This Week in DPPAis a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
Security Council
USG DiCarlo warns of weakened international collective security system in wake of Ukraine war
Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the Security Council on 23 June on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine. She said the Russian invasion and war had created a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe and weakened the international collective security system that we have all pledged to uphold. She added that an end to the war founded on international law and the Charter is the surest way to ensure that the tremendous suffering ceases.
Read full remarks here
UNSMIL Special Representative briefs Council on political process in Libya
On 19 June, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Abdoulaye Bathily provided the Council with updates on the current situation. The 6+6 Committee of the House of Representatives and High Council of State, which is dedicated to finalizing electoral laws, has seen “a flurry of mixed reactions” among stakeholders, he said, which noted both progress and shortcomings. While there has also been renewed commitment to advance human rights in Libya, there had also been an increase in restrictions on fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly and freedom of movement. New restrictions for civil society and on women’s freedom of movement are alarming in a country that is working to hold fair, credible elections. “The political process in Libya has once again reached a critical stage,” he underlined.
Read full remarks here
UNAMA head briefs Council on Afghanistan, notes restrictions placed on women by Taliban
On 21 June, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva, briefing the Security Council and noted that the situation in the country remains complicated. The 5 April restrictions against Afghan women working for the United Nations place a question mark over activities across the country. As UNAMA will not place its national female staff in danger, she said, they have been asked not to report to the office, while male national staff performing non-essential tasks have been asked to stay home to respect the principle of non-discrimination. She also underscored that while the Taliban ask to be recognized by the United Nations, it acts against the key values expressed in the Charter. It prevents girls from attending non-religious secondary and tertiary education institutions and from visiting public parks, baths and gyms. She called on the de facto authorities to rescind the bans.
Read full remarks here
Special Representative Laing briefs Council on political and security situation in Somalia
On 22 June, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) Catriona Laing briefed the Council for the first time. She spoke about her first two weeks in Somalia, and went on to provide political, security and humanitarian updates. She noted that Somalia has made significant progress in advancing key national priorities, including the appointment of the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission; the passage of 11 pieces of legislation, of which six have already been signed into law; and successful one-person-one-vote district council elections in Puntland state. She also expressed her concern over the ongoing conflict in Laascaanood, which had so far resulted in 308 civilian casualties, with 36 people killed and 272 individuals injured. She noted that UNSOM good offices were at the disposal of all parties to help agree on a peaceful way forward.
Read full remarks here
Peacebuilding Commission
Ambassadorial-level meeting on indigenous peoples, peace and reconciliation in Canada, Colombia and Norway
On 19 June, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened a meeting on Indigenous Peoples, Peace and Reconciliation in Canada, Colombia and Norway. Briefers from the three countries noted the particular discrimination and marginalization faced by Indigenous communities, and also spoke about what has been done to reduce violence and ensure inclusive peacebuilding in consideration of Indigenous rights. Participants underscored the importance of establishing truth and remembering the past through transitional justice processes and as part of successful reconciliation.
Watch the meeting here
Ambassadorial-level meeting on the Sahel
On 23 June, PBC convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting on the Sahel, focusing on peacebuilding efforts in the context of transnational organized crime, conflict and terrorism and violent extremism, as well as on the efforts necessary to address the root causes of the drivers of insecurity and instability in the region. The Commission underscored the need for comprehensive, integrated, and localized approaches to address the deteriorating security situation in the region. The Commission also called for urgent peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian support to the region for sustainable and inclusive peace and development.
Watch the meeting here
Academic Council on the UN System
We need urgent, united action to face global crises, says USG DiCarlo at meeting of Academic Council on the UN System
On 21 June in Washington D.C., Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo gave the keynote address at the Annual Meeting of the Academic Council on the UN System. She underlined that “the post-Cold War period is clearly over, but the contours of what is to follow it are still unclear.” International cooperation, she said, was becoming harder to achieve, and increasing competition between major powers was taking its place.
Read full remarks here
Next Week
On 27 June, the Security Council will discuss the Middle East Peace Process. On 29 June, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Geir O. Pedersen will brief the Council on Syria.
On 26 June, the Peacebuilding Commission will hold an Ambassadorial-level meeting on Peacebuilding in Honduras (ECOSOC Chamber, 3PM EDT). On 29 June, there will be a Joint meeting of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Peacebuilding Commission (ECOSOC Chamber, 10AM EDT).
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