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Reports and Policy Documents

2024

  • 16 déc 2024

    Civilians near the frontlines of Ukraine’s war with Russia are living “on the edge”, a senior UN humanitarian official told the Security Council on Monday, calling for urgent international action to increase protection and sustain humanitarian aid.

  • 16 déc 2024

    UN humanitarians expressed alarm on Monday at the rising numbers of civilian casualties in and around the besieged Sudanese city of El Fasher, in northern Darfur.

  • 15 déc 2024

    Assalamu Alaikum

    It has now been 8 months since I joined the United Nations Support Mission in Libya...

  • 15 déc 2024

    Increased humanitarian aid is needed in Syria amid “immense” changes that offer hope to a nation emerging from a 13-year-long war, the top UN envoy for the country said after his arrival in the capital, Damascus, on Sunday.

  • 13 déc 2024
    A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.

    USG DiCarlo attends Doha Forum

    On 7-9 December, Under-Secretary-General (USG) Rosemary DiCarlo attended the Doha Forum, where she participated in a panel event on the Pact for the Future. Over the course of the two-day conference, developments in Syria took centre stage at the Forum. USG DiCarlo discussed the situation in the country with Qatari interlocutors, stressing the need for an inclusive and orderly transition and highlighting the UN’s readiness to support the Syrians on this path. She also discussed the conflict in Gaza and the prospects for an immediate ceasefire as well as developments in Lebanon. She also discussed the need for expanding partnerships and cooperation with Qatar charities and foundations. USG DiCarlo also met with the foreign ministers of Norway and Cyprus as well as representatives from the Syrian National Coalition.

     

    In addition, USG DiCarlo spoke on a panel entitled "What It Takes: Advancing the UN's Pact for the Future for Global Peace and Sustainable Development." In her remarks, she emphasized that the adoption of the Pact for the Future represented an important milestone, demonstrating that Member States remain invested in the multilateral system to advance their shared priorities. She stressed that the Pact had cast a spotlight on diplomacy, peacemaking, and the pacific settlement of disputes and conflict prevention.

     

    The Doha Forum brings regional and global leaders together every year to discuss global challenges. This year, the Forum focused on the need for innovative approaches to cooperation and diplomacy in tackling the world's interlocking challenges and conflicts, with a particular focus on Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan, as well as Syria.

    "A peaceful resolution is possible" in Yemen, Special Envoy Grundberg tells Council

    On 11 December, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg told the Security Council of the persistently fragile situation in the country, with ongoing flare-ups in areas such as Al‑Dhale'e, Hudaydah, Lahj, Ma’rib, Sa’adah, Shabwah and Ta’iz. “Ending the war is a choice — one that remains within reach of the parties,” he said, urging them to actively engage with his efforts on the road map, which would deliver a ceasefire, economic measures and preparations for an inclusive political process. He went on to note the persistent insecurity in the Red Sea, and called on all involved to take the necessary steps to create a conducive environment for the conflict’s resolution. “A peaceful resolution in Yemen is possible,” he said, stressing that “Only through a shared commitment and decisive action can we create and maintain an environment conducive to effective mediation and realize the sustainable, inclusive and just peace that the Yemeni people have yearned for and rightly deserve.”

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    SRSG Otunbayeva says latest restrictions on women in Afghanistan have "deadly implications"

    On 12 December, Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), told the Council she “strongly urged the de facto authorities to reconsider” the barring of women from medical training, which would have "deadly implications" for women and girls. The measure is part of the authorities’ pursuit of a vision of an Islamic system and Afghan culture characterized by a “progressive erasure from almost all walks of life”, she said. Outlining UNAMA's engagement with the Taliban on issues such as human rights norms and detainee access, as well as on counter-narcotics, she said that “Engagement is not normalization or recognition.” Engagement serves to prevent Afghanistan’s isolation or — worse — a return to conflict, she said.

