Bogotá, 2 July 2019. In his most recent quarterly report to the United Nations Security Council on the Verification Mission in Colombia, the UN Secretary-General invites Colombians to work together and maintain an inclusive dialogue in the face of new challenges in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. He also renews "the commitment and determination of the United Nations to help Colombians realize their aspirations for a more peaceful future.”...
Food aid is being tripled for troubled Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to respond to what the World Food Programme (WFP) has described as the world’s second largest hunger crisis in the world, after Yemen.
This Monday, we cover: Guterres welcomes possible US-DPRK diplomatic upgrade; Taliban attack hits schools; UN-Syria action plan on child soldiers; Climate change heat stress impacts economy; and first-ever Security Council visit to Iraq.
Scores of children were among the casualties following a bomb attack on a Government building in the Afghan capital of Kabul today, that hit nearby schools. The bombing was described by Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, as “horrific.”
The top UN official charged with representing the interests of children caught up in armed conflict, has signed a landmark new agreement on child protection with the Force Commander of a main Syrian opposition military alliance, it was announced on Monday, aimed at ending and preventing the recruitment and use of children under the age of 18.
The Security Council has concluded a first-ever visit to Iraq on Saturday, five years on from the proclamation, by the ISIL terrorist group, of a “caliphate” in the country. The visit, which also took in a trip to Kuwait, saw the members meet senior government, UN and humanitarian officials to discuss the development of Iraq, the humanitarian situation, and the ongoing security challenges faced by the Government.
As the clicking of cameras and flash of lightbulbs captured on Sunday the first sitting United States President to set foot inside the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Secretary-General António Guterres offered his full support to a potentially reset relationship that may render a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.
As the clicking of cameras and flash of lightbulbs captured on Sunday the first sitting United States President to set foot inside the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Secretary-General António Guterres offered his full support to a potentially reset relationship that may render a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.
Bogotá, 1 July, 2019. The United Nations Verification Mission expresses its concern at the decision of Mr. Seuxis Paucis Hernández Solarte, known as Jesus Santrich, to depart from his security scheme, given the implications that deriver from it, including risks to his personal security. The Verification Mission urges Mr Hernandez to attend and comply with his obligations, including the summons to the Supreme Court of Justice on July 9.
...This Friday, we cover: UN chief appeals for stronger climate action commitment; report on migrant children deaths and disappearances; Ebola fight in DR Congo as violence goes on; and global over-heating.
This Week in DPPA aims to keep you abreast of developments and events on the agenda of the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, at UN HQ and in the field, and especially those that sometimes "fly under the radar".
Security CouncilSecurity Council authoizes new political mission in Haiti
African UnionLatest edition UNOAU Highlights
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SomaliaNew Special Representative arrives in Mogadishu
LebanonSpecial Coordinator visits refugee camp IraqUN emphasizes importance of a survivor-centered approach towards victims of ISIL abuses
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The vital work of tracing people infected with deadly Ebola virus disease in north-east Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is progressing, despite evidence of “several” massacres in the affected area earlier this month, the UN said on Friday.
The heads of 11 global humanitarian organizations warned on Thursday that the embattled rebel-held province of Idlib in Syria, stands on the brink of disaster, with three million civilian lives at risk, including one million children.
Following last week’s public threats by Taliban militants to deliberately target media outlets in Afghanistan, the United Nations mission chief in the country reiterated his call on Thursday for journalists’ rights to be protected, underlining the power of press freedom to advance peace, justice and human rights.
Mr President,
Let me start with the very worrying situation in and around the Idlib de-escalation area. Regrettably the fighting continues, with reports of: airstrikes, shelling, rockets and mortar attacks , all too often involving the indiscriminate use of force. Civilians continue to be killed and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Front-lines have not shifted – at least not significantly.
Security Council-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is a significant presence within the de-escalation area. Its attacks must cease. But all due protection must be afforded to the up to 3 million civilians in Idlib, many of whom fled there from earlier fighting – and to civilians in the surrounding areas too. As the Secretary-General said last week: “Even in the fight against terrorism, there needs to be full compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law.” Strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure – including de-conflicted health facilities and humanitarian workers - are absolutely unacceptable. They must cease without delay.
Reports of close military exchanges, between the Syrian Government and Turkish observation posts are also of grave concern. They remind us that Idlib is not just a humanitarian issue, nor just about Syria - but a potential powder-keg of regional escalation.
