Ireland and the UN Security Council - This Week
Week 103, 26 - 30 December 2022
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Last week marked Ireland’s final week of official meetings as an elected member of the UN Security Council. During this week the Council held meetings on the Middle East Process, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, ongoing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan and Afghanistan. The Council also unanimously adopted a resolution on mental health and psychosocial support for personnel of the United Nations peace operations.
- On 19 December 2022, Tor Wennesland, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, informed the Security Council that while there has been progress in Gaza, more must be done to alleviate the humanitarian situation and enable the economy to grow. The Special Coordinator outlined that solving its challenges will ultimately require political solutions, including a return of the legitimate Palestinian Government to the Strip, a full lifting of Israeli closures and an end to the militant build-up. Ireland urged Israel to reverse its decision on designating human rights non-governmental organizations as terrorist entities and called on Israel to cease all settlement activities.
- On 19 December 2022, Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, briefed the Council on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). She observed that “the space for diplomacy appears to be rapidly shrinking” and called on Iran to reverse steps it has taken since July 2019 that are inconsistent with its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA; she also called on the United States to lift its sanctions pursuant to that agreement. Ireland delivered its final report as Security Council Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231. Ireland detailed that Iran’s nuclear programme has never been as advanced as it is now, with stocks of highly enriched uranium and substantial expansion of advanced centrifuges well beyond any civilian justification. Ireland further called on Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
- On 20 December 2022, the Security Council unanimously extended the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for one year.
- On 20 December 2022, Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations briefed the Council on the Armenia - Azerbaijan Conflict. He outlined that despite a “glimmer of hope” regarding diplomatic efforts by Armenia and Azerbaijan towards a resolution of their ongoing dispute, a current escalation of tension and incidents threatens to derail fragile progress and unleash a dangerous resumption of violence. Ireland warned that without the free movement of people, goods, food and medical supplies, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh will face a humanitarian crisis this winter and therefore called on Azerbaijan to immediately and unconditionally restore freedom and security of movement along with the Corridor in line with the trilateral statement on the ceasefire of 9 November 2020.
Miroslav Jenča
- Roza Isakovna Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), briefed the Security Council on 20 December 2022. Spotlighting the Taliban’s continued suppression of media and civil society, she emphasised that all Afghans must be represented and be able to participate in the country’s decision-making processes, underscoring that ongoing dialogue with the de facto authorities is needed to secure a better future for Afghans. Ireland outlined that cross-border terrorism, weapons proliferation and drug trafficking persist in the region, as the Council is failing to hold the Taliban to account and uphold the rights of the Afghan people. Ireland also highlighted that two thirds of the population remain in humanitarian need.
Roza Isakovna Otunbayeva
- On 21 December 2022, the Security Council adopted resolution 2669 (2022), by a vote of 12 in favour to none against, with 3 abstentions (China, India, Russian Federation), which demands an immediate end to all forms of violence throughout the country and urges restraint and the de-escalation of tensions. Ireland underlined that the Council’s actions in response to the violence in Myanmar have been inadequate and urged it to maintain a dedicated focus on the situation.
- On 21 December 2022, Geir O. Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, briefed the Security Council. He detailed that while the current patchwork of bilateral agreements has brought about a relative reduction in violence, he stressed that these fragile arrangements do not amount to a comprehensive nationwide ceasefire. Amidst rampant fuel and food shortages, he emphasised that Syria remains desperately in need of cross-border and cross-line humanitarian aid. Ireland stressed that channels of access should be consistently available when it comes to delivering life-saving aid to people in need. Voicing serious concern over the continuing hostilities on the ground, Ireland called for all who violate international humanitarian law to be held accountable.
- On 21 December 2022, Helen La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti briefed the Council, detailing that Haiti is facing the worst human rights and humanitarian emergency in decades. She said that bilateral sanctions pursuant to Council resolution 2653 (2022) appeared to generate a renewed sense of urgency to restore democratically elected institutions. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, said efforts to engage in dialogue have failed to create consensus on a way forward. She outlined that Gang violence has paralysed the country, obstructed the freedom of movement of people, goods and humanitarian aid, fuelled the resurgence of cholera, increased food insecurity to unimaginable levels, displaced 155,000 people and disrupted the education of thousands of children. Ireland called on Haiti’s leaders to come together to end the cycle of violence and impunity, which has plagued the country for too long
Helen La Lime
- The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on mental health and psychosocial support for personnel of the United Nations peace operations on 21 December 2022.
- On 22 December 2022, the Security Council unanimously renewed the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan for six months, until 30 June 2023.
The Week Ahead (26 - 30 December 2022)
This week, Ireland’s final week as an elected member of the UN Security Council, there are no official meetings scheduled to take place.
