Bienvenidos a las Naciones Unidas

Reports and Policy Documents

2021

  • 5 Nov 2021

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) to spare no effort in investigating the “unacceptable attack” earlier this week by the presidential guard against a vehicle from the UN mission in the country, MINUSCA. 

  • 5 Nov 2021

    UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Visits Zahle and West Bekaa

    4 November 2021

     

    ...
  • 4 Nov 2021

    New York, 5 November 2021

    On World Tsunami Awareness Day, we call on countries, international bodies, and civil society to increase understanding about the threat and share innovative approaches to reduce risks. 

    We can build on progress achieved – ranging from better outreach to tsunami-exposed communities around the world, to the inclusion of...

  • 4 Nov 2021

    TRIPOLI - The 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) concluded on 1 November a three-day meeting in Cairo, where they agreed with representatives of...

  • 4 Nov 2021

    A stark warning for the people of Afghanistan has been issued by UN migration agency chief António Vitorino who on Thursday said that ongoing conflict, grinding poverty and climate-related emergencies, have pushed the country to the brink of collapse.

  • 4 Nov 2021

    Photo: Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Amman, 4 November 2021 - The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, concluded yesterday a visit to Iran where he met with senior...

  • 3 Nov 2021

    At least 8 children have reportedly been killed or injured in escalating violence in Yemen in the past five days. 

  • 3 Nov 2021

    All parties involved in the escalating conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray must stop fighting immediately, or else risk pushing the region’s catastrophic humanitarian situation “over the edge”, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said on Wednesday.

  • 2 Nov 2021

    The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is extremely concerned by the escalation of violence in Ethiopia and the recent declaration of a state of emergency.  

  • 2 Nov 2021

    A deadly attack on a military hospital in the Afghan capital, is a reminder that health facilities should never be a target, the UN’s Deputy Spokesperson said on Tuesday.

  • 2 Nov 2021

    Ten unarmed Egyptian peacekeepers from the UN Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) were shot and wounded on Monday.  

  • 2 Nov 2021

    Mogadishu – Today is the...

  • 1 Nov 2021

    Multiple mediation efforts are underway in Sudan one week after the military seized power, UN Special Representative for the country, Volker Perthes, told journalists in New York on Monday. 

  • 1 Nov 2021

    New York, 2 November 2021

    Last year, according to UNESCO, 62 journalists were killed just for doing their jobs.

    Many lost their lives to conflict. But in recent years, the number of media workers killed while investigating corruption, trafficking, and other human rights violations, has risen.  

    Almost 9 out of 10...

  • 1 Nov 2021

    Out now! Season 2 | Episode 13 | She Stands For Peace | Click here: https://unoau.unmissions.org/podcast-series-she-stands-peace...

  • 30 Oct 2021

    New York, 31 October 2021

    Cities are hubs of innovation and human ingenuity — and potential centres for transformative action to implement the Sustainable Development Goals and build a zero-carbon, climate-resilient and socially just world.

    The theme of this year’s World Cities Day, ‘Adapting Cities for Climate Resilience’, comes at a time when...

  • 30 Oct 2021

    TRIPOLI, 30 October 2021 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is closely following ongoing efforts to finalize the legal...

  • 30 Oct 2021

    Dakar - Libreville, 29 October 2021 - Mr. Mahamat Saleh ANNADIF, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office...

  • 30 Oct 2021

    First of all, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting and supporting this meeting at the request of the 5...

  • 30 Oct 2021
     

    Humanitarian | OCHA releases Humanitarian Needs Overview for...

  • 29 Oct 2021
    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 warns of wider regional implications after unrest in Sudan

    Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, briefed on 27 October on the situation between Sudan and South Sudan. He underlined the importance of Sudan and South Sudan abiding by the 31 December deadline set by the Joint Political and Security Mechanism to withdraw all armed forces from Abyei. He said that the recent coup in Sudan reflects the shaky transitions that many countries are going through, adding his hope that the recent positive trend between Sudan and South Sudan will not be derailed.

    Full remarks at the Security Council here

     
    Pedersen stresses the need for common ground for the Constitutional Committee to continue its work

    Geir Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, briefing the Security Council on 27 October, reported on last week’s meetings of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva. He said the 45 members of the Small Body were not able to move from submitting and discussing initial draft constitutional texts to developing a productive textual drafting process. And he added that an agreement on dates and a commitment to meet twice before the end of the year was regrettably not possible. “"We need constructive Syria diplomacy to help save lives, ease suffering, promote stability and further the implementation of resolution 2254", said the Special Envoy.

