Bienvenue aux Nations Unies

Reports and Policy Documents

2018

  • 18 oct 2018

    NEW YORK - The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attacks that took place in Afghanistan over the past weeks, including in Jowzjan, Kunduz, Takhar, Herat, Zabul, Farah and today in...

  • 18 oct 2018

    Abdirahman Mohamud Kulane has an unusual perspective on how his fellow Somalis see the world around them. He believes that people see not only through their eyes, but also through their hearts...

  • 18 oct 2018

    KABUL - With Afghans voting this Saturday for a new parliament, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) highlights the need for elections free from fraud, and encourages anyone seeing or suspecting fraud to file a complaint with the...

  • 17 oct 2018

    On 14 December 2004, the Secretary-General informed the Security Council that he had appointed a Special Envoy for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004) to enable him to report to the Council every six months on the implementation of the resolution, as requested by the Council in its presidential statement of 19 October 2004 (S/PRST/2004/36).

     

    The remaining provisions of resolution 1559 (2004) to be fully implemented include the disbanding and disarming of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, the extension of the control of the Government of Lebanon over all its territory, and strict respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon. The Secretary-General continue his efforts to encourage the relevant parties to make further progress towards the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004), in the interest of stability in the region.

     

    The Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs has fulfilled the reporting functions of the Secretary-General to the Security Council on resolution 1559 (2004) since former Special Envoy Terje Rod Larsen ended his functions in May 2016. In carrying out this mandate, the Special Envoy consults with the Government of Lebanon, the Security Council, and other interested Member States to assist the Secretary-General in the preparation of semi-annual reports to the Council on the implementation of the resolution.

     

  • 17 oct 2018

    Señor Presidente, Embajador Lorenti, [Sacha Lorenti, Bolivia],

    Dear Friends, Members of the Council:

    When I briefed you last month, I said that we were approaching a moment of truth in the effort to convene a UN-facilitated, Syrian-led, Syrian-owned constitutional committee. The constitutional committee is the main item which is at the moment operationally left about how to implement [resolution] 2254. Everything else is still there on the table but that one [element] is the most important one at the moment. A credible and balanced committee could be the cornerstone of an inclusive political process for Syrians towards implementing Security Council resolution 2254 – the only one we have.

    Yesterday, I consulted the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and received his very clear instructions regarding our accelerated efforts to convene a credible and balanced constitutional committee – the only kind that the UN Secretariat would be willing to convene and the only one it would be willing to be associated with. I will come to those instructions later.  

    First, let’s be a little bit precise about where we are.

    As I told you last month, some things are quite clear. The Government list and the Opposition list of 50 names each for a constitutional committee are not in question.

    But questions continue to be raised, mainly by the Syrian Government, over the composition of the Middle Third list of 50 names. So, let me recall how we did arrive at the Middle Third list that is now on the table, and indeed has already been further revised, more than once, and updated in a new list.

    The Sochi Final Statement spoke of the need to include, I quote: “Syrian experts, civil society, independents, tribal leaders and women” (unquote), with (quote) “adequate representation of Syria’s ethnic and religious components” (unquote). The Sochi final statement made clear that it was via the Geneva process, and the facilitation of the Special Envoy, that the final selection would be made.

    Actually, in truth, it went even further than that. The Secretary-General has asked me to remind the Council that, in addition to the terms of the Sochi Final statement itself, an explicit UN-Russian understanding was made during the Vienna consultations, which took place just before the UN attended Sochi – namely that I as Special Envoy would be free to draw not only on names emanating from Sochi but also on other names, including of Syrians who did not attend Sochi, if necessary to form a balanced and credible list.

    And let me recall also that Security Council resolution 2254 anyway mandates the United Nations to convene parties in the political process, and tasks the Geneva talks to set a schedule and process for drafting a new constitution.

    The Middle Third list was developed very carefully, believe me, by the United Nations. We received inputs, listened to many – including the guarantors of course, and also others. Above all, we also did our own careful homework.

    We sought out credible and neutral Syrian experts – including people who have played a role in previous constitution-making process – who could bridge build between the sides, and whom the two sides could constructively work with. We looked for respected civil society representatives, independents and other Syrians of standing – individuals who could somehow represent the many Syrians who are not political affiliates but still deserve a stake in their future – as in any other constitutional process.

    Of course, we do know that all Syrians, like all of us, have some political opinions or leanings – that is natural. But we sought a fair balance between those leanings, so that no political side could dominate the committee –  this is a key part of what we consider the “credibility and legitimacy” of the list.

    We ensured adequate representation of different ethnic, religious and regional backgrounds – as well as a balance between those living inside Syria and the millions of Syrians for the moment living outside their country due to the conflict.

