2024 Deadliest Year for Aid Workers, Security Council Pressed to Ensure Justice, Protection

 

9795th Meeting (AM)

SC/15912

26 November 2024

UN Security, Safety Chief Asks Council to Address His 'Biggest Concern’ — Lack of Accountability for Killing UN, Aid Personnel

As 2024 becomes the deadliest year for humanitarian workers, speakers today urged the Security Council and countries to act on the Secretary-General's recommendations to safeguard aid and UN personnel, including providing greater support for them and ensuring accountability for perpetrators. 

“In recent years, State actors are responsible for the greater share of aid worker deaths as opposed to non-State armed groups and criminals,” said Abby Stoddard of Humanitarian Outcomes, a research group whose Aid Worker Security Database tracks major incidents of violence affecting aid workers globally, lamenting that “the very actors charged with upholding international humanitarian law, with protecting and facilitating humanitarian aid, have instead become the main source of threat and impediment to it”. This has serious implications for humanitarian access to people in need, as well as to the global stability and order, she added. 

As of this morning, 282 aid workers have been killed this year, she reported, exceeding “last year’s awful total” of 280 — more than double the annual average of the previous 10 years — attributed to major warfare and mass civilian losses in Gaza, Sudan and South Sudan, along with 17 other humanitarian response settings.  This looks to be “a step-change” rather than “a short-term spike”, she said.   

Recalling the Council’s adoption in May of resolution 2730 (2024), which called on States to respect and protect UN and humanitarian personnel, she urged the 15-member body to take additional, concrete measures to address impunity, including by holding ad hoc tribunals or promoting other international legal means of achieving justice and disincentivizing these attacks.

Many humanitarians now distrust the notification systems, even fearing that their participation in some of these mechanisms might increase their risk, due to conflict parties acting in bad faith, she pointed out, urging collective action to improve protocols and create accountability mechanisms when deconfliction fails.  She further urged the Council to call on States and international organizations to empower local and national humanitarian actors, ensuring that they are accorded the same protections as UN and other international agencies.

“Please help protect my colleagues in Gaza”, implored Lisa Doughten, Director of Financing and Partnerships Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as she highlighted deaths of more than 330 humanitarian workers — mostly United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) staff — since 7 October 2023.

Despite the “very real dangers”, global humanitarian operations have provided life-saving aid to more than 116 million people worldwide this year, she said.  However, “no amount of security management will help those workers” when conflict parties choose to target humanitarian workers or ignore their obligations under international law to spare them, she warned.  Outlining three critical areas for action, she urged the Council and Member States to clearly condemn attacks against aid workers, seek more systematic and universal accountability for serious violations and provide greater support for humanitarian workers who are the victims and survivors of harm.   

“They want you to use diplomatic and economic pressure to force respect for international law,” including through effective humanitarian exemptions across sanctions regimes and counterterrorism legislation, she continued.  The international community must allow survivors to participate in global discussions at the highest levels, including at the Council, and provide reparations, legal aid and mental health support for survivors and families, she added.

Also briefing the Council for the first time, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security Gilles Michaud urged members to address his “biggest concern” — a profound lack of accountability for violence against humanitarian and UN personnel.  “The entire community of Member States must speak with moral clarity about the need to protect humanitarian workers and ensure accountability for acts of violence by any State and non-State actor, against humanitarians,” he implored. 

Noting that UN operations navigate multiple overlapping crises of unprecedented scale, such as in Gaza, Lebanon, Haiti and Somalia, he pointed out that locally recruited personnel — who make up the majority of those impacted — frequently bear the heaviest burden.  Normative frameworks, such as the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel and its Optional Protocol, should gain universal support, he said, urging Member States to join both agreements and to fully implement them.

Moreover, UN mission transitions and closures not only affect the safety and security of UN personnel but also limit capacity to enable humanitarian delivery.  Such fundamental changes require advance planning and should be explicitly considered by this Council, he said.

In the ensuing debate, Council members welcomed the Secretary-General’s recommendations on ways to respond to threats to humanitarian personnel and echoed urgent calls for action.

The representative of Switzerland, whose delegation penned resolution 2730 (2024), urged all Member States to fully implement the text.  She further called on Council members to put aside political differences to prioritize the protection of human lives and humanitarian principles, emphasizing that the voices of humanitarian actors are “the best compass to guide our action”. 

France’s delegate urged that the Secretary-General’s recommendations be implemented without delay and, similarly, called on the Council to ensure the implementation of resolution 2730 (2024), and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

The implementation of that resolution, however, has “fallen short of expectations” despite a beacon of hope it offers for those in the field, said Mozambique’s delegate, underlining the need for robust accountability mechanisms; an expansion of humanitarian exemptions to sanctions; and for misinformation and disinformation to be combated, including by holding digital platforms accountable for their role in spreading harmful narratives.

On that last point, Algeria’s delegate said disinformation and misinformation lead to erosion of the local population’s trust, underscoring the importance of disseminating accurate information and holding those spreading hate speech accountable.  He also urged States to strengthen national oversight mechanisms and ensure investigations of all documented violations, as attacks on humanitarians are considered war crimes.

Slovenia’s delegate said States should adopt legislation properly sanctioning violations of international humanitarian law, and cases of grave violations should be referred to international courts, including the International Criminal Court.  Other Council members, including the representatives of the United States, Malta, the Republic of Korea and Guyana, also echoed the briefers’ demand for accountability for crimes against aid workers.

The protection of civilians in armed conflict is rooted in his country’s lived experience, said Sierra Leone’s representative, noting Council resolution 1270 (1999) authorized the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) with the first explicit mandate to protect civilians from threats of physical violence.

