International support critical to forge lasting peace in Central African Republic

International support critical to forge lasting peace in Central African Republic

Ms. Rugwabiza, who also heads the UN Mission in the country, MINUSCA, presented its latest report covering developments in the wake of the 31 July constitutional referendum. She said MINUSCA continues to support Government efforts to “decentralize” the peace process with armed groups, including recent initiatives to extend state presence in areas that have been…

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Africa: Great Lakes envoy urges international support amid rising hostilities

Africa: Great Lakes envoy urges international support amid rising hostilities

Speaking before the Security Council, Huang Xia expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation and potential for a direct conflict between the DRC and Rwanda, who have accused each other of supporting armed groups within each other’s territory. Mr. Xia highlighted the resurgence of large-scale hostilities in the restive eastern DRC alongside the worsening…

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International Criminal Court: Russia urged to withdraw arrest warrants for judges

International Criminal Court: Russia urged to withdraw arrest warrants for judges

“We share the concerns expressed on Tuesday by the Presidency of the ICC’s Assembly of States Parties that these actions are unacceptable, and we call for them to be promptly withdrawn,” said Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, speaking in Geneva. Last month, Russia issued arrest warrants against the President, deputy and one of the judges at the…

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Strong multilateralism key to international cooperation, says China’s Vice-President

Strong multilateralism key to international cooperation, says China’s Vice-President

“China is firm in supporting the international system with the UN at its core,” and opposes hegemony, power politics, unilateralism, and a Cold War mentality, Han Zheng reiterated. He stressed that China “will never practise hegemony,” and that “a small number of countries have arbitrarily imposed illegal and unilateral sanctions,” severely undermining the harmony and…

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On UNGA margins, world leaders bolster bedrock of international law

On UNGA margins, world leaders bolster bedrock of international law

Heads of State, Foreign Ministers, and other top representatives are converging to endorse multilateral treaties which form the bedrock of international legal frameworks. “Multilateral treaties are essential tools for Member States to achieve the objectives of the UN Charter,” emphasized David Nanopoulos, Chief of the Treaty Section at the UN Office for Legal Affairs (OLA)….

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Lebanon faced ongoing insecurity amid regional tensions and weak international cooperation

Lebanon faced ongoing insecurity amid regional tensions and weak international cooperation

Mohammad Najib Azmi Mikati argued that one of the primary challenges facing Lebanon was filling the presidential vacancy, along with instituting reforms needed to achieve economic recovery, ease the financial crisis, and promote institutional and political stability in the country.  He expressed hope that the Lebanese Parliament would elect a president the Lebanese people could…

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UN marks International Day to Protect Education with call to action

UN marks International Day to Protect Education with call to action

Growing concern over safety and security prompted UN Secretary-General António Guterres to address the global phenomenon on Wednesday – during his remarks at an event commemorating the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. “Children’s education is being snatched away by threats, violence and attacks.” Mr. Guterres said, during his remarks to a group of…

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