Tag: Middle East

Security Council unanimously agrees to extend Syria cross-border aid lifeline — Global Issues

Ambassadors unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the renewal of the cross-border mechanism, a day before it was set to expire. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has taken note of the development, his Spokesperson said in a statement, which described the humanitarian operation as an “indispensable lifeline” for some 4.1 million people in the region. 

Expand humanitarian access 

“The decision to confirm the extension of that authorization for an additional six months comes as humanitarian needs have reached the highest levels since the start of the conflict in 2011, with people in Syria grappling with a harsh winter and a cholera outbreak,” it said.   

“Humanitarian access across Syria, including through cross-border and cross-line operations, must be expanded and humanitarian activities be broadened through investment in early recovery projects.” 

Resolution 2672 facilitates aid transport via the Bab al-Hawa crossing through a mechanism established nearly nine years ago. 

Reaching needy Syrians 

The draft was submitted by Brazil and Switzerland, continuing the work of previous penholders, Ireland and Norway, who put forward a resolution last July that authorized operations for six months, or through 10 January 2023.  Any extension would require a new resolution, it stipulated. 

“This resolution allows humanitarian actors, particularly the United Nations and its agencies, to continue to reach those in need in a coordinated and carefully monitored manner,” said Swiss Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl, speaking after the vote. 

“Rapid, unimpeded and sustainable access is needed,” she added.  “We call on all parties to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.” 

‘The bare minimum’: US Ambassador 

While the vote “allows the Syrian people to breathe a sigh of relief”, much more could have been done, according to Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Ambassador of the United States. 

Last July, the Council was unable to extend the mechanism for “a straightforward 12 months,” she said, thus making things harder and more costly for aid workers. 

“So, while it is important that this Council came together today, let’s be honest with ourselves: This resolution represents the bare minimum,” said Ms. Thomas-Greenfield 

“In fact, renewing this resolution should never have been a subject of debate. The debate we need to have, is how to strengthen the mechanism to reach more people with more assistance.” 

Russia on Syrian sovereignty  

Russia took the “difficult decision” to support the resolution’s adoption, Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya  said in his explanation, stating that humanitarian aid is flowing “to a Syrian enclave that is inundated with terrorists.” 

“As it currently stands, the resolution fails to reflect the aspirations of the Syrian people, who expect from the Security Council in addition to effective humanitarian efforts, respect for Syria’s territorial integrity and its sovereignty – not in words but in deeds,” he said, speaking through an interpreter. 

“The maintenance of the cross-border mechanism, which encroaches upon the universally recognized norms of humanitarian assistance, in no way helps to advance this objective.” 

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UN working to reduce tensions following Israel minister’s holy site visit — Global Issues

Ambassadors were briefed by Khalid Khiari, a UN Assistant Secretary-General, who expressed concern over the developments and the broader ongoing tensions and violence in the occupied West Bank.

On Monday, Israel’s new National Security Minister, far-right party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the hilltop compound in Jerusalem’s old city that is sacred to both Jews and Muslims.  He was reportedly accompanied by a heavy security detail. 

Visit viewed as ‘inflammatory’ 

This marked the first time since 2017 that an Israeli Minister has visited the site, known by Jews as Temple Mount and by Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, and which is administered by Jordan. 

The Al-Asqa Mosque, located there, has seen previous clashes between Israelis and Palestinians.  

“While the visit was not accompanied or followed by violence, it is seen as particularly inflammatory given Mr. Ben-Gvir’s past advocacy for changes to the status quo,” said Mr. Khiari. 

The move drew sharp condemnation from the Palestinian Authority, and many others from across the region and the international community, who viewed it as provocative. 

‘Deeply fragile’ situation 

“As we have seen numerous times in the past, the situation at Jerusalem’s Holy Sites is deeply fragile, and any incident or tension there can spill over and cause violence throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in Israel, and elsewhere in the region,” he said. 

“With that reality in mind, I reiterate the Secretary General’s call for all parties to refrain from steps that could escalate tensions in and around the Holy Sites, and for all to uphold the status quo, in line with the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.” 

Mr. Khiari said the UN has remained in close contact with relevant parties to de-escalate the situation, and this engagement will continue. 

