The war in Ukraine is not only a “horror unfolding before our eyes”, but also an “assault on some of the most vulnerable people and countries” across the world, said the UN chief on Wednesday, convening the first meeting of the steering committee which will guide the creation of a new UN crisis response group to help mitigate the worldwide impact of Russia’s invasion.
The UN General Assembly met on Wednesday for its second emergency session on the Ukraine crisis since Russia invaded the country on 24 February, with two similar but different resolutions placed before delegates, addressing the unfolding humanitarian crisis.
New York, 24 March 2022
The International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and the Dignity of Victims reminds us that truth is a powerful light.
A light that shines on violations that perpetrators would prefer to remain hidden.
A light that reveals a path towards peace, justice and reparation for victims, and...
World TB Day is marked on 24 March, and this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent investment in the fight against tuberculosis, “to save millions more lives”.
Amid growing donor fatigue and a brutal war in Ukraine that has diverted the world’s attention, the world must not forget millions of people in need across the Middle East and North Africa, the UN chief told the Security Council on Wednesday.
Women across the world face unacceptable mistreatment during childbirth, according to a new study from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Human Reproduction Programme (HRP) launched on Wednesday.
In Kenya, a trailblazing sustainable agriculture project has helped hundreds of farmers move away from the harmful practice of growing tobacco, in favour of a healthier alternative, the UN said on Wednesday.
Jarno Habicht has worked with WHO for the last 19 years and served as WHO Representative in Ukraine since 2018. He explains how WHO prepared for armed conflict in the country, and how it has responded to health-related issues since the Russian invasion.
Speakers in the Security Council on Tuesday denounced evictions and demolitions by Israeli authorities of Palestinian-owned properties, as the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, expressed regret that “little progress” has made by the sides in upholding obligations under the Council’s landmark resolution 2334.
“I strongly condemn the killing of four Israeli civilians, including two women, and several others wounded, in a ramming and stabbing attack that took place this evening by an Israeli Arab in Be’er Sheva.
My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
There is no justification for violence or terrorism. There is nothing heroic in the killing of civilians and there is no...
While humanitarian assistance has been successful in averting a catastrophe, Haiti is experiencing a persistent rise in hunger levels, with many citizens suffering acutely, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday.
It’s time for a diplomatic solution to be found to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, amidst signs of hope that progress can be made to end an “unwinnable” and “indefensible” war, said the UN chief on Tuesday.
The UN’s top rights official said on Monday that amidst a “profound crisis” facing access to basic human rights in Myanmar following the coup in February last year, hundreds of localized armed resistance groups have now formed across the country, triggering “widespread violence in areas that were previously stable”.
As the total forced to flee their homes in Ukraine rises above 10 million, attacks on healthcare facilities there due to Russia’s continuing bombardment are averaging more than two per day, the UN warned on Monday.
Widespread sexual violence against women and girls in conflict is being fueled by systemic impunity, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said on Monday.
New York, 21 March 2022
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is both a day of recognition and an urgent call to action.
Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society.
It continues to be a driver of persistent...
New York, 21 March 2022
Nowruz is a celebration of new beginnings. The beginning of a new year. The arrival of spring. The renewal of nature.
Nowruz is also a celebration of our diversity. It unites over 300 million people, between generations and beyond borders. It is a time to learn about each other, our cultures and our world.
And Nowruz is a reminder...
Foreign combatants with armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can find it hard to return home once they decide to stop fighting. The UN Mission in the country (MONUSCO) is helping them to demobilize, and adjust to a new life.
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The UN is not aware of any biological weapons programme being conducted in Ukraine, the Organization’s disarmament chief told the Security Council once more on Friday, responding to fresh allegations by the Russian Federation, that it had evidence to the contrary.
After a missile attack near the airport in Lviv in western Ukraine early on Friday, UN humanitarians warned that the situation across the country remains dire, as Russia’s military invasion continues.
After a missile attack near the airport in Lviv in western Ukraine early on Friday, UN humanitarians warned that the situation across the country remains dire, as Russia’s military invasion continues.
The first injection to offer long-lasting protection against HIV is being rolled out in South Africa and Brazil, as an alternative to daily medication, according to the UN agency UNITAID.
The magnitude of civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine cannot be denied, the UN political chief told the Security Council on Thursday, demanding a thorough investigation and accountability.
The magnitude of civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine cannot be denied, the UN political chief told the Security Council on Thursday, demanding a thorough investigation and accountability.
Mister President,
Daily attacks continue to batter Ukrainian cities. Many are reportedly indiscriminate, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
Between 24 February and 15 March, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded 1,900 civilian casualties. The total consists of 726 people killed, including 52 children, and 1,174 injured, including 63 children. The actual number is likely much higher.
