On 13 June, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg drew the Council’s attention to the crackdown by Ansar Allah on Yemeni civil society, non-governmental organizations and the United Nations. The Envoy noted that "last week, 13 UN personnel, including one of my colleagues in Sana’a, in addition to five staff members of international NGOs and many more from national NGOs and civil society were arbitrarily detained by Ansar Allah. They remain in incommunicado detention." He went on to urge Ansar Allah to respect the rights of Yemenis under international law and release all United Nations and NGO personnel immediately and unconditionally, and to refrain from the arbitrary detention of civilians. "Such arbitrary detentions are not the expected signal of an actor who is seeking a mediated solution to conflict," he stressed.

SRSG Abarry commends progress in Chad, Gabon, while noting continued dangers posed by armed groups in region

On 10 June, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Abdou Abarry told the Security Council that the region had seen positive developments. He welcomed the return of Constitutional order to Chad and Gabon, commending the facilitators of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). Noting that armed groups continued to “sow their reign of terror”, he welcomed the Joint Multilateral Force’s operations against Boko Haram and Da’esh-affiliated groups. 

Peacebuilding Fund holds sixth annual strategic dialogue

This week, DPPA's Peacebuilding Support Office, represented by Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar, alongside Norway’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Andreas Kravik, concluded the sixth Annual Strategic Dialogue with the Peacebuilding Fund's (PBF) top twelve voluntary donors. Hosted in Oslo by the Norwegian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the event featured key speakers including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, Chief of Staff of the Office of the President of Guatemala, Ana Glenda Tager Rosado; the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bruno Lemarquis; and the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, Ulrika Richardson. Partners underscored the value of the agreement of Member States on the use of assessed contributions for the PBF, though noted the difficult financial situation in many countries. Issues discussed included the continued urgency of peacebuilding efforts in UN transition contexts; assessing and communicating impact; building coalitions for peacebuilding at country and global levels; and the need to stay and deliver in challenging contexts.s

PBSO participates in National Dialogues Conference 2024 in Helsinki

This week, Awa Dabo, Director and Deputy Head of DPPA's Peacebuilding Support Office, participated in the National Dialogues Conference 2024 in Helsinki, hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, the CMI - Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, Finn Church Aid, Felm, and the Abilis Foundation. The Peacebuilding Support Office moderated a panel discussion on the role of national dialogues and other non-formal dialogue processes in peacebuilding. Additionally, PBSO engaged in a panel session organized by CMI focused on multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. During the visit, Dabo also met with the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs to discuss Finland’s partnership with PBSO, including collaborations on the UN-CSO Dialogue, Youth, Peace and Security, and Finland’s support to the Peacebuilding Fund.

DSRSG Isaczai meets with senior Iraqi officials

On 13 June, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Ghulam Isaczai met in Erbil with Rêber Ahmed, Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Interior (pictured), to follow up on the implementation of the government plan for internally displaced persons (IDP) in camps. Isaczai also met with Dara Rashid, KRG Minister of Planning, and discussed KRG's engagement with the new UN Cooperation Framework process. The DSRSG also met with Alan Hama, KRG Minister of Education, where he emphasized the importance of ensuring that education is provided for children in IDP camps.

On 12 June, DSRSG Isaczai met in Baghdad with Iraq’s Minister for Migration and Displacement Evan Gabro (pictured), to address the challenges facing IDPs as the camp closure deadline approaches. Isaczai noted the Government's commitment to resolving protracted displacement through a roadmap focused on voluntary, safe, and dignified return and reintegration of IDP families within a practical timeframe.

UNAMI holds consultations on UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework

In June 2024, the Development Support Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) conducted consultations on the upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2025-2029. The Framework serves as an agreement between the UN system and the Government of Iraq, specifically tailored to meet the country's priorities. In Erbil, Basra, Kirkuk and Mosul, regional and local government officials, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and civil society representatives had an opportunity to contribute their insights, underscoring the importance of local input in refining the UN's strategic direction in Iraq.

UNAMI facilitates dialogue on freedom of expression

On 13 June, the UNAMI Human Rights Office facilitated a one-day dialogue on “Promoting Freedom of Expression in Iraq”. The event, held in Baghdad, provided an opportunity for media workers to engage in structured discussions with representatives of relevant government ministries, the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, the Commission on Media and Communications, and members of the judiciary.  Participants discussed obstacles to the full enjoyment of freedom of expression and freedom of the media, both in the online and offline environment.

Preventive Diplomacy Academy holds event on counter-terrorism

On 10 June, the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia's (UNRCCA) Preventive Diplomacy Academy held a UN Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) information session on UN prevention of violent extremism and counter-terrorism in Central Asia. The event focused on the international legal framework for countering terrorism, including international conventions and protocols, as well as relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly Resolutions.

Stitches for Peace: weaving hope in Caño Indio

This week, in Cúcuta, Colombia, the reconciliation project "Stitches for Peace" celebrated an important milestone: the launch of its new fashion collection under the Ixora brand. This event was a sign of hope for a better future for the women of the former TATR of Caño Indio and their communities. The project, led by 10 women peace signatories, was guided by businesswomen in the fashion sector and tailoring experts. Since its inception four years ago, "Stitches for Peace" has had the support of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia.

Next Week

On 18 June, the Security Council will meet on Sudan. On 19 June, there will be a briefing on the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). On 20 June, there will be an open debate on Cybersecurity. On 21 June, there will be a briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).