A senior UN official on Thursday urged donors to step up support for Afghanistan, where ongoing drought and increased military operations amid foreign troop withdrawal, are displacing scores of civilians, creating a growing humanitarian crisis.
The interdependent tracks of implementing Libya’s ceasefire agreement, political progress and economic reform, are in danger of going into reverse, UN Special Envoy Ján Kubiš warned the Security Council on Thursday.
Surging COVID-19 cases as the Delta variant spreads, a collapsed health system, and “deep mistrust” of the military junta, are a “perfect storm” of factors that could lead to further major loss of life in Myanmar, the UN independent expert on the human rights situation in the country warned on Wednesday.
Events that were previously unthinkable in Colombia have been made possible through the historic 2016 peace agreement, the UN envoy for the country told the Security Council on Tuesday.
The worsening security situation across Afghanistan in the wake of foreign troop withdrawal and Taliban advances, has forced an estimated 270,000 from their homes since January, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported on Tuesday, bringing the total internally displaced to more than 3.5 million.
UN humanitarians appealed on Tuesday for far quicker access to Ethiopia’s embattled Tigray region, after the first aid trucks in days to reach the local capital, Mekelle, encountered multiple checks delaying their arrival.
Traditional arts and crafts are being used to build peace and dialogue in Mali thanks to the work of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, MINUSMA.
New York, 11 July 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend our world, reaching one grim milestone after another. In addition to the millions of lives tragically lost, there has been a less visible toll: a shocking rise in domestic violence as women were forced into isolation with their abusers; empty maternity wards as women postponed motherhood; and unintended pregnancies due to curtailed access...
Young people who were displaced by conflict in South Sudan have returned home to power change in their community.
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring aid workers can access the war-ravaged Tigray region, his Spokesperson said in a statement on Friday.
The UN chief has welcomed a decision on Friday by the Security Council to extend the UN cross-border aid operation in northwest Syria for another 12 months, providing a lifeline for more than 3.4 million people in need, including some one million children.
Merci beaucoup Monsieur le Président pour l’occasion que vous nous offrez de nous adresser au Conseil de sécurité sur l’épineuse question du Grand barrage de la Renaissance éthiopienne, plus connue sous son acronyme Anglais GERD. Permettez-moi avant de poursuivre mon propos de vous féliciter pour votre conduite avisée des affaires du Conseil dont la France assume la présidence pendant le mois en cours.
Mr. President,
The GERD encapsulates the conflicting narratives, hopes and fears, challenges and opportunities related to water usage, security and energy in Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan and the wider Horn of Africa.
This is the second time we brief the Security Council on this issue. The last time was in June 2020.
Since then, despite various attempts at negotiations, the parties have been unable to agree on a framework of engagement to settle the remaining contentious issues.
While member states have also acknowledged that most aspects related to the GERD have been addressed, we understand the parties still have to agree on some core issues, including a dispute resolution mechanism and on drought mitigation, particularly the filling and operation of the dam under drought years. My colleague Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director, will provide you with more details on the relevant technical issues surrounding the negotiations.
At the virtual meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Ministers of Irrigation of the three countries held on 27 October 2020 and chaired by South Africa, and the virtual tripartite meeting held on 10 January 2021, the parties could not agree on the exact role of the experts and observers supporting the African Union-led negotiations process.
On 6 February, Sudan put forward a new proposal contemplating a quadripartite joint mediation of the African Union, the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (US). On 15 March, Sudan, with the support of Egypt, formally requested the AU, the UN, the US and the EU to mediate between the parties regarding the GERD. Ethiopia, however, preferred fewer changes to the ongoing AU-led process.
During the talks which took place in Kinshasa from 5 to 7 April this year and chaired by President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in his capacity as Chairperson of the AU, the parties were, once again, unable to agree on a mediation framework.
On 13 April Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok offered to activate the dispute resolution mechanism at the level of Heads of State and Governments contemplated in the 2015 Declaration of Principles on the GERD. On 21 April in response to Prime Minister Hamdok’s invitation, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that a meeting of the AU Assembly’s Bureau should rather be the way forward.
Owing to the lack of progress of the talks, President Tshisekedi stepped up his engagement on the GERD, and between 8 and 11 May, started a regional tour with a visit to Khartoum, Cairo and Addis Ababa. President Tshisekedi engaged with the parties on the basis of a two-step approach addressing first the most pressing issue of the filling of the GERD during the rainy season, and second, guarantees for a more comprehensive agreement on subsequent filling and operation of the dam.
On 24 June, President Tshisekedi convened virtually the Bureau of the African Union Heads of State for an “exchange of information” on the GERD. Unfortunately, no significant progress was registered in the presence of Ethiopia and Egypt, while Sudan decided not to attend.
Also, on June 15th, the League of Arab States met in Doha and passed a resolution on the GERD dispute which, inter alia, called on Ethiopia to refrain from filling the GERD reservoir without reaching an agreement and on the Security Council to hold consultations on this matter. In response, Ethiopia objected to the LAS communiqué which it saw as an attempt to politicize and internationalize the dispute and stressed its commitment to AU mediation while reiterating its plan to move forward with the second filling of the dam in July.