Most of these casualties were caused by the use in populated areas of explosive weapons with a wide impact area. Hundreds of residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed, as have hospitals and schools.
OHCHR continues to monitor reports of civilian casualties in the whole country, including in territory controlled by the self-proclaimed “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics”. OHCHR staff in Donetsk are closely following developments regarding the 14 March incident in which 20 civilians were reportedly killed by a Tochka-U missile that may have contained cluster munitions. All such instances must be properly investigated.
It is the responsibility of all sides to fully abide by their obligations to protect the lives of all civilians everywhere.
OHCHR is gravely concerned about reports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of civilians, local authorities and civil society activists in Russian-controlled areas. We call for their immediate release.
Mister President,
This week, there were positive signals reported regarding the ongoing direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives.
We welcome all such engagements.
However, we note that these signals have so far not translated into the cessation of hostilities that is so desperately needed.
The situation in the southeastern port city of Mariupol is particularly alarming.
Many of the Mariupol residents who have not been able to safely evacuate lack food, water, electricity and medical care. Uncollected corpses lie on city streets.
Yesterday’s strike on the Mariupol theater, which reportedly served as a bomb shelter for displaced civilians, adds to the list of attacks against civilian structures. While early reports indicate that the worst may have been avoided, ongoing fighting is hampering the rescue work and assessment of the situation.
Mister President,
The devastation and suffering in Mariupol and Kharkiv raise grave fears about the fate of millions of residents of Kyiv and other cities facing intensifying attacks.
International humanitarian law is crystal clear. Civilians are entitled to protection against the dangers arising from military operations. Direct attacks on civilians are prohibited.
Yet, the magnitude of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine cannot be denied. This demands a thorough investigation and accountability.
Mister President,
The priority for the UN and its partners is to reach the people trapped by the ongoing shelling, including in eastern Ukraine. To that end, we continue to scale-up our operations on the ground, as circumstances permit.
The needs of the population are growing by the day. The UN calls for safe passage for civilians from, and humanitarian supplies into, encircled areas.
We are grateful to neighbouring governments for their generosity in receiving refugees and enabling the provision of assistance to Ukraine.
The UN is requesting all donors to fast-track funding against pledges made toward the Ukraine Flash Appeal. The Appeal, which seeks $1.1 billion to help 12 million people in need, is 36 per cent funded.
Mister President,
UNDP projects that 90% of the Ukrainian population could be facing poverty and extreme economic vulnerability should the war continue, setting the country – and the region – back decades, and leaving deep social and economic scars.
As the Secretary-General highlighted, dangerous ripple effects of the conflict are already being felt across the globe.
Russia and Ukraine represent more than half of the world’s supply of sunflower oil and about 30 percent of the world’s wheat. Food, fuel and fertilizer prices are skyrocketing. Supply chains are being disrupted.
All of this is hitting the poorest the hardest and potentially creating instability around the globe.
The Secretary-General announced on 14 March the establishment of a Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance to lead an effort with Member States to deal with the complex fallout of the war. The Deputy Secretary-General will lead an inter-agency steering committee with partners to oversee this effort.
Mister President,
The Secretary-General welcomes all ongoing diplomatic contacts. He remains actively engaged with leaders who are trying to bring about an end to this war.
There will be no winners to this senseless conflict. The tremendous loss it is causing, on the other hand, is heartbreakingly clear.
And it is going to get much, much worse the longer the fighting continues. The Secretary-General urges intensified and coordinated political efforts for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
There must be a meaningful sustained political process to enable a peaceful settlement. The lives of millions of Ukrainians and the peace and security of the entire region, and possibly beyond, depend on it.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Seven months after Afghanistan’s fall to the Taliban, the Security Council on Thursday renewed the mandate of the UN special political mission in the country, charging it with a robust set of priorities, ranging from coordinating humanitarian aid delivery to human rights monitoring and facilitating dialogue.
NEW YORK - The mandate of the UN Special Political Mission was today extended for a further 12 months. Read Security Council Resolution 2626 (2022)...
UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi called on Thursday for sustained international support for Afghanistan’s people, where the country’s humanitarian crisis is worsening.
Amid a political impasse that threatens to see Libya fractured again by two parallel governments, the priority must be maintaining hard-won gains and fulfilling the electoral aspirations of nearly three million registered voters, the UN political affairs chief told the Security Council on Wednesday.
A combination of factors, including misinformation that the pandemic is over, the lifting of mask mandates, ending physical distancing - and a more transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant - are causing an increase of COVID-19 cases globally, the World Health Organization warned on Wednesday.
