A recap of Thursday’s top stories: Guterres in Turkey underscores successes of mediation; 45 million lack food across Southern Africa; rights experts push to release Palestinian hunger striker; new UN health report targets causes of urban deaths; Climate change conference finds a new home; Iraq protests put country at ‘a crossroads’
Mediation is “one of our most important tools to reduce and end conflict”, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the sixth Istanbul Mediation Conference, in the Turkish capital on Thursday.
The Security Council highlighted the growing partnership on matters of peace and security between the United Nations and African Union (AU) on Wednesday amidst calls to bolster overall effectiveness.
A recap of Wednesday’s stories: new Syria talks begin in Geneva; Chile pulls out as host of major climate conference; UN calls for national talks to break cycle of violence in Iraq; UN chief voices ‘serious concern’ over Guinea-Bissau political crisis; IOM suspends South Sudan Ebola screening; UN atomic watchdog appoints new leader.
Madame la Présidente du Conseil,
Mesdames et messieurs les membre du Conseil,
Madame la Présidente,
Je me réjouis de l'opportunité que vous m’offrez de briefer le Conseil, à l’occasion de l’examen du rapport du Secrétaire Général, portant sur la situation au Burundi. Mais auparavant, qu’on me permette de vous féliciter pour votre accession à la présidence du Conseil de Sécurité, pour ce mois d’octobre et de saluer par la même occasion les autres membres.
Madame la Présidente,
Distingués Membres du Conseil,
Le présent briefing porte sur le document qui a été déjà soumis à votre appréciation et intitulé « Rapport du Secrétaire Général sur la situation au Burundi », publié le 24 octobre 2019. La première partie de mon exposé, concerne quelques observations tirées de ce rapport ; la deuxième partie fait le point de mes activités, relativement au dialogue inter-Burundais. Dans la troisième partie, je formule quelques recommandations sur la nécessité pour l’Organisation des Nations Unies de rester présente au Burundi.
Dans l’ordre des observations, il faut tout d’abord noter qu’à maints égards, la situation au Burundi demeure tendue. Au cours de la période considérée, on a observé une montée de l’intolérance politique et des atteintes aux libertés civiques et politiques. Le gouvernement a heureusement réagi, en mettant en place un cadre de dialogue politique, regroupant les partis politiques, les administrateurs locaux, et les représentants des forces de sécurité. Cette initiative mérite d’être encouragée et soutenue. Tout comme la condamnation à perpétuité, de quatre auteurs de l’assassinat, à Muyinga, d’un membre du parti CNL, le 18 août dernier, ainsi que les discussions en cours entre le CNARED et le Gouvernement quant au retour des leaders politiques en exil.
La deuxième observation porte sur le processus électoral, géré par la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante (CENI). Il faut espérer que ce processus sera transparent. Des élections mal organisées et contestées, on le sait, sont toujours sources de conflit.
La troisième observation porte sur la situation socio-économique, laquelle continue de se détériorer.
La quatrième observation est centrée sur la situation sécuritaire qui, il faut bien l’admettre, s’est améliorée sur toute l’étendue du territoire, même si, ici et là, des abus et autres violations des droits de l’Homme continuent à être rapportés.
En tout état de cause, il convient d’encourager le gouvernement dans les obligations qui sont les siennes de garantir la sécurité de tous ses citoyens et de mettre fin à l’impunité.
La cinquième et dernière observation a trait à la situation humanitaire qui demeure aussi préoccupante. Toutefois, il faut saluer le retour volontaire de milliers de réfugiés au pays, tout en veillant à ce que leur insertion et réintégration se fassent dans la dignité.
Madame la Présidente,
Le dialogue inter-Burundais sous les auspices de la Communauté de l’Afrique de l’Est, n’a toujours pas eu lieu, quatre ans après son lancement, faute, sans doute, de volonté politique des uns et des autres et aussi, pourquoi ne pas le souligner, d’engagement ferme des Etats de la sous-région. Ce dialogue aurait cependant permis que le nouveau Burundi, en perspective, soit l’affaire de tous, pour éviter ainsi les remises en cause et les éternels recommencements, ce que l’on a vu par le passé.
Et pourtant, le 20e sommet de la Communauté de l’Afrique de l’Est, tenu à Arusha le 1er février 2019, avait décidé que le Médiateur entreprendrait davantage de consultations pour l’organisation et l’aboutissement de ce dialogue.
Hélas ! les choses n’ont malheureusement pas bougé.
