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Secretary-General warns Security Council that tensions between major powers at "historic high"
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On 24 April, the Security Council held an open debate on effective multilateralism. Secretary-General António Guterres, in his opening remarks, said that the world faced unprecedented and interlocking crises, and that the multilateral system was under greater strain than at any other time since the founding of the Organization. “Tensions between major powers are at an historic high,” he cautioned, going on to underscore that “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, is causing massive suffering and devastation to the country and its people.” He also highlighted members of the Council had a particular responsibility “to make multilateralism work, rather than contribute to its dismemberment.” Of the worsening situation in Sudan, he said that “The violence must stop" as it risked “a catastrophic conflagration within Sudan that could engulf the whole region and beyond.” Watch remarks here.
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SRSG Perthes briefs Council on ongoing armed confrontation in Sudan
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On 26 April, in an evening session, the Security Council considered the situation in Sudan. Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan Volker Perthes said that since the last briefing on 17 April, his efforts and those of Member States and regional organizations had focused on securing humanitarian pauses or ceasefires between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. He noted that the efforts had met with limited success and the situation on the ground had escalated dramatically. He went on to note the "positive step" of the 72-hour ceasefire brokered by the United States, which was holding in some parts. The UN will focus on a sustained ceasefire and a return to political negotiations, he said.
Watch remarks here.
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SRSG Salvador gives first briefing to the Council on the situation in Haiti
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On 26 April, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, María Isabel Salvador briefed the Council for the first time. She said, “a path for Haitians to engage in dialogue towards restoring democratic institutions in the country has been charted” but that it would be “difficult to move forward without effectively addressing rampant insecurity.” She also said that since the last briefing on Haiti to the Council by her predecessor, gang criminality had increased. The SRSG stressed that gang violence was expanding at an “alarming rate” in areas previously considered relatively safe in Port-au-Prince and outside the capital. “The horrific violence in gang-ridden areas, including sexual violence, particularly against women and girls, is emblematic of the terror afflicting much of Haiti’s population,” she warned.
Watch the briefing here.
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Special Coordinator Wennesland informs Council of latest developments in the Middle East
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The Secretary-General's Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, told the Council that while the situation in the Middle East had been mostly calm, there had been "shocking incidents of violence at the Holy Sites" in recent weeks and that "the current trajectory is neither sustainable nor inevitable." The Special Coordinator underlined that the parties, the region and the international community must address the underlying political, security, economic and institutional challenges driving the conflict. He also noted that “there must be an end to the unilateral measures, provocations and incitement that enable violence.”
Watch here.
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Ambassadorial-level meeting on transitional justice in Colombia, The Gambia and Timor-Leste
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On 28 April, the Peacebuilding Commission convened a meeting on transitional justice in Colombia, The Gambia and Timor-Leste. Participants outlined experiences, good practices and lessons learned regarding transitional justice, with a specific focus on guarantees of non-recurrence, in the spirit of South-South and triangular cooperation. The Commission commended the efforts of the three countries in advancing their transitional justice processes, and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
Watch meeting here.
Liberian Configuration of PBC holds ambassadorial-level meeting on elections
On 25 April, the Liberia Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission convened a meeting on peaceful and inclusive elections in Liberia, focusing on the political participation of women and youth and the prevention of electoral violence. The Commission underlined that the presidential and legislative elections in October 2023 will be critical to consolidating democracy.
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Peacebuilding
Peacebuilding Fund’s Seventh Advisory Group convenes in New York
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This week, the Peacebuilding Fund’s (PBF) Seventh Advisory Group convened for its second full session in New York and met with Secretary-General António Gutteres and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar. The Group discussed resource mobilization, both for the Fund and for peacebuilding in general, as well as the need to reach a positive conclusion on assessed contributions. It also spoke about the New Agenda for Peace and its link to longer-term processes such as the 2025 review of the Peacebuilding architecture.
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PBSO launches Climate Security and Peacebuilding Thematic Review
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On 25 April, nearly 200 participants joined the Peacebuilding Support Office’s virtual launch event of the Climate, Security and Peacebuilding Thematic Review. In her opening remarks, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar emphasized the importance of an inclusive climate, peace and security agenda. The event video recording is available here.