Cautioning against the normalization of violence against humanitarian workers, Ecuador’s representative urged States to enhance monitoring systems, improve quality of the data systems on incidents and bolster mechanisms for information exchange and support services.

Addressing calls for mental health support for aid workers was Japan’s representative who spotlighted his country’s contribution of over $364,000 to the UN Department of Safety and Security project “Capacity Building in Crisis Psychosocial Support”.  Voicing alarm over “alarmingly high” reports of severe violence, kidnappings, injuries, harassment and arbitrary detentions in conflict areas, he called for the strengthening of the work of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission.

The representatives of the Russian Federation said that the Secretary-General’s recommendations left out “the most important thing:  the need for consent and coordination with national Governments” — a vital principle of humanitarian assistance contained in General Assembly resolution 46/182. On accountability, he voiced his opposition to the International Criminal Court, the reason for which his delegation abstained from Council resolution 2730 (2024).  His counterpart from China also called for the rejection of double standards, and the guaranteed safety and security of UN personnel “without distinction and bias”, whether in Gaza or Afghanistan.

The representative of the United Kingdom, Council President for November, speaking in his national capacity, underscored that facilitating rapid and full humanitarian access to all civilians in need and full compliance with international humanitarian law is “a bare minimum as per the Geneva Conventions which we have all ratified

https://press. un.org.en/2024/sc15912.doc.htm

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МИД Израиля потребовал скорректировать проект итоговой резолюции саммита G20

17 НОЯ, 14:02

Израильский министр иностранных дел Гидеон Саар назвал документ "несбалансированным и предвзятым"

ТЕЛЬ-АВИВ, 17 ноября. /ТАСС/. Израильский министр иностранных дел Гидеон Саар назвал "несбалансированным и предвзятым" проект итоговой резолюции встречи Группы двадцати (G20) на высшем уровне. Он потребовал его скорректировать, закрепив в тексте "право Израиля на самооборону", прописав в нем требование освободить удерживаемых в секторе Газа израильских заложников и добавив осуждение действий радикального палестинского движения ХАМАС и ливанской шиитской организации "Хезболлах".

На эту тему

Угроза для "Хезболлах" и Ирана: как операция Израиля в Ливане ударила по региону

"В преддверии встречи лидеров стран "двадцатки" на этой неделе в Рио-де-Жанейро я провел серию телефонных разговоров с министрами иностранных дел государств - участников форума с учетом полученной информации о проекте итоговой резолюции, который является несбалансированным и предвзятым по отношению к Израилю. В беседах с коллегами я сказал, что в итоговое заявление по поводу войны в нашем регионе уместно включить признание права Израиля на самооборону, требование освобождения всех похищенных, удерживаемых убийцами из ХАМАС более 400 дней в ужасающих условиях, а также осуждение ХАМАС и "Хезболлах", - сообщил министр, слова которого распространила пресс-служба МИД.

По версии Саара, "любое итоговое заявление, не включающее вышеперечисленные элементы, нанесет ущерб миру и безопасности и побудит Иран и его пособников продолжать дестабилизировать Ближний Восток".

Саммит G20 пройдет 18-19 ноября в Рио-де-Жанейро на юго-востоке Бразилии. Председателем встречи выступит президент южноамериканской республики Луис Инасиу Лула да Силва. Делегацию России возглавит министр иностранных дел Сергей Лавров.

https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/22424295

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Декларация саммита АТЭС в Лиме согласована

16 НОЯ, 19:54 

Декларация саммита АТЭС в Лиме согласована

Посол по особым поручениям МИД РФ Марат Бердыев отметил, что в документе нет искусственно политизированных сюжетов

© Валерий Шарифулин/ТАСС

МОСКВА, 16 ноября. /ТАСС/. Декларация саммита АТЭС в Лиме согласована, в ней нет искусственно политизированных сюжетов. Об этом сообщил посол по особым поручениям МИД РФ Марат Бердыев в Telegram-канале.

На эту тему

• Оверчук заявил, что лидеры экономик АТЭС обеспокоены мерами протекционизма
• Минэкономразвития: декларация саммита АТЭС обозначит важные для мира решения
• Оверчук: РФ выступает за сохранение АТЭС как неполитизированной площадки

"Декларация саммита АТЭС в Лиме согласована, - указал он. - В ближайшие минуты документ должен быть утвержден лидерами экономик-участниц".

"Декларация носит полностью консенсусный характер и не содержит искусственно политизированных сюжетов", - подчеркнул дипломат.

АТЭС, по словам Бердыева, "возвращается к нормальной конструктивной работе". "Вновь концентрируется на профильной повестке дня и своем предназначении как экономического форума. Будем закреплять эту позитивную тенденцию", - заключил он.

Встреча лидеров экономик АТЭС проходит в столице Перу Лиме 15-16 ноября. Российскую делегацию возглавляет вице-премьер Алексей Оверчук.

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https://tass.ru/politika/22421109/amp

In Briefing to Security Council, Committee Chairs Report on Counter-Terrorism Activities, as Speakers Stress Need for Coordination in Fight against Scourge

9784th Meeting (AM)

SC/15899

14 November 2024

As the Security Council took up the annual briefing from the chairs of its three counter-terrorism committees today, speakers underscored the urgent need for unity and coordination among the three bodies to strengthen the collective response against terrorist groups whose growing influence and expansion continues to threaten international peace and stability.

Vanessa Frazier (Malta), Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Da’esh, Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, cited the Monitoring Team’s July report, which noted many Member States’ heightened concern about the threat from ISIL-Khorasan in Afghanistan and their terrorist attacks outside the country.  Detailing ISIL’s operations in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as terrorist groups’ activities in other parts of Africa and Syria, she reported that Al-Qaida’s affiliates, including Jama‘at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin in West Africa, have expanded their influence, destabilizing the region and pushing into northern coastal areas to secure resources and logistical routes.