C’est dans cette incertitude que j’ai entrepris, une fois de plus, des concertations avec les leaders de la région, à commencer par le Médiateur, le Président Yoweri Museveni, qui m’a reçu le 23 août 2019. Au cours de nos entretiens, il m’a confirmé sans ambages sa volonté de poursuivre la médiation de concert avec le Président de la Communauté de l’Afrique de l’Est, M. Kagame, ainsi que les autres Chef d’Etats de la région. Mais aussi avec le concours des Nations Unies à qui il demande de continuer d’apporter leurs appuis.
Madame la Présidente,
Distingués Membres du Conseil,
Ayant accompli ces dernières démarches, le temps est venu pour moi de conclure ma mission d’Envoyé Spécial au Burundi. A vrai dire, c’est depuis le mois de juin dernier que j’avais notifié ma volonté de partir à Monsieur le Secrétaire Général. Mais ma rencontre avec le Médiateur, programmée par lui, d’abord pour le 19 juillet mais qui eut lieu finalement en août, me dissuadait alors d’officialiser ma décision. Aujourd’hui, je le confirme.
J’atteste que même si nous n’avons pas gagné la bataille du dialogue au Burundi, le rôle des Nations Unies est loin d’avoir été négligeable. Sans conteste, nous avons contribué à susciter chez les responsables de la Région, une prise de conscience plus aigüe de ce que la stabilité au Burundi est un impératif catégorique pour la paix globale dans l’ensemble de cette région.
Madame la Présidente,
Distingués Membres du Conseil,
Avec cette précision importante que je viens de mentionner, à savoir l’engagement continu des Nations Unis en faveur du Burundi, permettez-moi de refaire brièvement le compte, ne serait-ce qu’à titre de redevabilité, des principales activités accomplies dans le cadre du mandat que vous m’avez confié.
Depuis ma nomination par le Secrétaire Général, le 5 mai 2017, comme Envoyé Spécial pour le Burundi, je n’ai ménagé aucun effort, pour aider la Facilitation et la région, à mener à terme, le processus du dialogue inter-Burundais. A cet égard, et à plusieurs reprises, j’ai entrepris des visites dans la région et consulté ses principaux leaders, notamment le Médiateur et le Facilitateur, ainsi que les parties prenantes burundaises.
J’ai aussi, en de nombreuses occasions, rencontré les autorités de l’Union Africaine, à l’effet de les sensibiliser et solliciter leur engagement dans la recherche d’une solution consensuelle au Burundi. De même, j’ai approché certains Chefs d’Etat africains, toujours dans le même objectif.
En deux ans et demi de mission, j’ai été reçu une fois par le Président Pierre Nkurunziza. Plus précisément, c’était au lendemain de ma nomination, le 27 Juin 2017. Les espoirs nés de cette première rencontre avec le Chef de l’Etat du Burundi, notamment sur les questions liées au dialogue et à la coopération avec l’ONU, dont la signature du SOMA, n’ont malheureusement pas encore abouti.
Durant mes régulières visites au Burundi, j’ai eu des séances de travail avec les principaux acteurs et leaders politiques, tant de l’opposition que du Parti au pouvoir; les représentants de la société civile ; ceux des confessions religieuses, des femmes et des jeunes et naturellement avec les diplomates accrédités dans ce pays. J’ai rencontré les responsables du CNARED, à Bruxelles pour les persuader d’aller au dialogue. Mon Bureau à Bujumbura a établi des rapports de coopération avec toutes les parties concernées et d’abord avec les représentants du Gouvernement ; ceux de la communauté internationale et les principaux acteurs politiques.
Au sein du Groupe Conjoint de Travail (JTWG), mis en place pour soutenir les efforts du Facilitateur, mon Bureau a apporté un appui significatif sur le plan technique, logistique et financier, contribuant ainsi à la tenue de plusieurs réunions de consultations dont les sessions plénières du dialogue, à Arusha et à Entebbe.
L’appui multiforme de mon Bureau et mon engagement personnel auprès du Facilitateur et du Médiateur, ont contribué souvent à lever certains blocages politiques et techniques et rendu possible la poursuite du processus de recherche de la paix.
Madame la Présidente,
Distingués Membres du Conseil,
Depuis ma prise de fonction, j’ai eu l’opportunité de rendre régulièrement compte à votre Conseil, de l’évolution de la situation au Burundi. J’ai apprécié vos remarques, vos conseils, et vos encouragements. Au moment de mettre fin à ma mission, je tiens à vous remercier pour tous ces égards et pour le soutien constant et multiforme que vous m’avez apporté.
Je remercie Monsieur le Secrétaire General pour la confiance qu’il m’a faite tout au long de ma mission.