Russia must immediately suspend military operations in Ukraine, the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Wednesday, in The Hague.
Mr. President,
Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in Libya.
Since my last briefing to the Council on 24 January, there have been several substantial developments in the country.
The Libyan executive is facing a crisis that could, if left unresolved, lead to instability and parallel governments in the country. The United Nations is exerting significant efforts to resolve this crisis. We aim to bring together Libyan stakeholders to agree on a constitutional basis for the holding of elections as soon as possible.
On the economic front, there has been some progress in advancing the reunification of the Central Bank.
On the security track, the focus is currently on protecting the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission from the negative impact of the political crisis and facilitating progress towards the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters.
Regrettably, the human rights and humanitarian situations continue to be sources of concern.
Mr. President,
Allow me to expand on the points outlined above.
Following the postponement of national elections, originally set for December 2021, the House of Representatives and the High State Council focused on appointing a new interim government. They also agreed to chart a process to amend the 2017 Constitutional Proposal and to a path towards elections.
On 10 February, the House of Representatives adopted the 12th Constitutional Amendment reportedly after achieving consensus with the High State Council (HSC).
The process set out in the Constitutional Amendment calls for the appointment by 24 February by the HoR and HSC of a constitutional review Committee, representing the three regions of Libya. The review Committee never materialized.
On 10 February, the House of Representatives, with the endorsement of 52 HSC members, also designated Mr. Fathi Bashagha, a former Minister of Interior, to form a new government, which would be presented to the House of Representatives for a vote of confidence.
The United Nations took note of both the vote on the 12th Constitutional Amendment and the designation of a Prime Minister. We advised the House of Representatives that the vote of confidence on the proposed new government should be transparent and consistent with Libyan laws and regulations.
However, on 24 February, the High State Council rejected the formation of a new government and the 12th constitutional amendment.
On 1 March, the House of Representatives held a vote of confidence on the new government. The UN received reports that the vote was marred by procedural flaws and threats of violence against some members of the chamber and their families. These shortcomings impacted the credibility of the process.
The Secretary-General, in a statement on 2 March, expressed concern that the vote fell short of standards of transparency and procedure.
On 3 March, members of Mr. Bashaga’s cabinet were nevertheless sworn in by the House of Representatives.
Since the 1 March vote, the situation on the ground has remained relatively calm. However, we have observed increasingly threatening rhetoric, growing political tensions and divided loyalties among the armed groups in western Libya. The Government of National Unity leadership has rejected the legitimacy of the vote, stating that they will only transfer power to an elected government. Mr. Bashagha, meanwhile, insists he is heading the legitimate government.
Mr. President,
Our priority is to focus on fulfilling the aspirations of the more than 2.8 million Libyans who have registered to vote. They should be able to choose their leaders through credible, transparent, and inclusive elections according to an agreed upon constitutional and legal framework.
The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, Ms. Stephanie Williams, has continued her consultations with a broad cross section of Libyan political and security actors and civil society.
The UN is focusing its efforts on building a consensus among Libyan institutions to hold elections as soon as possible.
We aim to convene a joint committee of members of the House of Representatives and the High State Council with the objective of achieving agreement by both bodies on a constitutional basis that would lead to elections this year.
On 3 March, Special Adviser Williams invited the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the High State Council to appoint six members each to form this joint committee. The leaders of the HOR and the HSC responded favorably to the initiative.
Yesterday, the HSC nominated its representatives to the joint committee. We expect the HoR to do the same in the coming days to avoid further delays in this process.
I am encouraged by the support the UN initiative is receiving from Libyans but also from the Presidency Council. International partners have also welcomed the initiative.
Separately, Special Adviser Williams has offered her good offices to mediate between Mr. Dbeibah and Mr. Bashagha to overcome the current political impasse.
Mr. President,
As long as the standoff over executive legitimacy continues, Libya could again see two parallel administrations. This could lead to instability and possibly unrest and deal a severe blow to the prospect of elections.
There have been worrying developments since the vote of confidence that took place in the HoR on 1 March. Local flights between Tripoli and cities in eastern Libya remain suspended, while forces in western Libya supporting either side moved on 9 and 10 March towards the capital. Special Adviser Williams engaged both sides and managed to reduce tensions.
The United Nations continues to urge both parties to engage in a constructive dialogue to resolve the political impasse and to refrain from unilateral actions that could result in further divisions.
Mr. President,
On the security track, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) continues to take steps to implement its Action Plan for the withdrawal of foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya.
The UNSMIL Ceasefire Monitoring Component continues to work closely with the 5+5 JMC to establish an operational hub in Sirte.
