Syria needs less military activity and more focus on the political process, UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen told the Security Council on Tuesday, appealing for restraint amid a worrying trend towards escalation.
Syria needs less military activity and more focus on the political process, UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen told the Security Council on Tuesday, appealing for restraint amid a worrying trend towards escalation.
New York, 29 November 2022
We commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at a time of diminished hope for peace.
I am deeply saddened by the growing number of Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives in the spiral of violence engulfing the occupied West Bank. Each casualty fuels fear and yet more violence. I urge all parties...
The Annual Report highlights key accomplishments that the Joint Programme enabled our partners to achieve across the world in 2021. This work was undertaken by an expanding cadre of 1191 peace and development experts based in over 67 countries, comprised of international and national Peace and Development Advisors (PDAs), UN Volunteers and secondees, as well as six Regional Programme Specialists.
In the south of Ukraine, people have no water, electricity or heat, and food is scarce, the UN Spokesperson said on Monday.
The international community should push ahead with stalled plans to prevent biological weapons from being developed in the wake of COVID-19, the UN’s top disarmament official insisted on Monday.
Conflict between Israelis and Palestinians “is again reaching a boiling point”, the UN Middle East envoy told the Security Council on Monday, warning of escalating violence amid a stalled peace process.
The UN Secretary-General on Saturday strongly condemned an attack on an airfield in southeastern Central African Republic (CAR) which left one peacekeeper from Morocco dead, while his unit was attempting to secure the perimeter.
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Amidst recent allegations of war prisoners being summarily executed in Ukraine, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed his shock on Friday over unabated human suffering as Russian missile and drone strikes against critical infrastructure continue on a broad scale.
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
On 25 November, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and start the16 Days annual campaign supported by the Secretary General’s initiative – “UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women”.
On 7 February 2000, the General Assembly adopted resolution officially designating 25 November as the International day for the...
She Stands For Peace | Season 3-Episode 12 | Out Now! Click here to listen: https://unoau.unmissions.org/podcast-series-she-stands-peace
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL ROSEMARY A. DICARLO’S
REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON
UKRAINE
New York, 23 NOVEMBER 2022
Mr. President,
Relentless, widespread attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure are continuing across Ukraine, with devastating consequences.
Overnight, a new wave of missile and drone strikes terrorized the people of Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.
As Ukrainians desperately sought shelter from the bombing, they also had to contend with freezing temperatures. Indeed, these latest attacks renew fears that this winter will be catastrophic for millions of Ukrainians, who face the prospect of months of frigid weather with no heating, electricity, water, or other basic utilities.
According to initial media reports quoting local authorities, the strikes today killed or injured over 30 civilians as residential buildings were hit in Kyiv and in Chabany and Vyshhorod towns in the outskirts of the capital.
We have also seen reports of an overnight strike on a maternity hospital in the town of Vilnyansk in Zaporizhzhia region. A two-day-old baby was reportedly killed in that attack.
Even before the latest strikes, Ukrainian officials state that there were practically no large thermal or hydroelectric power plants left intact in Ukraine. Today’s barrage is likely to make the situation even worse.
Emergency shutdowns were introduced today in all regions of Ukraine, and regions like Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa and Chernihiv were reportedly completely disconnected from electricity.
In Kyiv, Darnyts’ka Thermal Power Plant was hit. All of Kyiv region was reportedly deprived of electricity and the approximately three million people of the capital were left without running water.
The Ladyzhyn Power Plant in Vinnytsia region also was hit.
Russian strikes also damaged energy infrastructure in Kremenchuk, Lviv and Odesa. Reports note that Odesa has no electricity nor running water.
Three nuclear power plants still operating – Rivne, South Ukraine, and Khmelnytskyi – were reportedly disconnected from Ukraine's energy grid as a result of today’s attacks.
People in neighbouring Moldova are also likely to suffer consequences. Today’s strikes reportedly resulted in a blackout across Moldova – a country that is already suffering an energy shortage due to the war.
