The Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, is in Iraq for the first time in six years, expressing support for the country’s people, the new Government and its ambitious reform agenda.
The Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, is in Iraq for the first time in six years, expressing support for the country’s people, the new Government and its ambitious reform agenda.
Top UN officials on Tuesday called on the Security Council’s strong support for Syria following the 6 February earthquakes, which worsened an already dire situation in the wake of 12 years of brutal civil war.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday once again added his voice to international condemnation of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, telling the Human Rights Council that it had “triggered the most massive violations of human rights we are living today”.
Donors are meeting in Geneva on Monday to raise $4.3 billion to provide support and protection for 17.3 million people in war-torn Yemen, which remains among the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
Following the latest wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians, UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland on Monday appealed for both sides to take action towards addressing core issues fuelling their conflict.
Twelve years after its revolution, political tensions in Libya remain high, and its leaders face a “major legitimacy crisis” amid widespread public frustration, the UN’s senior official in the country told the Security Council on Monday, announcing plans to create a new mechanism in support of crucial elections.
Independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council on Monday welcomed Armenia’s commitment to combat the use of mercenaries and private security companies, following an eight-day mission to the country.
The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, said on Thursday that genocide denial and the glorification of war criminals continues to present a “serious challenge” to reconciliation efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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The UN chief told the Security Council on Friday that “we need peace” in Ukraine, calling for urgent action on multiple fronts.
One year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, nearly half the population – roughly 18 million people – need humanitarian aid and protection, the United Nations said on Friday.
Top UN officials have called for halting escalating cycles of violence following Israeli-Palestinian clashes and airstrikes on Wednesday that left 11 dead and more than 100 injured.
Top UN officials have called for halting escalating cycles of violence following Israeli-Palestinian clashes and airstrikes on Wednesday that left 11 dead and more than 100 injured.
A top UN human rights official called on authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to redouble efforts to promote intercommunal trust amid a spate of deadly attacks targeting civilians.
The UN General Assembly on Thursday called for ending the war in Ukraine and demanded Russia’s immediate withdrawal from the country, in line with the UN Charter.
On the eve of the one-year mark of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the UN General Assembly resumed its eleventh emergency special session on Wednesday to consider a new draft resolution aimed at restoring peace.
Despite many challenges, Somalia has made significant progress in advancing key national priorities, but enhancing women’s political participation remains critical, UN Deputy Special Representative in the country, Anita Kiki Gbeho, told the Security Council on Wednesday.
The UN human rights chief on Tuesday called for taking a measured approach to a package of new laws the Government of Israel is currently considering.
Regional and international partners must collectively work with greater urgency and determination to help Palestinians and Israelis break chronic cycles of violence and restore a credible political horizon, the UN chief said on Wednesday.
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL ROSEMARY A. DICARLO’S
REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON
THREATS TO INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
New York, 21 FEBRUARY 2023
On 30 September last year, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development at the Department of Economic and Social Affairs Navid Hanif briefed this Council on the reported leaks in the Nord Stream pipelines. His briefing was based on information and data from publicly available sources.
My briefing today is based on publicly available information that we have to date.
As Assistant Secretary-General Hanif said in September, in the course of 26 to 29 September 2022, four leaks were detected in the Nord Stream undersea pipelines in the Baltic Sea, near the island of Bornholm.
The first leak was reported on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the morning of 26 September, when seismologists detected a spike in activity.
The second and third leaks were reported in the evening of 26 September on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.
A fourth leak was reported in the morning of 29 September on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
Neither pipeline was in operation. Supplies in Nord Stream 1 had been halted in September, while Nord Stream 2 never entered service. However, the pipelines reportedly held several hundred million cubic meters of natural gas at the time of the incidents.
Following the incidents, Danish, German and Swedish officials announced they would launch separate investigations into the leaks. The Russian Federation expressed interest in joining these investigations, while also expressing concern that a deliberate act of sabotage and terrorism might be to blame for the explosions that caused the leaks.