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    Global challenges have not spared Central Africa, SRSG Abarry tells Council

    On 13 December, SRSG and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa Abdou Abarry told the Council that "current global challenges...have not spared Central Africa," he said, noting that the region had not escaped security crises, the climate emergency, or geopolitical rivalries. He also highlighted that electoral cycles have been held or will be held in the sub-region, and his office had been following with great attention the preparations for the numerous elections that are expected in the region in 2025 and 2026. It should be noted that UNOCA had always advocated for consensual and inclusive elections, free from any restriction on freedom. of expression and outside of any hate speech or call to violence.

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    Iraqi Government is "strong voice for regional peace and stability," SRSG Al Hassan tells Council

    On 6 December, Mohamed al Hassan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) told the Council that “Today’s Iraq is not the same as the Iraq of 20 years ago, or even five years ago." He went on to note that a major milestone was the successful conduct of the national census on 20 November, and that preliminary results from the first census to include the Kurdistan Region since 1987 indicate a doubling of the population in 30 years to more than 45 million people. “Decision makers will now be able to plan based on reliable facts and figures,” he said. On the security front, Iraq’s Government has shown resolve in staying out of the widening regional conflict while standing firm as a "strong voice for regional peace and stability," he said.

    Watch here

    Security Council hears briefing on Haiti sanctions

    Briefing the Council, the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022) concerning Haiti told the Council that the Committee has met on three occasions in informal consultations and has held two briefings to Member States. She said that the Panel of Experts assisting the sanctions regime submitted to the Council interim and final reports on 29 March and 30 September respectively, and also noted the submission of two confidential periodic updates to the Committee during its mandate. “These reports provided extremely useful insights on the situation in Haiti,” she observed, adding that they also supplied information on several individuals who could be responsible or complicit in, or had engaged — directly or indirectly — in actions that threaten peace, security and stability of that country.  On 27 September, the Committee added two individuals to its sanctions list, bringing the total number of those individuals to seven.  

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    Council receives update on Sudan sanctions

    On 11 December, the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning Sudan briefed the Council on the subsidiary body’s work from 12 September to date. The Committee met once in informal consultations, and added two individuals to the 1591 Sanctions List, as well as received the Sudan Panel of Expert’s second quarterly report, he said. On 8 November, the Committee listed two individuals for engaging in activities or policies that threatened the peace, security and stability of Darfur. On 18 November, the Sudan Panel of Experts submitted its second quarterly update to the Committee, on the situation in Darfur. 

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    PBSO and Interpeace host 2024 Civil Society Organization dialogue

    On 12-13 December, DPPA/PBSO and Interpeace co-hosted the 2024 Civil Society Organization (CSO)-UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding at UN Headquarters. This second annual Dialogue contributed to preparations for the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review, and contributed to the operationalization of the Pact for the Future, highlighting conflict prevention as the overarching theme. More than 160 civil society representatives from all region - over 50% women and almost 20% youth—actively participated in person, with regional representation as follows: 37% Africa, 23% Asia-Pacific, 7% Eastern Europe, 14% Latin America and the Caribbean, and 19% Western Europe and others. Over 30 Member and 10 UN entities participated in the exchanges. Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General of Peacebuilding Support, DPPA, remarked: “Civil society organizations are on the frontlines of peacebuilding, often working in the most challenging places. This dialogue recognizes their central role in building and sustaining peace.” Itonde Kakoma, President of Interpeace, added: “This dialogue is a unique opportunity for all of us gathering here today to come together to reimagine multilateral efforts for peace.”

    UNMHA calls for de-escalation and adherence to Hudaydah Agreement

    This week, in response to the increasing rhetoric and ceasefire violation reports, UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) Head of Mission Michael Beary held meetings with the Government of Yemen Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ansar Allah de facto Foreign Minister, emphasizing the urgency of de-escalation and dialogue. The Head of Mission called for adherence to the Hudaydah Agreement and echoed the Secretary-General’s call for the immediate release of detained UN staff. These discussions underscored the Mission's commitment to maintain regular contacts with the parties on the ground and to sustaining peace efforts in Yemen, in coordination with the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESG-Y).

