Reports and Policy Documents

2022

17 nov 2022

She Stands For Peace | Season 3-Episode 11 | Out Now!

She Stands For Peace | Season 3-Episode 11 | Out Now! Click here to listen: https://unoau.unmissions.org/podcast-series-she-stands-peace
17 nov 2022

UN chief welcomes renewal of Black Sea Grain Initiative

UN Secretary-General <a href="https://www.un.org/sg/en">António Guterres</a> on Thursday welcomed the renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which had been due to expire on Saturday.
17 nov 2022

‘Credibility and relevance’ of UN on the line over Security Council reform, warns Assembly President

The entire credibility and relevance of the United Nations will be called into question unless the General Assembly finally takes a lead on reforming the Organisation’s most powerful body responsible for peace and security issues, the Security Council.
17 nov 2022

UNSMIL is alarmed by reports that more than 70 inmates at Mitiga Central Prison are on a hunger strike

UNSMIL is alarmed by reports that more than 70 inmates at Mitiga Central Prison are on a hunger strike.

Inmates have been striking since October,...
16 nov 2022

The risks of potentially catastrophic spillover of the Russia-Ukraine war remain all too real, Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo tells the Security Council

UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL ROSEMARY A. DICARLO’S

REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON

UKRAINE

New York, 16 NOVEMBER 2022

Mr President,

In the past few days, Ukrainians have been subjected to some of the most intense bombardments of the nine-month-old war. Russian missiles and drones have rained down on Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv, Lviv, Poltava and elsewhere, destroying or damaging homes and severely disrupting critical services.

The impact of such attacks can only worsen during the coming winter months.

As of 14 November, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has recorded 16,631 civilian casualties: 6,557 persons killed and 10,074 injured since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The recent barrages will alas add to horrific toll the war has already taken.

I must say it again: attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law.

The military dynamics on the ground continue to evolve. In the past week, the city of Kherson returned to Ukrainian Government control. Heavy battles also continue in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Indeed, there is no end in sight to the war. As long as it continues, the risks of potentially catastrophic spillover remain all too real.

Yesterday’s incident in Poland near the Ukrainian border was a frightening reminder of the absolute need to prevent any further escalation.

I wish to join the Secretary-General in extending condolences to the families of the two Polish civilians killed in the incident.

Mr. President,

The ongoing bombardment of Ukraine has already damaged an estimated 40 per cent of the country’s power-generation capacity. Kyiv has been hit hardest. Most parts of the capital are now without electricity for 12 hours a day.

As the Ukrainian Government focuses on repairing damaged infrastructure, the United Nations has made it a priority to ensure that the most vulnerable receive winter supplies and services. More than 185,000 people have already received essential basic winter supplies.

Humanitarian partners are setting up “heating points” near the front lines. Some 525 generators were provided or are being distributed, to priority institutions, including hospitals, collective centers, clinics.

Humanitarian access has resumed in the areas back under Ukrainian Government control, including in Kherson. However, it is still extremely difficult to reach people in need in areas of the east and south under the control of the Russian military and across the front line.

Mine contamination - particularly in areas close to the front or where control has recently shifted – are putting more lives at risk, impeding the movement of civilians and hampering humanitarian efforts.

I remind the parties that international humanitarian law requires them to facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for all civilians in need.

Mr. President,

The allegations of atrocities and human rights violations in Ukraine during this war are extensive.

Today I would like to highlight grave concerns about the rights, safety and security of the youngest Ukrainians. Over 400 children have been killed, and many more have been injured, lost their family members, or been forced to leave their homes.

According to the Government portal “Children of War,” 279 children were considered missing as of 12 November.

There are also disturbing reports of forced transfers of children, including of some under institutionalized care to Russian-occupied territory, or to the Russian Federation.

OHCHR has documented several individual cases, including of unaccompanied children, that appear to amount to deportations to the Russian Federation – in violation of international humanitarian law.

OHCHR also continues to document other types of human rights violations, including 57 verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence. Forty-eight of these cases are attributable to Russian armed forces and affiliated groups; nine are attributable to Ukrainian armed forces and law enforcement authorities.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine continues its work towards accountability for alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law with ongoing investigations in and out of Ukraine.