    And finally, with the full support of the Secretary-General and as part of our commitment to give effect to Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security, we insisted that a minimum of 30% of the constitutional committee should be women, and this meant bringing many qualified and expert women, of all backgrounds, into the Middle Third.  Indeed, the proposed Middle Third is almost half women.

    That is what has guided the UN effort to facilitate the Middle Third, and to revise it into a new list, as it has already done.

    I have also carefully facilitated the development, as 2254 and Sochi both say that I should, on a logical basis, of some basic aspects of process and rules of procedure that could enable the constitutional committee to work.

    From the three lists – government, opposition, and middle third – it would be possible to identify a smaller group – 15 from each – to form a drafting body of the constitutional committee.

    The constitutional committee could be mandated to draft for popular approval a constitutional reform, as a contribution to the political settlement in Syria leading to a new political structure, giving effect to the Sochi Final Statement of 30 January 2018, within the context of the Geneva process to implement Security Council resolution 2254. Such a constitutional reform could aim to embody in the constitution and constitutional practices of Syria the letter and spirit of the 12 Principles developed in Geneva, with a lot of hard work, and endorsed in Sochi, which offer the people of Syria a vision of a future that can be shared by all. 

    The constitutional committee could work in Geneva with impartial Syrian chairmanship acceptable to all components and supported by UN facilitation, and with appropriate decision-making arrangements.

    These arrangements should all take place consistent with respect for the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria, and with UN facilitation to enable the Syrians themselves to engage each other and to independently and democratically determine their own future with dignity.

    Clearly, the key parties are the Syrian parties, and equally, the prospect of a constitutional committee being effective does rest also on strong support from key countries. These will be further engaged by us in the coming few weeks.

    So, let me start with the Government of Syria. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Moualem met the Secretary-General during the General Assembly – I also attended the meeting.

    The Foreign Minister on that occasion did strongly cast doubt on the Sochi statement and its outcome, indicating that the Government had very different understandings about those matters. He called for a fundamental reassessment of the work that has been done to date on the Middle Third list and rules of procedure, and on the UN facilitation role.

    For his part, the Secretary-General reiterated the Sochi statement and outcome and the mandate of the Security Council, and offered to have me explain the work that has been done on that basis in much more detail. He appealed to the Foreign Minister for the Government to work in partnership with the UN.

    For their part, two of the Astana guarantors – Russia and Iran – have also called the Middle Third list into significant question – indicating that it does not meet the requirements of the Government, notwithstanding the extensive consultations and the Sochi understandings. They have at the same time indicated that they continue to engage the Government of Syria on the matters. Senior Russian officials will indeed be in Damascus in the coming days.

    Turkey, which had initially felt that our list could benefit from revision, has indicated lately its full understanding of the logic and composition of the list now on the table. 

    For its part, the Syrian Negotiations Committee – “the opposition” – confirmed to the Secretary-General during the General Assembly their readiness to move ahead on the basis of the broad package on the table. The opposition met at the beginning of this week in Riyadh, and most of their nominees for the constitutional committee are at present, while we are talking, sitting together in internal consultations to prepare for their work.

    The Small Group of countries – Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States – have all urged that the United Nations convene the constitutional committee without delay. Similar messages came during the last few days from a large number of European and Arab Foreign Ministers with whom I met during the General Assembly.

     

    Querido Señor Presidente,

    I wish to inform the Security Council that the Government of Syria has invited me to Damascus next week. This is a follow-up to the meeting with the Secretary-General during the General Assembly. I plan to engage them on the work that has been done on the Constitutional Committee. I will of course be ready, if the Council so wishes, to report back to it after my visit on whether these direct consultations have produced, as we hope, the approval and agreement on a credible and inclusive third list.

    I also intend before the end of the month to invite the Astana guarantors for consultations with me in Geneva, and also to engage the Small Group. That would, in my view, be the last opportunity for putting finishing touches on the preparations for convening a constitutional committee.

    I would hope then to be in a position to issue invitations to convene the constitutional committee hopefully during November. I offer no prediction whether this is possible. What I do know is that after nine months of preparations, it is important to launch a credible constitutional committee and that whatever transpires, I would like to come back and brief you in November on where we stand.

    Let me remind all of us: without steps on a safe, calm and neutral environment, the work of a constitutional committee will not end up being very meaningful. We all know that. But first thing first: the constitutional committee. On this front, despite our best efforts regarding steps on safe, calm and neutral environment, we have seen very few concrete outcomes during 2018. I hope we will see more in the coming months. For instance, the Working Group on the release of detainees and abductees, the handover of bodies and the identification of missing people met again last week in Tehran -- but we keep urging for the first tangible results. Many, many people in Syria are waiting for that.