Undoubtedly, there is no easy solution for Idlib. But the only way to find one is for hostilities to stop, and for key stakeholders to engage in a cooperative approach towards countering terrorism – an approach that safeguards the protection of civilians. Both Turkey – which I visited earlier in the month - and the Russian Federation – which I will visit next week - have reassured me that they remain committed to the September 2018 Memorandum of Understanding and have set up a working group. But we must see this assurance reflected on the ground. I strongly reiterate the Secretary-General’s appeal to Russia and Turkey to stabilize the situation without delay.
Mr President,
We must in fact pursue a nationwide ceasefire, as envisaged in resolution 2254. We see the importance of this when we see unrest across Syria. There are exchanges of fire and fatalities in northern rural Aleppo and continued signs of instability in the south-west. The fate of the north-east remains unresolved, demanding a solution.
There are immense humanitarian and protection needs across the country and outside too. There is a grinding poverty, exacerbated by commodity shortages and rising prices in many parts of Syria. We have seen a terrible spate of fires ravaging wheat fields and jeopardizing Syria’s food security.
The internally displaced are acutely vulnerable. In addition to Idlib, two grave humanitarian situations – in Rukban and Al-Hol – remain at the top of our agenda. Emergency Relief Coordinator Lowcock briefed you on this two days ago. Today, my Senior Humanitarian Adviser, Najat Rochdi, urged the Humanitarian Task Force here in Geneva to support the UN’s efforts for humanitarian access, to support protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and to find durable solutions.
The current escalation and unrest also sends exactly the wrong signal to Syrian refugees. It only reinforces their doubts over security conditions, conscription, and livelihoods in Syria.
We must stabilize the situation in Idlib. If that is achieved, we must then avoid the risk of a “no-war-no-peace” scenario: front-lines mostly frozen but still periodic conflict and unrest; still five international armies in perpetual risk of confrontation; Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence still violated; IDPs and refugees still not returning – at least not in any critical mass; the tragedy of the detained, abducted and missing still unresolved; a strengthened ISIL insurgency with terrorist groups and foreign fighters, still regrouping and still posing a challenge; and still no political solution.
Mr President,
We all agree, there is no military solution to this conflict. I have sought to revive a Syrian-led and -owned political process, based on resolution 2254. An immediate priority has been to launch -- if it is possible -- a credible, balanced and inclusive, Syrian-led, Syrian-owned, UN-facilitated constitutional committee, fully respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. This has been a key item in my sustained dialogue with the two parties - the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the opposition Syrian Negotiations Commission. I have also ensured the continued support for a common way forward among the Sochi co-convenors and others, including the so-called Small Group, who I saw in Paris earlier this week - and the Secretary-General himself discussed the issue with the Russian leadership during his recent trip to St Petersburg.
Mr. President,
I believe the path to concluding the constitutional committee’s composition and the rules of procedure now may be open. I look forward to testing directly, in my upcoming engagements, whether a formula that I have been careful to ensure has the buy-in of all, can move forward the establishment of a committee. I appreciate recent engagement by senior Russian officials to support the UN’s efforts. I look forward to consulting the Government in Damascus in the near future -- and to consulting the leadership of the Syrian Negotiations Commission. It is time to finalize outstanding details, to enable the UN to facilitate the work of the constitutional committee in Geneva.
The constitutional committee can be a door-opener. But it will not alone solve the conflict or the challenges facing Syria. This can only unfold if we begin to see real trust and confidence developing, via tangible and reciprocal steps, including on the ground.
I strongly believe that progress on detainees, abductees and missing persons– if done in a meaningful way and at meaningful scale – could make such an impact. I have prioritized action on a unilateral release of women, children, the sick and elderly. Improving access to information and communication is another step. The Government and the opposition should compile and consolidate lists of individuals they hold or have information on – and also who they seek.
We will continue to engage in earnest on this very difficult but critical file - both myself and Deputy Special Envoy, Khawla Mattar. We will continue in parallel also to press Russia, Turkey, Iran – with whom we are working in a working group on this issue - to exert the efforts needed to try to achieve more concrete results on this file. My invitation for the Working Group, to have its next meeting in Geneva stands.