The Commissioners are planning another visit to Ukraine before the end of the year.

Another issue of concern is the conditions of prisoners of war. I welcome the continued prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, including most recently on 11 November. We encourage the sides to continue releasing POWs.

I call on the parties to ensure humane treatment of prisoners of war, in line with their obligations under international law, in particular, the Third Geneva Convention. I also call on the Russian Federation to grant OHCHR and ICRC unimpeded access to detainees.

Mr. President,

The extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative remains vital to help avert a food crisis for millions of people. More than 10 million metric tons of foodstuffs have now been moved under the Initiative, reaching, or on the way to, some 40 countries.

The impact of the Initiative extends far beyond immediate ports of arrival, helping to lower global prices for key food commodities around the world.

The Secretary-General has continued his engagement with all parties in support of the renewal and full implementation of the Initiative.

He has also emphasized his commitment to removing remaining obstacles to Russian food and fertilizer exports. These products are not under international sanctions but suffer indirect impacts.

It is important and critical to get them back to world markets – the sooner, the better.

Mr. President,

The risk of a nuclear incident in the context of the open hostilities in Ukraine remains an unacceptable danger. I wish to echo the serious concerns expressed by numerous Member States in this regard.

The IAEA Director-General has recently briefed this Council on the organization’s latest efforts, including ongoing discussions regarding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as well as assessments of activities and materials at other sites in Ukraine.

The IAEA has reported that, in the coming weeks, it will send nuclear safety and security missions to three more operating nuclear power plants, as well as to Chernobyl, at the request of the Ukrainian Government.

I reiterate the imperative to avoid any military activity that could risk compromising the safety and security of any nuclear facility.

Mr. President,

Since before the invasion of 24 February, the United Nations and many others in the global community warned of the consequences of a wider war in Ukraine, for Ukrainians, first of all, but also for much of the world.

Those fears have amply borne out.

One significant casualty of the war has been the international collective security system we have all pledged to uphold.

The damage to the structures built to resolve or manage tensions and conflict is significant, making it, in turn, even more difficult to chart a path out of the hostilities in Ukraine.

There is only one way to stop the death, destruction and division. The war must end. And it must end in line with international law and the UN Charter, as called for by the UN General Assembly.
16 nov 2022

A coordinated breakthrough in our response to violent extremism in the Sahel is urgently needed, Assistant Secretary-General Pobee tells Security Council
ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL MARTHA AMA A. POBEE

REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON

PEACE AND SECURITY IN AFRICA:
JOINT FORCE OF THE GROUP OF FIVE FOR THE SAHEL

New York, 16 November 2022

M. le Président, Distingués membres du Conseil,
1. Je remercie le Conseil de sécurité de l’occasion qui m’est donnée de présenter le rapport du Secrétaire général sur la force conjointe du G5 Sahel.
1. Depuis la dernière réunion du Conseil de sécurité sur le Sahel, la situation sécuritaire dans la région continue de se détériorer. L'utilisation aveugle de la violence par des groupes terroristes signifie que des milliers de civils innocents souffrent, tandis que des millions d'autres sont forcés de quitter leurs foyers. L'insécurité exacerbe une situation humanitaire déjà catastrophique. Les femmes et les enfants souffrent particulièrement du manque d’accès aux services de base et sont les premières victimes de la violence et des inégalités croissantes.
Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Security Council,
1. Against this backdrop, the G5 Sahel Joint Force remains an important regionally-led component of the response to insecurity in the Sahel. The initiative complements the multifaceted engagement by the United Nations and other regional and international partners. It is, therefore, regrettable that in addition to its financial difficulties, the G5 Sahel Joint Force has been weakened by the withdrawal of Mali in May. The second coup d’état in Burkina Faso, in September, also negatively impacted the Force’s operational capacity and further undermined regional cohesion.
1. Despite these challenges, the Joint Force continued to conduct military operations across the three Joint Force Sectors, namely the Central Sector in the tri-border area, the Western Sector at the border between Mali and Mauritania, and the Eastern Sector at the border between Chad and Niger. In total, seven major military operations have been conducted since May. Looking forward, the elaboration of a new concept of operations for the Joint Force is being considered. This new concept of operations would address the challenges resulting from the evolving security and humanitarian situation and the withdrawal of Mali, whilst acknowledging bilateral operations undertaken by neighboring countries.
1. Meanwhile, the Executive Secretariat and other components of the G5 Sahel continued their activities, including the operationalization of its gender policy and training for women leaders on dialogue, in conjunction with the African Union and the West African Network for Peacebuilding. Other activities were organized, jointly by G5 Sahel entities and donors, to strengthen the prevention of violent extremism and to empower local authorities in security governance. Several UN agencies, funds and programmes have continued to implement their programmes in support of the G5 Sahel, including those involving regional capacity building in the areas of criminal justice, border security management and prevention of radicalization and violent extremism.
Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Security Council,
1. In line with its Security Council mandate and as provided for by the technical agreement between the United Nations, the European Union and the G5 Sahel, MINUSMA continues to provide support to the Joint Force. The Mission works with contractors to deliver life support consumables to the four contingents of the Force outside of Mali. Technical and operational challenges remain a matter of concern, while insecurity and lack of infrastructure along supply routes continue to pose multiple challenges. As detailed in the Secretary-General’s report, divergences between the G5 Sahel Member States, which culminated in the withdrawal of Mali from the organization, further complicated the implementation of MINUSMA’s support to the Joint Force.
1. Through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations also supports the Joint Force in operationalizing its international human rights and humanitarian law compliance framework. Defeating terrorism and violent extremism requires a comprehensive response and will not be attained through military gains only. It is important that the Joint Force integrates Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law into the core of its operations, or risk fostering further breeding ground for violent extremist groups, causing ever increasing suffering for the populations. Likewise, at national level, G5 Sahel countries should ensure that their military strategies to counter terrorism and violent extremism are fully anchored in human rights and put the protection of all populations at their core, including when they partner with non-state actors to operate alongside national armies.
Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Security Council,
1. A coordinated breakthrough in our response to violent extremism is urgently needed. If we fail in this effort, the effects of terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime will be felt far beyond the Sahel region and, indeed, the African continent. We need to rethink our collective approach and be creative, going beyond existing efforts.
1. In the coming months, it will be crucial for stakeholders in the region to maintain political dialogue to pursue their common security objectives. We remain deeply committed to supporting them in this endeavour, working closely with ECOWAS and the African Union as they lead in resolving the current tensions in the region. Meanwhile, progress can be made at bilateral level. For instance, we have recently seen national authorities in Burkina Faso and Mali seeking to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in the field of security and defence.
1. As the security situation worsens in the Sahel, armed groups are tightening their destructive grip on the broader region. The northern regions of the coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea are increasingly exposed to the spill-over of violence and insecurity. In this regard, international partners have indicated their willingness to actively consider extending their support to neighbouring countries in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa, based on their demands. This is a positive development that would bolster relevant regional organizations in their counter-terrorism efforts; support initiatives like the Accra Initiative; and strengthen national strategies to improve living conditions, security and resilience in the most vulnerable regions. It will necessitate continuous dialogue between the concerned governments and international partners to ensure that support is aligned with national and regional priorities.
Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Security Council,
1. The Secretariat remains committed to supporting the region as well as the G5 Sahel. We are convinced that it is only by working together, in a coordinated and complementary manner, that we can effectively address the multiple challenges before us. It is in this spirit that the United Nations and the African Union, along with ECOWAS and the G5 Sahel, are supporting the work of the Independent High-Level Panel on Security and Development in the Sahel led by former President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger. At the behest of the Secretary-General and the AU Chairperson, this exercise aims to marshal greater attention and resources on the national, sub-regional, regional, and international level and propose innovative ways to address the security, governance and development challenges in the region. The initiative will also reach out to national stakeholders and the region’s bilateral and multilateral partners to address this shared responsibility.
1. As we await the recommendations of this independent assessment, we look forward to the continued support of the Security Council towards a stable, secure, peaceful and prosperous Sahel. Faced with the growing threats to the region and beyond, we urge the international community to remain engaged in the spirit of shared responsibility and solidarity with the populations of the region.
Je vous remercie de votre attention.
16 nov 2022

Virtual reality film “Pathways Colombia” highlights peace agreement’s reintegration and reconciliation work

On November 11, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia presented Pathways Colombia, a virtual reality experience on...
16 nov 2022

