In Libya, USG Dicarlo stresses need for credible and inclusive elections

On 8-11 September, Under-Secretary-General (USG) Rosemary DiCarlo visited Libya to underline the United Nations commitment to achieving unity and durable peace in the country. The USG met with Libyan political, military and civil society stakeholders in Tripoli and Benghazi, as well as with international partners. She noted that, while there was economic advancement since the last time she was in Libya in 2021, the country was now more divided and that credible and inclusive elections were the only way to break the political stalemate and end the cycle of transitional arrangements

ASG Jenča meets with senior political officials in Haiti

This week, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Miroslav Jenča visited Haiti. In his various discussions, the ASG underscored that security remains the paramount challenge in the country. He also stressed the critical importance of the expeditious appointment of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), and noted that the UN will continue to support the government in planning and executing credible, fair and transparent electoral process.

Special Envoy Grundberg warns Security Council of threat of environmental disaster in Yemen

On 12 September, Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, expressed concern over the “escalatory trajectory” in the country, reporting that the Houthis had continued attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the United States and the United Kingdom continued to strike military targets inside Yemen. The Houthis' targeting of the Greek-flagged oil tanker the Sounion forced the abandonment of the ship and imminently threatens a “catastrophic” oil spill and environmental disaster of “unprecedented” scale, he stressed. Noting that the ongoing war in Gaza complicates peace efforts, he said that the conflict had extended its destabilizing effects across the region.

Security Council extends sanctions regime against Sudan

On 11 September, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution that extended sanctions against Sudan — including asset freezes, travel bans and an arms embargo — for 12 months. In the subsequent meeting, the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning Sudan told the Council that the ongoing conflict has worsened the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and destabilized the region.

Special Coordinator stresses need for de-escalation along the Blue Line

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This week, United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert continued her engagement with Lebanese and Israeli officials, as well as regional and international actors, to push for an immediate return to a cessation of hostilities along the Blue Line. She warned of the risks of miscalculation as the exchanges of fire between Israel and Hizbullah persisted for an eleventh month. The Special Coordinator, along with ambassadors of United Nations Security Council member States and the European Union, also met in Beirut with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss the situation in southern Lebanon and the need to restore calm and stability, as envisaged by Security Council resolution 1701.

UNSCOL joins UNDP in marking 10 years of its youth leadership programme

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert joined the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in marking 10 years of its Youth Leadership Programme at a ceremony held at the campus of the Lebanese American University. She highlighted the role that young Lebanese women and men can play in transforming their country. “The importance of young people as key architects and custodians of their country’s future cannot be overstated anywhere in the world," she said. "And, certainly not in Lebanon – which is at a critical crossroads, with so many milestones lying ahead that are pivotal to recovery and development."

DSRSG Isaczai attends Second Arab Forum on good governance

This week, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Ghulam M. Isaczai, addressed the Second Arab Forum on Enhancing Transparency and Good Governance, under the theme of "Integrity: An Essential Ingredient of Complexity and Opportunity". Co-organized by UNDP, the Arab League and Transparency International, and hosted by the Iraq Federal Commission of Integrity with the support of the European Union, the Forum was launched in Baghdad on 10 September with representatives of governments, civil society, media and private sector from across the Arab region. In his remarks, Isaczai reaffirmed the UN's commitment to Iraq's fight against corruption. 

UNAMI holds training session on child rights

On 9-10 September, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Human Rights Office conducted a two-day training session for regional focal points of the Human Rights Directorate of the Popular Mobilization Commission (PMC). The training focused on child rights and the protection of children in armed conflict. It was part of a broader initiative by the UN Human Rights Office to enhance the capacity of the Human Rights Directorate of the PMC to better safeguard the rights of vulnerable children affected by conflict.

UNAMI publishes new analysis report on Climate, Peace and Security in Iraq

This week, UNAMI released a new report that examines the links between climate, peace and security in Iraq and provides recommendations for addressing related risks. Iraq is among the world’s most climate vulnerable countries because of its geographic location and existing environmental fragility which interact with socio-economic and institutional factors. While Iraq is enjoying its most stable period since 2003, governance challenges, instability and violence still exist. Climate change has the potential to exacerbate existing tensions.

UNRCCA Co-organizes conference and training course on counter-terrorism

On 10-12 September, the UN Regional Centre for Central Asian Diplomacy (UNRCCA), the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), and the Office of the Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) organized a regional conference on the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia and a training course on building resilience of local communities to extremist ideologies. The conference focused on enhancing information exchange and coordination to tackle security issues, especially concerning Afghanistan.

SRSG Imadze addresses Second Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States

SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze attended the Second Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States in Khiva, Uzbekistan. Organized by Uzbekistan’s Senate and Legislative Chamber, the Forum focused on the pivotal role of parliaments in regional socio-economic development. Imnadze highlighted the importance of inter-parliamentary collaboration for regional peace and stability and highlighted the significance of women's and youth participation in political and economic processes. 

Colombia launches new National Network for Women's Participatory Planning

On 9 September in Ibagué, Tolima, 100 women from over 20 departments established a new National Network for Women's Participatory Planning in Colombia. The objective of the Network is to support existing networks in Colombia with capacity building and institutional strengthening. It will also work towards reducing political violence against women in the country. The event was supported by regional and national entities and the international community, including the UN Verification Mission in Colombia.

Next Week

On 17 September, Special Envoy Geir Pedersen will brief the Council on Syria. On 18 September, Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland will brief on the situation in the Middle East. On 19 September Special Representative Roza Otunbayeva will brief on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.