“At this sensitive moment, all efforts to lower tensions should be encouraged, while provocations, inflammatory steps, unilateral actions and threats of violence must be categorically rejected,” he told the Council. 

“Leaders on all sides have a responsibility to lower the flames and create the conditions for calm,” he added. 

UN Photo/Manuel Elías

Advancing an ‘extremist agenda’: Palestine 

Palestinian representative Riyad Mansour insisted that the Israeli Minister did not go to the holy site just to visit.  

Rather, Mr. Ben-Gvir “is pursuing the same extremist agenda he has pursued all his life – ending the historic status quo,” he said, adding “that is his objective regardless of the consequences. The same agenda he was elected on and joined the Israeli government to advance.” 

Haram Al-Sharif is located in occupied East Jerusalem, which is an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Mr. Mansour told the Council.

“Israel has no claim and no right to sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and therefore no rightful claim over Al-Haram Al-Sharif,” he said. 

Mr. Mansour insisted that there can be no peace without Jerusalem. 

“The future of conflict and peace in our region will be determined in Jerusalem, not any other capital around the world,” he said. “Anybody who says otherwise is either delusional or lying.”  

UN Photo/Loey Felipe

‘A trivial matter’: Israel 

Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan said he was “overjoyed” to learn the Council had convened an emergency session on the Minister’s “quiet, orderly and uneventful visit” to Temple Mount. 

“I figured that if this important body is meeting to discuss such a trivial matter, then we clearly achieved world peace overnight,” he remarked.  “After all, why else would this Council dedicate its time to such a menial occurrence?” 

Mr. Erdan said the visit was in line with the status quo, and those who claim otherwise are only inflaming the situation.  

“Jews are allowed to visit the Temple Mount – every Jew, including the Minister tasked with the security and safety of the Temple Mount,” he stated.  

Rather than protecting the sanctity of the site,  Palestinians have turned it into a battleground, he said. 

“Time and again, the mosques are used as arsenals, where tourists keep rocks and explosives to attack Jewish visitors and security forces”, he added. “The hallowed ground is used as a platform for Palestinian incitement, poisoning the minds of youth and stoking the flames of violence.” 

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Rights experts call for renewal of cross-border aid resolution — Global Issues

They warned of the dire consequences of not renewing Resolution 2642, which is set to expire on 10 January. 

“If the cross-border resolution is not renewed, the already desperate humanitarian situation in northwest Syria will be further aggravated at a time when people in the country need the international community’s support to survive,” they said in a statement. 

Women and girls affected 

For eight years, the resolution has allowed critical aid supplies to be delivered to northwest Syria “despite current limitations in its scope and duration.” 

The experts noted that access to healthcare remains challenging for many Syrians due to factors such as insecurity, difficulties simply reaching health facilities, and security challenges affecting the freedom of movement, but also patriarchal norms and gender-based violence that disproportionally affect women and girls. 

Each month, the UN reaches 2.7 million people with cross-border assistance. Roughly 80 percent are women and children who face additional burdens and risks to their physical and mental health resulting from the non-fulfillment of their routine and emergency sexual and reproductive health needs. 

Ever-growing needs 

“The renewal of the resolution is the minimum required to respond to the ever-growing needs and vulnerabilities of millions of civilians in the northwest.  There is no comparable alternative to cross-border aid to reach the 4.1 million people that need it there,” they said. 

The experts warned that failure to renew the resolution would drastically disrupt and reduce the delivery of life-saving humanitarian and medical aid in the region. 

“Despite the support provided by civil society and other international and national organizations to scale up humanitarian response activities, we express concern about the risks of increase of hunger among the population, the lack of access for patients to receive appropriate and timely health care,” they said. 

Lives at risk 

Furthermore, insufficient prioritization of access to a full range of sexual and reproductive health goods, information and services, in particular for adolescents and victims of sexual violence, has created additional challenges for women and girls.  

“This is compounded by the risk for millions of people of losing shelter assistance and access to water. We are deeply concerned that the deprivations caused by ending UN cross-border operations will result in preventable deaths.” 

The 15 experts who issued the statement were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. 

They are independent of any government or organization, work on a voluntary basis, and operate in their individual capacity. 

They are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. 

