Guterres calls for peaceful resolution of election disputes in Zimbabwe — Global Issues

Citizens went to the polls on Wednesday but voting had to be extended into Thursday in some areas, including the capital, Harare, due to a lack of ballot papers.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa secured a second five-year term in results announced late on Saturday.

His party, ZANU-PF, has been in power since 1980, following the end of white minority rule in the southern African country, formerly known as Rhodesia.

Mr. Mnangagwa, 80, received more than 52 per cent of the vote, according to media reports. Opposition candidate Nelson Chamisa, 45, received 44 per cent. His party, Citizens Coalition for Change, rejected the results.

Arrests, intimidation and harassment

The UN chief was concerned about the arrest of electoral observers, reports of voter intimidation, threats of violence, harassment and coercion.

“The Secretary-General calls on political leaders and their supporters to reject any and all forms of violence, threats of violence, or incitement to violence, and to ensure that human rights and the rule of law are fully respected,” the statement said.

“The Secretary-General calls on political actors to peacefully settle any disputes through established legal and institutional channels, and urges the competent authorities to resolve any disputes in a fair, expeditious, and transparent manner to ensure that the results are a true reflection of the will of the people.”

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Da’esh and affiliates still a threat in conflict zones, UN counter-terrorism officials report — Global Issues

Ambassadors were briefed by two senior UN counter-terrorism officials who presented the Secretary-General’s latest report on the group, also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which showed that the threat in non-conflict areas remains low.

“This analytical distinction can obscure what is the complex, context- specific and dynamic nature of how these groups operate and evolve and their impact on international peace and security,” said Vladimir Voronkov, head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office (UNOCT).

He stressed that countering and preventing terrorism require long-term commitment as well as continued and coordinated efforts.

Expansion and attacks in Africa

Mr. Voronkov said the continued expansion of Da’esh and affiliates in parts of Africa, as well as the increasing level of violence and threat, remain deeply concerning.

The Da’esh affiliate in the Sahel region “is becoming increasingly autonomous” and stepping up attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

“The confrontations between this group and an Al-Qaida affiliate in the region, coupled with the uncertain situation after thecoup d’état in Niger, present a complex and multi-faceted challenge,” he added.

Conflict and instability in Sudan have also renewed attention on the presence and activity of Da’esh and other terrorist groups there.

Attacks have also increased in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where some 500 people have been killed in terrorist violence in the volatile eastern region of the country.

Challenges in Afghanistan

Meanwhile, the situation in Afghanistan is growing increasingly complex, as fears of weapons and ammunition falling in the hands of terrorists are now materializing.

“Thein-country operational capabilities of Da’esh’s so-called Khorasan province, sanctioned as ISIL-K, has reportedly increased, with the group becoming more sophisticated in its attacks against the Taliban and international targets,” he said.

“Moreover, the presence and activity of some 20 different terrorist groups in the country, combined with the repressive measures put in place by the Taliban de facto authorities, the absence of sustainable development and a dire humanitarian situation, pose significant challenges for the region and beyond.”

Counter-terrorism successes

Mr. Voronkov also pointed to successful counter-terrorism initiatives by the international community, such as progress in targeting Da’esh finances.

Cash reserves estimated at $25 million to $50 million “are now significantly less and diminishing”, according to the UN report, which also noted“ sustained attrition” to the group’s leadership, including the killing of its chief earlier this year in Syria.

“As a result of counter-terrorism efforts, Da’esh has moved to adopt less hierarchical and more networked, decentralised structures, following Al-Qaida’s footsteps, with increased operational autonomy by its affiliated groups,” said Mr. Voronkov.

Upcoming summit in Nigeria

He underscored that international law “remains the bedrock” for successful counter-terrorism efforts.

Initiatives must be “firmly grounded in political strategies for resolving the conflicts that fuel terrorism the most”, he said, while “more complementarity” between security responses and preventive measures is also needed.

He also looked to a counter-terrorism summit in Nigeria next year, organized by his office and the Government, as an opportunity to both increase international support and address the situation on the continent.

Repatriations from Syria camps

Natalia Gherman, Executive Director of Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), the secretariat for the Council’s own Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), addressed four key trends in the report.

