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Najat Rochdi, held a meeting with the Director of the European Commission Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, where they discussed growing humanitarian needs and the urgent need for a political solution to the Syrian crisis. 

Libya

Special Representative Bathily calls for resources, political recommitment for Libya Ceasefire Agreement

On 15 January, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Abdoulaye Bathily announced the launch of joint work between the international ceasefire monitoring team and Libyan monitors in Sirte. During the meeting of the Joint Military Commission 5+5, he encouraged the Joint Military Commission to move forward in implementing the ceasefire agreement. Several issues were discussed, including moving forward with the Libyan ceasefire monitoring mechanism and the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The Special Representative called upon the government to allocate appropriate resources and stepping up political efforts to end the stalemate and re-establish legitimacy to Libyan institutions through elections.

Great Lakes region

Special Envoy Xia attends ministerial-level meeting on security in Central Africa

On 17 January, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia attended the ministerial session of the 54th session of the UN Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa. The Committee adopted two resolutions, one on the implementation of a regional strategy and plan against hate speech in Central Africa, and a second on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Colombia

Education for Peace in Cauca 

On 16 January, the "Education for Peace" campaign concluded. The initiative was promoted by the UN Verification Mission in Colombia to help children and adolescents in conflict-affected areas of Santander de Quilichao, Caldono, Buenos Aires and Suarez, Cauca, return to school. More than 500 participants took part, including former combatants, social leaders and members of the community.  Some 300 school kits were delivered to children of former FARC combatants and other children from indigenous communities, in which the Mission joined efforts to promote education, reconciliation and peacebuilding.

Podcast:

"Behind the Numbers"

New episode offers insights on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the importance of data in political analysis

In the latest episode of “Behind the Numbers,” DPPA’s podcast on women peacemakers, Bianca Montejo, a Senior Political Affairs Officer at DPPA’s Security Council Affairs Division. In this interview, Blanca discusses trends related to Security Council Resolution 1325, why data is important and shares some experiences of the Security Council from behind the scenes. Listen to the episode here.

Multi-Year Appeal

This week, DPPA launched its latest Multi-Year Appeal (MYA), the Department's main fundraising tool. The Appeal is indispensable, allowing us to carry out essential conflict prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding work. DPPA is looking to raise $170 million in extrabudgetary funds for the next four years. The MYA follows closely on the heels of the release of DPPA's new Strategic Plan, which sets out a vision and priorities until 2026 as the Department devises and coordinates  political strategy across the UN system. Learn more about the MYA here.

Next Week

The Security Council will discuss the situation in Haiti on 24 January and the developments in Syria on 25 January. The Council will hold an open debate on 26 January on peacebuilding and sustaining peace: Investment in people to enhance resilience against complex challenges. 

 

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Contact DPPA at dppa@un.org