New York, 31 December 2024
Throughout 2024, hope has been hard to find.
Wars are causing enormous pain, suffering and displacement. Inequalities and divisions are rife — fueling tensions and mistrust.
And today I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat.
The top ten 10 hottest years on record...
A senior UN official appealed on Monday for an end to the hostilities between Israel and Houthi rebels in Yemen which have taken “an escalatory turn” in recent weeks.
The UN Special Envoy for Syria continues to uphold the need for a Syrian-led transition in his ongoing talks on the way forward for the country.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday expressed his deep sadness at the passing of former United States President Jimmy Carter, who has died aged 100, at his home in Plains, Georgia.
Sudan’s civil war, which began in April 2023, continues to inflict misery on the country’s population, fuelling a massive humanitarian disaster and driving over 12 million people from their homes.
Companies and governments need to take more responsibility for keeping individuals safe from the potential misuse of artificial intelligence tools, according to AI expert Ivana Bartoletti.
The last major functioning health facility in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan Hospital, is now out of service, putting the lives of the 75,000 Palestinians remaining in the area at risk, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Friday.
Newborns and infants in Gaza have reportedly died of hypothermia, deaths described by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as preventable. The news comes amid continued Israeli bombardments and an expected further drop in temperatures.
Fresh details of the Israeli airstrike on Sana’a airport, which occurred as Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) was preparing to fly out of the country, have been provided by Julien Harneis, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen.
The impact of armed conflicts on children around the world reached devastating and likely record levels in 2024, according to an assessment by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Offering Haiti’s young people alternatives to gang life and strengthening local institutions are key for the Caribbean nation to “reclaim its position as a symbol of hope,” according to a senior UN official in the country.
The UN Secretary-General on Thursday condemned the deadly escalation between Yemen and Israel, following Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed at least three people, injured dozens, and struck critical civilian infrastructure, including Sana’a International Airport.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said in a social media post on Thursday that it had received credible reports that dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed in airstrikes by Pakistan’s military forces in Paktika province, on 24 December.
Civilian casualties and injuries continue to be reported across Gaza due to the ongoing hostilities, with most families unable to afford basic food as the humanitarian situation deteriorates, a UN spokesperson reported on Thursday. In Lebanon, the UN peacekeeping mission in the south of the country urged both Israel and Lebanon to prevent any actions that could threaten the fragile ceasefire.
Sudan is confronting a widening famine crisis, with widespread starvation, surging acute malnutrition and mass displacement exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, a UN-backed food security assessment released on Tuesday has found.
As we near the end of another year of war and humanitarian crisis, UN News is highlighting the extraordinary work of staffers in the field who feed our story-telling efforts for global audiences. Our first UN News Champion is Louise Wateridge of the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNWRA. Louise’s reporting and communications expertise has enriched our coverage and demonstrated why the UN matters to millions of beneficiaries around the world.
This year, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs continued to play a key role in how the United Nations responds to a complex and continuously shifting peace and security landscape, promoting dialogue and supporting peacebuilding efforts around the globe, including in Sudan, Yemen, the Middle East, Afghanistan and Colombia.
As 2024 draws to a close, the global peace and security landscape remains fraught with challenges. Escalating geopolitical tensions and unresolved conflicts continue to upend the lives of millions. The United Nations, and particularly its Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), is critical to the efforts to restore peace and stability in many of these crises. In the review that follows, we take a look at a sampling of this work over the last 12 months — at headquarters and in the field — and at its prospects for the coming year and beyond following the Summit of the Future.
Pact for the Future
As geopolitical rivalries intensify and new challenges emerge, DPPA’s work — ranging from mediation and conflict prevention to peacebuilding support — has been pivotal in the search for solutions. The multiplication and persistence of crises underscores the need for innovative and inclusive approaches to diplomacy, conflict prevention and peacemaking.
In 2024, Member States adopted the Pact for the Future, which pledges concrete actions towards a more effective and just multilateral system. The Pact of the Future contains a wide range of proposals to address structural imbalances in the international system while also adjusting it to better face the challenges of today and the future. In the area of peace and security, many of the proposals and commitments in the Pact for the Future address central priorities of DPPA — and key recommendations of A New Agenda for Peace: commitments by Member States to reinforce the use of the pacific settlement of disputes, to strengthen capacities for preventive diplomacy and mediation, to promote women’s inclusion in peace and political processes, to make peace operations more effective, and to approach conflict prevention through a new paradigm focused on nationally-owned actions and universality. At its core, it emphasizes the importance of multilateralism and collaboration in solving the world’s most pressing issues.
Colombia
Colombia offers the example, relatively rare today, of a peace process that continues to make progress, despite undeniable difficulties. In November, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo visited Colombia to mark the eighth anniversary of the 2016 Peace Agreement between the Government and the former FARC-EP guerrilla group.