Among them were continued efforts by Governments to repatriate their nationals from camps in northeast Syria hosting thousands of people, mainly women and children, with alleged ties to terrorist groups.

“At the same time, we must also recall the responsibility of Member States to bring terrorists to justice, and to demonstrate international cooperation in efforts to do so,” she said.

As the Da’esh presence in parts of Africa continues to evolve, Ms. Gherman highlighted the need for the UN to support countries on the continent.

Accountability and justice

Her final point noted that the UN has stepped up efforts to hold Da’esh accountable for its crimes.

For example, CTED partnered with UN experts on the rule of law to explore criminal justice avenues for sexual and gender-based violence committed by terrorist groups.

“Drawing from practitioners’ experiences in the field and the perspectives of civil society, it was clear that only through accountability and justice can we begin to address the fear and devastation that terrorism inflicts on individuals, communities, and nations,” she said.

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Dialogue ‘only way forward’, UN official says in wake of latest launch — Global Issues

“I emphasize the importance of re-establishing communication channels, particularly between military entities,” said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, briefing ambassadors at the Security Council.

“Exercising maximum restraints is critical to avoid unintended escalation. Diplomacy and dialogue – not isolation – is the only way forward.”

On 24 August, DPRK – more commonly known as North Korea – conducted what it described as its second launch of a military reconnaissance satellite from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station. The launch failed, reportedly due to an error during the flight.

The launch follows a previous attempt to launch a satellite on 31 May and according to official media, the country is to conduct a third satellite launch in October.

Strong condemnation

UN Secretary-General António Guterresstrongly condemned the launch, underscoring that such actions using ballistic missile technology is contrary to the relevant Security Council resolutions.

He reiterated his call on the country to cease such acts and to swiftly resume dialogue without preconditions to achieve the goal of sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Over 90 launches

In his briefing, Mr. Khiari noted that developing a military reconnaissance satellite was part of North Korea’s five-year military development plan, which it unveiled in January 2021.

In line with the plan, the DPRK has significantly increased its missile launch activities in 2022 and 2023, including more than 90 launches using ballistic missile technology, in violation of Security Council resolutions, he said.

“Since our last briefing on 13 July, the DPRK has openly displayed its nuclear-weapon delivery systems during both a weaponry exhibition and a military parade. Such displays undermine the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) that underpins it.”

Humanitarian situation

Mr. Khiari also highlighted concerns over the humanitarian situation in North Korea, compounded by climate hazards and ongoing border closures and noted reports of an easing of border restrictions.

“The United Nations is ready to assist the DPRK in addressing the basic needs of its vulnerable populations,” he said.

The UN political affairs official further noted progress in vaccines and treatments, and the declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) that COVID-19no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern and urged the country to allow unimpeded re-entry and rotation of the international community, including UN officials.

“A collective return would positively impact international support to the people of DPRK and strengthen communication channels,” he said.

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UN humanitarians — Global Issues

Mr. Griffiths said that the conflict spelled trauma for Sudan’s youth and cited “deeply disturbing” reports that some children were being used in the fighting.

He also warned that hundreds of thousands of children in the country were severely malnourished and “at imminent risk of death” if left untreated. Those children were particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks, while access to medical treatment was lacking.

Healthcare ‘decimated’

A “staggering” 67 per cent of all main hospitals in areas affected by the fighting were already out of service as of 31 May, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said. Only 29 hospitals were operating fully or partially and were at risk of closure due to shortages of medical staff, supplies, water and electricity.

Mr. Griffiths stated that the conflict had simply “decimated” Sudan’s health care sector.

The UN health agency warned that critical services, including maternal and child health care and management of severe acute malnutrition, have been discontinued in many areas. WHO noted the high prevalence of wasting and stunting among children, and said that cases of dengue, measles and acute watery diarrhoea were being reported across the country.

‘Lethal combination’

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) joined other UN humanitarians in sounding the alarm over the future of the country’s youth, saying that “the lethal combination of measles, malnutrition and displacement is putting lives of children at a very high risk if urgent action is not taken”.