    UN Military Staff Committee engages with AU counterparts in Ethiopia and Somalia

    A group of people in military uniforms sitting at a table

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    From 9 to 13 December, a delegation of the UN Military Staff Committee (MSC) visited Ethiopia and Somalia alongside the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council’s MSC. The mission focused on deepening collaboration on peace operations and understanding the African Union’s perspective on Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023). In Somalia, discussions with diverse stakeholders covered the operational landscape, the transition from the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), and Somali Defence Forces’ progress on security sector reform. This visit reaffirmed the strong UN-AU partnership and explored pathways for future cooperation.

    SRSG Onanga-Anyanga gives opening remarks at Africa Women, Peace and Security Forum

    On 5-6 December, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) Parfait Onanga-Anyanga attended the fifth Africa Women, Peace and Security Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Forum aimed to take stock, reflect and recommend practical strategies to deliver tangible results for women and girls, especially those in conflict situations, and contribute towards silencing the guns in Africa.

    The Office of the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region partners with regional organizations to fight transnational crime

    From 9-11 December, the Executive Secretariat of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, organized a meeting of the Great Lakes Judicial Cooperation Network (GLJCN) in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting focused on reviewing a draft policy on cross-border crimes, and brought together focal points from the 12 ICGLR member States, representatives of the ICGLR Executive Secretariat, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),  the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Kenya’s National Coordinator, and international partners. 

    Great Lakes office holds workshop on the inclusion of women and youth in energy transition

    On 5-6 December, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) jointly organized a regional workshop in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The workshop aimed to identify challenges, share best practices, and develop actionable strategies for fostering women and youth inclusion in energy transition and mineral supply chains in the Great Lakes region. Participants included representatives from the governments of the DRC and Burundi, Chambers of Mines, mining associations and regional cooperatives, ICGLR Women and Youth Forums, academia, development partners, and civil society.

    SRSG Al Hassan meets with Iraqi Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attends IDPD event in Baghdad

    On 9 December, SRSG Al Hassan met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein. They discussed the situation in Iraq, as well as developments in the wider region.

    On 10 December, the SRSG attended the annual carnival celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) organized by the Iraqi Alliance of Disability (IADO). The United Nations in Iraq fully supports the efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs to promote the rights of people with disabilities and special needs and its work to provide a comprehensive environment that supports their empowerment and active participation in society.

    UNAMI marks 76 years of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

    On 8 December 2024, the UNAMI Human Rights Office participated in an event organized by the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR), to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Acting Head of UNAMI Human Rights Office Rupert White emphasized that “the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of human rights have real-life relevance and play an essential role as a preventive, protective and transformative force to change the life of all Iraqis for the better.” 

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    Communities build roads for peace in southern Cauca

    On 7 December, in the village of El Sinai, municipality of Argelia, Cauca, 25 peace signatories, together with community leaders and people from the community, designed and built almost 100 metres of road to allow children and people with disabilities to access the local sports arena. The project sought to promote community reincorporation in this territory, which has been affected by the armed conflict. The initiative was supported by the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalisation-ARN, local authorities and the UN Verification Mission in Colombia.

    A bike ride for reconciliation

    On 8 December, six peace signatories joined more than 50 cyclists on a 71-kilometre section of an internal route connecting Tolima and Huila departments in Colombia's south-central region. The signatories live in the "El Oso" Territorial Areas for Training and Reintegration (ETCR in Spanish), which was established as part of the 2016 Peace Accord to help former FARC-EP guerrilla combatants transition into civilian life. The event was planned by a group of cyclists from Gaitania (Planadas) and other municipalities, and supported by local businesses. The engagement of the signatories in events such as this one helps to advance social and community reintegration in the territory.