    Full remarks at the Security Council here

     
    Our partnership with the African Union and sub-regional organizations is a necessary condition for peace, security, humanitarian, development, and justice in Africa

    Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General to the high-level debate on cooperation between the UN and the African Union on 28 October in the Security Council, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said that we are seeing a rise in seizures of power by force. She said that there is growing cooperation among the United Nations, African Union and subregional organizations on sustainable development, elections and peace processes throughout the African continent. She also noted a key role that the United Nations Office to the African Union is playing in this regard, especially through Cooperation Frameworks for peace and security, humanitarian and for sustainable development; our blueprint for joint integrated action.

    Full remarks at the Security Council here

     
    Verification Mission in Colombia mandate extended for another year

    The Security Council unanimously voted on 29 October to extend the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia until 31 October 2022. The Council noted the 5th anniversary of the Colombia peace agreement and urged the parties to build upon the progress made and address ongoing challenges, in particular the continued violence in conflict-affected areas.

    Read more here

    Central Asia

    Women Leaders’ Caucus Conference on Sustainable Development and Women’s Leadership in Central Asia

    Natalia Gherman, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), addressed on 28 October the Regional Conference “Sustainable Development and Women’s Leadership in Central Asia”. The conference was organized by the Central Asia Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC), a platform launched in December 2020 with the support of UNRCCA and UNDP, to enhance the political, economic and social participation of women in the region. In her remarks, Special Representative Gherman addressed the need for inclusive and comprehensive approaches among actors within and across countries of the region.

    Read more here

    Learn more about Women Leaders’ Caucus here

     
    UNRCCA co-organizes an online meeting on water and energy cooperation

    On 27 October, UNRCCA organized an online meeting of national experts from the Central Asian states, to discuss issues pertaining to support of regional cooperation in the field of water, energy, and climate. Representatives of the ministries and state agencies of the Central Asian countries as well as international experts attended the event. The participants expressed their initial views on the draft of the renewed UNRCCA project to support regional cooperation in Central Asia on water, energy and climate for 2022-2025 and highlighted the importance of UNRCCA’s regional platform for facilitating dialogue on transboundary water management within its mandate through preventive diplomacy.

    Read more here

    Yemen

    Special Envoy visits United Arab Emirates

    Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, concluded on 28 October his first visit to the United Arab Emirates where he held meetings with senior Emirati officials and Yemenis from various political components and the private sector. During his meetings with Yemeni interlocutors, Special Envoy Grundberg expressed his concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Yemen, including intensification of the war, fragmentation of state institutions, the impact of the conflict on the economy, and delivery of basic services. “It is high time that progress be made toward immediate and longer term political, economic and security priorities in the best interest of Yemenis.”

    Read more here

    Sudan

    “All parties must immediately return to dialogue and engage in good faith to restore the constitutional order”

    Volker Perthes, Special Representative for Sudan and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Khartoum (UNITAMS), briefed the press on 25 October on the situation in Sudan. He said that over the past four weeks he’s been shuffling between the different political and military actors in Khartoum urging dialogue, the maintenance of the constitutional partnership, and warning everybody not to squander the achievement of the first two years of the transition period. He renewed his call on the military to release all those that are unlawfully detained and asked all stakeholders to return to dialogue and restore the constitutional order to not put domestic peace and political transition at risk.

    Watch the press briefing here

    Statement by the Special Representative here

    Nigeria

    Special Representatives travels to Nigeria 

    François Louncény Fall and Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the Secretary-General’s Special Representatives for Central Africa and for West Africa and the Sahel, respectively, travelled to Nigeria on 28 October to meet with Government and military officials, as well as humanitarian and development partners, as well as to visit internally displaced people and refugee camps, as part of the third leg of a tour of Lake Chad Basin countries affected by Boko Haram before headed to Niger. Special Representatives Annadif and Fall encouraged the countries affected by the resurgence of Boko Haram, and other extremist groups, to pool their efforts to confront terrorism. 

    Peacebuilding

    New episode of “She Stands for Peace”

    This week’s episode features Betty Acahn Ogwaro, the Member of Parliament and Former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Cooperatives of South Sudan. In this episode of “She Stands for Peace”, Ogwaro offers insights on important sociocultural contexts in understanding the challenges of disarmament and the successful implementation of the peace agreement.