According to UNICEF, at least two million children have been forced from their homes since the start of the conflict just over four months ago. The UN agency also deplored that as the conflict dragged on, an entire generation of young Sudanese was likely to miss out on education.

‘Viral’ spread of conflict

Humanitarians expressed fears of a long war given the relentless, “viral” spread of fighting across the country. Mr. Griffiths noted that the violence and ensuing food shortages had reached the country’s Kordofan region. In South Kordofan’s capital Kadugli, food stocks have been depleted while fighting and roadblocks barred aid workers from reaching those in need, he said.

Mr. Griffiths added that in West Kordofan’s El Fula, humanitarian offices have been ransacked and supplies looted.

He also expressed concern for the safety of civilians in Al Jazira in the eastern part of the country. The state was known for its wheat production and Mr. Griffiths underscored that the conflict was moving ever closer to “Sudan’s breadbasket”.

Region under pressure, funding scarce

With cross-border displacement nearing the one million mark, “a protracted conflict in Sudan could tip the entire region into a humanitarian catastrophe”, Mr. Griffiths said.

He called on the warring parties to “put the people of Sudan above the pursuit of power or resources”, and on the international community to respond “with the urgency this crisis deserves”.

According to the UN humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA), the $2.57 billion humanitarian appeal for Sudan is currently only 26 per cent funded, while funding for the response plan to support neighbouring countries has reached just over 30 percent.

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Security Council hears of ‘unimaginable suffering’ of Ukrainian people, 18 months into war — Global Issues

Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, was briefing a meeting of the Security Council, which also coincided with the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

“I would like to congratulate the Ukrainian people today and take this occasion to stress, once again, that the UN’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within it internationally recognized borders is unwavering,” she said.

“Recognizing the growing calls around the world for an end to the war, I reiterate the UN’s commitment to support all meaningful efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant General Assembly resolutions.”

Since the outbreak of hostilities on 24 February 2022, the conflict has had devastating consequences for civilians. The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has confirmed at least 9,444 civilian deaths, including 545 children, and about 17,000 injuries, among them 1,156 children.

However, some estimates put the total number of fatalities – civilians and military, on both sides – at half a million.

Reversing gains against hunger

“And there is no end in sight to this war, launched in violation of the principles of the UN Charter and international law. Indeed, since Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Initiative on July 17, the fighting has only escalated,” Ms. DiCarlo told ambassadors.

She emphasized the impact on global food security, noting that attacks targeting grain facilities risk undoing progress against hunger.

“The Secretary-General continues to stress the importance of food and fertilizer exports from Russia and Ukraine to global food security and to advocate for the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative,” Ms. DiCarlo said.

Environmental and cultural toll

The senior UN official also outlined the conflict’s impact on the environment and on Ukraine’s cultural heritage.

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has verified extensive damage to some 284 cultural sites. Among them were 120 religious sites, including the Historic Centre of Odesa, an area protected under the World Heritage Convention, she said.

“Another recent UN assessment on the impact of the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam concluded that the breach caused a far-reaching environmental disaster, the scale of which might not be clear for decades to come,” Ms. DiCarlo added.

Resilience of Ukrainian women

In spite of bearing the brunt of the conflict, including representing the overwhelming majority of the 6.2 million people forced to move to other countries, Ukrainian women “stood at the forefront” of humanitarian response, Ms. DiCarlo said.

“Women-led civil society organizations were among the first to respond to the full-scale invasion,” she said, noting UN support to civil society organizations assisting women and girls inside Ukraine and those displaced in Moldova.

Children have also not been spared, with several attacks on schools and health facilities, she added.

Impact on Russian civilians

Ms. DiCarlo also voiced concern over the possible impact on civilians of the shelling of Russian border communities and drone attacks deep inside Russia, including Moscow.

“Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure – wherever they may occur – are indefensible and strictly prohibited under international law,” she said.

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Top UN aid official in Ukraine deplores latest wave of ‘massive Russian attacks’ — Global Issues

Denise Brown issued a statement deploring this “new wave of massive Russian attacks”, and appealed for the violence to end.