“Overall, ISIL and Al-Qaida have proven resilient in the face of counter-terrorism efforts, adapting by utilizing modern technology to improve their weaponry, communication, and ability to circumvent global counter-terrorism measures,” she said.  Further, ISIL's use of cryptocurrencies and digital platforms as a means of financing is a growing concern for Member States and is a serious challenge when tracing funds and sanctions implementation.  She encouraged Member States to review the Monitoring Team's periodic reports, available on the Committee's website, for a more detailed analysis.

The adoption of resolution 2734 (2024) in June reaffirmed the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo against those on the ISIL and Al Qaida sanctions list and extended the mandates of the Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson for 36 months, she continued. “Given the ongoing global terrorist threat posed by ISIL, Al-Qaida, and their affiliates, it is crucial to maintain the 1267 sanctions regime as a high priority on the global counter-terrorism agenda,” she underscored.  Thus, Member States should continue to propose designations to the sanctions list and submit updated or additional information without delay.  “Such collaboration is essential to maintaining the accuracy of the sanctions list and ensuring the sanctions regime's effectiveness,” she said.

Amar Bendjama (Algeria), Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counterterrorism, said that the Committee, with the support of its Executive Directorate, has continued to assist Member States and other relevant parties and organizations in addressing the threat posed by terrorist groups, which, he warned, continuously adapt to counter-terrorism measures and efforts. From November 2023 to date, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate visited Kazakhstan, Malawi, Mauritania, Montenegro, the United Republic of Tanzania and Thailand. Considering the evolving threat in the Gulf of Guinea, the Executive Directorate is currently conducting regional follow-up visits to Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.  These visits provide an effective vehicle for direct and constructive engagement and dialogue between the Committee and Member States on progress and challenges, he said.

The Committee is also focused on delivering technical assistance to States in need, he said, detailing its close partnership with the Office of Counter-Terrorism and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), among others.  In a follow-up to the Delhi Declaration on countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, the Committee adopted the Abu Dhabi Non-Binding Guiding Principles that addresses threats posed by the use of unmanned aircraft systems for terrorist purposes.  More so, he emphasized, Member States must ensure that any measures taken to counter terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

Andrés Montalvo Sosa (Ecuador), Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) said, while the Committee’s 2022 Comprehensive Review shows States made significant progress in implementing resolution 1540 (2004), “the full and effective implementation of resolution 1540 remains a long-term task”.  Since the Committee’s mandate renewal under resolution 2663 (2022) for 10 years, it has assisted Member States in strengthening their national capacity, including by participating in 32 outreach events organized by States and international, regional and subregional organizations and relevant civil society.  Further, 185 countries have, since 2004, submitted reports to the Committee with information on measures taken or to be taken to implement resolution 1540 (2004), with 155 Member States having nominated their National Points of Contact to the Committee, nine of which were done for the first time in the past year.

He also noted the submission to the Committee by 35 countries of 47 voluntary National Implementation Action Plans which help to identify Member States’ priorities and their plans for implementing key provisions of the resolution, including regulations and national control frameworks activities, fostering interagency cooperation and identifying areas where assistance may be required.  He underscored the importance of further developing and strengthening the Committee’s communications to support Member States, adding that a cooperative approach and dialogue with Member States and relevant international, regional and subregional organizations remain cornerstones of the Committee’s activities.

In the ensuing debate, Council members voiced alarm about terrorist groups’ ability to adapt to counter-terrorism measures, with Japan’s representative underlining the importance of the 1373 Committee’s continued focus on new and emerging technologies.  He also voiced concern that the 1540 Committee has not filled the vacant position in the Group of Experts [which plays a key role in monitoring national obligations to prevent non-State actors’ possession of weapons of mass destruction].  He called for Committee members’ responsible action to resolve this situation, including refraining from obstructionism.

On that, the United States’ representative stated that the Russian Federation has consistently obstructed the 1540 Committee’s Group of Experts’ work due to unfounded claims, undermining the global non-proliferation regime.  His country will continue to utilize sanctions to stop ISIL and Al-Qaida’s expansion.  However, the 1267 Committee has not designated any individuals or entities since last year in large part due to political obstacles.  That Committee’s important work must remain free from politicisation, he emphasized.

To those concerns, Ecuador’s representative, speaking in his national capacity, reported that in February the Committee approved the appointment of five candidates to the 1540 Committee’s Group of Experts to fill six posts.  In the next weeks, States will see progress on another selection process for three experts, he said.

“The 1267 ISIL and Al Qaida sanctions regime is a critical tool for the Security Council and the international community to support counter-terrorism and effectively implement the Council's decisions,” underscored Slovenia’s representative.  Adding to that, France’s representative declared:  “It is the responsibility of this Council to fully harness the means provided by this resolution to ensure that terrorists are sanctioned, and these sanctions are respected.”  She also expressed support for the 1540 Committee’s finetuning its assistance mechanisms and for preparing voluntary technical guidance on how to implement that resolution.

Switzerland’s delegate also underscored the importance of targeted sanctions against Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates, adding that country assessments — which should have more targeted recommendations, integrated hybrid visits and gender-sensitive approaches — are essential for strengthening Member States’ capacities to prevent and combat violent extremism and terrorism in full compliance with international law. 

Echoing other speakers who called for enhanced collaboration among the three Committees, Mozambique’s delegate, stressed that urgent enhanced, effective, and sustained coordination is needed to fight against the challenges posed by the expansion of Al-Qaida and ISIL and their adaptation to modern technology.  Guyana’s representative urged Member States to engage with and provide updated information to the 1267 Committee and the Monitoring Team on the evolving nature of the terrorist threat, listed individuals and entities.