The Under-Secretary-General took part in the celebrations in Bogotá, alongside President Gustavo Petro and former FARC-EP guerilla leader Rodrigo Londoño. She noted that “the world shares Colombia’s enduring hope and faith in the possibility of peace” and encouraged Colombians to “never depart from the path of dialogue, to persevere, no matter how steep the climb” while reaffirming the commitment of the United Nations to support peace efforts, including through its Special Political Mission in Colombia. DiCarlo, who also visited a remote reintegration area for former combatants, was inspired by the resilience of all Colombians participating in the peacebuilding effort, and by the fortitude of Colombia’s landmark Agreement.
Syria
Throughout 2024, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen continued years of efforts to try to move forward the political track and bring the Syrian parties closer towards a negotiated solution (in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015)). Then, as the year came to a close, the world witnessed a stunning development: 50 years of rule by the Assad family in Syria collapsed rapidly and unexpectedly under the pressure of an offensive led by the group known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Pedersen visited Damascus on 15–18 December, shortly after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, and met with a range of interlocutors, including HTS leader Ahmad al-Shara’a (previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Jolani), and other caretaker authorities. The visit came in the wake of international expressions of support for a continued UN role in Syria. Pedersen briefed the Security Council from Damascus on 17 December, reiterating his call for a transitional political process leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government through UN facilitation. Pedersen said “[I]t is only 11 days since the fall of the former regime. My door is open, and I hope in the coming days we can build the dialogue. I understand we all do the massive challenges facing the authorities, and the need to help, concretely, now. We understand the need for stability. But stability will not last long if not built on credible and inclusive foundations. The time is to build those foundations now.”
Following Pedersen’s briefing, Security Council members united around a press statement supporting the Envoy and calling for “the implementation of an inclusive and Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process based on the key principles listed in resolution 2254 (2015) that is facilitated by the United Nations [to] meet the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians, protect all of them and enable them to peacefully, independently and democratically determine their own futures.”
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland continued to lead the UN’s work in support of a ceasefire and the release of all hostages in Gaza. To this end, he visited the Gaza Strip several times, where he witnessed firsthand the catastrophic impact of the hostilities and met with key interlocutors on the ground. In close cooperation with the UN Senior Humanitarian Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag and the UN Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Muhannad Hadi, Special Coordinator Wennesland advocated for humanitarian access to those in need in the Gaza Strip.
Wennesland also continued his efforts to support the Palestinian Authority and the unification of Gaza and the West Bank. Nearing the conclusion of his term as Special Coordinator, Wennesland highlighted to the Security Council that the key principles that have been guiding the international community’s work on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are under pressure, and underlined the urgency of taking practical steps towards the implementation of the two-State solution.
Lebanon
Following diplomatic efforts by the United States and France, an understanding was reached with Lebanon and Israel to implement a cessation of hostilities beginning on 27 November. The agreement sought to end the over 13 months of exchanges of fire between Israel and Hizbullah, which started at the Blue Line and expanded geographically and in intensity.
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, deployed her good offices to support this diplomatic process, leveraging the Mission’s diverse channels to advocate for an end to the violence through a framework anchored in the comprehensive implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
Haiti
Violence at the hands of criminal gangs has plunged Haiti into a crisis marked by widespread human rights abuses, displacement and deprivation. Amid the turmoil, Haitian political and civil society leaders continue their efforts to keep the transition to elected institutions on track, with the backing of the United Nations. The Organization’s political mission in Haiti, BINUH, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), lent critical support to the launch on 13 November of the National Conference, a forum charged with gathering the views of the country’s different sectors and driving forces to produce a new social and political roadmap for Haiti, and its three working groups, notably the Working Group on the Constitution. This support kickstarted consultations designed to ensure that the constitutional revision process reflects the voices and priorities of all sectors of Haitian society, helping to foster national ownership.
From 13 to 19 November, the Working Group on the Constitution gathered perspectives on governance, economic reforms, and workers’ rights from the private sector, trade and labor unions, and from civil society organizations on social cohesion and democratic values. Upcoming consultations will include faith-based bodies, women groups and rural farmers associations. BINUH will continue to provide advisory expertise, logistical support, and planning assistance for consultations across the country.
Sudan
From 11 to 19 July 2024, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, convened discreet proximity talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Geneva, Switzerland. The talks focused on concrete measures to improve the safe and unfettered distribution of humanitarian assistance and options to strengthen the protection of civilians across Sudan, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution 2736 (2024). At the conclusion of the talks, the RSF delegation announced a series of unilateral commitments on protection of civilians and humanitarian access issues in its areas of control.