Je remercie l’Ambassadeur Jürg Lauber, Président de la Configuration-Burundi de la Commission des Nations Unies pour la Consolidation de la Paix.
Je remercie tous mes collaborateurs, et en premier lieu l’équipe du Bureau de L’Envoyé Spécial à Bujumbura et celle du Département des Affaires Politiques et de la Consolidation de la Paix.
Je remercie les autorités et le peuple burundais.
En un mot, j’exprime ma sincère gratitude à tous ceux qui ont facilité ma mission.
Ten years ago, the UN Security Council established a mandate to prevent and address the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence. At a commemorative event on Wednesday, the UN deputy chief described that commitment as essential to “highlight, prevent and seek justice for this crime”.
Work on drafting a new foundational text for war-torn Syria officially began at the UN in Geneva on Wednesday with representatives from the Syrian Government and opposition sitting face to face and preparing to discuss the country’s future for the first time in the nearly nine-year conflict.
The UN’s most senior official in Iraq, visited protesters in central Baghdad on Wednesday, calling for “a national dialogue to identify prompt, meaningful responses to break the vicious cycle of violence” which has roiled the country during the past five days.
A recap of Tuesday’s top stories: ‘Real change’ too slow for women’s peace and security role; UN rights chief urges India to ‘unlock’ Kashmir restrictions; UN chief welcomes milestone Syria constitution meeting.
The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis notes the announcement of Prime Minister Saad Hariri submitting his resignation.
The Special Coordinator urges the authorities to act...
The Women Peace and Security agenda must continue to be “one of the top priorities of the United Nations”, Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Tuesday, in an open debate on how best to accelerate change.
United Nations Special Coordinator, Nickolay Mladenov meets with the Director of Jerusalem Waqf Department, Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib (29 October 2019 - UNSCO Photo)
...The people of Indian-administered Kashmir continue to be deprived of numerous basic freedoms, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday, before urging the Indian authorities “to unlock the situation”.
The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) is saddened and concerned to learn about the death of a civilian and injury to several others, reportedly following a demonstration in Bissau on Saturday, 26 October 2019.
UNIOGBIS calls on the population and political parties of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm and serene and expresses its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured....
Mogadishu – The Somalia Joint Police Programme (JPP) Executive Board met today to set out the next quarter of activities of the programme as it rolls out the new policing model throughout the five federal member states and Banadir region.
by Somalia’s Federal Government, international partners and the United Nations, mapping the next stage of activities of the Joint Police Programme and New Policing Model roll-out at federal and state level throughout the country.
...A recap of Monday’s top stories: ‘Multi-generational tragedy’ in Israel and Palestine demands viable two-State solution; gender gap persists in Latin America’s workforce; Syria envoy urges prisoner release ahead of talks in Geneva; Egypt urged to end repression of protesters and rights defenders; future of digital communications discussed at world conference.
Pervasive deteriorating facts on the ground in Israeli-Palestinian conflict, “are pushing us every further” from achieving a viable two-State solution, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council on Monday.
A recap of Friday’s main stories: ‘Real people with real problems’ must be heard, Guterres tells world leaders; one-in-four pregnancies unplanned; Security Council on the situation in Central African Republic; displaced in northeast Nigeria; Libya, Colombia developments.
Bogotá, 25 October 2019. The UN Verification Mission in Colombia condemns the murder of Alexander Parra Uribe, known as Rodolfo Fierro, in the former Territorial Area for Training and Reintegration (TATR) in Mesetas, Meta, and expresses its condolences to his family and community members.
The UN Verification Mission voices its profound rejection for this incident and for the increasing number of murders of former FARC combatants in the reintegration process; reaching 158...
This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
DPPA Chief in the CaucasusUnder-Secretary-General DiCarlo embarks on visit to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia New York“Indispensable role of women must be seen […] as a peace and security priority,” Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo stresses
New Quarterly Progress Update of the Multi-Year Appeal launched Security CouncilSecurity Council Mission to Ethiopia and South Sudan
BurundiBintou Keita urges mutual tolerance in build up to Burundi elections
Central Africa54th edition of UNOCA quarterly newsletter available
GabonFirst meeting of Defense Attachés in Gabon
KenyaPeacebuilding Fund teams from 23 countries meet in Nairobi
SahelSuccess in the Sahel relies on partnerships, Special Representative says
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SomaliaOn Somalia visit, UN Deputy Secretary-General calls for women’s integration in peace and development efforts
AfghanistanElectoral process in Afghanistan conducted very well so far, Special Representative says
Meaningful participation of Afghan women in peace efforts focus of ‘open days’ events
Central AsiaSecond Preventive Diplomacy Academy Workshop organized with Tajik and Afghan youth
IraqSpecial Representative visits refugee camp
MyanmarUrgency and opportunities ahead of Myanmar general elections in 2020
ColombiaSocial change and peacebuilding through film, reflection and memory
Candidates for Governor of Huila and mayors sign non-aggression pact
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Contact DPPA at dppa@un.org
Updating the Security Council on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday, the head of the UN Mission in the country, MINUSCA, called on the country’s friends and partners, including the Council, to “transform the dreams of peace, prosperity and development of millions of Central Africans into a lasting reality”.