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Arab region registers world’s highest unemployment rate, UN survey finds — Global Issues

However, the Survey of Economic and Social Developments in the Arab Region, published by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) projects post-COVID-19 economic recovery efforts to prompt a very slight decrease next year – to 11.7 per cent.

Mounting poverty

Meanwhile, poverty measured against national lines also surged, affecting 130 million people in Arab countries, revealed the Survey.

Excluding Libya and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, more than one-third of the region’s population is affected.

Moreover, poverty levels are expected to rise over the next two years, reaching 36 per cent of the population in 2024.

Good news in growth

Notwithstanding disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine, the Survey showed an expected 3.4 per cent growth next year throughout the Arab region.

While inflation rates jumped this year to 14 per cent, they are predicted to drop to eight and 4.5 per cent, respectively, in the next two years.

Noteworthy discrepancies

Yet, despite the region’s positive growth outlook, Ahmed Moummi, lead author of the Survey, pointed to significant discrepancies among countries – which were exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

Noting that repercussions were not the same for all Arab States, he maintained that Gulf Cooperation Council countries and other oil-exporting ones will continue to benefit from higher energy prices.

At the same time, oil-importing nations will suffer from several socioeconomic challenges, including rising energy costs, food supply shortages, and drops in both tourism and international aid inflows.

“The current situation presents an opportunity for oil-exporting Arab countries to diversify their economies away from the energy sector by accumulating reserves and investing in projects that generate inclusive growth and sustainable development”, Mr. Moummi underscored.

Through its annual Survey, ESCWA provides an analysis of the latest social and economic trends in the region to help member States in developing and implementing evidence-based policies, and improving economic planning processes for sustainable and inclusive development.

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Needs rise amid deepening humanitarian and economic crisis — Global Issues

Ambassadors were briefed by the UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, who stressed the need to give Syrians hope. 

Some 14.6 million people require support – a 1.2 million increase over 2021 – and the number is expected to reach 15.3 million next year.   

“Syrians are facing an ever-deepening humanitarian and economic crisis – inside and outside the country, and in both Government-controlled areas and areas outside Government control, where the situation remains most dire, especially in camps for the displaced,” said Mr. Pedersen. 

A bleak picture 

The UN envoy reported that needs are rising as resources are dwindling. 

Electricity and fuel are scarcer than ever, while many people are unable to access clean water and healthcare.  

Energy shortages have forced the Government to close state agencies for several days at a time, and the Syrian pound has fallen to new record lows.  

Even people who do not need assistance because they receive regular salaries now require support. 

Potential for ‘catastrophic deterioration’ 

“This bleak humanitarian and economic picture is bad enough; add to it the continued armed conflict and the dangers of military escalation, and the potential for catastrophic deterioration is all too real,” Mr. Pedersen warned. 

Although no party has carried out any large-scale military operations, “dangerous dynamics” persist, he said. 

Sporadic pro-Government airstrikes in the northwest have been reported, along with Turkish airstrikes in the north, and strikes in Damascus and the southwest attributed to Israel. 

Furthermore, shelling, rocket fire and intermittent clashes have occurred on contact lines, involving “the full spectrum of actors” in the conflict, while the extremist group ISIL continues attacks against the various sides. 

Six-point agenda 

Mr. Pedersen appealed for the Council to “shift these worrying dynamics”.  He outlined a six-point agenda and urged the Council to back it. 

“I will spare no effort to bring about some movement on this extremely difficult conflict in the year ahead. We must give Syrians hope for the future,” he said. 

His first point called for stepping back from escalation and restoring relative calm on the ground.   

The envoy urged the Council to renew its framework to provide unfettered humanitarian access to all Syrians who require assistance, and by all modalities. 

He also stressed the need to resume the meetings of the Syrian Constitutional Committee and to make them more substantive.   

Detainees and missing persons 

His fourth point centred on detained, disappeared and missing persons, and his ongoing push for releases as well as information. 

“The fifth point is to further the dialogue towards identifying and implementing initial step-for-step confidence building measures,” said Mr. Pedersen, referring to engagement with Syrian stakeholders and international actors. 