Lamamra continues to engage with the RSF to urge the translation of these commitments into tangible progress on the ground. Following the talks, the SAF released a statement reaffirming its commitment to continue positively engaging with the United Nations to alleviate the humanitarian suffering.
The discussions in Geneva served as an initial step in a complex process of international engagement to make progress on civilian protection and humanitarian access issues. The Personal Envoy remains in close contact with the leadership of the two warring parties and plans to convene a new round of proximity talks in the new year.
Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, serious challenges continue three years after the Taliban takeover, ranging from a weak economy, persistent poverty, and significant deprivation of freedoms and rights to natural disasters and climate change. Many of the challenges are exacerbated due to the highly restrictive law, policies and practices ratified and imposed by the de facto authorities, particularly on women.
In 2024, DPPA organized two meetings in Doha, Qatar, that allowed Special Envoys on Afghanistan from 25 countries and three international organizations to meet with members of Afghan civil society and, in June/July, representatives of the de facto authorities. This was the first time that such a broad cross-section of the international community met with the de facto authorities on matters of importance for the Afghan people and future of the country. In November, a working group on counter-narcotics convened for the first time as a follow-up to the thematic discussions at the meeting of the Special Envoys.
Municipal elections in Libya
On 16 November, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and UNDP assisted the Libyan High National Elections Commission (HNEC) with the organization of council elections in 58 municipalities across the country. A democratic milestone, the elections were conducted peacefully and transparently, with a significant turnout of over 77 per cent of registered voters.
While the overall registration of women voters was relatively low at 30 per cent of total registrants, 73 per cent of registered women voted on polling day. According to the preliminary results, 487 of 2,331 candidates were women, and 69 women were expected to win seats in the municipal councils.
This round of municipal elections provided a crucial opportunity for the Libyan people to exercise their right to choose their representatives and promote accountable and responsive local governance. UNSMIL, together with UNDP, will continue to provide technical assistance to the HNEC in support of Libyan-led municipal and national electoral processes to foster legitimate institutions and long-term stability for the people of Libya. UNSMIL will also continue to work with authorities and civil society to address challenges to women’s participation in elections.
Somalia
In 2024, DPPA, together with the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the African Union, led an exercise to finalize and report on the overall mission design for the African Union follow-on mission in Somalia pursuant to resolution 2748. A joint African Union-United Nations team was established and visited Mogadishu for consultations with the Federal Government of Somalia and key stakeholders from 25 September to 1 October. The finalized report outlines the consensus on an African Union follow-on mission in Somalia — to be named the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) — and outlines various aspects of the mission and security transition, including its mandate, composition, logistical support, transition plans and benchmarks. The work also included a strong recommendation for the application of the framework established under resolution 2719, making it the first such mission that was put forward for consideration by the African Union and United Nations since the adoption of the framework resolution in December 2023.
Iraq
In Iraq, The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is implementing wastewater recycling programmes to address Iraq’s water scarcity and reduce its environmental impact. In partnership with UNICEF, UNAMI is using advanced treatment technology at its locations in Iraq, recycling wastewater for technical and irrigation use. This initiative aims to conserve freshwater and serve as a model for the local community and neighboring institutions. Additionally, UNAMI has installed water-saving measures, such as low-flow faucets and water meters, and is raising awareness about conservation. By 2035, Iraq could meet only 15% of its water needs, making such projects critical for sustainability.
Papua New Guinea
DPPA’s longstanding role in supporting the Bougainville peace process was reaffirmed this year when the parties to the 2001 peace agreement agreed to appoint an independent moderator to assist in their discussions on the future relationship between Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Sir Jerry Mateparae, former Governor-General of New Zealand was appointed following negotiations with close support from DPPA, including our Liaison Officer stationed in Bougainville, the Asia and the Pacific Division and Policy and Mediation Division, and from the Port Moresby-based UN Resident Coordinator.
The moderator has now undertaken three visits to Papua New Guinea, including a November visit to Bougainville. Ongoing support from DPPA, in coordination with the wider UN system and international partners, is helping to ensure he is equipped for an informed and inclusive dialogue process that is welcomed by the parties. The United Nations has played a critical peacebuilding role since the 1988–1998 Bougainville civil war, assisting with peace negotiations, weapons disposal, the formation of autonomous arrangements and the conduct of the 2019 non-binding referendum on Bougainville’s future status.
Young peacebuilders in Samoa
In March 2024, DPPA in partnership with UNDP and the UN country office in Samoa, hosted a youth-led strategic foresight workshop focused on anticipatory tools for environmental peacebuilding with young peacebuilders from Northeast Asia and the Pacific. It was part of the ongoing Futuring Peace in Northeast Asia project by the DPPA Asia Pacific Division and Innovation Cell, reflecting a sustained commitment to fostering youth leadership and collaboration and providing impactful platforms for interregional exchanges.