Protests in cities across the world in recent days show that “people are hurting and want to be heard” by political leaders who must now address a “growing deficit of trust”, said the UN chief on Friday.
I am honoured to greet this 18th Summit of Heads and State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement. I congratulate Azerbaijan on assuming the chairmanship of NAM and look forward to working together.
The Non-Aligned Movement has made immense contributions to the work of the United Nations. NAM members represent two-thirds of the UN membership and contribute 80 per cent of UN peacekeepers. Through the years, the concerns and views of Non-Aligned Movement countries have shaped our agenda, from peace and security to sustainable development and human rights.
You gather at a time of unease and uncertainty around the world. A great many people are losing faith in a process of globalization that is leaving them behind. We see a growing deficit of trust in governments, political establishments, government and the media, and the rising appeal of nationalist and populist voices.
At the same time, we are witnessing the multiplication of conflicts that are increasingly interlinked, and which are also intertwined with the newer threats of global terrorism and international criminality.
Over the decades, international cooperation has saved lives, advanced human rights, prevented conflicts, and expanded economic and social progress.
Yet across the world today, we are seeing greater scepticism about multilateralism and increasing calls for isolationism and closed borders. The norms that have defined international cooperation for the last 75 years are under pressure. We are falling short in the face of unresolved conflicts, runaway climate change, widening inequalities and other threats.
We face a paradox: global challenges are more connected, but our responses are growing more fragmented. This is very dangerous at a time when collective action is essential.
But it is not enough to proclaim the virtue of multilateralism. We must prove the value of international cooperation by addressing the real problems people face, and doing so in a way that they understand and in which they can participate.
We need a networked multilateralism, with close cooperation among international and regional organizations, and important groups such as the NAM.
We also need to work towards an inclusive multilateralism, with strong partnerships with parliaments, the business community, civil society, academics and others.
I applaud your long-standing focus on the challenge of disarmament and non-proliferation. I have put forward a new disarmament agenda to advance global peace. The United Nations will continue working with Member States to make progress, including in the context of the 2020 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the cornerstone of the disarmament and non-proliferation regime.
Let us never forget that development is critical for stable and prosperous societies. It is also a fundamental instrument for conflict prevention. We have a vital tool for addressing some of the roots of instability: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, our shared blueprint for a fair globalization.
Yet four years since the Agenda’s adoption, we are far from where we need to be – in reducing inequality, in addressing the climate crisis, in tackling global hunger, in achieving gender equality and in expanding opportunity for young people. We must step up our efforts with greater ambition and financing.
We also know how climate change is an accelerator of insecurity. As we have seen in the Sahel region and elsewhere, the competition for resources is often an additional factor of instability. It is no coincidence that the countries most vulnerable to climate change are often those most vulnerable to conflict and fragility.
If our world is to avoid the climate cliff, we must build on the achievements of last month’s Climate Action Summit, heed the call of science and cut greenhouse emissions by 45 percent by 2030, reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees by the end of the century.
Finally, in all we do, the initiative, energy and ideas of young people will be critical. I commend your efforts to expand opportunities for youth and engage them as partners in preventing conflict, sustaining peace and ensuring justice.
As the movement towards a multipolar world continues, strong multilateral institutions are ever more critical.
Let us pledge to keep working to reap the benefits of multilateralism – particularly as a central vehicle to maintain international peace and security, foster friendly relations among states and ensure human dignity for all.
Thank you.
Mr. President,
As you have heard the UN say many times before, the security situation in Syria remains extremely volatile. Nevertheless, over the past weeks, we have seen an encouraging surge of diplomatic activity on the northeast, though some uncertainties remain.
On 17 October, Turkey and the United States announced agreement on a 120 hour pause in Turkey’s operation in order to, and I quote, “allow the withdrawal of YPG from the safe zone,” end of quote.
On Tuesday, 22 October, the Presidents of Turkey and the Russian Federation reiterated, and I quote, “their commitment to the preservation of the political unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the protection of national security of Turkey,” end of quote.