Speakers also pointed to the difficulties in tackling terrorist financing, with Sierra Leone’s representative emphasizing the importance of financial sector legislation to counter diverse funding sources and blockchain misuse.  To that, the Republic of Korea’s delegate said that his country will financially contribute to the Counter-Terrorism Committee to strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms in Asia.  Moreover, States must address proliferation threats emanating from emerging technologies, including those related to nuclear weapons and missiles, which can be stolen through cyber activities, he stressed. 

Striking a contrasting perspective, the Russian Federation’s representative urged focus on the Counter-Terrorism Committee’s efforts in monitoring States’ implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. The desire to ensure a degree of synergy between the three Committees would be artificial and counterproductive. Moreover, “the terrorist activity in a number of African countries, to a large extent caused by the socio-economic consequences of the colonial and neo-colonial policies of Western countries”, she pointed out.

China’s speaker urged the 1267 Committee to remain objective, impartial and professional, dealing with listing and delisting issues in a responsible manner while maintaining the authority and effectiveness of the sanction’s regime.  Meanwhile, the Counter-Terrorism Committee should focus on its core mandates and direct its resources to supporting developing countries to enhance their counterterrorism capacity-building.  For the 1540 committee, its twentieth anniversary should enable it to learn from its experiences and promote the comprehensive balance and sustainable implementation of relevant Council resolutions, she added. 

Speaking in his national capacity, the United Kingdom’s representative, Council President for November, said the report by the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), earlier this year of the chemical weapons attack in Marea, Syria in 2015, which held Da’esh responsible “is just one demonstration of why coordination between these three Committees remains so important”.  Highlighting their achievements, he underscored the need to therein work together to protect citizens, prevent the spread of terrorism and ensure the safe and secure development of chemical, nuclear and life-sciences industries globally.

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15899.doc.htm

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Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2758 (2024), Security Council Renews Sanctions, Panel of Experts concerning Yemen

9782nd Meeting (AM)

SC/15896

13 November 2024

The Security Council today decided to renew for 12 months a travel ban and assets freeze imposed on certain designated individuals and entities in Yemen and to extend for 13 months the mandate of the Panel of Experts tasked with assisting the Council’s Yemen Sanctions Committee.

The Council, acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, unanimously adopted resolution 2758 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2758(2024)) and decided to renew, until 15 November 2025, the above measures, which were initially imposed by resolution 2140 (2014).

Further, the Council decided to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts established by that resolution until 15 December 2025, also expressing its intention to review this mandate and take appropriate action regarding further extension no later than 15 November 2025. 

Through the resolution, the 15-nation organ additionally requested the Panel of Experts to provide a midterm update to the relevant committee no later than 15 April 2025 as well as a final report to the Council no later than 15 October 2025 that includes information related to the illicit transfer and diversion of conventional weapons and to commercially available components used by designated individuals or entities to assemble certain weapons systems.

Following the adoption, the representative of the United Kingdom, Council President for November, welcomed the Council’s show of unity and stressed that the organ’s continuing positive engagement is crucial to rejuvenating Yemen’s peace process.  This demonstration of consensus makes clear that the Council values the role that resolution 2140 (2014) plays in maintaining pressure on the Houthis, who continue to block the pathway to peace, she observed.

However, despite joining consensus, the United States’ representative expressed regret that the Council did not adopt further measures to degrade the Houthis’ capabilities.  One such measure — recommended by the Panel of Experts — would have enhanced the international community’s ability to address their aggression in the Red Sea, which is enabled by the provision of arms and other material from State and non-State actors.  However, this “common-sense recommendation” was not considered “due to threats from one Security Council member, with the help of another permanent member, to veto efforts to strengthen the sanctions”, he said.

The Russian Federation’s representative, meanwhile, observed that the “technical roll-over” preserves the Council’s unity on the Yemen file, stressing that Council restrictions are meant to support stabilization — rather than serve as a tool to punish “troublesome political forces in the country”.  He further rejected an expansive interpretation of sanctions resolutions that do not stipulate the inspection of vessels bound for Yemen on the high seas or the transfer of military products confiscated during inspections to third countries.

For his part, China’s representative said that the extension of relevant sanctions measures is “both necessary and appropriate”. Noting that his country has always maintained that sanctions “are a means, not an end”, he urged the Council to improve diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive political process in Yemen.  Observing that tensions in the Red Sea are a manifestation of the Gaza conflict’s spillover, he called for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip.

“An immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza remains a critical first step toward lasting peace in the region,” stressed the representative of Guyana, also speaking for Algeria, Mozambique and Sierra Leone.  Expressing concern over the impact of illegal attacks against humanitarian workers and vessels in the Red Sea on Yemen’s political road map, she voiced support for enhancing the capacity of the Yemeni Coast Guard.

The representative of the Republic of Korea, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014) concerning Yemen, welcomed the Panel of Experts’ mandate renewal and noted its critical role in sanctions monitoring.  He added:  “Today’s unanimous adoption of this resolution is a clear and united message from the Security Council that we are closely looking at all developments on the ground — and the existing sanctions must be maintained and implemented.”

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15896.doc.htm

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Security Council Press Statement on Attack against United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

SC/15897

13 November 2024

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom):

Against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities along the Blue Line, the members of the Security Council condemned the several incidents that impacted the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) positions and injured UNIFIL peacekeepers in the past weeks, including the ones on 29 October, 7 November and 8 November.

They urged all parties to take all measures to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises.  They recalled that peacekeepers must never be the target of an attack.