“If this were done, I believe it could begin to have a meaningful impact on the lives of ordinary Syrians, shift some of the negative dynamics on the ground, and build some trust and confidence between the parties and in the political process.” 

For his final point, Mr. Pedersen highlighted the importance of engagement with Syrian civil society, including the Women’s Advisory Board. 

Struggling to survive 

Addressing the staggering needs, Mr. Griffiths reported that the vast majority of Syrian families are either struggling or unable to meet their basic needs. 

Twelve million people, over half the population, are finding it hard to put food on the table.  Nearly three million more could face food insecurity. 

The war has displaced millions of Syrians, two million of whom are living in tents, camps and makeshift shelters, even during sub-zero winter temperatures.  

Renew cross-border aid 

The country also saw a resurgence in cholera this year, with more than 60,000 cases and 100 deaths. 

A Security Council resolution that authorizes delivery of cross-border aid into northwest Syria from Türkiye is set to expire in mere weeks.  Mr. Griffiths appealed for continued support. 

“I can’t stress enough the importance of maintaining this lifeline for millions of people in the northwest,” he said.  “Not renewing that resolution jeopardizes the delivery of aid when people need it the most.” 

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Quash death sentence for Jordanian convicted of drug offences, urge UN experts — Global Issues

“Under international law, States that have not yet abolished the death penalty may only impose it for the ‘most serious crimes’, involving intentional killing”, the UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts said in a statement, continuing to urge the Saudi Government to “abolish the death penalty for drug convictions”. 

Hussein Abo al-Kheir was arrested at the Saudi border in 2014 while driving across from Jordan.  

Under the 2005 Law on Control of Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances, he was sentenced to death for alleged drug trafficking in 2015. 

Use of force  

If Mr. Abo-al-Kheir’s execution is carried out, he would be the 21st person to be executed in Saudi Arabia since the beginning of November.  

The experts said that while in pre-trial detention, he was reportedly tortured, held incommunicado, forcibly disappeared and eventually coerced into signing a false confession.  

Moreover, he was allegedly denied legal counsel and access to consular information after his arrest. 

Although Mr. Abo al-Kheir’s allegations of torture during his detention in Tabouk Central Prison since 2015 were reportedly not investigated, he has apparently been denied medical assistance despite deteriorating mental and physical health and near-blindness, the experts said.  

“The use of evidence and confessions extracted under torture serving to convict individuals on death row, not only violates the prohibition against torture but is also in conflict with the right to fair trial under international law”, underscored the experts.  

‘Discriminatory treatment’ 

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has found the deprivation of liberty of Mr. Abo al-Kheir to be arbitrary and without legal basis and has called for his release. 

Last Friday, he was told that he would be transferred to a “death cell” in Tabouk Central Prison. 

Since 10 November, 20 individuals, including 12 foreign nationals, have been executed by Saudi authorities.  

“We are concerned that a disproportionate number of those being sentenced to death for drug-related offences are migrants”, the experts said.  

“The practice amounts to discriminatory treatment of non-nationals.” 

The experts said they were alarmed that executions happen without warning and are only confirmed after they take place in Saudi Arabia.  

“The failure to provide individuals on death row timely notification about the date of their execution constitutes a form of ill-treatment”, they said. 

Right to life 

Alarmed also by Saudi Arabia’s decision to end its 21-month unofficial moratorium, the experts said that any measures to abolish the death penalty should be seen as progress towards the realization of the right to life.  

By extension, the resumption of executions results in less protection of the right to life. 

“We respectfully reiterate our call to the Government of Saudi Arabia to consider establishing an official moratorium on all executions with a view to fully abolish the death penalty and to commute the death sentences of individuals on death row for drug offences to imprisonment consistent with international human rights law”, the UN experts said. 

The experts 

Click here for the names of those who participated in the statement. 

Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not paid for their work. 

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UN envoy warns against ‘worrying and dangerous’ military escalation in Syria — Global Issues

Mr. Pedersen feared the ramp-up in military operations has the potential to unravel a strategic stalemate in the war that has brought relative calm for almost three years. 

‘Escalatory dynamics’ 

“In repeated briefings, I have warned of the dangers of military escalation in Syria. I am here in person today to tell you that escalatory dynamics are taking place, and this is worrying and dangerous,” he said. 