    ‘Juntas Café en Paz‘ is a space for reincorporation and female entrepreneurship in Medellín

    On 12 December, "Juntas Café en Paz," the first café of women signatories of the Peace Accord, was inaugurated in Medellín as a commitment of the Association of Women Building Peace in their reincorporation and economic development. Visitors were able to buy coffees, dessert, honey, and other products made by victims of the conflict. The Verification Mission supported this initiative, which was carried out with the support of UN Women Colombia, Alterpaz and IAP Catalonia.

    Next Week

    On 16 December, Acting SRSG Stephanie Koury will brief the Security Council on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). On 17 December, Special Envoy Geir Pedersen will brief the Council on Syria. On 20 December, SRSG Leonard Santos Simão will brief on the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

  • 13 déc 2024

    UNHQ , New York 

    On December 10, 2024, UNRCCA, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT...

  • 13 déc 2024
  • 13 déc 2024

    Central African nations continue to grapple with multidimensional crises, including security threats, extreme weather events and geopolitical tensions, a senior UN official said on Friday, calling for renewed solidarity with nations in the region.

  • 13 déc 2024

    The UN Special Envoy for Syria travelled to Jordan on Friday for discussions on the tumultuous events that have seen a new transitional authority take charge in Damascus in recent days, with more high-level meetings planned over the weekend.

  • 12 déc 2024

    The international community owes it to the Syrian people “to listen, to act and to work tirelessly” so the crimes of the deposed Assad regime can never happen again, the top UN envoy for the country said on Thursday.

  • 12 déc 2024

    Describing the level of devastation across the Gaza Strip as “absolutely staggering”, the Head of Emergency Communications for the World Food Programme (WFP) has told UN News in an interview that civilians are desperate for lifesaving aid and there’s a growing risk of widespread famine.

  • 12 déc 2024

    The General Assembly adopted two key resolutions on Wednesday night, demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages. It also reaffirmed its full support for the embattled UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA).

  • 12 déc 2024

    Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an armed group designated as a terrorist organization by the UN Security Council, has emerged as the dominant force in Syria, following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. 

  • 12 déc 2024

    The UN Secretary-General has expressed concern over the hundreds of Israeli airstrikes against targets in Syria since the overthrow of the Assad regime, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the demilitarized zone in the strategically important Golan.

  • 12 déc 2024

    The Taliban’s continued imposition of strict interpretations of Islamic law and Afghan culture has resulted in unprecedented restrictions on women and girls, the UN envoy for the country warned on Thursday.

  • 11 déc 2024

    On Human Rights Day, we face a harsh truth.

    Human rights are under assault. Tens of millions of people are mired in poverty, hunger, poor health and education...

  • 11 déc 2024

    The General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted two resolutions, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and calling on Israel to drop its ban on the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, following an emergency special session triggered by another use of a veto in the Security Council. Follow the latest from the ground and other key updates from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. App users can follow our live coverage here.

  • 11 déc 2024

    The General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted two resolutions, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and calling on Israel to drop its ban on the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, following an emergency special session triggered by another use of a veto in the Security Council. Follow the latest from the ground and other key updates from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. App users can follow our live coverage here.

  • 11 déc 2024

    Peace is possible in Yemen, and continued support from the international community is essential to achieve it, the UN Special Envoy for the country told the Security Council on Wednesday. 

  • 11 déc 2024

    Secretary-General António Guterres said the UN is “totally committed” to supporting a smooth transition of power in Syria through an inclusive political process that guarantees full respect of minority rights. 

  • 10 déc 2024

    TRIPOLI – 10 December – As part of the UN in Libya Ra’idat programme, thirty-five young women from the south, east and west of Libya, including persons with disabilities, discussed how human rights can be...

  • 10 déc 2024

    TRIPOLI, 10 December 2024 - Today, on Human Rights Day, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) emphasises this year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future,...

