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.
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>
<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>
<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>
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,...
<p>The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has reiterated its call for a ban on forced returns to eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including asylum seekers who have had their claims rejected.</p>
<p>Children across the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) are again confronting a surge in violence, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Friday, describing the “unacceptable reality” that on average, over 10 children have been killed every week since the beginning of the year.</p>
<p>A “breakthrough” has been made on the potential distribution of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of Russian-made fertiliser blocked in European ports and which are vital to avoid a global food insecurity crisis next year, a senior United Nations official said on Friday.</p>
She Stands For Peace | Season 3-Episode 11 | Out Now! Click here to listen: https://unoau.unmissions.org/podcast-series-she-stands-peace
<p>UN Secretary-General <a href="https://www.un.org/sg/en">António Guterres</a> on Thursday welcomed the renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which had been due to expire on Saturday.</p>
<p>The entire credibility and relevance of the United Nations will be called into question unless the General Assembly finally takes a lead on reforming the Organisation’s most powerful body responsible for peace and security issues, the Security Council.</p>
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL ROSEMARY A. DICARLO’S
REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON
UKRAINE
New York, 16 NOVEMBER 2022
Mr President,
In the past few days, Ukrainians have been subjected to some of the most intense bombardments of the nine-month-old war. Russian missiles and drones have rained down on Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Kharkiv, Lviv, Poltava and elsewhere, destroying or damaging homes and severely disrupting critical services.
The impact of such attacks can only worsen during the coming winter months.
As of 14 November, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has recorded 16,631 civilian casualties: 6,557 persons killed and 10,074 injured since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The recent barrages will alas add to horrific toll the war has already taken.
I must say it again: attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law.
The military dynamics on the ground continue to evolve. In the past week, the city of Kherson returned to Ukrainian Government control. Heavy battles also continue in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Indeed, there is no end in sight to the war. As long as it continues, the risks of potentially catastrophic spillover remain all too real.
Yesterday’s incident in Poland near the Ukrainian border was a frightening reminder of the absolute need to prevent any further escalation.
I wish to join the Secretary-General in extending condolences to the families of the two Polish civilians killed in the incident.
Mr. President,
The ongoing bombardment of Ukraine has already damaged an estimated 40 per cent of the country’s power-generation capacity. Kyiv has been hit hardest. Most parts of the capital are now without electricity for 12 hours a day.
As the Ukrainian Government focuses on repairing damaged infrastructure, the United Nations has made it a priority to ensure that the most vulnerable receive winter supplies and services. More than 185,000 people have already received essential basic winter supplies.
Humanitarian partners are setting up “heating points” near the front lines. Some 525 generators were provided or are being distributed, to priority institutions, including hospitals, collective centers, clinics.
Humanitarian access has resumed in the areas back under Ukrainian Government control, including in Kherson. However, it is still extremely difficult to reach people in need in areas of the east and south under the control of the Russian military and across the front line.
Mine contamination - particularly in areas close to the front or where control has recently shifted – are putting more lives at risk, impeding the movement of civilians and hampering humanitarian efforts.
I remind the parties that international humanitarian law requires them to facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for all civilians in need.
Mr. President,
The allegations of atrocities and human rights violations in Ukraine during this war are extensive.
Today I would like to highlight grave concerns about the rights, safety and security of the youngest Ukrainians. Over 400 children have been killed, and many more have been injured, lost their family members, or been forced to leave their homes.
According to the Government portal “Children of War,” 279 children were considered missing as of 12 November.
There are also disturbing reports of forced transfers of children, including of some under institutionalized care to Russian-occupied territory, or to the Russian Federation.
OHCHR has documented several individual cases, including of unaccompanied children, that appear to amount to deportations to the Russian Federation – in violation of international humanitarian law.
OHCHR also continues to document other types of human rights violations, including 57 verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence. Forty-eight of these cases are attributable to Russian armed forces and affiliated groups; nine are attributable to Ukrainian armed forces and law enforcement authorities.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine continues its work towards accountability for alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law with ongoing investigations in and out of Ukraine.