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
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This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
This bulletin will provide a brief analysis of last week’s meetings at the UN Security Council (UNSC), and an overview of the upcoming meetings this week.
Read More
Last week, Russia held a Security Council meeting to advance unsubstantiated claims on the alleged development of chemical and biological weapons in Ukraine. UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, confirmed that the UN was not aware of any biological weapons programmes in Ukraine. The WHO condemned attacks on healthcare facilities in Ukraine following the reported bombing of a maternity hospital in Mariupol last week. Meetings were also held on South Sudan, Women, Peace, and Security and Syria.
The Security Council held a meeting on South Sudan on 7 March 2022. Ireland expressed concern at the humanitarian crisis and urged action by all parties to deliver peace for South Sudan's people.
In a Security Council meeting on Ukraine on 7 March 2022, Ireland called for unrestricted safe passage for civilians out of areas of military operations.
Minister Coveney delivered Ireland’s national statement at the Security Council open debate on Women, Peace, and Security on International Women’s Day on 8 March 2022. In his speech, he condemned the Russian Federation's further invasion of Ukraine & violation of the UN Charter.
In an Arria-formula meeting on climate finance for sustaining peace and security on 9 March 2022, Ireland highlighted its €225 million public climate finance contribution per year by 2025.
In a Security Council meeting on the Syria chemical weapons file on 10 March 2022, Ireland underlined the importance of the OPCW and its work in Syria and urged Syria to ensure its chemical weapons stocks are declared & verifiably destroyed.
Russia held a Security Council meeting on 11 March 2022 on the alleged development of chemical and biological weapons in Ukraine. Ireland rejected these claims and urged Russia not to use the Security Council to spread disinformation.
The Week Ahead
This week, the Security Council will continue to closely follow the situation in Ukraine and may convene a meeting, depending on developments. Security Council members are also expected to continue negotiating a draft resolution on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine proposed by France and Mexico. There will also be meetings on Yemen, Libya, and Afghanistan.
Monday – 14 March 2022
The Security Council will receive the annual briefing on the activities of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office (CiO), and Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo are the anticipated briefers.
Tuesday – 15 March 2022
Security Council members are expected to vote on a draft resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
There will be a briefing, followed by consultations, on Yemen. UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths will brief. The head of the UN Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA), Major General Michael Beary, will brief in consultations.
Wednesday – 16 March 2022
The Security Council will convene for a briefing and consultations on the situation in Libya and the work of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo is expected to brief. The chair of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee, Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti (India), is also scheduled to brief on the committee’s activities.
Thursday – 17 March 2022
Security Council members are expected to vote on a draft resolution on the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
Friday – 18 March 2022
No official meetings.
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Last week, the war in Ukraine continued to dominate events at the UN. The Security Council held two meetings on developments on the ground. Following on from Russia’s decision to veto a Security Council resolution last week, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning Russian aggression, with 141 votes in favour. Elsewhere, in his address to the Human Rights Council, Minister Simon Coveney condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and called on HRC members to act. As a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the HRC voted to establish an independent international commission of inquiry.
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Last week, the Security Council held emergency talks in response to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine which commenced in the early hours of the morning on Thursday 24 February 2022. Despite calls for de-escalation and diplomacy, Russia continued its military assault against Ukraine and vetoed a Security Council resolution condemning its military actions in the country. According to the UN, there have been multiple civilian casualties and more than 400,000 people have fled Ukraine. Meanwhile, more than 2000 people have been arrested in anti-war protests around Russia. A round up of the week’s key meetings and developments can be found below.
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Last week, the Security Council held meetings on Somalia, regional co-operation with the UN, Ukraine, and Haiti. Irish Major General (Ret’d) Michael Beary briefed the Security Council for the first time in his capacity as Head of the Hudaydah Agreement and the UNMHA Mission (Yemen). The situation in Ukraine continued to overshadow events at the Council. In her statement at the meeting on Ukraine, Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason defended Ukraine’s ‘fundamental right’ to sovereignty and independence. A round up of the week’s key meetings and developments can be found below.
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Last week, the Security Council held thematic meetings on the humanitarian impact of sanctions and ISIL terrorism. There was also a meeting on the situation in Burkina Faso, which resulted in the adoption of a Security Council Press Statement condemning the recent military coup. Last week also marked the beginning of the 2022 session of intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform. Ireland called for a more accountable, coherent, and transparent Security Council reform process. A round up of the week’s key meetings and developments can be found below.
