Escalation of Ukraine war is direct threat to regional stability and international security, warns ASG Jenča

On 11 April, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča told the Security Council that Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns had become "a daily destructive pattern." These attacks included intense and systematic targeting of Ukrainian energy infrastructure across the country, he said, going on to note the increase in civilian casualties. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), since the war began, it has recorded 10,810 civilians killed, including 600 children, and 20,556 civilians injured of which 1,357 were children. “This is unacceptable,” Jenča stressed, emphasizing that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law and must cease immediately.

Despite divisions, Colombia remains a model for conflict resolution, SRSG Massieu tells Council

On 9 April, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia Carlos Ruiz Massieu told the Council that “However difficult and demanding of patience, Colombia’s decision to prioritize dialogue as a principal means to resolve conflict sets the country apart as a model that is more relevant than ever in today’s world." He further underlined continuing efforts to advance the implementation of various aspects of the 2016 peace accord. “As the Security Council was able to observe firsthand during its recent visit, there is deep desire for peace in Colombia that extends from the highest levels of Government and State institutions, across civil society and to vulnerable communities in the regions still afflicted by conflict,” he said. However, transforming that aspiration into reality will require Colombians to overcome divisions across the political spectrum.

SRSG Imnadze participates in conference on advancing peace and building trust among countries

On 11 April, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Kaha Imnadze took part in a conference entitled, “Advancing Peace: Implementing Strategies to build trust among countries." The meeting focused on the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust”. SRSG Imnadze stressed that it was essential to get multilateralism back on a peaceful, diplomatic track, restore trust between countries and actively promote the resolution of existing conflicts by peaceful means. He also noted that Member States should reaffirm commitments to the principles of the UN Charter, in order for the international community to overcome global challenges.

UNOAU participates in 30th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

The International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was observed on 7 April, initiating the 100 days of "Kwibuka" (remembrance). Special Representative to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) Parfait Onanga-Anyanga delivered remarks at a high-level event held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, organized by the AUC PAPS (African Union Commission Political Affairs, Peace and Security) in collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda.

SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert meets with Prime Minister of Iraq

On 7 April, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met in Baghdad with Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq. During the meeting, they discussed the cooperation and relations between Iraq and the United Nations. 

DSRSG Cordone briefs members of Council Informal Experts on WPS

On 8 April, Deputy Special Representative to the Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance Claudio Cordone briefed members of the Security Council Informal Experts Group on Women, Peace and Security on developments in Iraq. The meeting was attended by representatives from the UN Country Team and the Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL (UNITAD) in Iraq and relevant UN entities in New York. Participants discussed efforts to advance women’s political participation, legal protection, and opportunities to strengthen engagement with Iraq to promote women’s rights, including through the implementation of the second National Action Plan on Security Council resolution 1325.

A day of remembrance and reconciliation in Colombia

On 8 April, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia joined commemorative events for the National Day of Remembrance and Solidarity with the Victims of the Armed Conflict. From the capital, Bogotá, to departments including Antioquia, Arauca, Chocó, Meta and Huila, the Mission accompanied communities in their expressions of non-violence, underlining the importance of truth and reparation as fundamental pillars to advance towards national reconciliation. In this context, SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu stressed that the centrality of victims is a promise of the Agreement and a fundamental principle of its implementation.

Next Week

On 15 April, the Security Council will hold a briefing on Yemen. On 16 April, it will be briefed on UNSMIL and Libya sanctions. On 17 April, it will hold an open debate on "Maintenance of international peace and security: The role of young persons in addressing security challenges in the Mediterranean." Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo is scheduled to brief. On 18 April the Council will hold an open debate on the Middle East. On 19 April, there will be a briefing on Sudan, where the war is entering its second year.