Week 74, 6 – 10 June 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, Albania assumed the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the first time. The first signature event of the Albanian Presidency took place in the form of a high-level open debate on the theme “Strengthening accountability and justice for serious violations of international law”. The Council meeting in an Arria-formula configuration heard from Syrian women regarding the situation of detainees and the disappeared in Syria.

• The Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2634 which calls on the Gulf of Guinea countries to criminalise piracy and armed robbery at sea under domestic laws, on 31 May 2022.
• Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, briefed the Council on 31 May 2022 and warned of urgent action needed to defuse violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo which includes a resurgence of militia attacks by the infamous M23 rebels. Ireland called for a consistent response to the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and voiced deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, which can lead to heightened risks for women and girls

Huang Xia

• UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pederson, briefed the Council in closed consultation on Syria, on 31 May 2022.
• In a Press Conference on 1 June 2022, Albania informed the wider UN of its Presidency’s priorities for June, which include promoting respect for international law, advancing the women, peace and security agenda, enhancing the relationship between the United Nations and regional organisations, bolstering the Council’s working methods and strengthening accountability.
• The first signature event of Albania’s Security Council Presidency took place on 2 June 2022. The high-level open debate on the theme “Strengthening accountability and justice for serious violations of international law” featured an address by Joan E. Donoghue, President of the International Court of Justice in the Hague, who underlined that the desire for accountability is a key motivation for applicants bringing a case before the Court. She stressed that adopting a convention on crimes against humanity would promote accountability for violations of fundamental obligations found in international law. Paul Gallagher, Attorney General of Ireland, welcomed the use of mechanisms to ensure criminal accountability regarding the crisis in Ukraine. Ireland was one of 41 states that quickly referred the situation to the International Criminal Court. Ireland further expressed support for the elaboration of a convention on crimes against humanity

Joan E. Donoghue                               Paul Gallagher

• The Security Council renewed measures designed to implement the arms embargo against Libya for another year, adopting resolution 2635 on 3 June 2022 by a vote of 14 in favour to none against, with one abstention (Russian Federation).
• In a Presidential Statement the Security Council welcomed the recent positive political developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region, and the convening of the second Regional Heads of State Conclave on the Democratic Republic of Congo in Nairobi, Kenya, on 21 April.
• The Security Council extended the existing mandate of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) for a year by unanimously adopting resolution 2636 on 3 June 2022. Ireland said there was a missed opportunity to substantively update the mandate to reflect the current reality in Sudan and more effectively frame the critical work that UNITAMS is carrying out to achieve its objectives.
• The Security Council held an Arria-formula meeting on 3 June 2022 to hear from Syrian women on detainees and the disappeared. Ireland highlighted how the trauma of Syrian women detainees is often compounded due to the stigma they face.

The Week Ahead (6 – 10 June 2022)

This week, the Security Council will continue to address the situation in Ukraine and will hold a briefing on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and trafficking in persons. The Council will also hold briefings on the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL (UNITAD).

Monday – 6 June 2022

• The Council will hold a briefing on Ukraine, with a focus on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and trafficking in persons. European Council, President Charles Michel, is expected to participate.

Tuesday – 7 June 2022

• No official meetings.

Wednesday – 8 June 2022

• The Council will hold a briefing and consultations on the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). Briefers are expected to include Gilberto Da Piedade Verissimo, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
• The Council will hold a briefing on the Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL (UNITAD). Christian Ristcher, Head of UNITAD, will brief the Council.

Thursday – 9 June 2022

• No official meetings.

Friday – 10 June 2022

• No official meetings.