Week 43, 25 - 29 October 2021

Recent developments at the UNSC

• 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.
• In an Arria formula meeting on sea-level rise and implications for international peace and security organised by Vietnam on 18 October 2021, Ireland called on the need to deepen the Security Council’s understanding of the link between climate change and security.
• In a Security Council meeting on the Palestinian question on 19 October 2021, Ireland called for the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem to be upheld, an end to illegal settlement activity, and an end to demolitions, evictions and seizures.
• In a Security Council high level meeting on the Great Lakes region on 20 October 2021, Ireland called for regional cooperation and sustainable solutions to crises in the region.
• Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason briefed the Security Council on the work of the Somalia sanctions committee on 20 October 2021.
• Minister Coveney reiterated Ireland’s support for the people of Lebanon following a Security Council meeting on 20 October 2021.
• The Security Council agreed a Press Statement on Yemen on 20 October 2021. The Council expressed support for the UN Special Envoy on Yemen, stressed the need for de-escalation, and emphasised the need for accountability for human rights abuses.
• At the annual Women, Peace and Security open debate at the Security Council on 21 October 2021, Ireland called for greater inclusion of women in peace processes.
• The Security Council issued a Press Statement congratulating the Iraqi people and government on recent elections in the country on 22 October 2021.
• Along with France and Estonia, Ireland held a media stakeout on the situation in North Korea on 22 October 2021. Council members condemned the DPRK’s test of a submarine launched ballistic missile in violation of Security Council resolutions.

Monday – 25^th October

• No official meetings.

Tuesday – 26^th October  

• Consultations on the situation in Sudan.

Wednesday – 27^th October   

• Council members are scheduled to vote on two draft resolutions: one renewing the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), and another renewing the mandate of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia.
• Briefing on the Secretary-General’s report on the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, are expected to brief. Closed consultations are scheduled to follow the open briefing.
• Monthly meetings on the political and humanitarian tracks in Syria. Special Envoy Geir Pedersen will brief on political developments, while Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths is expected to brief on the humanitarian situation. A civil society representative may also brief.

Thursday – 28^th October

• Kenya will convene a high-level open debate via videoconference (VTC) on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations, focusing on the partnership with the African Union (AU). Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to chair the meeting. AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and AU High Representative for the Peace Fund Donald Kaberuka may brief. A presidential statement is an expected outcome of the meeting.

Friday – 29^th October

• Open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on Mali. Special Representative and head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) El-Ghassim Wane is expected to brief. A civil society representative may also brief.