UN official calls on Security Council to support a ‘secure, peaceful and prosperous Sahel’

The security situation in the Sahel continues to deteriorate, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Wednesday, explaining that indiscriminate terrorist violence “means thousands of innocent civilians are suffering, and millions of others are forced to leave their homes”.
16 nov 2022

Ukraine war: Risks of spillover ‘remain all too real’, Security Council hears

Some of the most intense bombardments in the war in Ukraine have occurred in recent days, UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council on Wednesday, warning against the risk of escalation and spillover into other countries.
16 nov 2022

Sudan: Human rights must ‘be at the core’ of democratic transition, urges Türk

The new UN human rights chief ended his first country visit on Wednesday explaining that he had chosen Sudan to “bring a strong message” that human rights must “be at the core” of its transition away from military rule to democracy.
15 nov 2022

Renewal of UNOAU-ISS MoU

On 16 November, SRSG to the AU and Head of UNOAU met with Dr. Paul-Simon Handy, the Regional Director for East Africa and Representative to the AU of the Institute of Security Studies (ISS). During the meeting,...
15 nov 2022

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED BETWEEN UNOAU AND ISS

UNOAU and ISS have signed an MoU, and together will support the African Union, RECs and Member States to enhance peace and security in Africa.
15 nov 2022

SRSG Abdoulaye Bathily's Remarks to the Security Council Meeting on Libya - 15 November 2022

SRSG Bathily speaking to the UN Security Council

(As Delivered)
...
15 nov 2022

SECRETARY-GENERAL’S MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS

New York, 21 November 2022

Every year, 1.3 million people die in road accidents and 50 million more are injured. This is the leading cause of death for children and young people.

One of the best ways to remember and honour the victims is by doing our part to make roads safer around the world.

Road traffic crashes are linked to development. Nine...
15 nov 2022

Iran: Thousands held for peacefully protesting must be released

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-briefing-notes/2022/11/iran-call-immediat... target="_blank">called on Tuesday</a> for the immediate release of thousands of Iranian citizens who have been detained after peacefully demonstrating against the Government following the death of Mahsa Amini for breaking strict hijab rules two months ago.
15 nov 2022

Libya: Some leaders ‘actively hindering progress towards elections’, Security Council hears

Efforts continue to get political leaders in Libya to overcome their differences so that long-awaited presidential and parliamentary elections can finally take place, the Security Council heard on Tuesday.
15 nov 2022

Ukrainian and Russian POWs tortured and ill-treated: OHCHR

Prisoners of war on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine have told UN human rights investigators that they have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment while held captive.
15 nov 2022

Africa-based media practioners attend two-day pilot workshop on peace & security

Africa-based journalists attend a two-day workshop on the UN-AU Framework in peace and security and other related topics in Harare, Zimbabwe
...
15 nov 2022

UN delegation to Sebha consults with southerners on stabilization, peacebuilding

Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily, Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), and Ms. Georgette Gangnon, Deputy Special...
15 nov 2022

UN delegation consults with southerners on stabilization, peacebuilding in Sebha

Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily, Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), and Ms. Georgette Gangnon, Deputy Special...
14 nov 2022

UNPOL ready to tackle global peace, security and development challenges

From peacekeeping to peacebuilding, Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix reaffirmed to the Security Council on Monday, the vital role that UN police officers play across the conflict prevention spectrum.
14 nov 2022

Ukraine: UN convoy delivers vital aid to residents of Kherson

Essential supplies have been delivered to thousands of people in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson for the first time since Russia’s invasion of 24 February, UN humanitarians announced on Monday.
14 nov 2022

Somalia: Human rights chief decries steep rise in civilian casualties

A steep rise in civilian casualties across Somalia, largely at the hands of Al-Shabaab militants, has exacerbated an already grim human rights and humanitarian situation there, said the UN human rights chief on Monday.
14 nov 2022

General Assembly adopts resolution on Russian reparations for Ukraine

The UN General Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution that calls for Russia to pay war reparations to Ukraine, as ambassadors met to resume their emergency special session devoted to the conflict.
13 nov 2022

UN Special Coordinator Wronecka Visits Egypt

As part of her regular consultations with key regional and international stakeholders, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka visited Egypt on...
12 nov 2022

