Gaza: Israeli advance on Rafah would have ‘dire humanitarian consequences’

Gaza: Israeli advance on Rafah would have ‘dire humanitarian consequences’

Sigrid Kaag reiterated Secretary-General António Guterres’s concern that such an operation at present time would be potentially disastrous for innocent civilians. “There are more than a million people crammed in Rafah. It’s not intended for a million people in shelters, in random sort of plastic sheeted constructions. Health conditions are very worrisome,” she told correspondents…

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More action needed to advance women’s role in global peace and security

More action needed to advance women’s role in global peace and security

Addressing the Council’s annual debate on resolution 1325, he appealed for countries to “urgently bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality” through concrete action in the areas of participation, financing and leadership. “Of 18 peace agreements reached last year, only one was signed or witnessed by a representative of a women’s group or organization,” he…

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Israeli President congratulates his Palestinian counterpart on Eid al-Adha in advance

Israeli President congratulates his Palestinian counterpart on Eid al-Adha in advance

AIsraeli President Isaac Herzog called his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas and congratulated him in advance of Eid al-Adha. According to the official statement, President Isaac congratulated Mahmoud Abbas, his family, the Palestinian people and the people of the entire region on Eid al-Adha. The Israeli president strongly condemned the loss of innocent Palestinians in terrorist…

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Human rights ‘best antidote’ to advance peace, Security Council hears

Human rights ‘best antidote’ to advance peace, Security Council hears

Ambassadors met to examine the Council’s efforts towards building trust that leads to sustainable peace, in light of current and emerging threats.  “Full compliance with human rights is the best antidote to the inequalities, unaddressed grievances and exclusion which are often at the root of instability and conflict,” said Mr. Türk, speaking via videolink from…

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Somalia: UN official underlines need to advance women’s participation in public life

Somalia: UN official underlines need to advance women’s participation in public life

Ms. Gbeho said she has welcomed the Federal Government’s continued commitment to implementing the women, peace, and security agenda, as demonstrated by the launch of a new national action plan on Security Council resolution 1325.  The landmark document, adopted more than 20 years ago, reaffirms women’s role in peacebuilding and conflict prevention and resolution.  Action…

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Local elections chance to advance peace in Central African Republic: UN envoy

Local elections chance to advance peace in Central African Republic: UN envoy

Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza reported on recent progress by the Government, including in election preparations and security sector reform.  Political engagement with the leaders of armed groups remains essential and is starting to yield modest results, she added, pointing to the dissolution of four armed groups who were signatories to the February 2019 Peace Agreement. …

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