They reiterated their full support to UNIFIL, underscoring its role in supporting regional stability and expressed their deep appreciation to UNIFIL’s troop-contributing countries.

They expressed their deep concern for civilian casualties and sufferings, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the damage to cultural heritage sites in Lebanon and endangerment of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Baalbeck and Tyre and the rising number of internally displaced people.  They called on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law.

They called for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).

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 https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15897.doc.htm

Security Council Renews for One Year Mandate of European Union-led Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2757 (2024)

9774th Meeting (PM)

SC/15884

1 November 2024

The Security Council today extended until 2 November 2025 the authorization to establish a European Union-led stabilization force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the 15-member Council reviewed the political, security and economic situation in the Western Balkan country.

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the 15-member Council unanimously adopted resolution 2757 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2757(2024)) and, in so doing, authorized the Member States acting through or in cooperation with the European Union to establish, for another 12 months, a multinational stabilization force, or EUFOR-Althea.  EUFOR-Althea is mandated to help implement the military aspects of the 1995 General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is also known as the Dayton Agreement.

Speakers welcomed renewal of European Union-led Mission and support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s bid to join regional bloc

In the debate that followed, delegates welcomed the renewal of the authorization of EUFOR-Althea, hailing it as vital in safeguarding peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in maintaining stability in the region.  They also commended the country’s positive strides, including the peaceful conduct of the 6 October local elections, despite the severe floods and landslides that struck the country on 3 October.

Among them was the representative of France, penholder on the file, who noted that, according to the observer mission of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), those elections were competitive and efficiently managed, despite several shortcomings.  “The future of Bosnia-Herzegovina, and of the entire Western Balkans, is in the European Union,” he underscored, welcoming the bloc’s 21 March decision to open accession negotiations with the country.  He called on the Bosnian authorities to work together to implement the eight key measures and make progress on the appointment of a chief negotiator, to move the country forward in its accession process.

The European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with the country is a critical step in citizens’ pursuit of socioeconomic development, underscored Guyana’s representative.  They will benefit from the free flow of goods, services and people in the region, and this in turn will contribute to the economic growth and stability of the country and the wider Balkan region, she added. However, echoing Switzerland’s representative, she voiced concern about the persistently low level of women’s participation in political life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  They urged more concrete measures to address that troubling trend and to enhance women’s political participation and leadership in the country — an appeal also made by the delegate of Switzerland.

Delegates concerned secessionist rhetoric and actions could threaten development

Several speakers echoed their support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to achieving European Union membership, while voicing concern about secessionist rhetoric and actions that could threaten the country’s development.  Malta’s representative stressed that:  “Secessionist rhetoric and actions are still rife and pose serious obstacles towards economic and social development, as well as putting the stable, but fragile, security situation at risk.”  Slovenia’s representative warned that the Republika Srpska’s secessionist rhetoric not only threaten Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order; they could endanger the country's path to the European Union.  He urged all relevant stakeholders to refrain from such acts and to demonstrate tolerance and engage actively in inter-ethnic dialogue towards reconciliation.

Similarly, the speaker for Ecuador voiced concern about positions that challenge the authority of State institutions and the peace agreement’s framework.  “Comprehensive implementation of the General Framework for Peace is essential to ensure the strengthening of an inclusive and democratic system that represents all its citizens,” he emphasized.

Warnings political divisions will delay reconciliation process

Algeria’s representative echoed that view and warned that political divisions and differences in opinion could delay the reconciliation process.  All parties must choose a unified dialogue that considers different points of view, instead of isolationism and divisions that could lead to deadlock, he emphasized. China’s representative called on groups to actively engage in dialogue and safeguard national, political and social stability.  Meanwhile, the international community must adopt a fair, balanced and prudent approach to the situation, he added.

Focus on creating culture of peace

Sierra Leone’s representative underscored that while legal frameworks can set the stage for peace, it is the social cohesion that sustains lasting harmony.  “True peace extends beyond legal agreements, requiring the cultivation of a culture of peace and tolerance, bridging ethnic divisions, and embedding these principles in the fabric of society,” he said.  Collaboration amongst the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska is the cornerstone for its stability and development, added Sierra Leone’s representative.

The representative of the European Union underscored that secessionist rhetoric, legislation and initiatives in the Republika Srpska entity run counter to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path toward the European Union. The country’s territorial integrity, constitutional order and international personality must be respected, he emphasized, warning that:  “Any action against these principles will lead to serious consequences.”  All political actors must focus on dialogue and key priorities while intensifying efforts to deliver expected reforms, he stressed.

Russian Federation’s speaker points to inappropriate interference in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s internal affairs

The representative of the Russian Federation, however, earlier in the meeting stressed that:  “The European forces should not interfere in the political affairs of a sovereign State.” He criticized the General Assembly’s consideration on 23 May of a “flawed draft resolution” on an international day to commemorate the events in Srebrenica in July 1995, pointing to fait accompli policies to undermine the Dayton Agreement to centralize Bosnia and Herzegovina and turn it into a fully Western-controlled unitary State.

Turning to the Office of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, he said its completely inappropriate interference in the country’s internal affairs is doing colossal damage to the process of post-conflict settlement.  That Office has “long exhausted its functions and become an instrument of colonial policy” and must be shut down as quickly as possible, he stressed, calling on Council members to send a clear signal about the “unacceptability” of that Office’s stance and “the fact that there is no alternative to an inter-Bosnian dialogue”.