Northeast Asian youth, trained in earlier phases of the project, facilitated inspiring sessions including with Samoan government officials and the Tongan Speaker of Parliament. Youth inclusion in governance, such as through mentorship programs and youth representation in international negotiations, were advocated for. The initiative strengthened youth networks across the regions, with lasting youth and Government connections extending to subsequent platforms including SIDS4 and COP29. The initiative exemplifies the importance of coordinated UN efforts to advance climate resilience, peace, and inclusivity, and to foster youth-led solutions to the current climate and resilience challenges.
Peacebuilding Support Office
Throughout 2024, DPPA/PBSO has played a key role in supporting the three tracks of the informal phase of the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review. The informal phase of the Review highlighted several key priorities: the urgency of a paradigm shift toward prevention and peacebuilding with a focus on national strategies; the need to strengthen the PBC; the complementarities and interdependence between peacebuilding and the Sustainable Development Goals; the impact of UN reforms on the ground; financing for peacebuilding; and UN mission transitions.
In 2024, the Peacebuilding Fund is set to approve over 40 projects across more than 20 countries and territories. Once again, over 30% of allocations will support gender-responsive peacebuilding, surpassing our target for the fifth consecutive year. For example in Niger, through the Fund’s Gender Promotion Initiative 2.0, women’s civil society organizations are being supported to engage in conflict prevention, countering violent extremism through formal and informal peace mechanisms. Overall, the PBF directed the largest shares of its investments to West Africa (34%), Latin America and the Caribbean (22%), and Central and Southern Africa (21%).
Peacebuilding Impact Hub: Work continued apace on the production of the inaugural Global Overview Report on peacebuilding, the flagship publication of the Peacebuilding Impact Hub. The Hub also convened partners, including from the UN, Member States and civil society, other partners for two events: one to improve methods of measuring peacebuilding impact, marked by the launch of the impact evaluation for Sudan and another exploring innovative ways to assess risks of violence. For more information on the Hub and its activities, please contact Emmanuelle Bernard, bernard6@un.org.
UN-IFI Partnership: In a new initiative, DPPA/PBSO and the World Bank’s Fragility, Conflict and Violence Group piloted four joint reviews of the IDA20 Prevention and Resilience Allocation (PRA) and its sister instrument the Turn Around Allocation (TAA) in Benin, Burundi, Chad, and The Gambia, leveraging the expertise of Peace and Development Advisors and the PBSO Partnership Facility. The pilot powerfully demonstrated how UN and World Bank mandates and tools including the PBF can complement each other to support national peacebuilding and prevention strategies.
The second annual Civil Society Organization (CSO)-UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding was held at UN Headquarters in New York on 12–13 December. Co-chaired by DPPA’s PBSO and Interpeace, the event brought together approximately 150 civil society representatives — primarily from the Global South — to engage in extensive discussions with representatives from more than 10 UN entities and over 20 Member States. The Dialogue focused on thematic priorities in preparation for the 2025 Review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture, with conflict prevention as the overarching theme. In 2024, DPPA continued to scale up its advocacy efforts in support of the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda. PBSO co-drafted the third Report of the Secretary-General on YPS, published in February, which provided key updates on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015).
Women, Peace and Security
On 24 October 2024, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed launched the Secretary-General’s Common Pledge on Women’s Participation in Peace Processes during the Security Council’s annual debate on Women, Peace and Security. Despite the WPS Agenda’s focus on gender equality in peace efforts, women remain underrepresented, making up less than 10% of peace negotiators. The Common Pledge calls on mediation actors, including Member States and regional organizations, to ensure equal participation of women in peace processes. It emphasizes appointing female lead mediators, integrating gender expertise, and consulting women-led civil society, aiming for more inclusive, sustainable peace agreements.
Climate, Peace and Security
DPPA continued its work on Climate, Peace and Security. As climate change amplifies risks, especially in conflict-prone regions, integrating climate action into preventive diplomacy and peacebuilding is crucial. DPPA has embedded climate and environmental considerations into its work, with Climate, Peace and Security (CPS) Advisors playing a key role in UN field missions. These advisors assess how climate threats — like droughts and floods — affect peace and security, contributing to displacement and resource competition.
Decolinization Unit of DPPA
In 2024, the UN marked the Fourth Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism. The Decolonization Unit of DPPA supports the work of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence of Colonial Countries and Peoples (C-24). Read our explainer here.
Great Lakes
Amid persisting challenges in the Great Lakes region, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes continues to support regional peace efforts and contributes to key milestones on non-military measures against armed groups and regional judicial cooperation.