Mr. President,
In truth, a series of steps will be needed if a cycle of trust and confidence is to develop. This has been impressed upon me by Syrians from many walks of life.
I have met with many civil society actors and networks recently – including through the Civil Society Support Room. All of these Syrians, from both inside and outside, and irrespective of their political orientations or backgrounds, are eager, even desperate, for a political solution. But it strikes me that they do not really believe that a real process that could lead to a solution is likely.
This week I also engaged with the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board, who met in Geneva to deepen their understanding of how constitutional processes can protect and advance women’s rights. They and many others stress the critical importance of at least 30% women participating in a constitutional committee. But they too emphasized the deficit of faith that Syrians, men and women, have in the political process.
This is why a political process must be about more than just meetings in Geneva – it must include concrete actions on the ground, to inspire trust and confidence. I will therefore continue to intensively consult the widest spectrum of Syrians on what they see as practical and constructive entry points for trust-building actions.
But ultimately of course, it falls upon the parties to take those actions. Unblocking the impasse will be difficult. There is much mistrust. Positions are entrenched. But I believe that international discussions and cooperation can help Syrians overcome these obstacles. This is not to undermine the Syrian-led and owned nature of the process. It is simply a recognition of the extent of international involvement in Syria and the centrality of international support for any viable future for Syria. So real steps on the ground could and should see international actions too. This would build trust and confidence among Syrians -- and also between Syria and the international community.
Mr President,
At present, no currently active international grouping brings together all key international players whose support can guarantee concrete and reciprocal steps, across all dimensions. I believe my effort should be helped by bringing together the will embodied in the Astana format, the Small Group format and the permanent membership of this Council. This is why I continue to work on inviting a group of key players to a common forum, to support a Syrian-led and owned process in Geneva in a very practical way.
Mr President,
Tomorrow, at the G20 Summit, world leaders will have many items on their agenda. The Secretary-General and I have urged that Syria should be high among them. We hope that Russia and Turkey can work at the highest level to stabilize the situation in Idlib. We hope that Russia and the United States can build on recent talks and deepen their dialogue at the highest level too, because cooperation between them will be a key element for international cooperation on Syria. And we also hope that cooperation can be built in a way that all other key players are involved – supporting a Syrian-led and owned process facilitated by the United Nations in the discharge of its mandate from this Council.
Mr. President,
Since the beginning of my tenure, this Council has offered its full support for my mission, and I have greatly appreciated that. Six months into the job, I appreciate just how complex and difficult it is – but also I see the possibilities to chart the path out of this conflict. It is now time for the Idlib situation to be stabilized and a nationwide ceasefire pursued. It is in fact past time to launch a constitutional committee. It is also time to try to develop a climate of confidence-building measures. And we clearly need a renewed international support format.
These are the kinds of actions that would signal that we are at least moving down a political path in line with resolution 2254 -- through a constitutional committee unfolding in a safe, calm and neutral environment, paving the way for free and fair UN-supervised elections as envisaged in the resolution, and a lasting political settlement.
Reaffirming faith in human rights, promoting social justice and saving the world from the “scourge of war”: just some of the founding principles of the United Nations, which appear in the Organization’s bedrock Charter, signed exactly 74 years ago in San Francisco.
The Iran nuclear deal must “continue to work for all”, despite moves by both the United States and Iran which have destabilized the “hard-won” 2015 agreement, the UN Political Affairs chief told Security Council members on Wednesday.
Mr. President,
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear issue, endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 2231 (2015), is the result of 12 years of intense diplomatic efforts and technical negotiations. The Secretary-General regards the Plan, and the resolution, as hard-won achievements of successful multilateralism, nuclear non-proliferation, dialogue and diplomacy. He welcomes the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency which states that Iran continues to implement its nuclear-related commitments.
At the same time, the Secretary-General is concerned about recent developments. He regrets that the United States recently decided not to extend waivers with regard to trade in oil with Iran and not to fully renew waivers for non-proliferation projects in the framework of the JCPOA. These actions may impede the ability of Iran and other Member States to implement certain of its provisions.