“Grain storage facilities, vital for the Ukrainian farmers and global food security, have been hit in the Danube area,” she said. “A school in the Sumy region was damaged, and teachers were killed and injured.”

International media reported that a drone fired by Russia hit the school on Wednesday morning, citing Ukraine’s interior minister. The incident occurred in the city of Romny, located in the northeast.

End ‘brutal’ attacks

Four people – the school director, deputy director, secretary and a librarian – were killed and four residents, who were passing by at the time, were injured.

Ms. Brown added that on Tuesday, civilians in the Kherson region “endured some horrifying hours of relentless strikes that damaged a hospital”.

The attacks forced aid organizations to suspend vital assistance and take shelter in the middle of the day.

“I have repeatedly expressed alarm about this brutal pattern of civilian harm due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This must stop, and international humanitarian law must be respected,” she said.

Wide-reaching consequences

The overnight strike in the Danube region damaged a grain storage facility and a trans-shipment complex.

Since 11 July, Russia has carried out 14 attacks against Ukraine’s grain infrastructure, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU).

Grain terminals, warehouses and port infrastructure have been hit, along with industrial equipment and administrative buildings. The strikes have also disrupted Ukraine’s global food supply lines.

The UN body warned of the far-reaching human rights consequences of the repeated attacks, and has verified the deaths of four civilians and the injury of 43 others overall.

“These attacks cause not only immeasurable human suffering and loss for families, but also have a broader impact on livelihoods, farmers, communities and businesses in Ukraine and beyond,” said Danielle Bell, the HRMMU chief.

Impact on food prices

Earlier this month, the UN said that Russian attacks against Ukrainian port infrastructure are not isolated and are affecting global food prices following the collapse of the Black Sea Initiative on grain and fertilizer exports.

Russia pulled out of the landmark agreement in July, effectively ending it after roughly a year in operation.

The Black Sea Initiative allowed for more than 32 million tons of grain to be shipped from three designated Ukrainian ports. It was signed by Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye and the UN in July 2022.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Istanbul, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the historic deal “a beacon of hope – a beacon of possibility – a beacon of relief — in a world that needs it more than ever.”

The Black Sea Initiative was agreed alongside a parallel accord between the UN and Moscow on Russian grain and fertilizer exports.

The two agreements helped to drive down spiralling global food prices and stabilize markets.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) shipped over 725,000 tons alone to support its work in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and Yemen – regions hard hit by hunger.

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UN Special Envoy — Global Issues

“It is deeply troubling that, for over a year, the intra-Syrian political process has been in deep freeze,” he said, speaking via videoconference. “A political process is the right of the Syrian people they are entitled to chart their own destiny.”

Mr. Pedersen said Syrians both inside and outside the country continue to suffer severely from the conflict, now in its 12th year, “and the absence of a genuine political process is deeply detrimental to their well-being.”

Collapsing economy, rising prices

He pointed to the further collapse of the Syrian economy as one indicator of this immense suffering. Last week, the Syrian pound hit an all-time low of 15,500 to the United States dollar, compared with 47 pounds to the dollar in 2011.

Prices for food, medicine, fuel and other essential goods are “spiralling out of control”, he added, and many families are struggling to get enough to eat.

Meanwhile, Syria also continues to confront challenges in areas such as displacement, detentions, human rights abuses and terrorism, in addition to the de facto division of the country, which is undermining its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Suffering will worsen

“The tragic reality is that, for as long as violent conflict continues, and the political process is blocked, the suffering of the Syrian people will simply get worse. Syria cannot fix its economy while it is in a state of conflict. And this applies to the many other crises that ravage Syria,” he said.

He stressed that moving towards implementing Security Council resolution 2254 is the only way to begin addressing the many crises afflicting Syria.

The 2015 resolution endorsed a road map for a peace process and set timetables for UN-facilitated talks between the Government and the opposition, and a nationwide ceasefire.

Aid access welcomed

Turning to humanitarian developments, Mr. Pedersen welcomed the recent decision to re-open the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Türkiye, allowing aid to reach millions in northwest Syria – the last opposition stronghold – for another six months.