Despite continued tensions in the region, the year 2024 saw some progress in peace efforts, notably the Luanda process under the auspices of Angola, which facilitated a ceasefire agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda in July as well as the adoption of a Concept of Operations on the way forward in eastern DRC in November. Special Envoy Huang Xia continued his good offices efforts in support of the regional peace processes, advocating for a greater participation of women, strengthened coordination between the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes and streamlined international support. In addition, his Office made some encouraging steps in laying the groundwork for the repatriation of former armed group members from eastern DRC to Burundi, including 19 ex-combatants and 17 dependents.
Over the past year, the Office of the Special Envoy, organized several missions in the region of the Contact and Coordination Group (CCG) on non-military measures and its Operational Cell, which resulted in the identification of 19 armed-group members willing to lay down their weapons and return to Burundi, their country of origin. With the support of the Office and the UN’s Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, national authorities in Burundi also developed a draft legal framework for their voluntary repatriation and reintegration — a critical step towards advancing non-military measures against the threat posed by armed groups.
Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine entered its third year, DPPA continued to provide timely reporting and analyses on rapidly changing dynamics, particularly given the heightened risks of escalation and conflict spillover. In the current uncertain context, DPPA has also continued to exercise a leading role in providing the Secretary-General and UN leadership with comprehensive analyses and substantive advice related to the war and to the search for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.
The year ahead
In 2025, Haiti is scheduled to elect a new president for a five-year term. In addition, there are also set to be legislative elections for the 30-seat Senate and the lower house of 119 members of the Chamber of Deputies. In addition to the elections, a constitutional referendum has been proposed, which may tackled subjects such as amending the structure of government, along with judicial reforms.
Also in 2025, the global community will mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. With the groundbreaking resolution, the Council for the first time formally addressed the impact of conflict on women and girls, as well as the vital role of women in preventing and resolving conflicts.
In Somalia, the Security Transition aims to transfer security responsibilities to Somali forces. By 2025, Somalia is expected to take full control, with continued international support for capacity-building and countering Al-Shabaab.
DPPA’s work in 2025 will include a focus on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Pact for the Future related to good offices, mediation, diplomacy, gender and women, the review of peace operations, peacebuilding and youth engagement. DPPA will also champion the Secretary-General’s “Common Pledge for Women’s Full, Equal and Meaningful Participation in Peace Processes”.
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Voluntary contributions channeled through DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA), our primary fundraising tool, help us accomplish a substantial part of our work, including activities in conflict prevention, peacemaking, and peacebuilding. They make it possible for us to: provide enhanced support to Special Envoys and Special Representatives of the United Nations Secretary-General; bolster engagement with partners, including regional organizations, and continue to invest in priorities such as inclusion of women and youth, the use of technology and innovation for peace, and exploring the effects of the climate crisis on peace and security. Learn more.
Yemen has reported the highest global burden of cholera, with nearly 250,000 suspected cases and 861 associated deaths as of 1 December, accounting for 35 per cent of worldwide cholera cases and 18 per cent of related deaths this year, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.
The humanitarian crisis in Syria continues to escalate, with millions struggling to access basic resources as fuel shortages and damaged infrastructure hinder relief efforts, the UN reported on Monday.
A little over two weeks after a surge of violence in the Cité Soleil commune of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, a UN report has concluded that more than 207 people were executed by the Wharf Jérémie gang.
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The ongoing conflict in Sudan - particularly around besieged El Fasher – and a growing refugee crisis on the South Sudan border, have intensified an already alarming humanitarian crisis, according to UN agencies on Friday.
West Africa and the Sahel continue to grapple with a confluence of political, security and humanitarian crises as countries prepares for pivotal elections in 2025, the UN special envoy for the vast region told ambassadors in the Security Council on Friday.
The head of the UN migration agency stressed on Friday that Syria is in no position to take back millions of Syrians following the fall of the Assad regime, while there is an urgent need to “re-evaluate” sanctions impacting the war-ravaged country.
Hunger, dire living conditions made worse by heavy winter rains and ongoing hostilities continue to endanger people’s lives in Gaza, which has become “a graveyard”, UN humanitarians warned on Friday.
In a landmark mission to Syria, the UN probe into the most serious rights violations committed in the country since 2011 has called on caretaker authorities to take immediate measures to protect mass grave sites and preserve critical evidence.
A senior UN humanitarian official on Thursday issued an urgent plea for international support to alleviate the devastating toll of the ongoing war in Sudan, as millions remain in desperate need of aid and protection.
Around 1.3 million Syrians have received food aid in the past three weeks across Syria from the UN and partners, as the restoration of key services begins in some of the relatively stable areas of the country.
The UN Secretary-General on Thursday urged the Security Council to act decisively to establish international guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI), warning that delays could heighten risks to global peace and security.
