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This Week in DPPA: 6 - 13 May 2023

This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world. 

Security Council

Security Council issues press statement on situation in Haiti

On 8 May, the members of the Security Council “expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Haiti” and also “condemned in the strongest terms the increasing violence, criminal activities, and human rights abuses and violations which undermine the peace, stability and security of Haiti and the region, including kidnappings, sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants, homicides, extrajudicial killings and recruitment of children by armed groups and criminal networks.” In a press statement, Council members went on to call on the perpetrators of these acts to be brought to justice, and emphasized the Council’s role in placing sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for actions that threaten the peace and security of Haiti. It also stressed the importance of restoring efficient judicial institutions in order to strengthen the fight against impunity.  

 

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Mozambique

Personal Envoy’s Office organizes training for DDR beneficiaries 

This week, the Office of the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Mozambique, Mirko Manzoni, organized training opportunities for family members of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) beneficiaries in Inhambane province. As the focus of the peace process shifts to long-term sustainability, reintegration and reconciliation activities assume increasing importance. In Mozambique, over 1,300 DDR beneficiaries and family members have been connected with reintegration opportunities in 50 out of 154 districts of the country. 

Colombia

Members of ACABQ visit Colombia to learn about peacebuilding efforts 

On 10 May, the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) arrived in Colombia for a three-day visit to meet with the United Nations Verification Mission and learn about peacebuilding efforts in Colombia. The Commission held meetings in Bogotá with SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the Colombian Foreign Ministry and the United Nations System in Colombia. It will also visit the department of Cauca and other territories to meet with former combatants, to learn first-hand about the progress of the reintegration process in these regions as well as the improvements of their productive projects and peacebuilding efforts. 

Iraq

UNAMI top officials meet with Iraqi PM and interlocutors

On 7 May 2023, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met with the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani. They discussed the political and security situation in Iraq as well as cooperation between the Government of Iraq and the Unites Nations. On 8 May, the SRSG met with the Head of the Hikma National Movement, Mr. Ammar Al-Hakim. They discussed the political situation in the country and the region. Speaking at opening of the 3rd Baghdad International Water Conference on 6 May 2023, Deputy SRSG Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai emphasized the importance of transparent and collaborative efforts to tackle Iraq's water challenges. On 8 May, at the Inter-ministerial Committee meeting on the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Water Resources, DSRSG Isaczai underlined that “The Convention provides an opportunity for boosting Iraq’s domestic water management and governance frameworks, as well as a solid basis for strengthening cooperation with Iraq’s riparian countries”. On 9 May, DSRSG Isaczai visited Salah Al-Din, where he met with Governor Ismail Khudair Al-Halloub to discuss the transition from humanitarian response towards sustainable durable solutions and development and the remaining needs of the people of Salah al-Din.

UNAMI’s Human Rights Office helps convene Arts Festival; Office of Electoral Assistance holds workshop on monitoring and evaluation 

On 7 May, Chief of UNAMI’s Human Rights Office, Danielle Bell, met in Baghdad with the Head of the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, Representative Arshad Rashad Al-Salihi and members of the Committee. Issues discussed included the ongoing process concerning the appointment of Iraq's High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) Board of Commissioners. From 4-7 May, the UNAMI Human Rights Office, in collaboration with the TARKIB Arts Organization, held the 9th Annual Arts Festival at Muntada Al Masrah heritage house in Al Rasheed Street, Baghdad. Speaking to artists at the event, Bell emphasized the crucial role of the Art Festival in provoking discussion around important human rights issues, as well as showcasing the work of emerging artists who utilize their talent to promote social change. On 9 May, the Human Rights Office held a roundtable discussion with a diverse group of 15 women artists and writers, to examine how art can be used to foster women’s rights and gender equality. Participants explored ways in which art can be used as a tool in promoting and protecting women’s rights. On 8 May, the Human Rights Office, alongside the Iraqi High Commission on Human Rights, held a roundtable in Mosul, with NGOs, academic professionals, representatives of the judiciary and the administration of Mosul to discuss accountability for gender-based violence (GBV). It was noted that despite legislative reforms geared towards the protection of women, more needs to be done towards holding perpetrators accountable. On 8-9 May, the UNAMI Office of Electoral Assistance organized a workshop with the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) on the Fundamentals of Monitoring and Evaluations as a tool for measuring progress in the implementation of its strategic plan. Twenty-two staff members from various IHEC departments participated in the workshop, where they were provided practical knowledge and exercises in designing a monitoring and evaluation system for the Commission.  

Next Week

On Wednesday 17 May, Special Envoy Hans Grundberg will brief the Security Council on the situation in Yemen. On 18 May, Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert will brief the Council on Iraq.  

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