  • 10 déc 2024

    TUNIS - UNSMIL and UNDP, as part of their joint program “Addressing the File of Missing Persons in Libya”, convened a meeting on 5 and 6 December in Tunis...

  • 10 déc 2024

    TRIPOLI - UNSMIL’s Human Rights, Rule of Law, and Transitional Justice Service organized two key events in Tripoli to advance correctional service...

  • 10 déc 2024

    Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime on Sunday, Syria has entered a period of profound uncertainty, and the UN will have a vital role in ensuring an orderly transition to renewed, stable institutions, continuing efforts to bring together different groups and factions which began at the outset of war in 2011.

  • 10 déc 2024

    Syria’s historic power reset coupled with the highly volatile situation there, has increased basic needs in a country where nearly 17 million people already depended on aid, UN aid teams insisted on Tuesday.

  • 10 déc 2024

    Barely 48 hours since opposition forces including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) swept into Damascus and forced out President Bashar al-Assad, the top UN negotiator tasked with helping the Syrian people to create a peaceful and democratic future insisted that nothing could be taken for granted.

  • 10 déc 2024

    UN agencies continue their response to the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Lebanon, as access challenges, food shortages and reconstruction needs plague both regions.

  • 10 déc 2024

    UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, has issued an alert after a surge in the number of displaced people fleeing war-torn Sudan for neighbouring South Sudan.

  • 10 déc 2024

    On International Human Rights Day, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) urges the de facto authorities to embrace global human rights obligations as a...

  • 9 déc 2024

    On Human Rights Day, we face a harsh truth.

    Human rights are under assault.

    Tens of millions of people are mired in poverty, hunger, poor...

  • 9 déc 2024

    The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel(UNOWAS), Leonardo...

  • 9 déc 2024

    At least 184 people, including 127 elderly men and women, were killed in Haiti’s Wharf Jérémie neighbourhood of Cité Soleil over the weekend, prompting strong condemnation from Secretary-General António Guterres.

  • 9 déc 2024

    The historic power shift in Syria adds new complexity to the Middle East crisis, with ongoing Gaza hostilities, violence in the West Bank, and a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon. A closed-door Security Council meeting is expected today. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with millions in urgent need. UN News app users can follow here.

  • 9 déc 2024

    The UN Special Representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) briefed the Security Council on Monday on recent developments, including political disagreements over constitutional reform and escalating insecurity in the east. 

  • 9 déc 2024

    This publication is a collection of inspiring messages shared by young leaders during the 6th Dialogues between Governments and Youth of Central Asian countries. These discussions took place as part of the 14th annual meeting of the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian States on November 26, 2024, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

    Full publication is available ...

  • 8 déc 2024

    As reports continued to emerge from Damascus where opposition forces declared victory on State television on Sunday, the UN’s top humanitarian official insisted that aid teams will continue to provide emergency relief wherever possible.

  • 8 déc 2024

    After 14 years of brutal war and the fall of the dictatorial regime, today the people of Syria can seize an historic opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Sunday.

  • 7 déc 2024
    A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.

    International community should "embrace new approaches to cultivate a new generation of leaders, especially women and girls," says USG DiCarlo

    On 3 December, Under-Secretary-General (USG) Rosemary DiCarlo, speaking to the Security Council at an open debate on "Investing in the Transformative Power of Intergenerational leadership on Women, Peace and Security," said that the world was facing increasing violence and diversifying threats to peace and security, even as avenues for meaningful diplomatic dialogue were shrinking. Amid these crises, young women peacebuilders were demonstrating that a better world is possible, she said. “Intergenerational dialogues are critical opportunities for building trust and articulating shared aspirations." She went on to stress that the international community should "embrace new approaches to cultivate a new generation of leaders — especially young women and girls — who are at the forefront of reshaping power structures and advancing peace." 

