ASG Khiari reiterates UN warning against "adverse political, security, economic and humanitarian repercussions of military escalation in the Red Sea"

On 3 January, Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari, briefing the Council, said there had been further alarming developments in the Red Sea since the last briefing on the subject on 18 December. Khiari went on to emphasize that the United Nations continued to warn against “the adverse political, security, economic and humanitarian repercussions of military escalation in the Red Sea” and the risk of exacerbating regional tensions. He further noted that continued Houthi threats to maritime navigation, coupled with the risk of further military escalation, remained of serious concern and “could potentially impact millions in Yemen”, as well as the wider region.  

"Tragically, 2023 is ending as it began –with devastating violence against the people of Ukraine," ASG Khiari tells Council

On 29 December, Assistant-Secretary-General Khiari briefed the Council on the situation in Ukraine, noting that earlier that day, the Russian Federation armed forces had carried out a massive attack on Ukraine, reportedly launching 158 missiles and drones in several waves to target locations across the country. He said that preliminary reports indicated that at least 30 civilians had been killed, and at least 160 injured, in one of the largest aerial assaults since the launch of Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Khiari further noted that, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the latest attacks had resulted in extensive damage to a wide range of civilian infrastructure, and electricity had been cut in several regions. 

ASG Khiari: The fighting and bloodshed in Ukraine must cease

On 30 December, Assistant-Secretary-General Khiari briefed the Council on the situation again, this time during a session requested by the Russian Federation. He underlined that “the two-year cycle of death and destruction, on full display during the Russian Federation’s large-scale attack on Ukraine yesterday ... has further escalated overnight.” He quoted reports from Russian authorities that Ukrainian missile and rocket strikes on the city of Belgorod - which lies 30 kilometres from the Ukrainian border – had killed at least 14 civilians. 

“UN Security Council in Review” highlights signature events on transnational organized crime and the threat of small arms trafficking   

This week, the UN Security Council Affairs Division published “UN Security Council in Review,” its monthly newsletter covering the work of the Council. Under the Presidency of Ecuador for December, the Council held two signature events. The first was a high-level open debate on 7 December that focused on transnational organized crime. The President of Ecuador chaired and the Secretary-General briefed. It also held a high-level open debate on 15 December, which focused on addressing the threat posed by diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador presided over the meeting. The Council held 35 formal meetings, 14 consultations, 4 Arria-formula meetings, made 10 decisions, and issued 5 press statements.

UNAMI marks strong UN partnership with Iraq in 2023 

2023 was an eventful year for the United Nations and its engagement with Iraq. From high-level visits to trainings and advice, UNAMI looks back at its work in partnership with Iraq in a new video, which was produced by its Strategic Communications and Public Information Office. 

Next Week

On 10 January, the Council will hold a briefing on Ukraine.  On 11 January, it will hold a briefing and consultations on UNOWAS.  On 12 January, it will hold a briefing and consultations on Colombia.