The UN Secretary-General on Thursday urged the Security Council to act decisively to establish international guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI), warning that delays could heighten risks to global peace and security.
The head of the UN aid coordination office in Gaza, Georgios Petropoulos, issued a harrowing update on the dire situation in the enclave on Thursday, describing it as "the most dangerous place on earth right now."
In Ukraine, the UN continues to provide aid and support to communities impacted by Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The UN Secretary-General on Thursday urged the Security Council to act decisively to establish international guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI), warning that delays could heighten risks to global peace and security.
A flame of hope burns bright today in Syria – but if it’s not carefully managed by both Syrians themselves and the international community, it risks being extinguished.
Madam President,
I have been asked to brief the Security Council today Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) adherence to the non-proliferation regime and on its military engagements.
The DPRK has been actively working towards acquiring new military capabilities in line with the five-year military development plan it unveiled in January 2021.
In 2024, the DPRK launched one intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), four intermediate range ballistic missiles (IRBM), and multiple short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM). It also attempted to launch a military reconnaissance satellite.
The IRBM launches were associated with the testing of what the DPRK notes to be “hypersonic maneuverable controlled warheads” and multiple warhead missiles.
Also, there are indications that the DPRK continues to actively pursue its nuclear programme.
In September, DPRK state media reported on an inspection of a “uranium enrichment base” by the DPRK leader. This appears to corroborate earlier reports about the existence of a second, yet-to-be-declared, uranium enrichment plant in Kangson, in addition to the uranium enrichment facility in Yongbyon.
Further, on 20 November, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that the Agency observed that the 5-megawatt reactor at Yongbyon was not operating between mid-August and mid-October.
According to IAEA experts, that gap would have provided sufficient time to refuel the reactor and start its seventh operational cycle.
Also, in November this year, the DPRK openly displayed its weapon delivery systems during an exhibition in Pyongyang. The authorities showcased the latest solid-fuel “Hwasong-19” ICBM, which the DPRK launched for the first time on 31 October.
The missile set new records for the longest flight length and altitude reached by any DPRK ICBM launch.
The Hwasong-19 and other weapons systems in the exhibition are produced in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions. Their open display demonstrates that the DPRK is far from slowing down its ballistic missile programme.
The DPRK’s pursuit of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes undermines the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime.
As we approach 2025, the final year of the DPRK’s current five-year military plan, we reiterate our calls on the DPRK to fully comply with its international obligations.
Madam President,
International attention has also recently focused on the reported increase in military cooperation between the DPRK and the Russian Federation.
According to media reports, since 2023, the DPRK has transferred to the Russian Federation more than 13,000 containers of ammunition, missiles and artillery.
The latter include 170mm self-propelled guns and 240mm multiple rocket systems. Russian forces have also reportedly used SRBMs from the DPRK to strike Ukraine.
Further, and again based on media reports, more than 10,000 DPRK troops have been sent to the Russian Federation since October, where they have received training and equipment.
According to US and Ukrainian officials, they are now deployed in Russia’s Kursk region fighting alongside Russian forces.
While the United Nations is not in a position to verify these claims, they are a cause for concern, as noted by the the Secretary-General in a 3 November statement.
On 18 November, in remarks I delivered on his behalf in the Council, the Secretary-General stressed that the reported deployment of thousands of troops from the DPRK to the conflict zone and their involvement in the fighting adds fuel to the fire, further escalating and internationalizing this explosive conflict.
We reiterate our call on all relevant actors to refrain from any steps that may lead to spillover and intensification of the war in Ukraine.
Madam President,
While the Security Council did not renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts that supported the Committee established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1718 (2006), the DPRK sanctions regime and the Committee remain in place.
I would like to reiterate that international engagement with the DPRK is guided by Security Council resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), as well as resolutions 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017), 2375 (2017) and 2397 (2017).
In line with these resolutions, the DPRK shall cease the export of all arms and related materiel, and all Member States shall prohibit the procurement of such arms and related materiel from the DPRK by their nationals.
I recall that the relevant Security Council resolutions are legally binding for all UN Member States. As the Secretary-General has stated, any relationship that a country has with the DPRK must entirely abide by the relevant Security Council sanctions.
We remain deeply concerned about growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, which have increasing global ramifications. It is imperative that this Council act decisively to uphold the non-proliferation regime and international norms.
The situation on the Korean Peninsula, a key peace and security issue, must be an area for cooperation. The Secretary-General has consistently called for de-escalation and the urgent resumption of talks.
Diplomatic engagement remains the only pathway to sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
In this respect, we welcome the willingness and offers to engage in dialogue with the DPRK without preconditions.