The Secretary-General also regrets Iran’s announcement, on 8 May 2019, that it would not commit itself to respecting the JCPOA limits on its enriched uranium stockpile and heavy water reserves at the current stage, and that it would further suspend compliance with the uranium enrichment limits and measures to modernise the Arak reactor should the other participants not fulfil its demands, especially in areas of banking and oil, within 60 days. He further regrets the subsequent announcement, on 17 June 2019, that Iran may surpass on 27 June the limit on its enriched uranium stockpile set under the JCPOA. Such actions are not in the interests of the participants of the Plan and may not help preserve it. The Secretary-General encourages Iran to continue implementing all its nuclear-related commitments despite the considerable challenges it faces.
The Secretary-General welcomes the initiatives of the other participants, which should be given full effect as a matter of priority. It is essential that the Plan continues to work for all its participants, including by delivering tangible economic benefits to the Iranian people. Member States and other relevant actors should also work effectively with JPCOA participants towards the preservation of the Plan. At the same time, the Secretary-General encourages Iran to carefully consider and address the concerns expressed by Member States about its activities in relation to the restrictive measures contained in annex B to the resolution.
Mr. President,
Recent events in the Gulf are a reminder that we are at a critical juncture. The Secretary-General calls on all Member States to avoid actions that may result in a further deterioration of the current situation.
He urges all parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to address their differences; to exercise maximum restraint; and to deescalate current tensions to avoid the risk of miscalculation and accidents. In this regard, the Security Council has an important role to play. As stated by the Secretary-General in his briefing to the Council on 13 June, “if there is something the world cannot afford, it is a major confrontation in the Gulf region.”
Mr. President,
Let me now turn to the seventh report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2231 (S/2019/492). As guided by the Security Council, and consistent with our previous reports, the one before you today is focused on annex B to the resolution.
First, on the implementation of the nuclear-related provisions, we have not received new reports on the supply, sale or transfer to Iran contrary to paragraph 2 of annex B. The procurement channel established for the transfer of nuclear-related items to Iran remains an important mechanism for transparency, and all States and the private sector are encouraged to fully utilize and support it. In this connection, the Secretary-General noted the 3 May announcement by the United States that involvement in certain activities set forth in paragraph 2 of annex B may now be exposed to its national sanctions. He points out that the exemption provisions in paragraph 2 allow for the transfer of such items, materials, equipment, goods and technology required for the nuclear activities of Iran under the Plan, subject to the relevant notification requirements.
Second, on the ballistic missile-related provisions, the report reflects information provided to the Secretary-General and the Security Council by France, Germany, Iran, Israel, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States. These Member States conveyed their views on Iran’s test-firing of a medium-range ballistic missile on 1 December 2018, flight tests of additional ballistic missiles between December 2018 and February 2019, and launches of space launch vehicles in January and February 2019. The information provided reflects divergent views among these Member States as to whether these launches are inconsistent with paragraph 3 of annex B which calls upon Iran not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology.
In addition, the report reflects our analysis of subcomponents retrieved from ballistic missiles launched at the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Houthis between March and June 2018. We ascertained that those subcomponents were produced between 2000 and 2010, and some sold as recently as 2012. In our assessment, these production and sale date ranges are incompatible with the Scud missiles known to be in Yemeni stockpiles prior to the outbreak of the current conflict in early 2015.
Third, in terms of arms-related provisions, the report reflects information regarding individuals found guilty in the UK of exporting combat aircraft parts from the United States to Iran through companies located in various countries.
The Secretariat also examined a number of additional arms and related materiel recovered in Yemen. These included a second surface-to-air missile, wings for a new type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a new unmanned surface vessel (USV) with explosives. On the basis of design characteristics, markings, and types and manufacturers of specific subcomponents, the Secretariat is confident that these arms and related materiel, or parts thereof, are of Iranian manufacture. However, the Secretariat has no indications as to whether those items were transferred from Iran after 16 January 2016.
Further, the Secretariat examined samples of a shipment of small arms and light weapons seized by the United Arab Emirates in Aden in December 2018 and observed that part of the items had characteristics of Iranian manufacture. The Secretariat is still analysing the available information on this shipment and intends to report back to the Council accordingly.
The report also noted a televised speech of the political leader of Hamas (Yahya Sinwar) and a statement of the Al Quds Brigades spokesperson (Abu Hamza), in May 2019, which pointed to ongoing Iranian military support to Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza. Any Iranian arms transfers after 16 January 2016 would have been undertaken contrary to the provisions of annex B to resolution 2231 (2015). The report also highlights the continued participation of Iranian entities in foreign arms defence exhibitions.