On 18 October, Copenhagen Police reported that a preliminary investigation into the leaks found that “powerful explosions” caused the damage.
A month later, on 18 November, the Swedish Security Service and Prosecution Authority reported that, according to their preliminary findings, the pipelines had been subject to “gross sabotage.”
Swedish officials stated that, in the investigations carried out onsite in the Baltic Sea, investigators documented extensive damage to the gas pipelines resulting from detonations.
Swedish authorities also said they had seized “foreign items”, and that explosive residue was identified on a number of those items.
According to officials quoted in local media, the investigation is ongoing.
On 4 February 2023, the German Attorney General stated that their investigation was also continuing. We understand that the Danish investigation is continuing as well.
We are also aware of new reports alleging acts of sabotage involving the two pipelines.
I reiterate that the United Nations is not in a position to verify or confirm any of the claims relating to these incidents and that we await the findings of ongoing national investigations.
Given the sensitivity and speculation regarding this issue, we urge all concerned to show restraint and avoid any speculation.
We should avoid any unfounded accusations that could further escalate the already heightened tensions in the region and potentially inhibit the search for the truth.
And while we don't know exactly what happened beneath the waters of the Baltic Sea in September 2022, one thing is certain: whatever caused the incident, its fallout counts among the many risks the invasion of Ukraine has unleashed. One year since the start of the war, we must redouble our efforts to end it, in line with international law and the UN Charter.
Thank you.
Three peacekeepers in Mali were killed and five others seriously injured when their vehicle hit an explosive device, the UN Mission in the country, MINUSMA, reported on Tuesday.
The Security Council on Tuesday heatedly debated Russia’s request for a UN-led inquiry into the September explosions along the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea.
Upcoming local elections represent a “significant opportunity” to advance the peace and political process in the Central African Republic (CAR), the head of the UN mission in the country, MINUSCA, told the Security Council on Tuesday.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL KHALED KHIARI’S
REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON
NON-PROLIFERATION/DPRK
New York, 20 February 2023
Madam President,
According to its official news agency, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted what it described as an “intercontinental ballistic missile” launching drill on 18 February.
The DPRK announced that the ballistic missile – which it designated as “Hwasong-15” - flew a distance of 989 km and to an altitude of 5,768.5 km. It impacted in the sea within Japan’s exclusive economic zone. The last time the DPRK conducted a test of a missile of intercontinental range was on 18 November 2022.
Earlier today, the DPRK conducted what it termed a launching drill involving two quote “tactical nuclear” end quote - rockets.
The DPRK again did not issue airspace or maritime safety notifications. Unannounced launches represent a serious risk to international civil aviation and maritime traffic.
Madam President,
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the launch of yet another ballistic missile of intercontinental range by the DPRK, as well as its subsequent launches using ballistic missile technology.
The Secretary-General reiterates his calls on the DPRK to immediately desist from taking any further provocative actions, to fully comply with its international obligations under all relevant Security Council resolutions, and to resume dialogue leading to sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Madam President,
As per our earlier briefings to this Council, the DPRK continues to implement its five-year military plan unveiled during the 8th Party Congress in January 2021. That plan provided for development of new solid propellant intercontinental-range ballistic missiles; multiple warheads; better warheads; tactical nuclear weapons; a military reconnaissance satellite; new unmanned aerial systems; a 15,000 km-range intercontinental ballistic missile; and a “hypersonic gliding flight warhead”.
The DPRK has repeatedly warned of so-called “counteractions” to military exercises carried out in the region. The DPRK Foreign Ministry described the Security Council meeting of 16 February on non-proliferation and the DPRK as a quote “hostile act that the DPRK is bound to take due counteraction” end quote. Today’s meeting reaffirms that the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The meeting also provides an opportunity to discuss practical measures for achieving a peaceful, comprehensive, diplomatic, and political solution to the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Madam President,
The DPRK greatly increased its missile launch activities in 2022, including approximately 70 launches using ballistic missile technology. The DPRK characterised these launches as involving systems with nuclear weapon roles, including so-called “tactical” nuclear weapons. Most of the systems it tested are capable of striking targets on the Korean Peninsula. It also tested systems capable of reaching parts of North America on two occasions last year and again on 18 February.