They decided to preserve the “status quo in the current Operation Peace Spring area covering Tel Abyad and Ras al Ayn with a depth of 32 km”. They also decided that Russian military police and Syrian border guards would enter areas east and west of Tel Abyad and Ras al Ayn, in order “to facilitate the removal of YPG elements and their weapons to the depth of 30 km from the Turkish-Syrian border.” The UN takes note of these agreements and welcomes any efforts to de-escalate the situation in line with the UN Charter and to protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. The UN also takes note of Turkey’s announcement that “at this stage, there is no further need to conduct a new operation outside the present operation area.”
The Memorandum of Understanding of 22 October between Turkey and Russia also indicated that “joint efforts will be launched to facilitate the return of refugees in a safe and voluntary manner”. The President of Turkey previously stated that the “main aim of [Turkey’s] operation is to […] facilitate the return of Syrian refugees”. He emphasized that up to two million refugees could be resettled in the area.
Mr. President
I would like to reiterate our concern about the humanitarian impact of military operations in northern Syria since Turkey and allied Syrian opposition groups began “Operation Peace Spring” on 9 October. While violence has subsided since 20 October, when the Syrian Democratic Forces withdrew from Ras al Ayn, the situation remains in flux. Civilians in northeast Syria continue to express concerns amid continued uncertainty as to what may lie ahead. Many are reminded of what occurred previously in Afrin and fear further displacement from major cities and towns and the disruption of humanitarian access. Many civilians also fear potential consequences of a possible return of government forces. This includes fears of arbitrary detention, violent political retribution and imposition of conscription.
We cannot stress enough that civilians including captured fighters, must be protected under international human rights and international humanitarian law. It is crucial that the Security Council and all Member States present in this chamber to do everything in their power to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, to ensure full and unimpeded humanitarian access, and to help the parties resolve their security concerns through peaceful means.
Mr. President,
We recognize Turkey’s and other neighbouring countries’ generosity in hosting so many refugees fleeing Syria’s devastating conflict. We urge the international community to provide strengthened support to Syria’s neighboring countries in shouldering this burden. It is also important to stress that refugee returns must be voluntary, safe, dignified and well informed.
Mr. President,
Let me also highlight the situation in al Hol and Roj camps in northeast Syria. Some 70,000 civilians, more than 95 per cent of them women and children, are currently sheltered in the camps. Most have been exposed to violence and trauma under ISIL. They are now living in extremely difficult conditions where they face a range of challenges, and an uncertain and disconcerting fate. This includes the risk of being denied repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration or a fair trial.
All children, including those suspected of being associated with armed groups, are entitled to special care and protection under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. They must be treated first and foremost as victims. Solutions for foreign nationals need to be urgently found. We call on all Member States to take all measures necessary to ensure that their nationals are repatriated for the purposes of prosecution, rehabilitation and/or reintegration, as appropriate, and in line with international law and standards.
Mr. President,
I would also like to briefly update you on the situation in the greater Idlib area. Following the announcement of a ceasefire in late August, there was a marked reduction in air strikes, although heavy ground-based artillery shelling continued to be reported. Unfortunately, air strikes are reported to have increased again since 12 October. There have also been reports of helicopter attacks and the use of barrel bombs. We count on all parties, especially Turkey and the Russian Federation, as guarantors of the de-escalation agreement, to press all parties to the full implementation of the September 2018 Memorandum of Understanding. As the Secretary-General has said many times before, any large-scale military offensive in Idlib would come at an unacceptable cost in terms of loss of human lives and suffering.
Mr. President,
We appreciate this Council’s full support that has helped us continue to chart a political path forward on implementation of resolution 2254. The launch of the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned Constitutional Committee will be facilitated by the United Nations in Geneva later this month.
Resolution 2254 called for a nationwide ceasefire, reaffirmed the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and stressed that the only sustainable solution to the current conflict in Syria is through an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
The need to implement resolution 2254 has been reaffirmed by this Council repeatedly, most recently in your presidential statement of 8 October. What is most urgently needed now is decisive action for a consolidation of the ceasefires in northeast and northwest Syria, the protection of civilians throughout the country, and full support to ensure that the political track remains on course.
Thank you.
The United Nations welcomes efforts to de-escalate the crisis in northeastern Syria in the wake of Turkey’s incursion in the region, a senior official with responsibility for the region told the Security Council on Thursday.
Sudan and neighbouring South Sudan “have never been closer” to reaching a sustainable peace with each other, and their own internal armed opposition groups, the head of UN peacekeeping told the Security Council on Thursday.