    Listen to the episode

    For more information on the podcast series, click here

     
    “Behind the Numbers”: Mary Robinson speaks WPS agenda 

    In the second episode of the "Behind the Numbers" podcast series, Mary Robinson, Chair of the Elders, former Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and seventh president of Ireland, stressed that gender lenses are not only crucial in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, but also in addressing climate security. “Behind the Numbers” is a podcast on the meaningful participation of women in peacemaking efforts. Episodes include conversations with peacemakers and decision-makers on the challenges and opportunities of the UN’s women, peace and security (WPS) agenda. Launched on the 20th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2020, the series continues in 2021.

     
    PBC meeting on the Central African Republic

    The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), chaired by the Kingdom of Morocco, discussed on 28 October the political, electoral and rule of law situation in the Central African Republic (CAR). The Prime Minister Henri-Marie Dondra briefed on the recent holding of presidential and legislative elections, the Political Agreement, the ongoing Republican Dialogue, the unilateral ceasefire announced by President Touadéra on 15 October, as well as the importance of the Configuration as a partnership forum, reiterating the Government’s support for the renewal of MINUSCA’s mandate in November. The Member States welcomed the ceasefire and noted the necessity of an inclusive national dialogue, the meaningful participation of women and youth and the strengthening of the rule of law and transitional justice to fight against impunity to advance the process in CAR. 

     
    PBC meeting on The Gambia

    The PBC discussed on 27 October progress in the transitional justice process in The Gambia, encouraging prompt finalization of the report of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) and robust follow-up to its recommendations, with international support. The Commission took note of plans to finalize the TRRC report, which is expected to contain 415 findings covering a wide array of human rights violations and 180 recommendations to deliver justice to the victims and promote healing and long-term reconciliation, including by building capacity and accountable institutions. The Commission also discussed ongoing and interrelated political and security reforms and preparations for elections. At the Government’s request, the Commission reiterated its commitment to continue to mobilize support for the consolidation of peace and democracy in The Gambia.

    Full recording of the meeting here

    New Appointment

    Noeleen Heyzer announced as new Special Envoy on Myanmar

    Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of Noeleen Heyzer of Singapore as Special Envoy on Myanmar, succeeding Christine Schraner Burgener. She was the first woman to serve as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific from 2007-2014. From 2013-2015, she was also the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Timor-Leste, working to support peacebuilding, state-building and sustainable development.

    Read more here

    Next Week

    On Monday, Mexico will take over the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November.

     

     

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  • 29 Oct 2021

    Acting unanimously on Friday, the Security Council adopted a unique resolution strongly condemning attacks against schools, children and teachers and urging conflict parties to immediately safeguard the right to education.

  • 29 Oct 2021

    The UN Special Representative for Mali told the Security Council on Friday that despite collective efforts, “the reality is that the security situation has deteriorated and the crisis is deepening”, across the northwest African nation. 

  • 29 Oct 2021

    Mogadishu – With the peaceful completion of polling and announcement of preliminary results from ‘one person, one vote’ electoral process in three districts of Puntland, international partners...

  • 28 Oct 2021

    The deputy UN chief on Thursday emphasized the “vital importance” of peace and security in Africa, thanking ambassadors in the Security Council for helping the UN shine a spotlight on the issue, and how all Member States can work with the African Union and other regional and sub-regional groups, to make lives more secure across the continent.

  • 28 Oct 2021

    Amman, 28 October 2021 - The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, concluded today his first visit to the United Arab Emirates where he held meetings with senior Emirati officials and...

  • 28 Oct 2021

    TASHKENT, Uzbekistan

    On 28 October 2021, the Special...

  • 27 Oct 2021

    Although the outcome of the latest meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee was “a disappointment”, members must continue their vital work, the UN Special Envoy for the country said in a briefing to the Security Council on Wednesday. 

  • 27 Oct 2021

    The Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations told the Security Council on Wednesday that he was encouraged by a thaw in relations between South Sudan and Sudan, now that both have established national committees on the question of Abyei, the disputed oil-rich border territory claimed by both countries.  

  • 27 Oct 2021

    Mr President,

    1. Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on progress in the implementation of Resolution 2046, which concerns outstanding bilateral issues between Sudan and South Sudan and the situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. Since I am addressing the Security Council for the first time since Kenya’s assumption of the Presidency, allow me Mr President to warmly congratulate you on your competent handling and skillful stewardship of the business of this august body.
    1. Today’s meeting takes place against the backdrop of multifaceted challenges posing a serious threat to the stability of several countries in the Horn of Africa and the region. This situation has been compounded by the impact of COVID-19 which has exacerbated already precarious living conditions.