Meanwhile, we are aware of bilateral interactions between Ethiopia and Sudan on the issue of the GERD as well as of Sudan’s recent statement expressing readiness to accept an interim agreement on the filling of the dam on the condition that a deal is signed regarding all other points which have been agreed to date and ensuring the continuity of negotiations within a set time limit.
While there is no formal agreement reached yet on this development and we have yet to see the results of this effort, it is in line with the efforts of a phased approach proposed by President Tshisekedi.
In the meantime, on 5 July the Government of Ethiopia wrote a letter to the Governments of Egypt and Sudan, to inform on the commencement of the second-year filling of the GERD. Both Egypt and Sudan have objected to this notification, reiterating their position that any further filling should take place in the context of an agreed upon framework.
Mr. President,
Each of the countries sharing the Nile waters has both rights and responsibilities, and the use and management of this natural resource requires the continued engagement of all nations involved, in good faith with a view to reaching a common ground.
Indeed, the Secretary-General has always encouraged member states to pursue negotiations in this manner.
To assist in this process, he has entrusted UNEP to provide technical advice based on the best available scientific data and knowledge, with a view to helping countries reach a mutual understanding on how to handle this delicate matter.
Clearly, more needs to be done given that recent negotiations have yielded little progress and it is undeniable that this is a matter of critical importance. We call on all parties to deal with the matter in a constructive manner and to avoid any pronouncements that would increase tensions in a region that is already subject to a series of challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 and violent conflicts.
Mr. President,
I would like to take this opportunity to also commend the work done by the African Union rotating Presidents, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and the current chair of the African Union, H.E. President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi to facilitate a mutually beneficial and peaceful outcome.
We believe that together, along with other interested partners, there is room to move forward with a view to addressing the matter of the GERD in a peaceful, constructive and comprehensive manner, in line with the spirit of cooperation highlighted in the 2015 Declaration of Principles.
The United Nations remains available to promote a win-win solution in supporting member states in navigating this complex issue, where genuine political will, compromise and good neighborliness are essential.
In closing, I believe that this important issue, if properly addressed, could offer significant opportunities for all the parties and countries in the region and beyond. I would like to once more stress that cooperation is not a zero-sum game and a collective effort could help deliver on the development potential of the region as a whole.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United Nations stands ready to support Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan in efforts to resolve their decade-long disagreement over the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), senior officials told the Security Council on Thursday.
The UN Special Representative for Haiti on Thursday, acknowledged the legitimacy of Prime Minister Claude Joseph to lead the Caribbean nation, following the “cowardly” assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on Wednesday, and welcomed his government’s commitment to hold national elections later this year.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve heard a lot about global solidarity. Unfortunately, words by themselves will not end the pandemic – or curb the impact of the climate crisis. Now is the moment to show what solidarity means in practice. As G20 Finance Ministers meet in Venice, they face three crucial solidarity tests: on vaccines, on extending an economic lifeline to the developing world, and on climate.
...A new government action plan in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has the potential to reverse the urgent and tragic deterioration in the east of the country, where thousands of human rights abuses are being committed against civilians by armed militants, the senior UN official in the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.
Perpetrators behind the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse must be brought to justice, the United Nations said on Wednesday.
Action must be taken now to halt alarming attacks against children and abductions - including of students - in parts of West and Central Africa, the head of the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said in a statement on Wednesday.
Humanitarian operations have been gradually resuming in the war-ravaged Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, but resupply of aid and fuel for civilians caught up in the fighting is urgently needed, the United Nations said on Tuesday, citing information from its emergency relief agency, OCHA.
The eruption of violence in the Kingdom of Eswatini in recent days is “deeply concerning”, amid reports that dozens of people have been killed or injured during protests calling for democratic reforms, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday.
The eruption of violence in the Kingdom of Eswatini in recent days is “deeply concerning”, amid reports that dozens of people have been killed or injured during protests calling for democratic reforms, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday. In a statement later in the day, the UN chief called for "inclusive and meaningful dialogue", to end the violence.
Ten years after South Sudan achieved independence, more children there are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance than ever before, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said on Tuesday.
Out now! Season 2 | Episode 7 | She Stands For Peace | Click here: https://unoau.unmissions.org/podcast-series-she-stands-peace
Senior UN officials appealed on Friday for immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to Tigray – and for an end to deadly attacks on aid workers - as the Security Council held its first open meeting on the conflict in the restive northern Ethiopian region.
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Thank you, Mr. President.
Ethiopia is at a critical juncture. Recent developments demonstrate the need to address issues plaguing the country in a comprehensive and sustainable way. The consequences of not doing so could be disastrous.
After almost eight months of conflict the Federal Government of Ethiopia announced on 28 June a unilateral ceasefire in Tigray, citing the need to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. Subsequent to the announcement, the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and the Provisional Tigray Administration withdrew from Tigray’s capital, Mekelle.
