Week 63, 21 - 25 March 2022

Ireland and the UN Security Council – This Week

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, the Security Council adopted two resolutions, extending both the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan for one year, and the mandate of the UN special political mission in Afghanistan for one year. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) gave its annual briefing to the Security Council. The UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, reiterated that the UN was not aware of any biological weapons programmes in Ukraine, responding to fresh allegations by the Russian Federation of the existence of such research. The Security Council continued to closely monitor the ongoing situation in Ukraine, and meetings were also held on Yemen and Lebanon.

• The Security Council received the annual briefing on the activities of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on 14 March 2022. The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, urged the global community not to stand silent in the face of the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine. Ireland further condemned the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified attacks on Ukraine and called on Moscow to cease hostilities.  
• In a Security Council meeting on non-proliferation on 14 March 2022, Ireland called for the input of all relevant stakeholders, to ensure that non-state actors are prevented from using chemical or biological weapons or acquiring their means of delivery.  
• The Security Council on 15 March 2022 extended the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan for one year by 13 votes in favour, 2 abstentions (China, Russian Federation).
• The Security Council received a briefing on Yemen by Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, on 15 March 2022. Ireland condemned the cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and the detention of Yemenis who are currently or formerly employed by the United Nations, or by the United States.
• Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN, Ambassador Byrne Nason, addressed a High Level Event on upholding women’s rights in Afghanistan in advance of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan mandate renewal, on 15 March 2022.
• Ireland expressed concern at the deterioration of the situation in Libya since the postponement of elections in December 2021, at a Security Council meeting on 16 March 2022.
• The Security Council adopted a resolution renewing the mandate of the United Nations special political mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), for one year on 17 March 2022, by 15 votes in favour, 1 abstention (Russian Federation). Ireland emphasised the Council’s support for UNAMA but expressed regret that the Council could not agree to include a reference to climate and security at a time when that link is becoming all the more clear.
• The Security Council held another emergency meeting on the situation in Ukraine on 17 March 2022. Ireland called on the Russian Federation to comply with its obligations to protect civilian health-care facilities and to facilitate the safe passage and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance.
• The Council received a briefing from Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, and Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, in closed consultations on 17 March 2022.
• The Security Council held a meeting on the situation in Ukraine on 18 March 2022. Izumi Nakamitsu, the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, told the Security Council that the United Nations is still not aware of any biological weapons programme being conducted in Ukraine, as alleged by the Russian Federation. Ireland urged Moscow to cease its campaign of disinformation.

The Week Ahead (21 – 25 March 2022)

This week, the Security Council will hold briefings on the Middle East, including on the Palestinian question, and Syria. The UAE will hold the third and final signature event of its presidency, a briefing on cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States (LAS). The Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution extending the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the committee in overseeing its sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Monday – 21 March 2022

• No official meetings.

Tuesday – 22 March 2022

• The Council will hold a briefing and consultations on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.  UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, will brief on the implementation of UNSCR 2334, focusing on settlements, and developments since his last briefing in February. 

Wednesday – 23 March 2022

• The Council will hold a briefing on Cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States (LAS). This is the third and final signature event of the UAE Presidency. UAE Minister of State, Khalifa Shaheen, will chair and the expected briefers include the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and LAS Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Thursday – 24 March 2022

• The Council will meet to renew the mandate of the 1718 (DPRK) Sanctions Committee Panel of Experts.
• The Council will hold a briefing and consultations on Syria, covering the Political and Humanitarian items. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and UN Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen, will brief the Council. 

Friday – 25 March 2022

• Mexico will organise an Arria-formula meeting on mental health.