Rejection of two-State solution by Israeli leadership 'unacceptable', says Guterres

Pakistan, Somalia, Panama, Denmark and Greece elected to UN Security Council

They will replace Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland, whose terms end on 31 December. In a secret ballot, the elected countries secured the required two-thirds majority of Member States present and voting in the 193-member General Assembly. The new members will join existing non-permanent members Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and…

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Gender equality, youth aspirations keys to sustainable peace, Security Council hears

Gender equality, youth aspirations keys to sustainable peace, Security Council hears

Addressing ambassadors at the Council’s open debate on the role of women and youth, UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo highlighted the significant challenges and impacts faced by women. “Women bear the brunt of the global rollback of human rights,” she stated. She referenced her recent visit to Afghanistan, where women are systematically denied basic rights, including…

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Security Council denounces attacks against aid workers, UN personnel

Security Council denounces attacks against aid workers, UN personnel

Adopting resolution 2730 (2024) with 14 votes in favour and one abstention (Russia), the Security Council also denounced disinformation, information manipulation and incitement to violence against humanitarian and UN personnel. Led by Switzerland and co-sponsored by over 90 nations, the resolution noted “deep concern” about the particular vulnerability of national and locally recruited personnel who…

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‘Now is the time to unleash Africa’s peace power’ Guterres tells Security Council

‘Now is the time to unleash Africa’s peace power’ Guterres tells Security Council

“Now is the time to unleash Africa’s peace power,” he said, opening a debate on its critical role in addressing global security and development challenges, convened by Mozambique, the Council president for May.  Calling Africa “an important voice for the global good”, he cited examples of how the continent has shown “unity and solidarity in…

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Second draft resolution on weapons-free outer space fails in Security Council

Second draft resolution on weapons-free outer space fails in Security Council

The Russian-led draft resolution failed, as it did not secure sufficient votes in favour among the 15 council members. Seven nations supported it (Algeria, Ecuador, China, Guyana, Mozambique, Russia, and Sierra Leone), while seven voted against (France, Japan, Malta, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and the United States). Switzerland abstained. For a resolution…

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Security Council hears of relentless attacks against civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine

Security Council hears of relentless attacks against civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine

Lisa Doughten, OCHA’s director of financing and partnerships, said relentless hostilities continue along the border with Russia and on the frontline.  Following several waves of attacks, Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv, was struck again that day, injuring 15 civilians, she reported.  Thousands evacuated  “These attacks have triggered yet more displacement from border and frontline communities….

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