On 27-28 June, the Tigray Defense Force (TDF) entered major towns and cities of Tigray, including Adwa, Aksum, Shire and Humera. The TDF are now in Mekelle. The situation in Mekelle is reportedly calm and the TDF appear to be in control of the city. Reports indicate that leaders of the previous Tigray regional administration, including its former president, have returned to Mekelle. As of today, the TDF has yet to agree to the ceasefire.
While there have been no reports of serious incidents, basic services to support humanitarian delivery are absent. Mekelle has no electrical power, or internet. Key infrastructure has been destroyed, and there are no flights entering or leaving the area.
Elsewhere in Tigray, the Eritrean Defense Force (EDF) has withdrawn to areas adjacent to the border, while in the west of Tigray, the Amhara regional force remains in place despite advances by the TDF. On 29 June, the Amhara branch of the ruling Prosperity Party issued a statement warning that Amhara regional forces would oppose any attempts by the TDF to take territory in western Tigray, which was seized during the conflict. In short, there is potential for more confrontations and a swift deterioration in the security situation, which is extremely concerning.
The ceasefire announcement provides an opportunity that all parties to the conflict, including the TPLF, must seize and build upon. In this regard, we urge the TDF to endorse the ceasefire immediately and completely. As the Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator will outline, our immediate concern is focused on those in urgent need of assistance in Tigray. Food insecurity has only continued to worsen in recent days. We must scale-up the response.
All parties must ensure the safe passage of humanitarian workers for the continued delivery of supplies. The destruction of the Tekeze bridge on 1 July effectively cut off Central Tigray from Western Tigray, closing a vital artery for humanitarian assistance.
A ceasefire observed by all parties would not only facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid but would also be a starting point for the necessary political efforts to chart a way out of the crisis. The conflict in Tigray is a result of deep-rooted political grievances that can only be resolved through dialogue and a credible political process.
This morning, in a briefing to the diplomatic corps in Addis Ababa, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said that once the election results were announced and a new government formed, the government would take steps to hold an all-inclusive dialogue process. This is a welcome development. Such a process could be part of a broader effort to address the country’s structural challenges, encourage reconciliation and foster consensus on the way forward for Ethiopia’s transition.
Mr. President,
Once again, and predictably, civilians have paid the heaviest price in an armed conflict.
An estimated 1.7 million people have been displaced, with more than 60,000 refugees crossing into Sudan. I call on the parties to place paramount concern on the protection and well-being of civilians. That requires strict respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law.
I also call on the parties to offer all necessary assistance to the ongoing joint investigation of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. There must be accountability for the grievous human rights violations committed during the conflict, including acts of sexual violence against children and adults and mass killings.
This morning, the Federal Government of Ethiopia reiterated its commitment to the joint investigation and to accountability. We look forward to seeing the concrete results of that undertaking.
Further, Ethiopia’s neighbours can play a constructive role in supporting the country’s transition while respecting its sovereignty. The withdrawal of Eritrean forces from Tigray must be fully implemented.
Mr. President,
The 2018 rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the reforms introduced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed raised hopes for a new era of stability and peace in the Horn of Africa. The wide-ranging transition has proven to be both challenging and hopeful. It has brought to the fore disagreements around fundamental issues such as the federal structure of the state and the role and status of ethnicity, as well as how such disputes should be addressed.
The recent national elections were an important milestone in this regard. They were, by many accounts, an improvement on previous polls in the country and were held in a generally peaceful manner. They were, however, affected by insecurity and technical problems. Some opposition groups did not participate. It is my hope that the electoral process can be concluded in a peaceful and secure environment and that any disputes are addressed in accordance with the laws and constitution of Ethiopia.
But elections are just one part of the democratic process. I urge the Federal Government, to deepen efforts to open the political space and facilitate the meaningful participation in public life for all Ethiopians, including women, youth and civil society.
Many of the political parties who chose not to participate in the recent polls cited the need for something more than the ballot box to heal the deep divisions in Ethiopia’s body politic and society. Many asked for a national dialogue as a space or platform where Ethiopians could reflect about reconciling the many competing visions of the future of the country’s political system.
In its recent ceasefire announcement, the government stated, referring to the elections: “Ethiopians from all walks of life have sent a strong signal that they are ready to work together to build a stronger, united, and democratic Ethiopia, removing the seeds of discord and division sown within the Ethiopian body politic.”
I encourage the government to follow through on today’s announcement and harness these sentiments. In this regard, I offer the full expertise and support of the United Nations, including assistance to domestically-driven, inclusive, and comprehensive mediation and dialogue processes. We hope that such a dialogue would include discussions at the federal member state level encouraging as many sectors of the population as possible to have an input into consolidation of the reform process and the future of the country.
The promise of the Ethiopian transition remains real and can be fulfilled, with the necessary political will. Peace and stability in the country, the cornerstone of the Horn region, may well depend on it.
Mr. President,
Allow me to offer some areas of concerted international support to Ethiopia as it traverses the current crisis.
The United Nations will continue to stand alongside Ethiopia. We are ready to extend all the means of support at our disposal to help put the country back on track.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has resumed operations in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, after fighting halted the emergency response last week, although the agency warned on Friday that “serious challenges” continue to threaten the entire humanitarian response.