We also recall the Security Council’s commitment expressed in resolution 2397 (2017), to a peaceful, diplomatic, and political solution to the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
The Council must also remain attentive to the humanitarian situation in the DPRK. We reiterate the call on the DPRK to expedite the return of the UN Country Team and the international community to strengthen support for its people and advance the 2030 Agenda.
Thank you, Madam President.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL KHALED KHIARI
BRIEFING TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON
THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, REPORTING ON UNSCR 2334 (2016)
New York, 18 December 2024
Madam President,
Members of the Security Council,
Since the submission of the Secretary-General's written report on Security Council resolution 2334 (2016), hostilities and violence have continued throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In the Gaza Strip, hostilities between Israel Defense Forces and Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, including heavy Israeli bombardment throughout the Strip, have resulted in heavy casualties. In the occupied West Bank, high levels of violence persist amid ongoing Israeli operations, exchanges with armed Palestinians, settler violence and Palestinian attacks against Israelis.
Among other deadly strikes in Gaza, from 14 to 15 December, at least 69 Palestinians, including women and children, were reportedly killed in four Israeli strikes on schools sheltering IDPs in Gaza City, Beit Hanoun and Khan Younis, including 20 killed in an airstrike hitting an UNRWA school in Al-Mawasi, Khan Younis. The Israel Defense Forces said they were targeting Hamas militants. More than 250 Palestinians have been killed in such strikes in Gaza over the past week, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.
The death toll of this war continues to mount. Since October 7th 2023, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza according to the Ministry of Health and over 1,700 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed in attacks in or originating from Gaza according to Israeli sources.
In the occupied West Bank, on 12 December, an Israeli boy was killed in a shooting attack on a bus near the Al Khader junction in the occupied West Bank, south of Jerusalem. Israeli authorities said that the Palestinian perpetrator later turned himself in. The same day, Israeli forces reportedly killed a Palestinian man in an exchange of fire in Balata refugee camp near Nablus.
Serious clashes have also taken place between Palestinian armed groups in the occupied West Bank and Palestinian security forces since the written report, particularly in Jenin camp following a Palestinian arrest operation and the seizure of Palestinian Authority vehicles by militants. Over several days, PSF have killed an unarmed 19-year-old and detained numerous Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants, while the clashes have caused significant damage to the camp.
Madam President,
I will now highlight some of the Secretary-General’s observations regarding the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016).
I once again strongly condemn the horrific attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Israel on 7 October 2023 and the continued holding of more than 100 hostages in Gaza. Nothing can justify these acts of terror. All remaining hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. I remain appalled that there are reasonable grounds to believe that hostages may be subject to ongoing sexual violence and abuse. While in captivity, hostages must be treated humanely and allowed to receive visits and assistance from the Red Cross. I reiterate that there is no justification for the deliberate killing, maiming, torture, and abduction of civilians and other protected persons -nor using sexual violence against them. The use of human shields and the firing of indiscriminate rockets towards Israeli population centres are violations of international humanitarian law and must cease.
Turning to the situation in Gaza, a ceasefire is long overdue. The continued collective punishment of the Palestinian people is unjustifiable. The relentless bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces, the large number of civilian casualties, the blanket destruction of Palestinian neighbourhoods, and the worsening humanitarian situation are horrific. The widespread devastation and deprivation resulting from Israel’s military operations in North Gaza – especially around Jabalya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun – are making the conditions of life untenable for the Palestinian population there. I condemn Israel’s use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in densely populated areas that has caused massive casualties and damage to residential buildings, schools, hospitals, mosques and UN premises. United Nations premises are inviolable at all times.
I reiterate my unequivocal condemnation of the widespread killing and injury of civilians in Gaza, including women and children, and the deprivation of essentials to survive. I am concerned over what may amount to violations of international humanitarian law in the conduct of hostilities, including noncompliance with the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attacks and against the effects of attacks. International humanitarian law always applies to all parties to a conflict, and its application does not depend on reciprocity. The protection of civilians is paramount. There must be full accountability for any atrocity crimes that have been committed.
I mourn the United Nations personnel killed in Gaza and strongly condemn the killing of all health and humanitarian personnel and journalists. I also condemn the looting of aid in the context of a breakdown of law and order. These are unacceptable and must stop immediately. I reiterate my call for the full investigation of all such incidents and accountability for any violations of international law.
Due to continued restrictions imposed by Israel, looting by armed Palestinians, and overall insecurity, supplies have entered Gaza at levels that are inadequate to meet the overwhelming needs of the population, including large numbers of IDPs living in extremely overcrowded conditions. To address the needs, the United Nations and its partners urgently require the predictable entry and unimpeded movement of food, shelter materials, medicine and fuel and the capacity to repair essential, life-saving infrastructure, including the health-care system. Noting its opening of additional entry points for humanitarian aid, I call upon Israel to fulfil its obligations as Occupying Power under international law, including allowing and facilitating rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need into and throughout Gaza and to create the conditions that will permit the return of Palestinians to their homes.