He reported that in recent months, mutual strikes have slowly increased in the north between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on one side, and Türkiye and armed opposition groups on the other, with the violence spilling over the border. 

Following a deadly bombing in Istanbul earlier this month, Türkiye launched airstrikes on what it said were terrorist targets across northern Syria and Iraq.  SDF strikes on Turkish forces, and armed opposition-controlled areas and inside Turkish territory, also were reported. 

‘Deeply worrying’ trend  

Meanwhile, deadly pro-Government air and ground-based strikes have occurred in Idlib, in northwestern Syria – the last area where rebel groups hold sway – hitting camps that host internally displaced persons. 

Reported terrorist attacks also were carried out against Syrian forces in Government-controlled areas. 

Furthermore, strikes attributed to Israel hit Damascus, Homs, Hama and Latakia, prompting Syrian Government anti-aircraft fire in response.  There also were reports of airstrikes on the border between Syria and Iraq, among other incidents. 

“The trend lines are deeply worrying, and carry real dangers of further escalation,” Mr. Pedersen told the Council. 

“Let me therefore call loudly and clearly on all actors to restrain themselves and engage in serious efforts to reinstate the calm, move towards a nationwide ceasefire and a cooperative approach to counter-terrorism in line with international humanitarian law.” 

© UNICEF/Delil Souleiman

A mother in Raqqa city, Syria, collects medicine for her children suffering with diarrhoea and also receives instructions on how to sterilize water to guard against cholera.

Building stakeholder confidence 

In the interim, Mr. Pedersen continues to work with stakeholders to promote what he called “step-for-step confidence building measures” towards a Syrian-led political process. 

He also will further engage with the Government during a visit to Damascus next week. 

However, the UN envoy lamented that the Syrian Constitutional Committee has not met for six months, noting that it is the only process that brings together representatives nominated by the Government, opposition, and civil society. 

“The longer it lies dormant, the harder it will be to resume. And the absence of a credible political process can only promote further conflict and instability,” he remarked. 

‘A fork in the road’ 

Addressing the overall situation in Syria, Mr. Pedersen worried that “we are at something of a fork in the road”, given the potential for a resumption of major military operations. 

“I fear what this would mean for Syrian civilians, and also for wider regional stability. And I equally fear a scenario where the situation escalates in part because there is today no serious effort to resolve the conflict politically,” he said. 

He outlined steps for the way forward, which include stepping back from escalation and restoring relative calm on the ground, as well as resuming the Constitutional Committee meetings in Geneva. 

Surge in needs 

This approach also calls for action on the humanitarian front. More Syrians need aid relief each year to survive, according to UN relief chief Martin Griffiths, who also briefed the Council. 

“We expect to see a surge in the number of people needing humanitarian assistance from 14.6 million this year to over 15 million in 2023,” he said. 

Building on the Special Envoy’s remarks, Mr. Griffiths reported that the recent hostilities in the north have had a detrimental impact on civilians and critical civilian infrastructure. 

“Like Geir…I am equally horrified by the most recent murders reported in Al Hol camp of two girls, who were 12 and 15 years old. Life there is a misery, but their death there is a tragedy,” he added. 

Struggling to survive 

Mr. Griffiths reminded ambassadors that northern Syria continues to face a water crisis brought on by factors such as insufficient rainfall, severe drought-like conditions, damaged water infrastructure, and low water levels in the Euphrates River. 

“The current rapid spread of cholera, a waterborne disease, should therefore come as a surprise to no one. Nor should the fact that cholera has also seeped into Lebanon since, as we know only too well, diseases know no borders,” he said. 

Spiralling global food prices have also hit Syrians hard, and they are struggling to put food on the table, while another harsh winter is on the way, with millions of families living in tents. 

Syrians need peace 

The UN humanitarian chief underscored the importance of maintaining aid delivery to northwest Syria through cross-border operations from Türkiye, which will expire by the end of the year. 

He emphasized the greater need for peace, highlighting the critical work of the UN Special Envoy. 

“What the people of Syria want is to see me go, and him arrive; to see the need for aid to disappear, and the arrival of peace to be celebrated among them, and shared by them,” said Mr. Griffiths. 