Young Haitians bond over sports, earrings and pineapple jam

Young people from some of the most vulnerable and violent gang-controlled neighbourhoods of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince have been talking about the power of getting together to share experiences and engage in sporting and entrepreneurial activities.
12 nov 2022

Secretary-General upholds the importance of a single global economy

At a time when geopolitical divides threaten to spark new conflicts and make older ones harder to resolve, the global economy cannot afford to be split into two opposing camps, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at a press conference in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, on Saturday.
12 nov 2022

During visit to Cambodia, Secretary-General upholds the importance of a single global economy

At a time when geopolitical divides threaten to spark new conflicts and make older ones harder to resolve, the global economy cannot afford to be split into two opposing camps, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at a press conference in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, on Saturday.
12 nov 2022

Young Haitians bond over sport, earrings and pineapple jam

Young people from some of the most vulnerable and violent gang-controlled neighbourhoods of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince have been talking about the power of getting together to share experiences and engage in sporting and entrepreneurial activities.
12 nov 2022

Fadumo Salad Ahmed: Bringing legal aid to disadvantaged groups in Bosaso

Bosaso – Access to justice is not easy in Somalia.

After decades of civil war, the country is still heavily engaged in trying to rebuild its judicial system and legal institutions, including courts of law, and the...
12 nov 2022

PEACEBUILDING COMMISSION MEETING ON CENTRAL ASIA

Peacebuilding Commission Meeting on the Role of Women in Implementing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in the context of Climate Change in Central Asia (11 November 2022, the United Nations Headquarters, New York)

Source...

11 nov 2022

This Week in DPPA: 5 - 11 November 2022

This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.

Central Asia

Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus visits UN Headquarters

On 10-11 November, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) organized the visit of members of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) and civil society representatives from Central Asia to the UN Headquarters in New York. The visit included participation in the dedicated, first-ever session of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) on the Central Asia region, a preceding side event, as well as the meetings with high-level UN officials, including Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo.

Read more here

Iraq

Deputy Special Representative discusses issues of migration and displacement with new minister

On 9 November, Deputy Special Representative, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Ghulam Isaczai met with the new Iraqi Minister of Migration and Displacement, Evan Gabro. He congratulated her on her appointment and discussed how the United Nations could further strengthen coordination and engagement on internally displaced persons (IDPs).

UNAMI publishes latest newsletter, highlighting recent Security Council briefing on Iraq

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq issues the latest edition of its e-newsletter, UNAMI Herald, this week. It highlights news and activities of the United Nations in Iraq between September through October 2022.

Read more here

Lebanon

Special Coordinator Wronecka underlines Women’s political participation in Lebanon

On 10 November, at an event on the inclusion of women in the upcoming municipal elections in Lebanon, Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General Joanna Wronecka underlined the importance of women’s representation. At the event, which was organized by UN-Women and local NGO FiftyFifty, discussions focused on the challenges facing potential women candidates and the opportunities that can be used to encourage participation. The Special Coordinator also hosted a separate roundtable discussion with women parliamentarians on the role of Parliament in the advancement of women’s empowerment in Lebanon, including on gender quotas, legislative priorities, and technical support on gender related issues.

Special Coordinator joins 33rd Commemoration of Lebanon’s Taef Accord

On 5 November, on the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Taef Accord, Special Coordinator Joanna Wronecka attended a conference organized by the embassy of Saudi Arabia. The event highlighted both the importance of the agreement and the need for its full implementation. The Accord, which was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 1701, “was not merely a means for ending Lebanon’s civil war (1975-1990) but set a framework for ending sectarianism and reinforcing peaceful coexistence,” the Special Coordinator said in her remarks.

Security Council

October Security Council in Review out now

DPPA's Security Council Affairs Division has released the "United Nations Security Council in Review" for the month of October. The newsletter offers an overview of the work of the Security Council under the presidency of Gabon.

Read the latest newsletter here

The newsletter and other research tools and information products on the Council are available here.

Electoral Assistance

DPPA Electoral Series

In the third installment of the DPPA Electoral Series — interviews with senior United Nations officials on electoral support and its connection to broader conflict prevention efforts — Ian Martin, former Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission (Libya, Nepal, Timor-Leste) highlights the importance of working with election winners and losers to lower the stakes and enable the peaceful acceptance of results.