He also hailed the extension of authorization for the UN to use two other crossings, Bab al-Salam and Al- Ra’ee, for an additional three months, which were opened following the devastating earthquakes that struck the two countries in February.

Syria also consented for humanitarians to cross the lines within the country at two northwestern cities, Sarmada and Saraqib, for aid delivery over the next six months.

Humanitarian funding shortfall

“It is indeed essential that the UN and its partners continue providing cross-border humanitarian assistance, at the necessary scale and in a principled manner that allows engagement with all parties, for the purposes of seeking humanitarian access, and in a manner that safeguards the UN’s operational independence,” he said.

The Special Envoy also called for increased support for humanitarian operations in Syria. A $5.4 billion plan for operations this year is only around 25 per cent funded, while another to support Syrian refugees in the region is only 10 per cent funded.

In concluding his remarks, Mr. Pedersen reiterated the need for a political process, adding that everyone is paying a heavy price for the conflict, though mostly the Syrian people.

“As international attention and funding for Syria wane, the situation will become ever more unsustainable,” he warned. “The only path out of this is a political process that involves the Syrian parties themselves, in line with resolution 2254.”

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At BRICS Summit, Guterres global unity call in face of ‘existential’ challenges — Global Issues

Addressing the BRICS Summit, taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, Secretary-General António Guterres commended the Rainbow Nation’s “extraordinary path to unity through action and justice.”

“That’s what our world needs: unity for action and unity for justice; we are confronting existential challenges,” he said, drawing attention to worsening impacts of climate change and rising poverty, hunger and inequalities.

The BRICS group of world economies made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa which joined in 2010, represents more than 40 per cent of the world’s population, and all five States are also members of the wider G20 bloc.

Mr. Guterres spotlighted the risks posed by emerging technologies without a comprehensive global framework, while also shedding light on the geopolitical divides and conflicts, especially the impacts stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

‘Multipolar world’

In his address, Mr. Guterres outlined the global shift towards a multipolar world, cautioning that multipolarity alone cannot ensure a peaceful and just status quo. He called for robust and effective multilateral institutions to support this shift.

Drawing parallels, he highlighted the lessons from the early 20th century when Europe’s multipolarity without strong multilateral mechanisms contributed to the start of the First World War.

“As the global community moves towards multipolarity, we desperately need – and I have been vigorously advocating for – a strengthened and reformed multilateral architecture based on the UN Charter and international law,” Mr. Guterres said.

Pointing out that today’s global governance structures were established in the aftermath of World War Two, excluding many African countries still under colonial rule, he stressed the necessity for these institutions to reflect contemporary power dynamics and economic realities.

Without reforms, fragmentation ‘inevitable’

The UN chief warned that without such reforms, fragmentation becomes inevitable.

“We cannot afford a world with a divided global economy and financial system; with diverging strategies on technology including artificial intelligence; and with conflicting security frameworks,” he said.

Mr. Guterres went on to note that low-income countries, particularly in Africa, would bear the brunt of the impact of such a fracture.

“I have come to Johannesburg with a simple message: in a fracturing world overwhelmed by crises, there is simply no alternative to cooperation,” he said.

Redesigning global financial architecture

Addressing Africa’s unique challenges, the Secretary-General said that as an historic victim of slavery and colonialism, the continent continues to confront “grave injustices”, including economic disparities and rapid climate change.

He called for a redesigned global financial architecture and stepped-up climate action, highlighting his Climate Solidarity Pact and Acceleration Agenda.

“Developed countries must also finally keep their promises to developing countries: by meeting the $100 billion goal, doubling adaptation finance, replenishing the Green Climate Fund, and operationalizing the loss and damage fund this year,” he said.

Call for collective action

Mr. Guterres concluded with a call for collective action, stressing that humanity will not be able to solve its common problems in a fragmented way.

“Together, let us work to advance the power of universal action, the imperative for justice, and the promise of a better future.”

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Afghanistan’s Taliban responsible for revenge killings, torture of former officials — Global Issues

A new publication from the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) presents “credible” reports that between 15 August 2021 and 30 June 2023, the country’s de facto authorities were responsible for 218 extrajudicial killings, 14 enforced disappearances, over 144 instances of torture and ill treatment, and 424 arbitrary arrests and detentions.