“And that, of course, is the principal task and raison d’etre of this Council, and we must hope that we will soon see these things happen.” 

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Israeli-Palestinian conflict nearing ‘boiling point’, UN envoy warns — Global Issues

Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland called for stronger international commitment towards the two-State solution and outlined potential ways to move forward.  

He reported that high levels of violence in the occupied West Bank and Israel in recent months has resulted in grave suffering. 

This included attacks against civilians from both sides, increased use of arms, and settler-related violence. 

Surge in violence 

“After decades of persistent violence, illegal settlement expansion, dormant negotiations and deepening occupation, the conflict is again reaching a boiling point,” he said. 

Last week, two Israelis were killed, and more than a dozen injured, in bombings in Jerusalem, which the envoy condemned.  Days before, Israeli settlers violently attacked Palestinians in Hebron, which he also denounced. 

“This surge in violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is taking place in the context of a stalled peace process and entrenched occupation, and amidst mounting economic and institutional challenges faced by the Palestinian Authority,” said Mr. Wennesland. 

“Global trends and declining donor support have compounded these challenges, alongside an absence of democratic renewal for the Palestinian people.”  

Risk of escalation  

Furthermore, the “fragile calm” in Gaza was recently interrupted when Palestinian militants launched four rockets towards Israel, prompting airstrikes by the country’s defense forces. 

“Once again, we are reminded that the mix of militant activity, debilitating closures, absence of the legitimate Palestinian Government and hopelessness create an ever-present risk of escalation,” he said. 

Mr. Wennesland and his team have continued to hold discussions with Palestinian and Israeli officials, and with international and regional actors. 

Progress and restrictions 

The UN worked with partners to mediate and support ceasefires in Gaza in May and earlier in the year. 

Measures were implemented to support the local economy, including improvements to movement and access in and out of Gaza, for both people and goods. 

Critical projects were carried out, he continued, such as providing fuel to the Gaza power plant and assistance to more than 100,000 needy families, which will continue into the coming year. 

Mr. Wennesland also pointed to progress. For example, he noted that Israel has approved the highest number of permits for Palestinians from Gaza to work in its territory since 2007.   

Nevertheless, restrictions and delays continue, which negatively impact humanitarian and development efforts.  

“These preventive and de-escalation measures and diplomatic engagements have helped maintain calm on the ground and provide some space for progress, but without tangible movement on the political track, their benefits are likely to be short-lived,” he said. 

Palestinian Authority problems 

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority faces significant and institutional challenges, he added.   

Elections have not been held since 2006, and more than half the electorate – people aged 18 to 35 – has never had the chance to vote. 

“This is taking place against the backdrop of changing dynamics in the region, shifting international priorities, and more recently, the fallout of the conflict in Ukraine, which have significantly reduced the attention paid to this conflict,” said Mr. Wennesland. 

Engagement on political issues 

The envoy underscored the need to take urgent steps towards the two-State solution, which, he said, “still garners considerable support among Palestinians and Israelis”. 

He outlined three related actions aimed at moving the sides forward on fundamental political issues.

“First, we must continue to engage with the parties to reduce tensions and counter negative trends, particularly those impacting final status issues. This will involve reining in violence and incitement and holding perpetrators accountable. This means that both sides stop unilateral steps that undermine peace, including settlement expansion or legalization, demolitions and displacement,” he said. 

His second point called for improving access, movement and trade to create room for the Palestinian economy to grow.  A more comprehensive approach to easing restrictions on movements of people and goods in Gaza is also required, among other measures. 

International support needed 

For his final point, Mr. Wennesland highlighted the need to strengthen Palestinian institutions, improve governance and shore up the fiscal health of the Palestinian Authority (PA). 

“The PA’s political legitimacy and accountability must also be strengthened through democratic reforms and opening of the civic space, holding elections across the OPT (Occupied Palestinian Territory) and ensuring the effectiveness and credibility of the Palestinian security forces,” he further stated. 

“Without implementing points one and two above, this will not be possible,” he added. 

Mr. Wennesland recognized that advancing these steps “will be a formidable task” under the current circumstances.  He called for greater commitment from the international community, as well as coordinated and sustained attention, resources and engagement with the parties. 

