Security Council
Women must be at the centre of the response against terrorism and violent extremism in Africa
Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo said on 11 March that, “The threat of terrorism is often a consequence of development, humanitarian, human rights and security challenges that terrorist groups seek to exploit. Security and military solutions are thus not sufficient.” Speaking in the Security Council during an open debate on countering terrorism and violent extremism in Africa, Ms. DiCarlo also underscored the importance of applying a gender-perspective: “Just as misogyny is at the heart of so many terrorist groups’ strategies, so must women be at the centre of our responses.”
Read her full remarks here
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Griffiths: Yemen is at a critical juncture
Special Envoy Martin Griffiths told the Security Council on 12 March that Yemen is at a critical juncture. “The parties to the conflict will either move Yemen towards de-escalation and the resumption of the political process, or, I fear, towards greater violence and suffering that will make the path to the negotiating table more arduous.” He urged Council members to maintain the focus on reviving a process that ushers into Yemen an inclusive transition away from conflict. During a transition, he explained, power will need to be shared among different political and social components, including women and civil society, in the spirit of partnership and consensus. Transitional security arrangements will need to be agreed, to provide for the security of Yemen’s people and to lead toward the state’s monopoly over the use of force. And finally, the Yemeni people will need guarantees of humanitarian relief, reconstruction and economic recovery across the country to put “the suffering of this war into history.”
Read his full remarks here
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Iraq
Special Representative meets President of Iraq
The Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met with the President of Iraq Barham Salih on 9 March to discuss political developments in the country and the wider region, including the formation of a new government.
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Yemen
Special Envoy visits Marib in northern Yemen
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, visited Marib in northern Yemen on 7 March. Mr. Griffiths met with local government officials, tribal chiefs, civil society, including women and youth groups, and internally displaced Yemenis. Thousands of people have arrived in Marib following recent fighting in neighboring Al Jawf governorate. “I came here today to listen to the people of Marib and their concerns and make sure that the world hears them with me,” Mr. Griffiths said. “The only way to save Yemen from slipping back into large-scale conflict and another humanitarian tragedy is a return to calm through a comprehensive, inclusive and accountable de-escalation process. The time is now. I will work with the parties to make this a reality. Yemen cannot wait” the Special Envoy stressed.
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Guinea
Special Representative calls on Guineans to prioritize dialogue
At the end of his three-day visit to Guinea on 12 March, Special Representative and head of the UN Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Mohamed Ibn Chambas reaffirmed the UN’s availability and commitment to support efforts to find a sustainable, consensual and peaceful resolution to the current political crisis. During his visit, Mr. Chambas met with President Alpha Condé, the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC), the political opposition, the coalition of women for peace and the Council of the Guinean Bar Association. He called on all Guineans to respect and protect human rights and to prioritize dialogue for the consolidations of democratic, economic and rule of law achievements in the country.
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Libya
UN Secretary-General designates Acting Special Representative for Libya
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 12 March designated Stephanie Turco Williams of the United States as his Acting Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), where she has been serving as Deputy Special Representative since 2018. Ms. Williams will act as Special Representative in Libya until the appointment of a successor to Ghassan Salamé, who resigned recently.
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Somalia
Breaking down barriers to youth employment in Baidoa
Special Envoy and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) James Swan spent 8 March – International Women’s Day – in Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West State, Somalia, where he highlighted the need for women’s empowerment and the provision of essential services to marginalized youth. Accompanied by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative, Werner Schultink, Mr. Swan visited an Alternative Basic Education programme that is providing vital learning opportunities to the most vulnerable and marginalized children of Somalia in a camp for internally displaced persons. “Both young women and young men are learning these skills – breaking down gender barriers and underscoring that women are not limited in what they can do and there are no boundaries,” Mr. Swan said.
Read the full story on UNSOM’s website
On visit to Puntland, UN envoy urges unity and consensus
Progress and remaining challenges related to Somalia’s national priorities for 2020 – including debt relief, holding ‘one person, one vote’ elections, strengthening security and finalizing the federal constitution – were among the topics covered on 9 March in a meeting of the leadership of Puntland State and the UN Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan. After meeting with Puntland’s President Said Deni, Mr. Swan voiced the international community’s concern about the risks posed by the current political impasse between the Federal Government and Federal Members States. “It is the view of the United Nations that Somalia’s leaders must urgently come together, in a spirit of national unity, to overcome differences and find consensus on how best to move forward, in the interest of the Somali people,” he said.
Read full story on UNSOM’s website
Colombia
First nationwide ‘coffee for peace’ exhibition in Popayán
The UN Verification Mission in Colombia organized the first nationwide coffee exhibition featuring the work of former FARC combatants in Popayán city on 7 March. The initiative included coffee samples from the departments of Antioquia, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Huila, Nariño, and Valle. "Today, we demonstrate our commitment to peace. Through coffee, we are representing our communities and our territories,” said Freddy, a former combatant and a member of the National Coffee Board. At the end of the event, international buyers, invited by the Cauca Coffee Growers Committee, learned about the FARC's products and listened to their experiences since they dedicated themselves to coffee growing.
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Bringing art and music to communities affected by conflict
The UN Verification Mission in Colombia delivered musical instruments to the children of the music school in the reintegration area of Icononzo, Tolima, 130 km south of Bogotá, on 11 March. In December 2019, the UN Mission together with Cesar López, a musician and peace activist, and the Colombian radio station Caracol collected 200 musical instruments through the campaign “Let's sing another story”. The delivery of instruments to Icononzo was the first of its kind. The campaign will reach several remote regions bringing art and music to the communities affected by the conflict.
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