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Special Representative Abarry visits Chad to discuss transition process
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From 26-28 April, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Abdou Abarry visited the Republic of Chad. He met with the President of the transition and Head of State, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Into, Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahamat Saleh Annadif, Special Representative of the Economic Community of Central African States Botelho Urbino, and representatives of country’s international partners and other key stakeholders. The SRSG noted the progress made in the roll-out of the transition, in particular the establishment of the National Commission for the Organization of the Constitutional Referendum. He stressed the importance of additional measures to ensure inclusivity and the participation of all stakeholders in the transition.
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UNSAC conducts field visit to discuss refugee situation
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From 24 to 28 April, the Bureau of the UN Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC) carried out a field visit to the Republic of Congo, with a view to collect and analyze relevant information related to the refugee situation in border areas with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic. Representatives of Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and São Tomé and Príncipe attended, together with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (HCR) in Congo. The mission assessed the situation of refugees and displaced persons, and noted efforts by Congolese authorities and partners to assist and protect them.
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UN Special Coordinator meets with political and religious leaders, youth influencers
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This week, UN Special Coordinator Joanna Wronecka held a round of meetings with Lebanese political leaders and stakeholders as the presidential vacancy in Lebanon approaches its sixth month. Wronecka highlighted the damaging impact of the prolonged vacuum on State institutions. Lebanese Forces party leader Samir Geagea, Kataeb party leader Samy Gemayel and MP Ibrahim Kanaan of the Free Patriotic Movement, raised with the Special Coordinator growing concerns about the prolonged presence of Syrian refugees. The Special Coordinator also met with Maronite Patriarch Bechara El-Rahi, Orthodox Archbishop for Beirut Elias Aude and Jaafari Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Kabalan, to discuss the role of religious leaders in defusing tensions. With MP Georges Adwan, the head of Parliament’s Justice and Administration Committee, discussions focused on the work being done to move forward with legislation that is critical for the reform agenda, most notably on independence of the judiciary. Wronecka also met with a group of youth influencers to hear their vision for a better future in Lebanon.
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Top UNAMI officials discuss media freedom, climate; Human Rights Office holds workshop for minority communities
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On 27 April, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, spoke about media and press freedom at the launch of the Rudaw Media Network Bestoon talk show. On 26 April 2023, the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Claudio Cordone, and the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General/Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai, attended the second meeting of the Informal Expert Group of the members of the UN Security Council on Climate, Peace and Security. Discussions focused on the climate-driven challenges facing Iraq, including water shortages and the peace and security implications of these challenges. On 26 April 2023, UNAMI’s Human Rights Office organized a workshop for minority communities in Duhok and Nineveh governorates. The workshop aimed to enhance the understanding of United Nations Protection Mechanisms related to minorities, including the Universal Periodic Review, the Special Procedures and the Treaty Monitoring Bodies of the United Nation. On 25 April, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Iraq published its 2022 Annual Results Report on UN development activities and contributions to the development priorities of Iraq.
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Peace Process Secretariat holds training course on social cohesion and gender-sensitive reintegration
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This week in Mozambique, the Peace Process Secretariat organized a training on social cohesion and gender-sensitive reintegration for DDR focal points in the provinces of Zambezia and Niassa. The training was organized in partnership with the Folke Bernadotte Academy. The participants serve as focal points and a vital link between DDR beneficiaries, local communities and the peace process, providing support to DDR beneficiaries during their reintegration. They are appointed by both Renamo and Government and support the implementation of the DDR process.
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Special Envoy for Horn of Africa receives award of recognition for UN’s role in peace talks
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On 23 April, the Federal Government of Ethiopia organized a Recognition Programme under the theme “Enough with war – Let’s Sustain Peace” to take stock of the lessons learned from the African Union-led and Ethiopian owned peace process. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, presented an award recognizing the UN’s support during the peace talks between the Federal Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front to the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Hanna Tetteh. In her remarks after the ceremony, SESG Tetteh commended the Ethiopian stakeholders for the progress achieved since the signing of the COHA.
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UN Verification Mission participates in launch event for book on victim and former combatant testimonies
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On 24 April, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia participated in the presentation of a book that reflects the experience of Revipaz, the first organization integrated by victims and former combatants accredited in case 001 of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. The book "Stories of an imagined future" was launched at the Bogota International Book Fair 2023. With the support of the Mayor's Office of Bogotá, Revipaz reiterated their commitment to be an example of reconciliation. "We removed the hatred from our hearts; we want to show the world the nobility of our people", said Juan Carlos Gonzalez, one of the victims and a member of Revipaz.
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