“Ultimately, only Palestinians and Israelis can together determine their future,” he said.  “But the UN and the international community – including through regional and international frameworks – must support the parties in moving towards a political horizon aligned with the core principles outlined above.” 

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Resumption of executions for drug offences ‘deeply regrettable’, UN rights office says — Global Issues

Spokesperson Liz Throssell said executions have been taking place almost daily over the past two weeks, following the end of a 21-month official moratorium. 

“The resumption of executions for drug-related offences in Saudi Arabia is a deeply regrettable step, all the more so coming just days after a wide majority of States in the UN General Assembly called for a moratorium on the death penalty worldwide,” she told journalists in Geneva. 

17 executions to date 

Since 10 November, Saudi Arabia has executed 17 men for what were termed drug and contraband offences, with three taking place on Monday. 

Those executed to date were four Syrians, three Pakistanis, three Jordanians, and seven Saudis. 

As executions are only confirmed after they take place, OHCHR does not have information on how many people may be on death row in the country. 

Halt imminent execution 

However, Ms. Throssell said they have received reports that a Jordanian man, Hussein abo al-Kheir, may be at imminent risk. 

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had previously taken up his case and found that his detention lacked legal basis and was arbitrary.  The rights experts also noted grave concerns relating to his right to a fair trial. 

“We urge the Saudi Government to halt al-Kheir’s reported imminent execution and to comply with the Working Group’s opinion by quashing his death sentence, releasing him immediately and unconditionally, and by ensuring that he receives medical care, compensation and other reparations,” she said. 

Against international norms 

Ms. Throssell stressed that imposing the death penalty for drug offences is incompatible with international norms and standards.  

“We call on the Saudi authorities to adopt a formal moratorium on executions for drug-related offences, to commute death sentences for drug-related offences, and to ensure the right to a fair trial for all defendants, including those charged with such offences, in line with its international obligations,” she said. 

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Terrifying surge in violence affecting children ‘must stop’ – UNICEF — Global Issues

“Children in the region continue to suffer the devastating impact of protracted conflicts, communal violence, explosive ordnance and remnants of war, and political and social unrest that permeate several countries”, the UN agency said, including in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Before marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, on Sunday’s World Children’s Day, UNICEF raised the alarm that nearly 580 children have been killed in conflict or violence across the MENA region this year, with many others injured.

Case in point

Just this week, two young girls were found brutally murdered in Al-Hol camp for displaced people, many of whom are family members of former terrorist fighters, in northern Syria – just the latest act of horrific violence there.

And while a UN-supported truce in Yemen has led to a significant reduction in the intensity of the conflict and the number of victims, it expired last month – again leaving children potentially in the crosshairs.

Conflict in Blue Nile and West Kordofan States has also left children in Sudan vulnerable and exposed to violence.

Terror in Iran

At the same time, UNICEF remains deeply concerned by reports of children being killed, injured, and detained in Iran.

Despite a lack of official data, since late September an estimated 50 children have reportedly lost their lives in public unrest there.

The latest horrible loss was 10-year-old Kiyan, who was shot dead while in the car with his family.

“This is terrifying and must stop”, UNICEF spelled out.

A heavy price

Meanwhile, earlier in the week, a 14-year-old Palestinian girl was killed near Ramallah – bringing the number of children killed in Palestine to 49, since the start of the year.

And violence in Tripoli earlier in the year took the lives of at least three children in Libya.

Moreover, in Iraq explosive ordnances from previous conflicts continue to put the children’s lives at risk, killing and injuring 65 this year so far.

UNICEF is alarmed that children are continuing to pay a heavy price for violence and conflict.

The UN agency reminded that the Convention of the Rights of the Child provides a universal set of standards to be adhered to by all countries – including the principle of non-discrimination; that children’s best interests be a primary consideration in all actions concerning children; and, critically, their right to life.

States party to the Convention are under obligation to protect children in conflict and violence and guarantee their inherent right to life.

“The right of children to be protected from violence should be upheld at all times and by all parties to conflicts”, said UNICEF. “Violence is never a solution, and violence against children is never defensible”.

UNICEF/Romenzi

Migrant children walk outside a detention centre located in Tripoli, Libya.

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