Mr. President,
The World Health Organization warned this week of a 'Life-Threatening' Winter in Ukraine. We must ensure that the most vulnerable people in Ukraine are adequately protected and able to cope with the months ahead.
Humanitarian actors in Ukraine are working to support people facing the challenges imposed by the energy shortage. Over the past weeks, more than 430,000 people have received some sort of direct winter assistance, and nearly 400 generators have been distributed to ensure energy in hospitals, schools, and other critical facilities.
I will say it once again:, attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law. So are attacks against military objectives that may be expected to cause harm to civilians that would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated.
The United Nations strongly condemns these attacks and demands that the Russian Federation immediately cease these actions. There must be accountability for any violations of the laws of war.
Mr. President,
We also remain deeply concerned about the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe.
The reported shelling at the plant over the weekend is reckless and deplorable.
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Monday that – despite the severity of the shelling – key equipment remained intact and there were no immediate nuclear safety or security concerns.
This is the result of sheer luck. We do not know how long this luck will last. The world cannot afford another nuclear catastrophe.
Underscoring the risks of these attacks, just a couple of hours ago the IAEA reported that the plant has lost external electricity access and is relying on diesel generators to power cooling and essential nuclear safety functions. All military activities at, and around, the plant must cease immediately.
Mr. President,
Amid the dark news of today, I want to mention a positive development. The parties today reported yet another prisoner exchange. Thirty-five Russian, and thirty-six Ukrainian prisoners were released.
We strongly encourage the parties to continue these releases and to ensure that they fulfill their obligations under international law, in particular, the third Geneva Convention.
Mr. President,
The temperature in Kyiv right now is said to be -1 Celsius, with snow forecast.
The weather we have been both preparing for, and dreading, is now upon the people of Ukraine.
We must all work together to prevent a man-made humanitarian catastrophe this winter. The resulting shocks would exact a heavy price not only on Ukrainians, but on us all.
Immediate de-escalation is needed. We reiterate our call to all Member States and international organizations to support efforts to this end, with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
The United Nations will continue to do its part on the ground and remains ready to support all efforts towards peace – in line with the UN Charter and international law.
Addressing the Security Council on Wednesday, Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, warned of the devastation caused by Russia’s “relentless attacks” against civilians and critical infrastructure across Ukraine.
<p><span><span><span>Addressing the Security Council on Wednesday, Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, warned of the devastation caused by Russia’s “relentless attacks” against civilians and critical infrastructure across Ukraine.</span></span></span></p>
Between 14 - 18 of November, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia was in the town of...
ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL MARTHA AMA A. POBEE
REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON
THE SITUATION OF PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY AT SEA IN THE GULF OF GUINEA AND ITS UNDERLYING CAUSES
New York, 22 November 2022
M. le Président,
Distingués membres du Conseil,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Mr. President,
Mr. President,
Mr. President,
Mr. President,
Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Security Council,
Je vous remercie de votre attention / I thank you for your kind attention.
<p>Seven weeks since the UN-mediated nationwide truce in Yemen expired, the UN Special Envoy told the Security Council on Tuesday that despite “incidents of concern”, full-fledged war has not returned. </p>
<p>More than 40 people have been killed in Iran during the past week, including two teenagers, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/11/iran-critical-situation"... on Tuesday. </p>
<p>Although the past decade has seen a steady decline in piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, countries and their international partners must accelerate efforts to counter this singular threat, a senior UN official said in the Security Council on Tuesday. </p>
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL ROSEMARY A. DICARLO’S
REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON
NON-PROLIFERATION/DPRK
New York, 21 NOVEMBER 2022
Mr. President,
According to the official news agency of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and various government sources, at around 10:15 am local time on 18 November, the DPRK test-fired what it described as a new-type intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which it named the Hwasong-17.
The missile reportedly flew a distance of 1,000 km and to an altitude of approximately 6,100 km. It is reportedly the first successful test of the DPRK’s largest and most powerful missile, capable of reaching all of North America.