    Mr President,

    1. The tragic events unfolding in Sudan following the unconstitutional change of government reflect the shaky transitions that many countries are going through. It will therefore be critical to urgently restore the constitutional order, consistent with the Constitutional Declaration as well as the Juba Peace agreement.
    1. Despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic, I was able to engage with national authorities of both countries during the review period, both in person in the company of USG Lacroix in Khartoum and Abyei, and here in New York, as well as remotely.
    1. We visited Khartoum and Abyei from 6-8 September, as part of consultations with the Governments of Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia on the future status of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). I also discussed bilateral relations between Sudan and South Sudan.
    1. While most of what I am reporting on may sound a bit removed from the current situation in Sudan which could negatively impact bilateral relations, I sincerely hope that the recent positive trend will not be derailed. Encouragingly, Sudan and South Sudan have been so far deepening their relationship, epitomised by several high-level visits and initiatives in support of each other’s peace processes. These include the start of peace talks in Juba between the Government of Sudan and the faction of Abdel Aziz Al Hilu’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM)-North on 26 May, the  launch of South Sudan's permanent constitution-making process, as well as efforts to help address the infighting between rival factions of the SPLM-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), which could unravel the peace process in South Sudan.
    1. Crucially, President Kiir and PM Hamdok reached an agreement to resume export and border trade. In this regard, they agreed to reopen border crossing points between their two countries. However, the launch did not materialise, having been overtaken by the unfolding events in Sudan.    

    Mr. President,

    1. The two countries agreed on a roadmap to review and follow up on implementing all 2012 cooperation agreements with timelines established by their ministries of foreign affairs. In the meantime, they undertook to remove all barriers to banking transactions and allow banks to establish branches in both countries. They also committed to developing a joint oil and gas strategy at the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) meeting of 8-9 September in Juba, though no reference was made to this in the decisions of the JPSM meeting. Sudan and South Sudan further agreed to enhance cooperation on security and intelligence.
    1. Among others, the JPSM (a) called for progress on the border crossing points opening; (b) requested Sudan and South Sudan to ensure the withdrawal of their forces from the Abyei box with immediate effect and no later than 31 December 2021, and tasked UNISFA to report thereon monthly; (c) requested both countries to engage with elements of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) still in the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ), and (d) urged the two countries to resume meetings of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC).
    2. Although both countries favour the resumption of AJOC meetings, the last of which took place in 2017, they disagree on the agenda and are yet to set a new meeting date. On the substance, whereas Sudan advocates the joint institutions provided for in the agreement on the temporary arrangements for the administration and security of the Abyei Area of 20 June 2011, South Sudan considers discussion of joint institutions, especially the Abyei Police Service, a non-starter ostensibly over fears that this reinforces Khartoum’s position on Abyei. These disagreements have consistently dodged AJOC meetings, notably with South Sudan expressing frustration at the continued presence of the Sudanese oil police in Diffra and now hinting at the possibility of deploying forces to Abyei unless Sudan withdraws its troops. Sudan, too has continued to maintain that South Sudanese armed elements are still present within the Abyei box. Hopefully, both countries will abide by the deadline of 31 December 2021 set by the JPSM to withdraw all armed forces so that AJOC meetings, when eventually reconvened, can focus on the mechanism's mandate of political and administrative oversight of the yet-to-be constituted Abyei Executive Council, providing guidance for the timely implementation of various agreements, and facilitating the establishment and sustainability of a secure and stable environment in Abyei. The long-standing deadlock has hindered any progress in Abyei, besides leaving the area with a clearly defined status that has continued to stoke instability. 
    1. On a positive note, each country has established a high-level committee on Abyei. The two committees are separately reviewing all past agreements on Abyei in view of negotiations facilitated by a third party that would lead to the settlement of the final status of Abyei.
    1. To address the 2012 Cooperation Agreements comprehensively, the two countries met in Juba on 21 October in the first joint meeting of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) and Joint Border Commission (JBC) convened by the African Union Border Programme and opened by South Sudan's First Vice-President, Riek Machar. Mr Machar urged the parties to expedite the implementation of the Cooperation Agreements. The next joint meeting is planned for the second week of January 2022.
    1. Regarding the recent concerning developments in Gok Machar, Kir Adem/Safaha, and War Abar/As Samayah, which threatened the security and safety of UNISFA/JBVMM personnel and led to the regrettable loss of life of one peacekeeper, I reminded South Sudanese authorities of their obligations under resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2575 (2021) and the Status of Forces agreement. In this regard, I welcome the government’s 19 October statement by which it reiterated its commitment to the  Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) and expressed its unequivocal support to UNISFA.            