    Read more

    Special Envoy Pedersen tells Council Syria status quo has been radically altered

    On 3 December, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Geir Pedersen told the Council that there had been "dramatic shifts in front lines in Syria, radically altering a status quo." He recalled that on 27 November, the al-Fateh al-Mubeen Joint Operations Room — a coalition containing both Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, an entity under Council sanctions, and armed opposition groups, including the Syrian National Army — had launched a ground operation, across agreed de-escalation lines, taking de facto control of almost all of Aleppo and Idlib governorates. He said that although Syrian Government forces had since regrouped, they were being being “severely tested." In addition, pro-Government air strikes on both military and civilian targets had intensified in recent days. Meanwhile, violence had erupted on a second axis, with the opposition Syrian National Army launching an operation on 30 November on Tal Rifaat, a pocket north of Aleppo city under the de facto control of Syrian Democratic Forces-affiliated (SDF) forces. Pedersen said that “the situation is in flux” and that the developments had provoked different reactions among the Syrian people — “a grave threat for some, a signal of hope for others”. 

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    Peacebuilding Commission convenes annual session on IDPs

    On 2 December, the Peacebuilding Commission convened its annual session focused on internally displaced persons and refugees in the context of peacebuilding and conflict prevention. With over 122 million displaced globally, the session underscored the need for durable solutions rooted in the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. Discussions highlighted the Commission's unique role in convening diverse actors to address displacement challenges, emphasizing national ownership and inclusive governance. Speakers called for integrating displaced persons as active peacebuilding participants, addressing root causes, and ensuring equitable burden-sharing. The Peacebuilding Fund was lauded as a catalyst for innovative solutions, with calls for its expanded use to tackle protracted displacement and support sustainable development.

    The Peacebuilding Commission holds Ambassadorial-level meeting on Guatemala

    On 6 December, the Peacebuilding Commission convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting featuring Guatemala’s President, Bernardo Arévalo, to discuss advancements in the country’s peacebuilding and prevention efforts. Building on Guatemala’s inaugural engagement with the PBC in June, the session focused on progress in addressing the country’s current challenges through inclusion, dialogue, and democratic strengthening. The President emphasized its transformative reforms aligned with the 1996 Peace Accords, focusing on rule of law, gender equality, and Indigenous rights. The Peacebuilding Fund was highlighted for its investments in Women, Peace, and Security initiatives and transformative reparations. The Commission explored enhanced partnerships with international financial institutions to strengthen peacebuilding efforts, including regional collaboration on conflict prevention and sustainable development.

    ASG Spehar attends the Challenges Forum in Berlin

    Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Peacebuilding Support, Elizabeth Spehar visited Berlin from 3-5 December 2024 for the Challenges Annual Forum (CAF24), focusing on "Shaping the Next Generation of Peace Operations." She participated in a High-Level Panel alongside Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, engaging in discussions on the future of peace operations. The ASG also contributed to a panel to prepare for the upcoming Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin later in 2025. During her visit, Spehar held bilateral meetings with senior German officials, including State Secretary Susanne Baumann of the Federal Foreign Office. Additionally, she took part in an expert-level exchange, "A New Era of Peacebuilding for a New Global Context," organized by the Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF).

    SRSG Imnadze attends meeting on Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones

    On 5 December, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Central Asia and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze participated in a meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) in Central Asia. The event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan as part of the country's chairmanship of the Treaty, was dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Treaty’s entry into force. In remarks, Imnadze highlighted nuclear disarmament as vital to global peace and stability, and noted that the efforts of Central Asia in this regard were an example of effective regional collaboration.

    Read more

    UN in Iraq marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities

    On 5 December, the UN in Iraq celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) and International Volunteer Day (IVD) at the UN Compound in Baghdad. In remarks, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Iraq Ghulam Isaczai emphasized the UN's commitment to continue to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities as part of building an inclusive society where everyone can thrive. “When given the opportunity, all persons with disabilities can excel and reach their full potential," he said.