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Last week, the Security Council held an open meeting on Ukraine as tensions continued to mount on the border with Russia. There were particularly heated exchanges between Russia and the US over a possible invasion, however, the meeting produced no concrete results. Ireland’s statement stressed the need for de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue.
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Last week, the Security Council addressed the situation in Libya, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Myanmar. Norway held its final high-level event as President of the Council for January 2022 on theme of Protection of Civilians.
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Last week, the Security Council addressed the situation in Sudan/South Sudan, Israel-Palestine, Colombia, as well as the recent attacks against civilians in the UAE.
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Ireland joined the US, Albania, France, Japan and the UK in making a joint statement in response to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) ballistic missile launch on 5 January 2022.
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The Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2612 on 20 December 2021, which extends the MONUSCO (DRC) mandate until December 2022.
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At a Security Council briefing on UN Peacekeeping and Lebanon with Jean Pierre Lacroix on 29 November 2021, Ireland condemned all violations of Lebanese sovereignty and called on all non-state actors to disarm.
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In a Security Council meeting on the situation in Central African Republic on 18 October 2021, Ireland called for respect for the ceasefire and implementation of the 2019 peace agreement. The Security Council agreed press elements welcoming the announcement of a ceasefire by President Touadera.
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Ireland and Norway emphasised their support for the UN in providing humanitarian aid as co-penholders on the Syria humanitarian file in a Security Council meeting on 15 November 2021.
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The Security Council met to discuss the situation in Ethiopia on 8 November 2021. Ireland called on all parties to the conflict to facilitate humanitarian aid, to immediately end the fighting, and to embrace negotiations towards a lasting peace.
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The Security Council met to discuss the situation in Sudan following the military coup on 26 October 2021. Ireland condemned the coup and called for all officials to be released immediately.
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In a Security Council meeting on Sudan on 14 September 2021, Ireland urged for concrete action to protect civilians.
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The Security Council held a meeting on diversity state-building and the search for peace on 12 October 2021. Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason called for more investment in human rights, inclusion and in critical moments of transition.
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he Security Council held a briefing on the situation in Haiti on 4 October 2021. Ireland urged all actors to guarantee the inclusion of Haitian women in talks for a political solution.
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reland held a high-level signature event, the last of its Presidency, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty on 27 September 2021. Minister of State Thomas Byrne chaired the meeting and delivered Ireland’s National Statement.
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UN Secretary-General (UNSG) António Guterres addressed the UN General Assembly at the opening of High-Level week on 21 September 2021. His full speech is available here.
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Ireland reiterated its support for the peace process in Colombia at a Security Council meeting on Tuesday 13 July 2021.
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The Security Council held an open briefing with ‘the Elders’ on the maintenance of international peace and security on 7 September 2021. Elders Chair and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, and former UN Special Envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, briefed Council members on a range of issues including, climate and security, the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, and conflict resolution.
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The Security Council adopted a resolution renewing the Mali sanctions regime on 30 August 2021.
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he Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Afghanistan on 16 August 2021 in light of the deteriorating situation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern at the situation and urged the Taliban and all other parties to exercise restraint in order to protect lives. Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason called on the UNSC to stand with the women of Afghanistan. The UNSC agreed on a press statement on Afghanistan which called for an immediate end to violence and a negotiated settlement. Furthermore, Irish Aid announced €1 million in humanitarian funding to support the people of Afghanistan.
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In a Security Council meeting on the drawdown of the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan on 27 July 2021, Ireland highlighted the importance of the protection of civilians and the implementation of Sudan’s National Protection of Civilians Plan.
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Martin Griffiths took up his new role as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator on Monday 19 July 2021.
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Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, visited the UNIFIL headquarters in South Lebanon on Monday 5 July 2021 and announced an additional 1 million in funding for the World Food Programme in the country.
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President Michael D Higgins addressed the Security Council at the annual open debate on Children and Armed Conflict on Monday 28 June 2021. He emphasised the importance of access to education and endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration.
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Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason welcomed the appointment of Nick Haysom as Special Representative for South Sudan in a Security Council meeting on South Sudan on Monday 21 June 2021.
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Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason expressed support for the UN Mission in Mali, and noted that as co-chair of the Informal Expert Group on WPS Ireland would monitor the situation concerning women’s rights, in a Security Council meeting Monday 14 June 2021.
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Ireland addressed the Security Council at a meeting of troop-contributing countries to the UN Mission in Mali on Monday 7 June 2021.
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Ireland co-sponsored an Arria-Formula meeting launching the Group of Friends of Women of the Sahel on Wednesday 2 June 2021.
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Estonia assumes the Presidency of the Security Council on Tuesday 1 June 2021. Members also expect to adopt the provisional programme of work for June on Tuesday.