    Mr President,

    1. On 3 October, South Sudan issued a statement to mark the first anniversary of the Juba Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan and Sudanese armed movements. While commending the progress made by Sudanese parties in partially forming national and state governments, the South Sudan mediation committee called for redoubling of efforts for more political will towards implementing the agreement. It also expressed concern about the disagreement among Sudanese political forces within the transitional government and encouraged them to resolve this through dialogue.
    1. As concerns the resolution of the conflict in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile states, I note with regret that efforts by the South Sudan mediation committee haven’t so far succeeded to resume negotiations between the Government of Sudan and the Al Hilu SPLM-North faction, since talks between them were suspended on 15 June for two weeks to allow the parties time to consult their constituencies on the outstanding issues. The parties had agreed on most of the issues but they still disagreed on two key demands of the SPLM-North: the adoption of a secular state in Sudan and the disbanding of the Rapid Support Forces within the framework of the security arrangements. Nevertheless, it is heartening that both parties reiterated their commitment to the peace process and hoped to agree on the outstanding issues during the next round of talks. I also note, regrettably, that even though Abdel Wahid Al-Nur of the Darfur-based Sudan Liberation Movement/Army was present in Juba on 26 May, he again resisted President Kiir’s attempts to include his movement in the Sudan peace process.

    Mr President,

    1.  Despite lingering disagreements between the governments of Sudan and South Sudan on a number of outstanding matters, including over the final status of Abyei, the intensification of high-level contacts between the two countries and the complementarity of their mediation efforts in resolving their respective internal conflicts augur well for their long-term peaceful co-existence. It is crucial for both countries to preserve and build on the progress achieved so far and to resolve the conflict in the Blue Nile, and South Kordofan states. As they do so, the international community should in turn redouble efforts in enabling them to achieve their noble goals. Given the increasingly tense regional environment, I hope that the current developments in Sudan will not reverse the commendable achievements already made. My Office will continue to engage with the authorities of both countries and, as appropriate, with key regional actors, including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, to encourage them to defuse regional tensions, advance the implementation of all cooperation agreements and consolidate their improved bilateral relations.

        Thank you for your attention.

  • 27 Oct 2021

    Countries must unite and act urgently to secure stability in Afghanistan, and a better future for its people, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message on Wednesday to a regional conference of the country’s neighbours, organized by Iran.  

  • 27 Oct 2021

    Countries must unite and act urgently to secure stability in Afghanistan, and a better future for its people, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message on Wednesday to a regional conference of the country’s neighbours, organized by Iran.  

  • 27 Oct 2021

     

    ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

    On 27...

  • 26 Oct 2021

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday renewed his call for the immediate release of all those detained in the military coup in Sudan, as the Security Council meets behind closed doors in New York to discuss the crisis. 

  • 26 Oct 2021

    Mogadishu – International partners* are alarmed by the continued fighting in the town of Guriel in...

  • 26 Oct 2021

    SPEAKERS 

    James Swan, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, and Head of the UN...
  • 26 Oct 2021

    Mogadishu, 26 October 2021 – Marking this year’s United Nations Day, the world body’s top officials in Somalia today flagged some of the...

  • 26 Oct 2021

    Haitians who were affected by the devastating earthquake which struck the southwest of the country in August have demonstrated their “heartwarming resilience” according to a staff member of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), who has been supporting recovery efforts.

  • 25 Oct 2021

    Hargeisa, 25 October 2021 – Issues ranging from women’s participation in politics to the relationship between peace and development were...

  • 25 Oct 2021

    Qardho, 25 October 2021 – Representatives from the United Nations today visited Qardho in a show of solidarity with the people of Puntland as citizens participated in a ‘one person, one...

  • 25 Oct 2021

    Out now! Season 2 | Episode 12 | She Stands For Peace | Click here: https://unoau.unmissions.org/podcast-series-she-stands-peace

  • 25 Oct 2021

    UN Secretary-General, António Guterres on Monday condemned the “ongoing military coup” in Sudan, saying Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and all other officials, “must be released immediately.” In a statement, he called for the "immediate reconstitution" of the Government, which is due to guide Sudan through to democratic elections.

  • 25 Oct 2021

    UN, ECCAS and their partners mobilized against hate speech in Central Africa

     

    Douala, 25 October 2021 - From 26 to 29 October 2021, Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon, will host a regional forum to raise awareness and build the capacity of media practitioners to prevent and combat hate speech in Central Africa. The event is organized by the United...