    Let’s look now at the big picture for a moment and then we go back to the constitutional committee. A catastrophe has so far been averted in Idlib, and the Russian-Turkish memorandum of understanding appears to be being implemented. Major strides have been taken in defeating terrorism and this should continue to be a priority. ISIL’s territorial base has largely been erased – though it does remain dangerous. The de facto map of Syria is for the moment relatively stable, but it must not become a de facto soft partition, nor a theatre for new international confrontations. There must therefore be a political path forward. President Putin and President Erdogan said that the Idlib deal offered a window for the constitutional committee to be established and the political process to go ahead. The European Union will host for instance a third Brussels Conference in March 2019 – we know that its decisions will depend on a credible political process.

    The United Nations has done all that it can, and frankly more, to find a way to convene a credible and balanced constitutional committee. We are ready to do more and in an accelerated way during the forthcoming month, taking advantage of the Idlib window of opportunity, but we are not ready to convene a committee that is not credible and balanced.

    In that regard, having consulted the Secretary-General, let me also give you some heads up - if I may: I will myself be moving on as of the last week of November. I have had the honor to serve for four years and four months as Special Envoy. I have for some time been discussing with the Secretary-General my desire for purely personal reasons to move on. I have deeply appreciated his constant support and wise counsel on this matter.

    But I will definitely not say goodbyes or engage in reflections today. A month can be a century in politics. We still have a very intense and hopefully fruitful month ahead. I am not laying down the charge until the last hour of the last day of my mandate. In fact, the Secretary-General has instructed me that my last month of service should be used to actively verify whether the UN is in a position or not to convene a credible and balanced constitutional committee and report to the Security Council accordingly. I plan to do so with clarity and frankness, and count on the support of the Security Council and all Syrian counterparts to do so.   

    So, let me summarise some bottom lines of my message, which has been long:

    1. The Idlib MOU provides a unique window of opportunity for launching a credible and inclusive constitutional committee. We must take advantage of it. This is and remains our aim. And our assessment is that, if there is a political will, there is no reason for the constitutional committee not to convene in November, 10 months after the Sochi declaration;
    2. The main reason so far for the delay in convening in Geneva the first session of a credible and inclusive constitutional committee, is the difficulties that the Government finds to accept the current Third list of participants prepared by the UN, as per the Sochi declaration and resolution 2254;
    3. I plan to discuss this pending issue during my forthcoming mission to Damascus, and report back to the Secretary-General and the Security Council thereafter on the outcome;
    4. Since my personal plan – purely personal, believe me – in consultation with the Secretary-General, has always been to end my mission for purely personal reasons in the last week of November 2018, which means 4 years and 4 months after the beginning of this mission, my intention, and as per the Secretary-General’s instructions, is to dedicate this crucial last month to actively verify once for all the feasibility of the implementation of a credible and inclusive constitutional committee, and hence also the implementation of the Sochi declaration.
    5. I will therefore report in November to the Secretary-General and the Security Council on the status of the implementation of the constitutional committee in order to allow the Secretary-General and the Security Council to draw their own conclusions so that my own successor will be able to start from a clean ground his or her mission.

    Thank you.

  • 17 oct 2018

    World Food Day was observed on October 16 under the motto: "Our Actions are Our Future. A ZERO Hunger World by 2030 is possible. "

    In Guinea-Bissau, the date was...

  • 17 oct 2018

    KUNDUZ - At two televised, UN-backed events in Badakshan and Takhar, religious leaders, rights activists and other community leaders came together to discuss local peace initiatives and to strategize on...

  • 16 oct 2018

    17 October 2018

    Twenty-five years ago, the world commemorated the first International Day for the Eradication of...

  • 16 oct 2018
  • 16 oct 2018

    16 October 2018

    In our world of plenty, one person in nine does not have enough to eat.

    About 820 million people still suffer from hunger.

    ...

  • 16 oct 2018

    KABUL - As Afghans prepare for parliamentary elections, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) highlights the importance of domestic observers, as well as candidates’ agents and political party...

  • 15 oct 2018

    Dakar, October 15th, 2018- The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mohamed Ibn Chambas, welcomes the...

  • 15 oct 2018

    New York, 11 October 2018 - Said Djinnit, Special Envoy for the Great Lakes, presented the recent report of the Secretary General on implementation of the Peace, Security and...

  • 15 oct 2018

    On the occasion of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, the United Nations, in partnership with the World Bank, the G5 Sahel and the Sahel-Alliance...

  • 15 oct 2018

    ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

    A five-day regional training on “Good Practices in Border Security and Management to Strengthen National and Regional Capacities in...