Fourth, the report provides additional information on previous and new travels allegedly undertaken by the Commander of the IRGC Quds Force, Major General Qasem Soleimani. It also reflects information received by the Secretariat on an individual and several entities on the 2231 list that may have violated the assets freeze or travel ban measures. To facilitate the implementation of these measures, the Secretary-General recommends that the information related to individuals and entities on the 2231 list be updated by the Council.
Mr. President,
In closing, I would like to acknowledge the leadership of His Excellency Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) in his role as Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) and to assure him again of our full support. I would also like to thank the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission for our continued cooperation.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The peace dividend from last year’s ceasefire in South Sudan is palpable, but political elites need to follow the example set by local communities on the ground if lasting progress is to be achieved, said the top UN official in the country on Tuesday.
“Week after week, month after month, year after year”, the Security Council has been briefed on Syria’s humanitarian suffering, and on Tuesday, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator once again described “the latest horror facing civilians”, pleading for greater humanitarian access.
The Security Council on Monday approved a resolution to create a UN “Integrated Office” in Haiti, designed to support the country’s government in strengthening political stability and good governance. The Office, named BINUH, will replace the 15-year long peacekeeping mission, MINUJUSTH, on October 16.
The United Nations has long engaged in efforts to bring peace and stability to Sudan, which has been marked by decades of political instability and armed conflicts.
Following the independence of South Sudan in July 2011, the Secretary General appointed a Special Envoy for the Sudan and South Sudan to continue to play a good offices role on behalf of the Secretary-General to support the establishment and maintenance of good and peaceful neighbourly relations between Sudan and South Sudan. Since its establishment, the Special Envoy has worked closely together with and in support of the efforts by the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) in assisting the parties to reach a negotiated settlement to residual Comprehensive Peace Agreement and post-secession issues.
A key step in this process has been the signing by Sudan and South Sudan on 27 September 2012 of nine cooperation framework agreements, including agreements on oil, security, nationals, post service benefits, trade, banking, border issues, and economic matters. Since the outbreak of violence in South Sudan in December 2013, the Special Envoy also supported efforts by the region to resolve the crisis in South Sudan, which led to the signing by the belligerent parties of the "Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan". Furthermore, under the leadership of the AUHIP, the Special Envoy has engaged Sudanese stakeholders in efforts to promote the holding of an inclusive and credible National Dialogue in Sudan, and has supported talks on a cessation of hostilities in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States.
There is a need for “genuine regional dialogue” to address rising tensions in the Gulf, Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations said on Monday, calling on Secretary-General António Guterres “to play a role” in bringing countries to the table.
The looting and destruction of UN food relief agency premises and property in Sudan, has prompted the UN-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and UN Country Team, to condemn the assault as a “blatant violation of international humanitarian law”.
Millions of children around the world are being denied a “safe place to learn”, due to ongoing conflicts according to the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF.
Thousands of suspected foreign ISIL terrorist fighters and their families who are being held in detention in Syria and Iraq, must be treated fairly by their captors and taken back by their home countries, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Monday.
The assassination of the chief of staff of the Ethiopian army and killing of a regional governor in what the Government has described as a regional coup attempt, has been condemned by the UN Secretary-General.
More than 80 per cent of schools in the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon are closed, as the security situation and living conditions continue to deteriorate due to the three-year conflict between the Government and armed groups, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, reported on Friday.
Cracking down on Catholic Church activities, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of Orthodox and Christian congregation members in Eritrea, prompted a call from a UN independent rights expert on Friday for the Government to respect citizens' freedom of religion and to “release those who have been imprisoned for their religious beliefs”.
This Week in DPPA aims to keep you abreast of developments and events on the agenda of the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, at UN HQ and in the field, and especially those that sometimes "fly under the radar".
Security CouncilYemen envoy urges de-escalation The latest report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security was the backdrop for the briefing. The Secretary-General calls in the report for direct talks between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban and stresses that “the United Nations stands ready to assist with efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict.” Somalia, MauritiusASG Keita visits Somalia and Mauritius
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Central AfricaHuman rights workshop for Gabonese police |
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Acts of violence against civilians, humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure in Idlib are “deplorable”, the United Nations Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis said on Friday, condemning them “in the strongest terms”.