Mr. President,
Libya’s economic sector continues to suffer from a lack of oversight and clarity on public spending. Since there was no approved national budget in 2021, the Central Bank of Libya issued payments for public sector salaries and subsidies according to the last approved budget.
These payments are being supplemented by extraordinary spending measures requested by the GNU from the Central Bank.
A controversy over budgetary payments inhibited the functioning of the National Oil Corporation. On 9 January, negotiations between the GNU and the Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG) over non-payment of salaries averted a shutdown of oil production in parts of the country.
Despite these concerns, I am, nevertheless, pleased to report that the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Libya launched a programme to reunify the institution, based on the recommendations of the independent audit of the Bank in July 2021.
Mr. President,
The human rights situation in Libya remains deeply worrying. UNSMIL observed an increase in hate speech, defamation and threats, as well as incitement to violence and acts of violence against activists, journalists, and political actors, including women.
State and non-State actors continued to arbitrarily arrest and detain human rights activists. In eastern Libya, in particular, national security laws were often arbitrarily applied. Meanwhile, a lack of due process and fair trial standards marred proceedings in military courts.
Migrants and refugees at sea continue to be intercepted by Libyan authorities and transferred to formal and informal detention centres where they reportedly suffer serious human rights violations. Deaths in custody, torture, starvation and extortion also have been reported.
The United Nations reiterates its readiness to work with Libyan authorities to strengthen migration governance and border control in line with international law and in cooperation with international partners.
Mr. President,
Regarding the humanitarian situation, the United Nations recorded a further decrease in the number of internally displaced persons from 179,000 at the end of 2021 to 168,000 by 5 March.
However, forced evictions by local authorities are a growing concern. The need for durable solutions for physical, material and legal safety for internally displaced persons remains a top priority.
Mr. President,
Libya is now facing a new phase of political polarization, with risks dividing its institutions once again and reversing the gains achieved over the past two years.
We know from experience what unilateral actions, divided government, and an unending transition may hold in store for Libya. We remain convinced that credible, transparent and inclusive elections based on a sound constitutional and legal framework are the only solution to the current stalemate.
I urge members of the Security Council to convey this message to Libyan parties, to call for responsible leadership by Libyan institutions, and to remain united in support of UN efforts to assist Libya in its path to becoming a peaceful and stable country.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President,
Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in Libya.
Since my last briefing to the Council on 24 January, there have been several substantial developments in the country.
The Libyan executive is facing a crisis that could, if left unresolved, lead to instability and parallel governments in the country. The United Nations is exerting significant efforts to resolve this crisis. We aim to bring together Libyan stakeholders to agree on a constitutional basis for the holding of elections as soon as possible.
On the economic front, there has been some progress in advancing the reunification of the Central Bank.
On the security track, the focus is currently on protecting the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission from the negative impact of the political crisis and facilitating progress towards the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters.
Regrettably, the human rights and humanitarian situations continue to be sources of concern.
Mr. President,
Allow me to expand on the points outlined above.
Following the postponement of national elections, originally set for December 2021, the House of Representatives and the High State Council focused on appointing a new interim government. They also agreed to chart a process to amend the 2017 Constitutional Proposal and to a path towards elections.
On 10 February, the House of Representatives adopted the 12th Constitutional Amendment reportedly after achieving consensus with the High State Council (HSC).
The process set out in the Constitutional Amendment calls for the appointment by 24 February by the HoR and HSC of a constitutional review Committee, representing the three regions of Libya. The review Committee never materialized.
On 10 February, the House of Representatives, with the endorsement of 52 HSC members, also designated Mr. Fathi Bashagha, a former Minister of Interior, to form a new government, which would be presented to the House of Representatives for a vote of confidence.
The United Nations took note of both the vote on the 12th Constitutional Amendment and the designation of a Prime Minister. We advised the House of Representatives that the vote of confidence on the proposed new government should be transparent and consistent with Libyan laws and regulations.
However, on 24 February, the High State Council rejected the formation of a new government and the 12th constitutional amendment.
On 1 March, the House of Representatives held a vote of confidence on the new government. The UN received reports that the vote was marred by procedural flaws and threats of violence against some members of the chamber and their families. These shortcomings impacted the credibility of the process.
The Secretary-General, in a statement on 2 March, expressed concern that the vote fell short of standards of transparency and procedure.
On 3 March, members of Mr. Bashaga’s cabinet were nevertheless sworn in by the House of Representatives.
Since the 1 March vote, the situation on the ground has remained relatively calm. However, we have observed increasingly threatening rhetoric, growing political tensions and divided loyalties among the armed groups in western Libya. The Government of National Unity leadership has rejected the legitimacy of the vote, stating that they will only transfer power to an elected government. Mr. Bashagha, meanwhile, insists he is heading the legitimate government.