  • 24 Oct 2021

    “Today, the Israeli authorities announced tenders for the construction of more than 1,300 housing units in the occupied West Bank.

    I am deeply concerned by continued Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law, remain a substantial obstacle to peace, and must cease immediately...

  • 24 Oct 2021

    TRIPOLI, 24 October 2021 - The Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Ján Kubiš,...

  • 24 Oct 2021

    Mr. François Louncény FALL, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and Mr...

  • 24 Oct 2021

    New York, 24 October 2021

    Seventy-six years ago, the United Nations was created as a vehicle of hope for a world emerging from the shadow of catastrophic conflict.

    Today, the women and men of the UN carry this hope forward around the globe.

    COVID-19, conflicts, hunger, poverty and the climate emergency remind us that our world is...

  • 23 Oct 2021

    A UN humanitarian aid flight destined for the capital of the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia, was forced to return to Addis Ababa due to airstrikes on Friday, raising “serious concerns” for the safety of staff working on the ground, said the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, in a statement.

  • 22 Oct 2021
    This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world. 
     
    DiCarlo in Libya and Tunisia

    Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo was in Libya for a five-day visit this week. In Tripoli on 18 October she met Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Debeibah and Interior Minister Khaled Mazen to discuss UN support to the political process and other issues, including the forthcoming elections. She also met on 19 October with Foreign Minister Najla Al-Mangoush on the stabilization initiative, and High State Council President Khalid Al-Mishri on upcoming elections. Meeting with the West Delegation of the Joint Military Commission in Tripoli and the East Delegation in Benghazi, she congratulated both on successes on the Joint Action Plan for the withdrawal of foreign forces, fighters and mercenaries, the reopening of the coastal road and exchange of detainees. On 21 October, she spoke at the Libya International Stabilization Conference before traveling to Tunisia. In Tunis on 22 October, the Under-Secretary-General met Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi and discussed regional developments and the situation in the country.

     
    In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jenča underlines need to protect hard-won peace

    Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenča concluded on 22 October his four-day official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina where he met with members of the Presidency Željko Komšić, Šefik Džaferović and Milorad Dodik, and Foreign Minister Bisera Turković among others. The meetings were focused on the peace, security and stability challenges and concerns in the country, regional developments as well as cooperation with the United Nations. He reiterated the Secretary-General’s message in calling for the need to redouble efforts towards strengthening reconciliation efforts, trust, mutual understanding and social cohesion both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region. He urged political leaders to refrain from unilateral actions that could undermine the achievements over the past almost 26 years since the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Annexes were signed, underscoring that the hard-won peace must be protected and further nurtured.

    Security Council

    Wennesland: Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory continues to deteriorate

    Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for the Middle East Peace Process, briefed the Security Council on 19 October. He welcomed the ongoing engagement between senior Israeli and Palestinian officials, and strongly encouraged a further expansion of such efforts which could improve conditions on the ground and pave the way towards re-invigorating the peace process. He further warned that the security situation in Gaza continues to remain fragile, and the security dynamics in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are deteriorating. "We can no longer lurch from crisis to crisis. Our approach cannot be to address the current situation piecemeal – incident by incident, on a short-term day-to-day basis as stand-alone issues”, the Special Coordinator said, calling for a broader package of parallel steps by the Government of Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the international community.

    Full remarks to the Security Council here

     
    Great Lakes region at a crossroads 

    Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, briefing the Security Council on 20 October, said that the region is at a crossroads. He reiterated that the main threat to peace and stability remains the persistence of armed groups. He added that bilateral and regional initiatives attest to the awareness of the added value of dialogue and cooperation. More than ever, he said, it is necessary to consolidate these gains. Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee also spoke to Council members, informing that the UN is reconfiguring its presence in the region to best address the challenges. She argued that “armed group activity is a symptom of insecurity in the region”, and therefore “the enabling conditions should be addressed upstream.”  

    Read more here

    Full remarks by the Special Envoy to the Security Council here

    Afghanistan 

    High-Level Dialogue with Afghan Women’s Rights Advocates

    DPPA, together with Norway, Qatar and UN Women, co-hosted on 20 October a high-level dialogue between Afghan women leaders and several Member States. The women highlighted fears at the Taliban’s rapid deprivation of women and girls' rights, the urgent need for humanitarian aid, the criticality of international unity, and the need for advocacy and assurances to be put into action. Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Mohamed Khaled Khiari noted the UN’s commitment to stay and deliver in Afghanistan, its increased humanitarian action, and some recent successes in securing women’s participation in humanitarian aid delivery. He added that the UN continues to raise in all its engagements with the Taliban the need for women to be able to work.