I note the relative success of the polio vaccination campaign. While falling short of our targets in the north of Gaza, the use of tactical pauses and examples of functioning coordination with Israel demonstrated what is possible and achievable.
I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza. The UN is continuously engaged with all stakeholders towards these objectives and stands ready to support the implementation of an agreement. I welcome the continued efforts, including by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to overcome the significant obstacles and reach a deal.
I remain deeply alarmed by the relentless Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, that is fueling tensions, impeding access by Palestinians to their land and threatening the viability of a future independent, democratic, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State. I reiterate that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law and United Nations resolutions. I am deeply concerned that, over the past year, the Government of Israel has continued to systematically promote policies that have strengthened the involvement of civilian officials in control over the occupied West Bank, including transferring some security functions to civilian control, while some Government officials called for the annexation of areas in the occupied West Bank. I urge the Government of Israel to cease all settlement activity immediately.
I note in this regard the recent findings by the International Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024, which declared, inter alia, that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and must end as rapidly as possible.
The demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned structures, including internationally funded humanitarian projects, as well as structures related to income generation and the provision of essential services, entail numerous violations of international law and raise concerns about the risk of forcible transfer. I once again call upon the Government of Israel to end this practice and prevent the displacement of Palestinians, in accordance with its international obligations under international law, and to approve plans to allow Palestinians to build legally and address their development needs.
The escalating violence and tensions in the occupied West Bank are highly concerning and could trigger a broader explosion. Intensified operations by Israeli forces, increased settler violence and attacks against Israelis have also exacerbated tensions and led to exceedingly high levels of casualties, detentions and destruction. I am alarmed by the lethal attacks carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including sometimes in the proximity and with the support of Israeli security forces, and by Palestinians against Israelis. All perpetrators of attacks must be held accountable.
I reiterate that Israeli security forces in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when it is strictly unavoidable to protect life. I call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law, and ensure thorough, independent and prompt investigations into all instances of possible excessive use of force, holding those responsible to account.
I am particularly appalled that children continue to be victims of violence on all sides. I am also concerned that Palestinian children continue to be arrested in large numbers and held for prolonged periods of time, including in administrative detention. I reiterate my call for Israel to use detention as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period, to prevent all forms of ill-treatment in detention and to end the administrative detention of children, who are entitled to special protection.
I am disturbed at the numerous instances during the reporting period in which officials glorified violence and engaged in dangerous provocations, incitement, and inflammatory language, which will only lead to greater polarization and risks further bloodshed. Leaders have an obligation to clearly and explicitly condemn acts of terror and violence directed against civilians. The incitement to violence must stop immediately.
I reiterate my call to the parties for the status quo at the Holy Sites in Jerusalem to be respected and upheld, taking into account the special and historic role of the Kingdom of Jordan as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem.
I am deeply concerned by the adoption by the Knesset of Israel of two laws concerning UNRWA. These laws, if implemented, could prevent UNRWA from continuing its essential work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which would have devastating consequences for Palestine refugees, considering that there is no viable alternative to UNRWA which could adequately meet the needs. I again urge Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and its other obligations under international law, including under international humanitarian law and those concerning privileges and immunities of the United Nations. National legislation cannot alter those obligations.
Madam President,
It is vital that the international community provide immediate support to the Palestinian Government to address its fiscal challenges, strengthen its governance capacity and prepare it to reassume its responsibilities in Gaza. We must establish political and security frameworks that can address the humanitarian catastrophe, start early recovery, rebuild Gaza, and lay the groundwork for a political process to end the occupation and establish a viable two-State solution as soon as possible. It is vital that these frameworks facilitate a legitimate Palestinian government that can re-unify Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, politically, economically and administratively while reversing the steadily deteriorating dynamics throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Any attempt to establish settlements in Gaza must be firmly rejected. There must be no attempt to reduce or annex the territory of Gaza in whole or in part.
The devastation and misery of the past year have reinforced once again a simple truth: Palestinians and Israelis can no longer wait to establish a viable political horizon. Now is the time to lay the foundations for a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the broader region. Israelis, Palestinians, the States of the region and the broader international community must urgently take steps that will enable the parties to re-engage on the long-delayed political path to achieving a two-State solution.
The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis in ending the occupation and resolving the conflict in line with international law, relevant United Nations resolutions and bilateral agreements in pursuit of the vision of two States – Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian State of which Gaza is an integral part, – living side by side in peace and security within secure and recognized borders, on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.
