A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally. USG DiCarlo on the situation in Lebanon: “Further escalation benefits no one” On 11 March, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the Security Council regarding the situation in Lebanon. She said the decision by Hizbullah to attack Israel on 2 March had drawn the country into a conflict it neither sought nor could afford. She said…
If Bunia Could Speak: When poetry becomes a space for healing and advocacy for peace
“If Bunia could speak, it will wake up with hope tomorrow. It will ask to stop bleeding. It will ask to breathe peace.” Inside the conference room of MONUSCO’s logistics base in Bunia, these words were spoken in a single voice. They did not come from one poet alone, but from a group of women — community mediators, women’s rights advocates, young leaders and female peacekeepers — gathered for a poetry workshop. The text they were reading had just…
Displaced families in Mundri live in limbo amidst persistent violence between armed forces
The usually quiet church compound in Mundri has turned in a bustling hub of activity with more than 4,000 people crowded together in makeshift shelters. These families have sought sanctuary at the site after being forced to abandon their homes and flee for their lives during military confrontations between armed forces in Greater Mundri a few months ago. Thirty-eight-year-old Aida Stephen is among those struggling to support her family in dire…
UN Security Council extends UNAMA mandate for three months
On 16 March, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2818 (2026), extending UNAMA’s mandate for an additional three months.
Advancing women, peace and security
Members of the Libyan Women’s Caucus hold an online meeting with young women to capture perspectives and recommendations for the Structured Dialogue
TRIPOLI – In an online meeting on Monday 9 March, members of the Structured Dialogue’s (SD) Libyan Women’s Caucus met with around 30 young women from across the country to brief them on their work and hear their perspectives on key issues related to governance, economy, security, national reconciliation and human rights. Supporting effective participation of women of all ages and person with disability in the SD, and ensuring that their concerns…
An UNMISS- supported dialogue seeks to build social cohesion, counter hate speech
JONGLEI - “Information is the backbone of communication. When the public lacks accurate information, rumors and misinformation can quickly spread and create conflict.” This warning from civil society leader Bol Deng Bol reflects growing concern among community leaders in South Sudan’s Jonglei, where peace actors are intensifying efforts to counter hate speech and strengthen peaceful coexistence between communities. A dialogue supported by the…
New Special Protection Unit in Maridi boosts confidence in reporting violence against women
WESTERN EQUATORIA - A newly established Special Protection Unit (SPU) in Maridi a county in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state, has had a tangible impact on increasing women’s protection. This confidential space for community members to report violence against women has led to a noticeable reduction in incidents over the past year. “After the Special Protection Unit was fully functioning, we have seen a distinct increase in reports related to…
In Bor, survivors of sexual violence and abduction finally find safety, support
JONGLEI – “I don’t want to return home. It will only remind me of what we have been through.” Nyakim’s * tragedy began with her husband being killed and her home being burnt down when armed actors attacked her village in northern Jonglei last month. But it didn’t stop there: she and her seven children were abducted by the perpetrators, alongside 22 other women and children. What followed can only be described as a seemingly never-ending nightmare…
Over 13 tons of food items donated for displaced people in Tyre
As part of UNIFIL’s continued efforts to support communities affected by ongoing exchanges of fire in south Lebanon, the mission’s Italian peacekeepers made substantial food donations to internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in Tyre last week. On 13 March, peacekeepers delivered more than 13 tons of packaged food items – in addition to essential medical kits, medicines and hygiene kits – to the Disaster Management Unit (DMU) of the Union of Tyre…
Governance
Speech of the SRSG | Exchange Meeting on the Implementation of the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to have the opportunity to address a few words to you at the opening of this meeting, at such an important moment for the life of the country. The adoption of the National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections constitutes an important step in the current phase of the transition. I welcome the presence of representatives of political parties, whether signatories to the National Pact or not, as well…
KABUL - Bob Saum is the World Bank’s Country Director in Afghanistan. He has been on the ground for a little more than a year and is “looking forward to several more years here.” He has previous experience in the region…
15 July 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the international community to help Burundi continue its path towards peace and sustainable development. "Today, more than ever, Burundi needs support," Mr. Ban…
Friends and colleagues, Let me begin by thanking Brookings, and in particular Strobe Talbot, Martin Indyk and Bruce Jones, for the invitation to speak about the UN’s diplomacy in today’s crises. I credit Martin, in fact, for…
Kinshasa, 15 July 2013 – Following reports of human rights abuses by ADF against civilians in Kamango district near Beni in North Kivu, a UN patrol comprising of Nepalese and Jordanian troops was sent to assess the security…
MISRATA - Building an ammunition shelter may not come across as a priority for many Libyans, who face the challenges of a post-revolution transitional period buffeted by political divisions, armed clashes as well as…
L'Intelligent d'Abidjan: The UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) has called on the Ivorian government to open an investigation into the violent clashes between the native Baoule people and the settler community which took…
13 July 2013 – Recognizing vital needs of the local South Sudanese community, UN national staff in Upper Nile State donated several critical items to Malakal Teaching Hospital today. The National Staff Association (NSA) in…
It takes some 40 minutes of driving through a dirt road to reach the small town of Janzon from Zwedru. It is a route that attracts little automobile traffic, thus compounding matters for sick people travelling to the County…
Kinshasa, 14 July 2013 –In the afternoon of 14 July, heavy fighting broke out in Mutaho, 8 km NW of Goma, after an FARDC position in the locality was attacked by a significant group of the M-23. The attack occurred after the…
Kinshasa, 14 July 2013 –In the afternoon of 14 July, heavy fighting broke out in Mutaho, 8 km NW of Goma, after an FARDC position in the locality was attacked by a significant group of the M-23. The attack occurred after the…
KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reiterates its strong support for holding the Presidential and Provincial Council elections on time, on 5 April 2014, and in accordance with the Afghan…
Garowe/Mogadishu – SRSG Nicholas Kay has described today's decision to postpone the elections as "brave and wise" following violent clashes in parts of Puntland.SRSG Kay said “My condolences to those who have lost their loved…