    Myanmar

    Special Envoy: “the power must be returned to the people in a democratic way”

    Christine Schraner Burgener, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, briefed the press on 21 October on the situation in Myanmar. She warned that February’s military takeover has led to armed conflict and if power isn’t returned to the people in a democratic way the country “will go in the direction of a failed state.” She said that the movement against the military is now increasingly militarized. In the absence of international action, she feared that violence has been justified as the last resort. She stressed that the will of the people should be respected.

    Watch the press briefing here

    Central Asia

    UNRCCA co-organizes workshop on counter-terrorism efforts using biometrics

    From 19 to 21 October, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) in partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (UNCTED), discussed enhancing the capacity of the Central Asian states in the responsible use and sharing of biometric data to detect, prevent, investigate and prosecute terrorist offences and other serious crimes at borders. Forty representatives of State Customs and Border Services, Ministries of Interior and other relevant state institutions learned about the latest UN efforts in the area of counter-terrorism and biometrics, with a particular focus on risk assessment procedures while observing basic human rights.

    Read more here

    Lake Chad

    Special Representatives begin a joint high-level visit to Cameroon and Chad

    Special Representatives of the Secretary-General for Central Africa François Louncény Fall and for West Africa and the Sahel Mahamat Saleh Annadif undertook from 18 to 22 October a joint high-level mission to Cameroon and Chad. This was the first leg on a tour of the Lake Chad Basin countries affected by Boko Haram to assess the situation in the region and examine how the United Nations and its international partners could better support national efforts and subregional mechanisms in response to the persistent security, humanitarian impact and human rights challenges caused by the insurgency.

    Read more here

    West Africa

    Deputy Special Representative concludes outreach mission to Guinea-Bissau 

    Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Deputy Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), concluded on 20 October a three-day visit to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. The visit focused on familiarization and outreach as part of the ongoing partnership between the UN system in Guinea-Bissau and UNOWAS. During the visit, she met with Secretary of State for Communities Salome dos Santos Allouche and Minister for Public Administration Maria Celina Vieira Tavares, among others She reiterated the continued engagement of UNOWAS to support peace and development in Guinea-Bissau.

    Read more here

    Somalia

    Deputy Special Representative visits Kismayo

    Anita Kiki Gbeho, Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, met on 19 October with Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe to discuss women’s participation in the Upper House process. On her introductory visit to the Southern Federal Member state, she met with Jubaland’s leadership as well as electoral officials, including the chairperson of the State Electoral Implementation Team (SEIT), Siyad Mohamed Mursal, and civil society representatives. The country’s ongoing elections were a key topic on her agenda.

    Read more here

    Syria

    Syrian Constitutional Committee session concludes without new constitutional text

    The Sixth Session of the Syrian Constitutional Committee Small Body began its work in Geneva this week. Speaking to the media on 22 October, Special Envoy of the Secretary General Geir Pedersen detailed the agreements reached over the course of the past five days. Expressing his disappointment that the parties did not manage to present any new constitutional text, he stressed again the need for political will to find the right way of dealing with this process in order to start minimizing differences and identifying areas of commonality.

    Watch full press stakeout here

    Full transcript of press stakeout here

    Colombia

    Short film festival to promote peace and reconciliation in Popayán, Cauca

    From 19 to 22 October, the Verification Mission supported the Short Film Festival in Popayán, Cauca, organized to promote peace and reconciliation through the audiovisual arts. At the event, young filmmakers, between 17 and 28 years of age from areas affected by violence in the departments of Argelia, Buenos Aires, Inza and Popayán, presented their projects and discussed the production of stories in the territories. The closing ceremony, which saw the participation of indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, included short films related to the past five years of the Peace Agreement in Colombia as well as a documentary produced by the Verification Mission. 

     
    Former combatants in Tolima strengthen community relations

    The Verification Mission accompanied, from 18 to 20 October, a group of 20 former combatants who carried out cleaning and improvement work on the road leading to the village and the local school to foster reconciliation in San José de las Hermosas, a rural area of the municipality of Chaparral, Tolima, in south-central Colombia. The leaders of the former FARC-EP used this region as a hideout, and its high mountains were the scene of heavy fighting with the military between 2000 and 2010.