The launch was the latest in a series of alarming activities related to its nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes that the DPRK has conducted in 2022, including over 60 launches using ballistic missile technology. Two of those launches involved ballistic missiles characterised by the DPRK as intermediate-range, and three as intercontinental-range.
Other launches involved shorter-range missiles using ballistic technology and other systems, which the DPRK has stated are for use to deliver so-called “tactical” nuclear weapons. This year it has also carried out launches using ballistic missile technology to test so-called hypersonic weapons and satellite systems.
The DPRK did not issue airspace or maritime safety notifications for any of these launches. Unannounced launches represent a serious risk to international civil aviation and maritime traffic.
Mr. President,
The Secretary-General has strongly condemned the DPRK’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile launch, the second ICBM launch this month.
The DPRK’s continued pursuit of its nuclear weapons programme and launches of ballistic missiles blatantly violate relevant Security Council resolutions and have led to a significant escalation of tensions.
We reiterate our calls on the DPRK to desist from taking further provocative actions and to fully comply with its international obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions.
Mr. President,
The DPRK appears to be actively pursuing its nuclear programme. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on 16 November that the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site quote “remains prepared to support a nuclear test” end quote.
The IAEA has continued to observe activity at the site. It has also observed construction activities at the Yongbyon nuclear facilities as well as indications that the 5-megawatt nuclear reactor was operating.
Mr. President,
This is the tenth time the Council has met to discuss the DPRK in 2022, yet the situation on the Korean Peninsula continues to head in the wrong direction. The repeated missile launches, confrontational rhetoric, and military exercises contribute to a negative action-reaction cycle.
Tensions continue to increase, with no off-ramps in sight. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic is complicating diplomacy by impeding official and unofficial contacts with the DPRK.
It is critical to de-escalate and reduce tensions. Communication channels must be enhanced, particularly military to military, to lower the risk of miscalculation.
I join the Secretary-General in urging the DPRK to take immediate steps to resume dialogue leading to sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
I also conveyed our serious concerns during my meeting with the DPRK Permanent Representative on 9 November.
Mr. President,
The Secretary-General counts on Members of this Council, as a united body as well as individually, to urge the DPRK to refrain from carrying out further launches using ballistic missile technology or a seventh nuclear test.
Unity in the Security Council is critical, and a diplomatic solution is the only way forward.
Mr. President, let me close by stressing our concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in the DPRK.
The United Nations is ready to assist the DPRK in addressing medical and humanitarian needs, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To allow for a timely and effective response, we reiterate our call for the unimpeded entry of international staff and humanitarian supplies.
Thank you.
<p>Updating the Security Council on Monday, the head of UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) recalled that last Friday, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) test-fired what it described as a new-type of intercontinental ballistic missile. </p>
<p>At this transitional moment for humanity, it is important to uphold mutual respect, unity, and solidarity, the senior UN official promoting cross-cultural understanding and cooperation has stated. </p>
At this transitional moment for humanity, it is important to uphold mutual respect, unity, and solidarity, the senior UN official promoting cross-cultural understanding and cooperation has stated.
<p>At this transitional moment for humanity, it is important to uphold mutual respect, unity, and solidarity, the senior UN official promoting cross-cultural understanding and cooperation has stated. </p>
Powerful explosions shook the area of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), “abruptly ending a period of relative calm” at the facility, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency said on Sunday.
This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
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This week, DPPA received voluntary contribution from Türkiye to DPPA's Multi-Year Appeal, which will support our conflict prevention, mediation and sustainable peace work around the world.
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New York, 19 November 2022
Improving sanitation is a highly cost-effective way to transform people’s lives.
The benefits of better sanitation go far beyond public health. Safe toilets and sanitation improve nutrition, help to manage scarce water resources, and promote school attendance and work opportunities,...
New York, 19 November 2022
Improving sanitation is a highly cost-effective way to transform people’s lives.
The benefits of better sanitation go far beyond public health. Safe toilets and sanitation improve nutrition, help to manage scarce water resources, and promote school attendance and work opportunities,...
