Week 70, 9 – 13 May 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 United States (US) assumed the Presidency of the UN Security Council and outlined its priorities for the month of May. The Council was briefed by UN Secretary-General (UNSG), Antonio Guterres, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, following the UNSG’s recent visit to Ukraine. The Security Council adopted its first unanimous statement on the situation in Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022.

• The US outlined the agenda and priorities of the Council for its presidency during the month of May, on 3 May 2022. The US will hold two signature events, one addressing the nexus between conflict and food security, and a briefing on technology and security; other priorities will include the women, peace and security agenda, and a continued spotlight on the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine.

• The Council discussed allegations of human rights abuses and violations of human rights law in Mali, on 3 May 2022. Ireland called for prompt, and transparent investigations into all allegations, stating that perpetrators must be held accountable.
• The Council was briefed by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on the situation in Ukraine on 5 May 2022. Ireland emphasised that the Secretary-General’s recent visit to Moscow and Kyiv, and recent evacuations from Mariupol, have helped alleviate suffering but underlined that thousands of people remain trapped and under siege, and further urged Russia to allow safe passage and unhindered humanitarian access.
• The Security Council released a Press Statement on 6 May 2022, condemning the terrorist attack by Al-Shabaab against the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
• The Security Council adopted a Presidential Statement on 6 May 2022, expressing strong support for the Secretary-General’s efforts in the search for a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine. The statement was the first united action of the Council since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The Week Ahead (9 – 13 May 2022)

This week, the Council will hold consultations on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559. The first of the Council’s two bi-annual debates on Bosnia and Herzegovina will take place, and the ‘UN Interim Security Force for Abyei’ mandate is scheduled for adoption.  

Monday - 9 May 2022

• The Council will hold consultations on the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1559 (Lebanon). Under Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, will brief on the latest SG’s report, which noted the lack of progress in the implementation of Resolution 1559, which urged the withdrawal of all foreign forces, disarmament of all militias and extension of the Lebanese government's control over all Lebanese territory.  

Wednesday - 11 May 202

• The Council will hold the first of its two bi-annual debates on Bosnia and Herzegovina on the basis of the latest report from the Office of the High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina. High Representative, Christian Schmidt, is expected to brief the Council for the first time.

Tuesday – 10 May 2022

• No official meetings.

Wednesday - 11 May 2022

• The Council will hold the first of its two bi-annual debates on Bosnia and Herzegovina on the basis of the latest report from the Office of the High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina. High Representative, Christian Schmidt, is expected to brief the Council for the first time.

 

Thursday - 12 May 2022

• The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei mandate is scheduled for adoption. The technical rollover takes place in the context of a full changeover of peacekeepers as Ethiopian troops are replaced by a 3500-strong multinational force.

Friday – 13 May 2022

• No official meetings.