    Peacebuilding

    Peacebuilding Commission meeting on Our Common Agenda

    Secretary-General António Guterres presented to the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) his report on Our Common Agenda. In his remarks, he highlighted the role of the Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) in pursuing the Agenda, as well as on the direction of its proposed New Agenda for Peace. He encouraged Member States to dedicate more resources to the work of the Commission and to ensure additional contributions to the PBF to enable these two instruments to meet the increasing demand. Member States pledged support for a timely follow-up to the Secretary-General’s recommendations and stressed the importance of empowering the reformed UN development system’s peacebuilding and sustaining peace work. They reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the advisory and bridging role to continue empowering women and youth peacebuilders, and to keep serving as a platform for global solidarity in response to the complex global crises of the 21st century.

    Next Week

    On the morning of 27 October, Special Envoy Parfait Onanga-Anyanga will brief the Security Council on developments in Sudan/South Sudan. Special Envoy Pedersen will brief on the situation in Syria in the afternoon. On 28 October, the Security Council will hold a debate on Cooperation between the UN and the African Union. 

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    Contact DPPA at dppa@un.org

  • 22 Oct 2021

    Thank you, Foreign Minister Mangoush, for the initiative of convening this international conference.  That it takes place in Libya’s capital is a testament to the progress that Libya has achieved. It is my pleasure to represent the Secretary-General at this meeting,

    Excellencies,

    The UN has actively worked towards facilitating the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political, security and economic dialogues, with the support of the international community in the context of the Berlin process.

    These dialogues must continue in order to sustain the momentum and ensure the full implementation of the Political Roadmap adopted by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF).  We urge all Libyan parties to exert every effort to hold parliamentary and presidential elections on 24 December 2021, as called for by the Roadmap and UN Security Council Resolutions 2570 and 2571.

    On the political front, dialogue is needed to promote unity and support for the electoral process among all political actors. There is a need for compromise on a way forward. We commend the Presidential Council for its efforts to promote such dialogue. We call on all Libyan parties and institutions to refrain from any action that could undermine the electoral process or acceptance of its results.

    The holding of timely, free and fair elections is critical to break the cycle of perennial political transitions, to return to political legitimacy and to put an end to foreign interference. The Libyan people want elections, and they want them now.

    I urge all Member States and regional organizations to consider sending observation teams, in coordination with relevant Libyan authorities and institutions, to help ensure the credibility of the electoral process and acceptability of the results.

    I also urge Libya’s leaders and institutions to ensure meaningful participation of women in the process and to ensure that women occupy at least 30 per cent of the seats in the new legislature.

    The United Nations will continue providing technical assistance for the holding of elections in accordance with its mandate.

    Excellencies,

    For a long time, Libya was governed by parallel institutions in the West and the East. Thanks to the work of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, reunification of the country’s institutions was started.

    We must not allow the approach of elections to reignite divisions.

    The UN will continue supporting all efforts aimed at consolidating the progress achieved to date, including a unified government and a reunified and functioning House of Representatives.

    Together with the African Union, we are also committed to supporting the Libyan authorities, including the High National Reconciliation Commission, in advancing rights-based reconciliation.

    Excellencies,

    I commend the 5+5 Joint Military Commission for their unity of purpose on the security track, the JMC serves as an example for other national actors and institutions. Their Action Plan for the gradual, balanced, sequenced and synchronized withdrawal of all mercenaries, foreign fighters, and foreign forces is but the latest achievement of the 5+5.

    The United Nations is ready to assist in consolidating international consensus to support the JMC in the implementation of the withdrawal plan.

    Close coordination with Libya’s neighbours will be paramount to ensure that the plan is successful and that the withdrawal does not negatively impact the security situation in the region and the Sahel.

    Disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programmes and Security Sector Reform (SSR) will be needed to accompany this process. These efforts must be supported by the international community.

    I am pleased to report that, in line with the request of the Libyan authorities and the mandate from the Security Council, the first group of UN monitors to support the Libyan-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism are arriving today. They will work in concert with the Libyan monitors assigned by the JMC.

    Finally, the UN is extremely concerned with the dire situation of thousands of migrants and asylum seekers in Tripoli who remain in arbitrary detention or are living on the streets as a result of forced evictions and destruction of their homes by security forces in early October.

    We welcome the Government’s announcement allowing the resumption of voluntary humanitarian evacuation and return flights from Libya for thousands of migrants and asylum seekers and call for the release from detention of the most vulnerable people and those with legal status.

    We again offer our support to work with Libyan authorities to strengthen migration governance and border control in line with international law and obligations and in cooperation with international partners, notably the AU, LAS and EU.

    Madame Minister,

    Let me reassure you of the full commitment and continued support of the Secretary-General and the United Nations to Libya at this critical stage.

    Thank you.