In September 2022, the DPRK approved a new law which set out conditions in which it could use nuclear weapons, including pre-emptively in certain circumstances. A seventh nuclear test would be a flagrant violation of Security Council resolutions and undermine the international norm against nuclear testing. The Secretary-General remains firmly committed to achieving the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.
Madam President,
Looking ahead, the DPRK has clearly stated its intention to continue to pursue its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes in violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.
During the Sixth Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, held from 26 to 31 December 2022, the DPRK reiterated that it would: (i) exponentially increase its nuclear weapons arsenal; (ii) develop another intercontinental ballistic missile system; as well as (iii) launch its first military satellite.
During the military parade to commemorate the 75th founding anniversary of the Korean People's Army on 8 February, the DPRK unveiled a new apparent solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile, and at least 11 intercontinental ballistic missiles of previously known type Hwasong-17.
Madam President,
The situation on the Korean Peninsula continues to head in the wrong direction. Tensions continue to increase, due to the negative action-reaction cycle, with no off-ramps in sight.
The Secretary-General deeply regrets the divisions that have prevented the international community from acting on the DPRK, as well as on other threats to peace and security around the world. The Korean Peninsula must be an area for cooperation.
Madam President,
As previously stated, as the Council considers its options, there are several practical steps that could reduce tensions.
First, the DPRK needs to take immediate steps to resume dialogue leading to sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. This should include the DPRK refraining from carrying out further launches using ballistic missile technology or nuclear tests.
Second, a comprehensive approach is needed. We welcome the Security Council’s commitment to a peaceful, comprehensive, diplomatic, and political solution to the situation on the Korean Peninsula, as well as the importance the Council has placed on working to reduce tensions. Diplomacy – not isolation - is the only way forward.
Third, it is critical to avoid an unintended escalation. Communication channels must be enhanced, particularly military to military. Avoiding confrontational rhetoric will help to lower political tensions and create space to explore diplomatic avenues.
Madam President,
Separately, I wish to highlight once more our concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in the DPRK. The United Nations is ready to assist the DPRK in addressing medical and other humanitarian needs. To allow for a timely and effective response, we reiterate our call for the unimpeded entry of international staff, including the Resident Coordinator, and humanitarian supplies.
Madam President,
Let me close by reiterating that the unity of the Security Council on the DPRK is essential to ease tensions and overcome the diplomatic impasse. As the Secretary-General has said, while primary responsibility for international peace and security rests with this Council, the Secretariat is your partner in this effort.
Thank you, Madam President.
A senior UN official has underlined the need for unity in the Security Council in the wake of the latest missile launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Israeli-Palestinian parties must urgently rein in escalating violence and work towards realizing the two-State solution, top UN officials in the region warned the Security Council on Monday.
The UN chief on Sunday strongly condemned the launch of yet another ballistic missile of intercontinental range by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), as news reports said two more missiles had been launched on Monday.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his support for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa on Saturday, in remarks delivered to the African Union Summit, which is being held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
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MR. MIROSLAV JENČA
ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR
EUROPE, CENTRAL ASIA AND THE AMERICAS
DEPARTMENTS FOR POLITICAL & PEACEBUILDING AFFAIRS
AND PEACE OPERATIONS
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Remarks at the Security Council on International Peace and Security
17 February 2023
Madam President,
We are meeting today exactly one week ahead of the one-year mark of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
While we witnessed immense suffering and destruction over the past year, today is also a reminder that the armed conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014.
Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, briefed the Council on this same topic exactly one year ago. She warned about the increasing tensions around Ukraine and reminded all concerned on the urgent need to make full use of the existing framewor’ks to prevent an escalation.
Madam President,
The members of the Security Council are aware that the United Nations in the previous eight years has not been formally part of any mechanism related to the peace process in Ukraine, such as the Normandy Format. The United Nations was not invited to be a participant in the various negotiations in Minsk, or to the 2014 and 2015 agreements themselves. Nor was the United Nations involved in the implementation efforts led by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the Trilateral Contact Group.