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The UN Security Council finally agreed to issue a press statement on the situation in the Middle East on Saturday 22 May 2021. The UNSC welcomed the ceasefire, mourned for the loss of civilian lives and underlined the need for immediate humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people but fell short of condemning the violence.
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Minister Coveney addressed the UN Security Council on Sunday 16 May 2021 at an emergency meeting on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He called for an immediate ceasefire and said that “the cycle of violence and bloodshed must end now”.
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At the first Security Council bi-annual debate on Bosnia & Herzegovina on Tuesday 4 May 2021, Ireland affirmed its support for Bosnia & Herzegovina as a single united, multi-ethnic country.
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Minister Simon Coveney addressed the Security Council in a high level open debate on ‘Indispensable Civilian Objects’ on Tuesday 27 April 2021, following which UNSC members adopted a resolution on the protection of civilian objects.
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Minister Simon Coveney addressed the Security Council at a high level open debate on enhancing cooperation between the UN and regional organisations on Monday 19 April 2021. The Minister emphasised the role that regional
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Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason addressed the Security Council on Monday 12 April 2021 in a meeting on the Great Lakes Region and emphasised the importance of Security Council engagement in the region for peace and prosperity.
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In an interview on Al Jazeera on Sunday 4 April 2021, Minister Coveney outlined the Irish perspective on global issues including: the Iran nuclear deal; Myanmar; the Tigray region of Ethiopia and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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At a meeting on the situation in Myanmar on Wednesday 31 March, Ireland called for an immediate end to the abhorrent violence inflicted at the hands of the military.
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At a briefing on Libya on Wednesday 24 March, Ambassador Byrne Nason emphasised the importance of women’s participation in the political process, expressed support for the UN Fact Finding Mission and called on the UNSC to condemn attacks on women leaders and human rights defenders.
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Ambassador Jim Kelly delivered Ireland’s statement to the Security Council on 10th anniversary of the Syrian conflict on Monday 15 March and underscored the responsibility of the UNSC to act to end the conflict.
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Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Syrian conflict in which hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives and 12 million have fled their homes as refugees. To mark the occasion, Minister Coveney penned a joint op-ed with the Norwegian foreign minister Ine Eriksen Soreide and highlighted the important work Norway and Ireland are playing as co-penholders of the Syrian humanitarian access file.
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In a message on International Women’s Day, marked annually on 8 March, Secretary-General António Guterres outlined “clear evidence”, such as better social protection programmes, stronger climate policies and enduring peace agreements, when women are in governments, parliaments or peace negotiations.
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The US will have the Presidency of the Security Council this month for the first time under the Biden administration and will hold a high-level open debate on conflict and food security as its signature event with the Secretary-General as a possible briefer.
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Malnutrition rates in Yemen are at “record highs” as the country is “speeding towards the worst famine the world has seen in decades”, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator told the Security Council on Thursday 18 February. Special Envoy Griffiths said that the military situation is “extremely tense” and underscored that civilians are bearing the brunt of “shocking violations of international humanitarian law”.
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British lawyer Karim Khan was elected as the new prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on Friday for a nine year term, which will begin on June 16 this year, as Fatou Bensouda steps down after an 8 year tenure.
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The Security Council adopted a Presidential Statement on UNOWAS (West Africa and the Sahel) on 3 February, the first under Ireland’s co-penholdership of this file with Niger. The statement underscored the importance of addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as the need for a holistic approach to address the causes of intercommunal violence in the region.
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The fifth session of the Syrian Constitutional Committee concluded last week. The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, voiced deep frustration on Friday that the Syrian Constitutional Committee had failed to start drafting a new charter after the government delegation rejected proposals.
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UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called for urgent scaling up of funds for climate change adaptation and resilience building programmes, at the Climate Adaptation Summit, hosted by the Netherlands, which is taking place online today and tomorrow.
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Antonio Guterres confirmed on 11 January that he will seek a second five year term as UN Secretary General, which would begin in January 2022. So far, no challengers have emerged, however, there is likely to be a push from certain members states to nominate a woman as the first female UN Secretary General.
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On 7 January 2021, the Subsidiary body appointments were made by the P5. Ireland’s roles are as follows:
Chair of the Somalia Sanctions Committee
Facilitator for implementation of resolution 2231 (Iran nuclear deal)
Co-chair with Mexico of Informal Expert Group (IEG) on Women, Peace and Security
Co-chair with Niger of Informal Expert Group of UNSC members on Climate and Security
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The Security Council is expected to adopt its provisional programme of work for January 2021. Subject to the adoption of the programme, the following meetings are anticipated
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