Resolve the conflict, don’t just manage it, top envoy tells Israelis, Palestinians — Global Issues

Resolve the conflict, don’t just manage it, top envoy tells Israelis, Palestinians — Global Issues

“There are tangible, ongoing arrangements that can be regularized and expanded immediately – if there is political will,” said Tor Wennesland, adding that he is actively engaged with Israelis, Palestinians, regional States and the broader international community, to forge a return to the negotiating path that will end the occupation and…

‘Protracted political impasse’ further polarizing Libya — Global Issues

‘Protracted political impasse’ further polarizing Libya — Global Issues

“We are concerned that the protracted political impasse is having an increasingly negative impact on security,” said Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo. “A coordinated and constructive effort is required to prevent further polarization and end the political stalemate.” Commendable progress Last week, UN Special Advisor Stephanie Williams…

Peacekeepers’ Day ceremony honours service and sacrifice of UN blue helmets — Global Issues

Peacekeepers’ Day ceremony honours service and sacrifice of UN blue helmets — Global Issues

Secretary-General António Guterres began the commemoration by laying a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial at UN Headquarters, in homage of the more than 4,200 blue helmets who have sacrificed their lives over the past seven decades.  ‘Forever in our hearts’  He also honoured the 117 peacekeepers who died last year. …

‘Grim reality’ of war’s deadly toll on civilians laid bare in Security Council — Global Issues

‘Grim reality’ of war’s deadly toll on civilians laid bare in Security Council — Global Issues

Updating the ambassadors on the latest UN report on protecting civilians in armed conflict, Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the Coordination Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said that hostilities in densely populated areas, “sharply” increased the risks of death and injury for civilians. “When explosive…

Cultural destruction in Ukraine by Russian forces will reverberate for years, UN rights expert warns — Global Issues

Cultural destruction in Ukraine by Russian forces will reverberate for years, UN rights expert warns — Global Issues

“As in other conflicts, we currently witness the unfolding of suffering in Ukraine that does not seem to end and we cannot stop,” said Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur on cultural rights. “The questioning and denial of the Ukrainian identity and history as a justification for war, is a violation of…

UNICEF urges leaders to keep schools safe following deadly Texas shooting — Global Issues

UNICEF urges leaders to keep schools safe following deadly Texas shooting — Global Issues

At least 19 children and two teachers were killed on Tuesday when 18-year-old gunman Salvador Ramos opened fire at Robb Elementary School in the small city of Uvalde, Texas, located near the border with Mexico.  End violence in schoolsEnd violence in schoolsEnd violence in schoolsEnd violence in schoolsEnd violence in…

Time is short for Sudan to resolve political crisis, Mission chief warns — Global Issues

Time is short for Sudan to resolve political crisis, Mission chief warns — Global Issues

“The crisis facing Sudan is entirely homegrown and can only be resolved by the Sudanese,” Volker Perthes, who is also Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), told Council members.  Envoys of the trilateral mechanism facilitating intra-Sudan talks – the United Nations, the African Union and…

Zimbabwean peacekeeper wins UN gender advocate award — Global Issues

Zimbabwean peacekeeper wins UN gender advocate award — Global Issues

Commending Military Observer Major Winnet Zharare, 39, as “a role model and a trailblazer”, Secretary-General António Guterres, will present her with the award on Thursday during a ceremony marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.  ‘Building trust, advocating for peace’ Throughout her 17 month assignment with the UN Mission in…

International community urged to support new administration in Somalia — Global Issues

International community urged to support new administration in Somalia — Global Issues

James Swan, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) urged both the authorities and the international community to capitalize on this “moment of opportunity”.  Spirit of collaboration  “We call on Somali leaders to work together in a spirit of collaboration and national purpose. We call on Somalia’s…

‘Largest-ever number’ in need, warns UN relief chief — Global Issues

‘Largest-ever number’ in need, warns UN relief chief — Global Issues

Martin Griffiths, Humanitarian Affairs chief and Emergency Relief Coordinator, thanked donors for their contributions – totalling nearly $6.7 billion – which includes $2.4 billion earmarked for 2023 and beyond. I am thankful for the recent pledges made to support #Syria. It is now critical that these pledges be converted into…