‘Betrayal of trust’

UN human rights chief Volker Türk said that the targeting of former officials despite the announcement by the Taliban when it returned to power of a “general amnesty” for former government officials and members of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, is a “betrayal of the people’s trust”.

He urged the de facto authorities to prevent further abuses and hold perpetrators to account.

The report points out that officials from the previous democratically elected administration are entitled to the same human rights protections as all Afghans and that Afghanistan remains a party to international human rights treaties banning the violations described.

First-hand accounts of torture

In interviews, individuals recounted beatings with pipes, cables, verbal threats and abuse at the hands of de facto security force members.

UNAMA also heard from family members whose relatives had been arrested or gone missing, their bodies found days or even months later.

‘Whereabouts unknown’

In some instances, missing individuals have never been found. This was the case of the former Head of the Herat Women’s Prison, Alia Azizi, who never returned home from work on 2 October 2021.

As of 22 August 2023, her whereabouts remain unknown, UNAMA said, even though Taliban authorities reportedly “initiated an investigation” into her disappearance.

Impunity prevails

According to UNAMA, efforts by the de facto authorities to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable for the incidents described in the report have been “extremely limited”.

Investigations were announced in a handful of cases, but even then, UNAMA says, “progress lacks transparency and accountability; impunity prevails”.

No guidance on amnesty

The report calls on the Taliban to clarify the terms of the general amnesty and ensure that it is upheld.

UNAMA noted that to date, the de facto authorities have not publicly released any written text or guidance setting out the scope of the amnesty, which was only announced in public comments made by their leadership.

UNAMA Head Roza Otunbayeva said that the de facto authorities must demonstrate a “genuine commitment” to the general amnesty, which is a crucial step in ensuring “real prospects” for justice, reconciliation and peace in the country.

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Fierce clashes in Tripoli highlight ‘precarious’ situation — Global Issues

At least 55 people were reported killed and over 100 injured – including civilians – in fighting between the Deterrence Apparatus for Combatting Organized Crime and Terrorism (DACOT) and the 444 Brigade, on 14 and 15 August, the head of the UN political mission in Libya, UNSMIL, told the Security Council.

Lack of command and control

“These developments underline the absence of command and control over the fragmented security apparatus in western Libya and the precarious state of the security situation,” said Abdoulaye Bathily, adding that it highlighted the urgent need to establish a unified government and military.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, also warned of the “potential spillover” of the effects of the coup in Niger into Libya as well as the wider region.

“It is essential that all parties preserve the security gains achieved in recent years. To this end, UNSMIL will continue to engage relevant actors to advance the reunification of military and security institutions, an [essential] condition for lasting stability.”

Arrests and rights abuses

Mr. Bathily also drew attention of the ambassadors to the human rights and humanitarian situation in Libya, noting abductions, arbitrary arrests and disappearances in the eastern and western parts of the country.

As of 5 May, 19,103 people, including 216 women, were detained in 28 official prisons under the Ministry of Justice; many in prolonged detention with limited or delayed access to judicial process, according to UNSMIL.

Furthermore, men and women detainees in all parts of Libya are reportedly subjected to ill-treatment, sexual violence, torture or sexual exploitation in exchange for water, food or other essential items.

“I reinforce my call for an immediate halt to these practices, release of persons arbitrarily detained, and independent investigations,” said Mr. Bathily, calling also for an end to expulsions of migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers at the Tunisia-Libya border.

“I urge Tunisian and Libyan authorities to ensure people are sent to safe locations, and to allow the UN and partners humanitarian access to all locations,” he added.

‘Interim measures’ fraught with risks

In conclusion, Mr. Bathily underscored that ensuring stability in Libya is all the more important in light of the situation in Niger and Sudan and called for an inclusive political agreement that paves the way for peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections.

“Current events in Libya and the region demonstrate that interim arrangements are fraught with risks of violence and disintegration for countries,” he said.

He reminded leaders of their political and moral responsibility to break the current impasse and help usher in a new era of democratic elections, peace and prosperity.

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