Mr. President,
Our priority is to focus on fulfilling the aspirations of the more than 2.8 million Libyans who have registered to vote. They should be able to choose their leaders through credible, transparent, and inclusive elections according to an agreed upon constitutional and legal framework.
The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, Ms. Stephanie Williams, has continued her consultations with a broad cross section of Libyan political and security actors and civil society.
The UN is focusing its efforts on building a consensus among Libyan institutions to hold elections as soon as possible.
We aim to convene a joint committee of members of the House of Representatives and the High State Council with the objective of achieving agreement by both bodies on a constitutional basis that would lead to elections this year.
On 3 March, Special Adviser Williams invited the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the High State Council to appoint six members each to form this joint committee. The leaders of the HOR and the HSC responded favorably to the initiative.
Yesterday, the HSC nominated its representatives to the joint committee. We expect the HoR to do the same in the coming days to avoid further delays in this process.
I am encouraged by the support the UN initiative is receiving from Libyans but also from the Presidency Council. International partners have also welcomed the initiative.
Separately, Special Adviser Williams has offered her good offices to mediate between Mr. Dbeibah and Mr. Bashagha to overcome the current political impasse.
Mr. President,
As long as the standoff over executive legitimacy continues, Libya could again see two parallel administrations. This could lead to instability and possibly unrest and deal a severe blow to the prospect of elections.
There have been worrying developments since the vote of confidence that took place in the HoR on 1 March. Local flights between Tripoli and cities in eastern Libya remain suspended, while forces in western Libya supporting either side moved on 9 and 10 March towards the capital. Special Adviser Williams engaged both sides and managed to reduce tensions.
The United Nations continues to urge both parties to engage in a constructive dialogue to resolve the political impasse and to refrain from unilateral actions that could result in further divisions.
Mr. President,
On the security track, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) continues to take steps to implement its Action Plan for the withdrawal of foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya.
The UNSMIL Ceasefire Monitoring Component continues to work closely with the 5+5 JMC to establish an operational hub in Sirte.
Mr. President,
Libya’s economic sector continues to suffer from a lack of oversight and clarity on public spending. Since there was no approved national budget in 2021, the Central Bank of Libya issued payments for public sector salaries and subsidies according to the last approved budget.
These payments are being supplemented by extraordinary spending measures requested by the GNU from the Central Bank.
A controversy over budgetary payments inhibited the functioning of the National Oil Corporation. On 9 January, negotiations between the GNU and the Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG) over non-payment of salaries averted a shutdown of oil production in parts of the country.
Despite these concerns, I am, nevertheless, pleased to report that the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Libya launched a programme to reunify the institution, based on the recommendations of the independent audit of the Bank in July 2021.
Mr. President,
The human rights situation in Libya remains deeply worrying. UNSMIL observed an increase in hate speech, defamation and threats, as well as incitement to violence and acts of violence against activists, journalists, and political actors, including women.
State and non-State actors continued to arbitrarily arrest and detain human rights activists. In eastern Libya, in particular, national security laws were often arbitrarily applied. Meanwhile, a lack of due process and fair trial standards marred proceedings in military courts.
Migrants and refugees at sea continue to be intercepted by Libyan authorities and transferred to formal and informal detention centres where they reportedly suffer serious human rights violations. Deaths in custody, torture, starvation and extortion also have been reported.
The United Nations reiterates its readiness to work with Libyan authorities to strengthen migration governance and border control in line with international law and in cooperation with international partners.
Mr. President,
Regarding the humanitarian situation, the United Nations recorded a further decrease in the number of internally displaced persons from 179,000 at the end of 2021 to 168,000 by 5 March.
However, forced evictions by local authorities are a growing concern. The need for durable solutions for physical, material and legal safety for internally displaced persons remains a top priority.
Mr. President,
Libya is now facing a new phase of political polarization, with risks dividing its institutions once again and reversing the gains achieved over the past two years.
We know from experience what unilateral actions, divided government, and an unending transition may hold in store for Libya. We remain convinced that credible, transparent and inclusive elections based on a sound constitutional and legal framework are the only solution to the current stalemate.
I urge members of the Security Council to convey this message to Libyan parties, to call for responsible leadership by Libyan institutions, and to remain united in support of UN efforts to assist Libya in its path to becoming a peaceful and stable country.
Thank you, Mr. President.
War in Ukraine risks seeing 90 per cent of the country “freefall into poverty” and extreme vulnerability, nearly three weeks since Russia invaded its neighbour, a new UN report said on Wednesday.