Those directly involved in the process and its implementation are better placed to assess the achievements and challenges in managing this process. Its intensity was reflected by the efforts entailed in numerous meetings and discussions, including at the leader’s level in the Normandy Format, as well as regular meetings of the working groups of the Trilateral Contact Group covering political, security, humanitarian and economic issues that fell under the agreements.
Despite not having any formal role in the Minsk framework, over the years the United Nations has consistently and fully supported the implementation of the Minsk agreements and related measures, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2202 and the Presidential Statement of 6 June 2018.
The United Nations has repeatedly expressed its full political support to all involved in the Normandy Format and other diplomatic efforts. In line with Chapter VIII of the Charter, the UN has offered support, when requested and where appropriate, to some of the Working Groups under the OSCE-led Trilateral Contact Group.
Similarly, the United Nations has shared its global practices and provided expert support to the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission in eastern Ukraine, including with regards to issues related to ceasefire monitoring, women peace and security as well as other areas. On the ground, the UN Country Team has continuously coordinated with the Special Monitoring Mission on security, humanitarian and human rights access-related issues in non-Government-controlled areas in order to provide assistance to all communities in need. We remain grateful for the OSCE’s cooperation in this regard.
At the same time, throughout this entire period and to date, the United Nations has remained consistent in its principled support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, in line with the relevant General Assembly resolutions.
Madam President,
The outbreak of the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine in 2014 was, up to February of last year, the biggest test the OSCE had faced in its existence. Similarly, the response of the Organization was unprecedented and deserves recognition.
Since its establishment, the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, through its team of more than one thousand monitors, provided critical information on ceasefire violations on the ground in accordance with its mandate, to maintain dialogue, reduce tensions and prevent further escalation. I wish to pay tribute to the important work, often under very challenging conditions, of the SMM’s leadership and staff before it discontinued its operations.
Despite the even bigger challenges brought by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, and the worsening of tensions across the region, the OSCE remains an essential actor for European security. In this regard, I would like to recall that in its resolution ES-11/4 of 12 October 2022, the General Assembly called upon Member States, and international organizations, including the OSCE, to support the de-escalation of the current situation and a peaceful resolution of the conflict, with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter, the United Nations continues to work in a complementary way with all regional organizations and mechanisms that were created to deal with security challenges, including the OSCE across the Eurasia region.
Madam President,
Long before the situation in Ukraine evolved into the present tragedy, the United Nations stressed the importance of political will by all sides and at the same time cautioned all relevant actors about the dangers of complacency regarding the implementation of the Minsk Agreements and the risks of keeping the conflict unresolved.
The United Nations has also used all opportunities, including before this Council, to urge all sides to avoid any unilateral steps that could deepen the divide or depart from the spirit and letter of the Agreements.
In his remarks to the Security Council open debate on Conflicts in Europe, the Secretary-General warned against taking European peace and prosperity for granted. He also stated that “Until peace agreements are signed and implemented, the risk of renewed violence remains.”
This is also what we have learned from the experience of the Minsk process: Peace is not just about signing an agreement. We need sustainable and implementable peace that addresses the root causes of the conflict and is in line with the UN Charter and international law. This is particularly important given the complexity of the current context in Ukraine, but also with regards to its implications for the future of the European security architecture and indeed, the international order itself.
Achieving sustainable peace requires an inclusive, transparent and meaningful process, supported by a viable framework which is currently missing. Any genuine process should come with the full and equal participation of women and take into consideration the views of the broader population and civil society.
As the Secretary-General has reiterated, the United Nations is ready to support all meaningful efforts to bring peace to Ukraine, in line with the Charter and international law.
Thank you.
On 13 February, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia provided books, and educational and...
Almost a year into the war in Ukraine, some communities are having to cope with the total destruction of their way of life and the towns where they used to live; that’s according to a humanitarian worker for the UN Migration Agency, IOM.