Other speakers support role of High Representative

However, several speakers, including the representative of the United States, disagreed with that view.  High Representative Christian Schmidt plays a crucial role in strengthening and promoting reforms essential to the security and prosperity of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of ethnicity, he emphasized, voicing support for his ability to exercise all necessary authority, including the Bonn Powers until the 5+2 Agenda has been fulfilled.  The Bonn Powers complement the European Union accession process and facilitate reform efforts “along the EU path”.  “The United States will continue to use all tools in our toolbox, including sanctions, to push back against those who seek to undermine Dayton,” he added, encouraging others to do the same.

Also spotlighting his country’s efforts was Japan’s representative, who noted that, as a member of the Peace Implementation Council, Japan has worked with Bosnia and Herzegovina to achieve post-conflict development and maintain peace and stability.  More specifically, it has provided assistance in a wide range of fields, including anti-personnel mine action and medical and health care.

Chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency points to destructive policies of Republic of Serbia’s leadership

Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, warned about destructive policies of the leadership of the Republic of Serbia, which are followed by the authorities of the Republika Srpska entity.  They have recently introduced into the curriculum of primary schools content that glorifies convicted war criminals Radovan Karadžić and Ratko Mladić. Additionally, they publicly advocate for the unilateral destruction of the Dayton Agreement and the destruction of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he said, detailing other threats to the Dayton accord.

“The essential goal of the leadership of Serbia is the gradual Anschluss of the Republika Srpska entity to Serbia,” he underscored, calling on the international community, especially the European Union, to “condemn the reactivation of the Greater Serbia project”.  Voicing concern about an enormous proliferation of “offensive weapons” in the neighbouring countries, he stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina should be enabled to have the necessary defence capacities in accordance with international and national law.  This is a joint obligation of both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community, he added.

Serbia’s representative stresses commitment to cooperate with Bosnia and Herzegovina

The representative of Serbia said his delegation is committed to overall cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina and with its entities.  Moreover, Serbia unreservedly supports the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its stability.  Dialogue and agreement on ongoing and long-standing issues are the best way for them to be resolved.  “Practice has shown that progress in overcoming differences is achievable only if solutions are acceptable and, therefore, implementable,” he stressed.  It is in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s best interest that all its laws agree with its Constitution, as part of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Croatia’s representative expressed regret that the sixty-sixth report of the country’s High Representative showed no “major progress in the area of European integration”, especially because the country had implemented some important reforms in a previous period.  He voiced hope that following the elections, Bosnia and Herzegovina will refocus on its reform and European agenda.  Echoing other speakers, he said:  “We sincerely believe that European integration offers the best development opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens.

Call to honour Dayton Peace Agreement

The international community must create an environment in which the country can progress on reforms and advance its European ambitions and thus must continue to promote domestic responsibility and accountability, underscored the representative of the United Kingdom, Council President for November, who spoke in her national capacity earlier in the meeting.  The provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement should be fully honoured and the interests of Republika Srpska respected. “Bosnia and Herzegovina is and must remain a single, sovereign and multi-ethnic country,” she stressed, encouraged all politicians to put aside their differences and work with political courage towards a more stable and prosperous future for all citizens

Security Council Adopts Presidential Statement, Expresses Deep Concern about Challenging Situation in Central African Region

SC/15883

1 November 2024

The Security Council today unanimously adopted a presidential statement on the Central African region, introduced by the representative of the United Kingdom, President for November, expressing deep concern about the challenging security situation in the subregion.

By the text (to be issued as document S/PRST/2024/7) — and noting the key role of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa in the region — the Council cited the threat of armed conflicts, the spread of terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and transnational organized crime, strongly condemning continued violations of international humanitarian law, including those involving attacks against civilians and civilian objects. The 15-member organ further voiced deep concern regarding the persistent violence perpetrated by armed groups in some countries of the subregion against civilians, including humanitarian workers and United Nations peacekeepers, and at violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights.

Also by the statement, the Council expressed particular concern at the continuing terrorist activities of terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Basin, strongly condemning all such attacks in parts of the subregion, which have resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction — reiterating that terrorist groups continue to pose a significant security risk to civilians, undermining stability and development in the affected countries. Further, the increasing use of explosive ordnances, including improvised explosive devices and landmines, used by armed groups and terrorist groups, disproportionately affect civilians, pose risk to peacekeeping and security forces and hinder humanitarian efforts. The Council stressed the need to further investigate and combat this threat, as well as expressing concern regarding piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea as set out in resolution 2634 (2022).

The Council further expressed grave concern at the devastating humanitarian consequences of ongoing violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, and conflict in parts of the subregion, including food insecurity and water scarcity, health emergencies and the threat of epidemics such as yellow fever and mpox, and increased numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees. The statement also noted with concern the cross-border impacts of the conflict in Sudan, including large-scale displacement and refugee crises that are straining already fragile host communities in the subregion, and posing significant humanitarian challenges.

However, the Council also cited planned elections across the area in the upcoming period of the Regional Office’s mandate and emphasized the need for national stakeholders to work together to facilitate the timely preparation for, and the holding of, free and fair elections conducted in an inclusive, transparent, peaceful and timely manner. The 15-member organ expressed serious concern at the unconstitutional changes of Governments in parts of the subregion, welcoming efforts to prevent and fight against unconstitutional changes of Government, and encouraged the Regional Office to continue its support to States of the subregion in this regard

https://press.un.org/en/2024/241101_sc.doc.htm

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Press Conference by Security Council President on Programme of Work for November

1 November 2024

The Security Council’s programme of work in November will feature three signature events, addressing the world’s three biggest conflicts, each raging in a different continent, its President for the month told reporters at a Headquarters press conference today.