The Commissioners are planning another visit to Ukraine before the end of the year.
Another issue of concern is the conditions of prisoners of war. I welcome the continued prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, including most recently on 11 November. We encourage the sides to continue releasing POWs.
I call on the parties to ensure humane treatment of prisoners of war, in line with their obligations under international law, in particular, the Third Geneva Convention. I also call on the Russian Federation to grant OHCHR and ICRC unimpeded access to detainees.
Mr. President,
The extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative remains vital to help avert a food crisis for millions of people. More than 10 million metric tons of foodstuffs have now been moved under the Initiative, reaching, or on the way to, some 40 countries.
The impact of the Initiative extends far beyond immediate ports of arrival, helping to lower global prices for key food commodities around the world.
The Secretary-General has continued his engagement with all parties in support of the renewal and full implementation of the Initiative.
He has also emphasized his commitment to removing remaining obstacles to Russian food and fertilizer exports. These products are not under international sanctions but suffer indirect impacts.
It is important and critical to get them back to world markets – the sooner, the better.
Mr. President,
The risk of a nuclear incident in the context of the open hostilities in Ukraine remains an unacceptable danger. I wish to echo the serious concerns expressed by numerous Member States in this regard.
The IAEA Director-General has recently briefed this Council on the organization’s latest efforts, including ongoing discussions regarding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as well as assessments of activities and materials at other sites in Ukraine.
The IAEA has reported that, in the coming weeks, it will send nuclear safety and security missions to three more operating nuclear power plants, as well as to Chernobyl, at the request of the Ukrainian Government.
I reiterate the imperative to avoid any military activity that could risk compromising the safety and security of any nuclear facility.
Mr. President,
Since before the invasion of 24 February, the United Nations and many others in the global community warned of the consequences of a wider war in Ukraine, for Ukrainians, first of all, but also for much of the world.
Those fears have amply borne out.
One significant casualty of the war has been the international collective security system we have all pledged to uphold.
The damage to the structures built to resolve or manage tensions and conflict is significant, making it, in turn, even more difficult to chart a path out of the hostilities in Ukraine.
There is only one way to stop the death, destruction and division. The war must end. And it must end in line with international law and the UN Charter, as called for by the UN General Assembly.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL MARTHA AMA A. POBEE
REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON
PEACE AND SECURITY IN AFRICA:
JOINT FORCE OF THE GROUP OF FIVE FOR THE SAHEL
New York, 16 November 2022
M. le Président, Distingués membres du Conseil,
Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Security Council,
Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Security Council,
Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Security Council,
Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Security Council,
Je vous remercie de votre attention.
<p>The new UN human rights chief ended his first country visit on Wednesday explaining that he had chosen Sudan to “bring a strong message” that human rights must “be at the core” of its transition away from military rule to democracy. </p>
<p>Some of the most intense bombardments in the war in Ukraine have occurred in recent days, UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council on Wednesday, warning against the risk of escalation and spillover into other countries.</p>
<p>The security situation in the Sahel continues to deteriorate, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Wednesday, explaining that indiscriminate terrorist violence “means thousands of innocent civilians are suffering, and millions of others are forced to leave their homes”. </p>
New York, 21 November 2022
Every year, 1.3 million people die in road accidents and 50 million more are injured. This is the leading cause of death for children and young people.
One of the best ways to remember and honour the victims is by doing our part to make roads safer around the world.
Road traffic crashes are linked to development. Nine...
<p>The UN human rights office, OHCHR, <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-briefing-notes/2022/11/iran-call-immediat... target="_blank">called on Tuesday</a> for the immediate release of thousands of Iranian citizens who have been detained after peacefully demonstrating against the Government following the death of Mahsa Amini for breaking strict hijab rules two months ago.</p>
<p>Efforts continue to get political leaders in Libya to overcome their differences so that long-awaited presidential and parliamentary elections can finally take place, the Security Council heard on Tuesday. </p>
<p>Prisoners of war on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine have told UN human rights investigators that they have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment while held captive. </p>