    UNAMI Human Rights Office holds training for civil society on protecting women's rights

    On 4 December, the Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) organized a training day on “Enhancing Advocacy Skills and Technical Knowledge of civil society organizations to end Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Women's Rights.” The event was organized as part of the 16 Days of Activism on Violence against women and Girls under the 2024 theme of "UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls." The training focused on enhancing the capacity of civil society organizations to help protect women and girls from violence.

    UNAMI Human Rights Office holds training on prison monitoring

    On 4 December, the UNAMI Human Rights Office organized a training sesion on “Strengthening knowledge and skills for monitoring detention facilities and prisons in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq”. This training was designed for staff from the Detention and Rule of Law Department at the Independent High Commission for Human Rights in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Participants learned about monitoring techniques for assessing prison conditions, including the use of checklists and observation methods aligned with international best practices, and the human rights of detainees.

    In Tumaco, Colombia, a "Human Library" for peace

    On December 5, in Tumaco, Nariño, on the Colombian Pacific coast, participants gathered to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the signing of the Peace Agreement in an event led by ethnic communities. Speakers used a pedagogical dialogue exercise known as "Human Library," in which eight people, including peace signatories, Indigenous people from the Awá community, Afro-Colombian leaders and young cultural managers and artists, spoke about their lives and their experience of peacebuilding. In his remarks, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, said that "young people are fundamental actors in strengthening and consolidating peace efforts, especially in terms of sustainability and the future."

    UN Verification Mission attends event in support of territorial peace

    On 5 December, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia attended an event for opening of an office and communal hub for the signatories of the peace agreement in the municipality of Algeciras, Huila, in Colombia's central-southern area. The project is part of the "Sustaining Peace" strategy, which was funded by Koica and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support initiatives in the Territorial Development Plan (PDET) with the participation of communities and public entities. The PDET initiative is a result of the Colombian government's peace agreement with the former FARC-EP.

    Next Week

    On 11 December, Special Envoy Hans Grundberg will brief the Security Council on Yemen. Also on 11 December, the Council will be briefed on Haiti sanctions.

  • 6 déc 2024

    On The Eve of Ghana’s Elections, Special Representative Simão Calls on All Citizens to exercise their civic responsibility peacefully

    ...
  • 6 déc 2024

    The Secretary-General renews his call for the immediate and unconditional release of the humanitarian personnel arbitrarily detained by the...

  • 6 déc 2024

    There have been significant developments in Iraq in recent months – which  has so far avoided being dragged into the widening Middle East conflict – but  corruption and other challenges persist, the new UN Special Representative for the country told the Security Council on Friday. 

  • 6 déc 2024

    One of the last partially functional health centres in besieged northern Gaza was hit several times overnight into Friday, leaving four health workers among the casualties and the dead, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

  • 6 déc 2024

    More than 280,000 people have been uprooted in northwest Syria in a matter of days following the sudden and massive offensive into Government-controlled areas led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is sanctioned by the Security Council as a terrorist group. 

  • 6 déc 2024

    More than 280,000 people have been uprooted in northwest Syria in a matter of days following the sudden and massive offensive into Government-controlled areas led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is sanctioned by the Security Council as a terrorist group. 

  • 6 déc 2024

    ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

    On December 5, 2024, SRSG...

  • 5 déc 2024

    The Special Representative, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, delivered compelling opening remarks at the Amani Africa – UNOAU joint Policy Forum held on 5...

  • 5 déc 2024

    TRIPOLI - Ahead of the launch of an inclusive, intra-Libyan political process, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) hosted a...

  • 5 déc 2024

    The UN Secretary-General appealed on Thursday for an end to the fighting in Syria, where a recent escalation raises the risk of further division in the ongoing civil war. 

  • 5 déc 2024

    The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador Ishmael Beah visited Sudan this week, meeting children and families whose lives have been upended by the brutal war between rival militaries which has upended the country.