Barbara Woodward of the United Kingdom, which holds the 15‑member organ’s rotating presidency for November, said that the three signature events would address the devastating war in the Middle East, the appalling conflict in Sudan and the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, adding that the event on the latter led to her counterpart from Moscow’s blocking of this month’s programme of work.  Therefore, her delegation would not post a formal version online, she said, requesting reporters to look for daily updates on Twitter.

Elaborating on the signature events, two of which would be held on 18 November, with United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy presiding, she noted that the briefing that morning would focus on the situation in the Middle East, while the afternoon’s would tackle the situation in Ukraine, ahead of the thousandth day anniversary of the Russian Federation’s war against that country.  On the former, she underlined the need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as de-escalation, adding:  “Ultimately, the only way to secure a lasting ceasefire is the two-State solution, and looking into the pathway to rebuilding Gaza as part of a viable Palestinian State living side-by-side with a secure Israel.”  On Ukraine, she emphasized her country’s “iron-clad support”, adding that where there is “death and chaos” in the world, “[Russian Federation President Vladimir V.] Putin is not far behind”.

The third signature event, on Sudan, would take place on 12 November, she went on, and it would be chaired by the United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Ray Collins.  She voiced alarm that, 19 months into the war in Sudan, with both sides committing egregious human rights violations, and half the population confronting severe food insecurity, the warring parties persisted in fighting one another instead of famine and suffering.  The meeting would therefore focus on scaling up aid delivery and the protection of civilians, she said, adding that a draft resolution is presently circulating among Council members to this end.  Pointing out that the event would take place ahead of the expected expiration of the authorization for the Adre border crossing on 15 November, she underscored the need for it to stay open, so aid could reach 9 million people suffering in Darfur.

Responding to a smattering of questions on the Middle East, including about whether there would be a Council product tackling the situations there, she said, “happily, my answer is yes.”  A draft focusing on the appalling situation in Gaza and Lebanon, from which refugees were fleeing into Syria, is being circulated by the Council’s elected members, she said, adding that while she has not seen the text yet, she is mindful of the organ’s responsibility to “drive forward action and have productive meaning on the ground”.

On a follow-up question about arms embargos on Israel and Iran, she stated that her country cut 30 items from its arms exports to west Jerusalem, to which it “responded vociferously”.  Iran is already covered by “a raft of UN sanctions under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action”, she said, pointing to Council resolution 2231 (2015).  Iran’s arms transfers to the Russian Federation are of great concern, as they are killing Ukrainians, she added.

On Lebanon, and the implementation of Council resolution 1701 (2006), she noted her country’s support for the role and courage of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is directly under attack. Her country supports the Lebanese Armed Forces, she said, citing its training of 34,000 troops, and reiterates the need for an immediate ceasefire.  On a follow-up query on whether Council resolution 1559 (2004) is “on the table”, she said, “obviously the situation in Lebanon is not conducive to that, and in our discussions with Prime Minister [Najib] Mikati we have focussed on how to support Lebanon in the future”, noting that putting in place Council resolution 1701 (2006) or a successor would be prioritized first.

Responding to further questioning, including her country’s [prior] opposition to arrest warrants issued by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to Israeli leaders, she said, “we support the ICC and its independence and will uphold its decisions”.  Replying to a follow-up question from the same correspondent about why each of her speeches at the Council began with invocations of 7 October, when her country would be aware of a more pertinent — and imminent — date to cite:  2 November, when, 107 years ago, her country’s then-Foreign Secretary, Arthur Balfour, “helped create the monstrous country”, she replied, “my interventions are three or three and a half minutes long, and they focus on the issues of the day.  That’s why we start with 7 October.  Since then, we held more than 100 Council meetings in six months, on an issue which is usually only discussed four times a year.”  Her delegation will try to secure a ceasefire, the release of the hostages and a long-term political settlement, she stressed.

To a question about whether a meeting will be held on the latest launch of a missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, she responded that a briefing on the matter is scheduled for 4 November, given the “unprecedented scale” of the launch and its implications for regional and national security.  On Myanmar, she deplored the appalling increase in violence, and stated that a private meeting is being planned towards the end of November, between the Special Envoys on the country from the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adding that the meeting would be held on the back of October’s ASEAN Summit, during which a communiqué adopted reinforced the need for both organizations to work together.

Replying to a query about the outcome of the United States elections, she noted her country’s “long-standing special relationship” with Washington, D.C., adding that her Government would work with whomever is elected to the White House.

On Ukraine, she underscored her country’s iron-clad support, amounting to almost $4 billion a year.  Her country is Ukraine’s largest contributor for weapons, and it is up to them as to how they use them, she said, adding:  “It is important that we do not have detailed technical discussions, as that plays into Putin’s hands, and puts security at risk.”

Responding to a question about a comment by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Francesca Albanese, about the possibility of suspending Israel’s UN membership over its treatment of Palestinians, she said the United Kingdom is not considering such an action and does not believe that it would be constructive to do so.  “Wars are solved by diplomacy, and being able to talk in New York is important.”

https://press.un.org/en/2024/241101_sc.doc.htm

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Security Council Extends UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara by One Year, Adopting Resolution 2756 (2024) by Vote of 12 in Favour, with 2 Abstentions

9771st Meeting (PM)

SC/15882

31 October 2024

The Security Council today voted to extend by an additional year the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), emphasizing the need to reach a political solution based on compromise and the importance of aligning MINURSO’s strategic focus and UN resources toward that end.

Authorizing the Mission’s continued operations until 31 October 2025, the 15-member organ adopted resolution 2756 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2756) with 12 votes in favour, zero against and two abstentions (Russian Federation and Mozambique).  One State, however, did not participate in the vote.

