Ireland and the UN Security Council - This Week: Week 11

Week 11: 15-19 March 2021

Recent developments at the UNSC

Today marks the 10^th 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.
Ireland held a meeting of the Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security jointly with Niger on Friday 12 March and examined opportunities for UN peace operations in the Sahel.
Ireland co-sponsored an Arria formula meeting on Crimea on Friday 12 March and noted its concern at the human rights situation on the peninsula and the need for unimpeded access for human rights monitoring mechanisms in the region.
The US held a high-level open debate on conflict and food security on Thursday 11 March. In his address to the Council, Minister Coveney highlighted that conflict is the main driver of hunger and urged member states to implement UNSC resolution 2417,

Monday – 15^th March

Briefing, followed by VTC consultations, on the political situation in Syria on the 10^th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict. Special Envoy Geir Pedersen is scheduled to brief.

Tuesday – 16^th March

Briefing, followed by VTC consultations, on Yemen. Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock will brief. General Abhijit Guha, who heads the UN Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement, will participate in the consultations.

Wednesday – 17^th March

Thursday – 18^th March

Briefing in VTC consultations on the Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 and called for a cessation of hostilities between the Shi’a militant group Hezbollah and Israel. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon Najat Rochdi are expected to brief.

Friday – 19^th March