Special Representative Simão briefs the Security Council on West Africa and the Sahel 

On 7 August, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, briefed the Security Council on recent developments in the region. He underscored the deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation, while encouraging deeper cooperation between regional actors, notably ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States. He also welcomed democratic progress and ongoing electoral processes. Emphasizing the importance of dialogue, inclusion, and trust, SRSG Simão reaffirmed UNOWAS’ commitment to supporting peacebuilding, governance, and stability across West Africa and the Sahel, in close coordination with regional and international partners. 

ASG Jenča warns of catastrophic consequences in Gaza, urges ceasefire and hostage release

Briefing the Security Council on 5 August, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenča warned that escalating violence in Gaza risks “catastrophic consequences” for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger hostages. He condemned hostage-taking as a war crime and reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of all captives. Citing dire humanitarian conditions, ASG Jenča urged Israel to allow unimpeded humanitarian aid and to respect international law. “There is only one path to ending the ongoing violence,” he said, “a full and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and political frameworks leading to a sustainable two-State solution.”

The Security Council will meet tomorrow at 3 pm to for a briefing on Israel’s plans to expand its military operations in Gaza. The meeting comes at the request of Council members the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Greece and Slovenia. 

UNRCCA highlights peace, trust, and inclusion at LLDC3 in Turkmenistan 

From 5 to 8 August, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze participated in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Awaza, Turkmenistan, under the theme “Driving Progress through Partnerships.” In a series of high-level forums and side events, he underscored the centrality of peace, trust, and inclusive governance to advancing the Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034). 

At a Parliamentary Forum on the margins of the LLDC3, the SRSG stressed the role of legislatures in fostering public trust, accountable governance, and regional cooperation. Addressing a Youth Forum in Awaza, he called young people a “strategic partner”, urging investment in youth-led initiatives, intergenerational partnerships, and inclusive platforms, including for those with disabilities. At a Women Leaders’ Forum, he advocated for stronger representation, investment, and partnerships to advance gender equality, citing the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus as a regional model. 

Co-hosting a side event on “International Year of Peace and Trust: The Momentum to Implement SDG 16,” Imnadze called for preventive diplomacy, water cooperation, and political resilience to counter risks such as border instability and transit disruptions. Throughout LLDC3, the SRSG reaffirmed UNRCCA’s commitment to supporting Central Asian states in building trust, promoting dialogue, and driving sustainable development. 

Special Coordinator Hennis-Plasschaert expresses solidarity with victim advocates on fifth anniversary of Beirut Port explosion 

Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met with family members of victims of the 4 August 2020 Beirut Port explosion. The Special Coordinator stressed that the pain of survivors and victims’ loved ones had been “compounded by the glaring absence of justice”. “Survivors and victims, and their families, deserve full accountability. And they deserve it now,” she said. While welcoming recent momentum in the investigation, Hennis-Plasschaert underscored the need for the Government of Lebanon to take all necessary action to expedite judicial proceedings related to the explosion. 

SRSG Tetteh engages Libyans on political roadmap, inclusion, and spoilers 

On 2 August, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Hanna Tetteh met with 239 Libyans online to discuss the political process, from pathways to elections to inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, as well as measures to deter spoilers. The exchange was part of UNSMIL’s broader public consultations, which have reached over 2,000 Libyans since May. Tetteh urged participation in the Mission’s public poll on proposals from the Advisory Committee and underscored that “democracy, inclusiveness—they’re not events. They are processes. They are built over time.” She reiterated the goal of moving from transitions to elections that produce accountable leadership, while addressing security, legal, and political obstacles that have hindered past polls. 

Special Envoy Huang Xia meets Togolese President on Great Lakes mediation 

On 4 August, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) for the Great Lakes region Huang Xia met with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, the African Union mediator for the eastern DRC crisis, to discuss recent peace initiatives, including the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha Declaration of Principles. Xia commended the President’s leadership, reiterated the UN’s full support for the AU-led process, and stressed the importance of aligning all peace efforts behind this central initiative to address root causes and foster long-term stability in the region. 

SRSG Al Hassan calls for joint Iraqi and international action to find missing Yazidis

At the 11-year commemoration of the Yazidi genocide, held in Baghdad on 3 August, SRSG and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan urged a coordinated Iraqi and international effort to locate more than 2,600 Yazidis still missing, including those in captivity. Noting that over 200,000 Yazidis remain displaced, he called for renewed commitment to addressing their suffering and supporting their safe return. 

UNAMI trains Iraqi civil society on human rights, minority protection, and elections 

This week, UNAMI’s Human Rights Office organized trainings in Erbil and Baghdad to strengthen civil society’s capacity to protect human rights. On 4 August in Erbil, in partnership with the Alliance of Iraqi Minorities Network, 22 representatives of minority rights NGOs and government bodies discussed legal frameworks for minority protection, countering hate speech, promoting social cohesion, and engaging with UN human rights mechanisms. On 6–7 August in Baghdad, 24 young human rights defenders and NGO representatives received training—supported by UNAMI’s electoral assistance office—on monitoring and responding to election-related human rights violations, digital safety, and the role of the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights in the electoral process. 

Colombia: Land distribution advances reintegration in El Doncello, Caquetá 

On 5 August, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia accompanied the delivery of 235 hectares of land to peace signatories in the village of La Granada, municipality of El Doncello, Caquetá. This new territory will be key to advancing their reincorporation processes and strengthening their life projects. 

Together with institutions and local authorities, the Mission visited the land to define the next steps toward its consolidation. The delivery of land marks an important milestone for sustainable reincorporation and peacebuilding in the territories. 

Community learning fosters safe environments for children in Arauca, Colombia 

In Filipinas, Arauca, on 4 August, UNICEF, the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalisation (ARN), and the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia led an educational day focused on preventing gender-based violence. Teachers, students, peace signatories, and community leaders shared experiences and lessons learned, strengthening their capacity to serve as guardians of safe environments for children and adolescents. 

Finland contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal.  

This week, we thank Finland for its generous contribution of $808,290 to DPPA's Multi-Year Appeal. The funds will support our conflict prevention and mediation work. 

Learn more about our Multi-Year Appeal

Next Week

On 12 August, Special Envoy Hans Grundberg will brief on Yemen.