Through the text, the Council called upon the parties to negotiate under the Secretary-General’s auspices without preconditions and in good faith, encouraging the continuation of consultations between his Personal Envoy and Morocco, Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguía el-Hamra y de Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO), Algeria and Mauritania to build on progress achieved. It reaffirmed its commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

By other terms, it called on the Secretary-General to apply to MINURSO the comprehensive and integrated UN peacekeeping performance policy framework set out in resolution 2436 (2018) and for the safe and regular resupply of MINURSO team sites to ensure the sustainability of the Mission’s presence.

It also strongly urged enhancing cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), including through facilitating visits to the region, and strongly urged Member States to provide new and additional contributions to fund food programmes to ensure the refugees’ humanitarian needs are adequately met.

Algeria’s speaker says its positions were ‘deliberately ignored’

Algeria’s representative, whose country had earlier proposed two amendments to the resolution, said his delegation did not participate in the vote because of “the attitude of the penholder”.  His country’s views and positions, despite having been “well-founded” in consonance with the Council’s processes, were “deliberately ignored”.  He regretted that the penholder did not demonstrate objectivity or impartiality, but circulated a text that did not “at all” contain elements of prior agreements.  “The vote on this resolution changes nothing on the fundamental crux of this issue,” he said.  Algeria believes that the right to the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara belongs only to the Saharawi people, and as such will “strive to speak out” on all matters thereon.

Members reject two amendments to resolution

Presenting the proposed amendments before the vote, both of which were not adopted, he said his delegation “has been forced to submit to you these two amendments quite simply because the penholder decided to impose its own draft resolution, and to put it in blue yesterday at 5:30 p.m.”.  The Council risks being accused of double standards to the detriment of the people of Western Sahara.  “It is the legitimacy of the Council on the subject of human rights that is in question here,” he added.  By denying the people of Western Sahara the legal protection that is guaranteed for them under international law, “we will have lost a great deal of his Council’s legitimacy,” he said.

On the first amendment to insert a new paragraph after preambular paragraph 19, the Council voted six in favour (Algeria, China, Guyana, Mozambique, Slovenia, Switzerland) to zero against, with nine abstaining (Ecuador, Japan, France, Malta, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Sierra Leone, United Kingdom, United States).

Similarly, the second amendment which sought to insert a new paragraph after operative paragraph 13, saw five members (Algeria, China, Guyana, Mozambique, Slovenia) voting in favour, none against and 10 abstaining.

Mozambique’s delegate, who voted in favour of the amendments, said he did so because they were consistent with previous Council decisions and valid on their own merit, because they relate to human rights.  “The resolution in its current form, without the Algerian amendments will not assist the parties in achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution,” he said.  On the contrary, it entrenches the trend of a gradual departure from the Mission’s original mandate.

The representative of the Russian Federation, who abstained on the both the United States-prepared draft resolution and on Algeria’s proposed amendments, stressed:  “The resolution, in our opinion, does not reflect the real situation on the ground and is hardly going to help facilitate achieve a mutually acceptable solution to the conflict.”  A series of proposals and suggested additions to the texts made by his Government and other delegations were ignored.  “Our request to clearly delineate in the text of the document the two sides of the conflict, Morocco and the Polisario Front, was also not given necessary attention,” he said, adding:  “American penholders have once again forced us to think seriously about whether they are able to act as an impartial participant in the discussions on the subject of Western Sahara.”

Delegates support MINURSO’s critical role in maintaining regional stability

Several members saw renewing MINURSO’s mandate as key to the region’s well-being.  “We think this is critical to maintaining stability in the area,” Ecuador’s delegate said.  Recalling that his country was part of the Security Council in April 1991 when the Mission was established, he hoped that by the next time Ecuador takes up membership, both parties would act towards each other with political will, good faith and the support of the international community.

Adding to that, the speaker for Sierra Leone urged all parties to the conflict to return to a ceasefire without delay and resume round-table engagements.  Further, MINURSO’s operational activities should be continually expanded through increased ground patrols and the resumption of full demining operations east of the Berm for the first time since 2019.  Highlighting the international momentum for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, he urged an exploration of “this option”.

Also calling for a cessation of hostilities and a return to a ceasefire, France’s speaker said:  “the low-intensity hostilities should not make us forget the risks that this conflict poses to the stability of the region and to the local populations.”  He welcomed the resumption of refuelling operations at its observation sites east of the Berm, underscoring the importance of respecting MINURSO’s freedom of movement.  He added that his delegation did not vote on Algeria’s proposed amendment because it believes that the mandate in its current form is adapted to the situation in Western Sahara.

The representative of the United States said it is more urgent than ever to reach a political solution for Western Sahara and that Council members should lend all possible support for a solution that is just, lasting and mutually acceptable. “The people of Western Sahara and the region are counting on us,” he said.  “Today is an important step, which now should be reflected in urgent action consistent with the resolution we just adopted.”

“This resolution reaffirms the Council's commitment to assisting the parties in achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution based on compromise,” added the United Kingdom’s representative. Slovenia’s representative echoed that sentiment, noting that he also voted in favour of the amendments presented by Algeria because “we believe that as a cross-cutting matter, UN Missions are strengthened by having human rights responsibilities”.  This benefits the local population and contributes to a more sustainable peace.

Rounding out the meeting, Switzerland’s speaker, in her capacity as Council President for October, said it is “absolutely critical” to support a consensus that “can allow this mandate to be discharged”.  Her delegation voted on the amendment stating that OHCHR didn’t get to the region for the ninth consecutive year, she said, adding that her country is “strongly attached to the protection of human rights in all contexts,” including Western Sahara.  Because the Mission’s mandate provides strong support to the work of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and Special Representative for a fair, mutually acceptable political solution, her delegation abstained on the second amendment to ensure continuity for the Mission’s work.

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