Read more here

Innovation

At COP27, DPPA hosts virtual reality exhibition on climate resilience

This week at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, DPPA and the Pacific Islands Forum hosted a virtual reality (VR) exhibition. Participants were invited to join a virtual trip to the Pacific Islands through the Sea of Islands, a cinematic 360° virtual reality experience featuring Pacific Islanders' stories of resilience in the face of climate change.

Download the VR film here

Virtual reality film “Pathways Colombia” highlights peace agreement’s reintegration and reconciliation work

On November 11, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia presented Pathways Colombia, a virtual reality experience on the Peace Agreement. The film was presented by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, and three protagonists featured in the documentary: Mariela Lopez, a rural teacher; Jhon Taborda, a former combatant; and Mirla Yolima Pestaña, a member of the project La Rancha de mi Pueblo. SRSG Massieu said that the project sought to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities of peacebuilding, including reintegration, security and reconciliation efforts.

Podcast: “She Stands For Peace”

New episode of “She Stands for Peace” podcast focuses on protection of women peacebuilders

The latest episode of the podcast “She Stands for Peace” features Rita Lopidia, the Executive Director and Co-founder of the Eve Organization for Women Development in Juba, South Sudan, and coordinator of the South Sudan Women’s Coalition for Peace. In this episode, she talks about the experiences of women peacebuilders when executing their roles and work, as well as new ways to think about how women’s peacebuilding organizations are supported.

Listen to the episode here

Peacebuilding

Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support’s visit to Japan and Republic of Korea

From 7 to 12 November, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar visited Japan and the Republic of Korea. Meeting with the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yoshimasa Hayashi, she expressed the UN’s appreciation for Japan’s active engagement in the Peacebuilding Commission and its contribution to the Peacebuilding Fund. She also met with government officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as well as parliamentarians, members of civil society and academia. The ASG highlighted opportunities presented by Japan's upcoming tenure at the Security Council and the 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima to strengthen the UN's work in peacebuilding. In the Republic of Korea, ASG Spehar met with the Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs, Oh Youngju, and expressed the Organization’s appreciation of the Member State’s support of the UN’s peacebuilding work.

Next Week

On 14 November from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) will hold an ambassadorial-level meeting on the Liberia Configuration (for background on the “configuration” and the PBC generally, please visit here). Ambassador Anna Karin Eneström, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations and Chair of the Liberia Configuration of the PBC, will convene the meeting on preparations for the 2023 legislative and presidential elections in Liberia. The meeting will be telecast live on UN WebTV.

On 15 November, the Security Council will meet to discuss the situation in Libya.

Subscribe to This Week in DPPA here

Contact DPPA at dppa@un.org

11 nov 2022

This Week in DPPA: 29 October - 4 November 2022

This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.

Fourth Committee

USG DiCarlo presents Secretary-General’s report on Special Political Missions to the Fourth Committee

On 4 November, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the General Assembly’s Fourth Committee on the work of the UN’s special political missions (SPMs). The Under-Secretary-General outlined the work of SPMs in preventive diplomacy, peacemaking, and peacebuilding, and their important role in helping Member States prevent conflict and build sustainable peace. “Their diversity and flexibility have allowed us to design different types of responses to many of the peace and security challenges we face today,” DiCarlo said.

Read full remarks here.

Security Council

ASG Khiari briefs Council on non-proliferation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

On 4 November, Assistant-Secretary-General Khaled Khiari, briefing the Security Council, reiterated the Secretary-General’s strong condemnation of the recent ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 2 and 3 November. He said that while all concerned sought to avoid an unintended escalation, the spate of launches and military exercises could contribute to a “negative action-reaction cycle.” He added that given the potential risks associated with any military confrontation, the Council needed to do all it could to prevent an escalation.

Read full remarks here.

Security Council renews UNSOM mandate for one year

On 31 October, the Security Council renewed the mandate of The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) for one year, until 31 October 2023. By the terms of the resolution, the Council requested the mission to maintain and strengthen its presence across the country. It also encouraged UNSOM to support Somalia in a number of areas, including by ensuring that plans are put in place to protect civilians and communities in areas of military operations.