  • 15 oct 2018

    Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), 12 October 2018 – Said Djinnit, United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, attended a high-level workshop on “Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020” organized by the African Union (AU) on 11-12 October 2018 in...

  • 15 oct 2018

    TIRIN KOT - To discuss the Uruzgan’s latest economic development plans, preparations for the upcoming elections and human rights, UNAMA’s Kandahar regional office organized a series of meetings with civil...

  • 15 oct 2018

    In the Katfoura village on the Tristao Islands in Guinea, these rural women, through a grant from UN Women's Fund for Gender Equality, are forming cooperatives while building leadership skills...

  • 14 oct 2018

    KABUL - The full participation of women in Afghanistan’s electoral process is vital to ensure that upcoming parliamentary elections are inclusive and credible, said the UN’s top envoy in a meeting...

  • 14 oct 2018

    The 14 October 2017 bomb blast that ripped through the capital city of Mogadishu and killed more than 500 civilians is still fresh in the mind of Abdulkadir Mohamed Abdulle.

    ...
  • 14 oct 2018
      PRESS STATEMENT 10/2018

    Mogadishu – The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Haysom, expressed his solidarity with the victims of a devastating suicide bombing...

  • 14 oct 2018

    Fadumo Haji Ali is lucky to be alive.

    She is a survivor of the devastating 14 October 2017 explosion that shattered Mogadishu, killing more than five hundred civilians and leaving hundreds more...

  • 13 oct 2018

    NEW YORK - The Secretary-General condemns today’s lethal attacks against an election campaign rally in Takhar Province and a candidate’s office in Herat Province in Afghanistan. He extends his...

  • 12 oct 2018

    The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Guinea-Bissau (SRSG), Jose Viegas Filho, was on the ground today to see by himself the ongoing voter registration. SRSG Filho went to Bra...

  • 11 oct 2018

    New York, 11 October 2018. The members of the Security Council reiterated their full and unanimous support for the peace process in Colombia and shared the assessment of the Secretary-General set out...

  • 11 oct 2018

    KITI - Government officials, religious scholars, elders, activists and other community leaders from Daikundi and Ghor gathered at a UN-backed symposium in Daikundi’s remote western district of Kiti to take stock...

  • 11 oct 2018

    New York, UN Headquarters

    Since the General Assembly’s first resolution, in 2007, calling for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, we have seen significant progress.  Today, some 170 States have either abolished the death penalty or introduced a moratorium on its use. This positive momentum is marred by setbacks and the continuation of practices in violation of the relevant treaties.

    ...
  • 11 oct 2018

    KABUL - With Afghanistan's Parliamentary elections little more than a week away, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) notes that, despite significant security challenges, progress has been made by the country'...

  • 10 oct 2018

    New York, 10 October 2018

    Mr. President,

    Distinguished members of the...

  • 10 oct 2018

    The 45th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place on 10 October 2018.

    On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the GID, the Co-­Chairs acknowledge the participants’ continued commitment to this unique mechanism, which allows them to meet and to address important issues and concerns in order to reach tangible results.

    Throughout the years, the GID have contributed to improved stability and accountability on the ground. A key achievement has been the establishment of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs) and the related hotlines, which enable local security actors to address incidents on the ground. However, the Co-­Chairs regret the current difficulties surrounding the IPRMs. While taking note of the positions of the participants, the Co-­Chairs call on them to resume the regular meetings of the IPRMs without further delay.

    Despite some achievements, core issues on the GID agenda remain to be resolved. While the principle of the non-­use of force is largely being adhered to, efforts to agree on a joint statement on non-­use of force and to work towards steps implementing this commitment have so far been inconclusive. Further work is required to provide sustainable security.

    While there has been progress, challenges also remain regarding the needs and rights of conflict-­affected communities. To address those, a broad range of humanitarian issues are being extensively discussed, such as livelihoods, documentation, freedom of movement as well as missing persons. Positive steps have been undertaken on archives and environmental threats, but much more needs to be done. Unfortunately, substantial discussions on IDPs and refugees have not been possible in recent years, due to repeated walkouts by some participants.

    As we mark the 10th anniversary of the GID, the Co-­Chairs call on the participants to adopt a forward-­looking and more constructive approach that will allow this unique format to fulfil its mandate. The primary responsibility for making effective use of this format lies with the participants. The Co-­Chairs remain fully committed to do their utmost to facilitate this process.

    The participants agreed to hold the next round on 11-­12 December 2018.

  • 10 oct 2018

    KABUL - The figures released today by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) show continuing high casualty rates being inflicted on the Afghan civilian population, especially...

  • 9 oct 2018

    The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mohamed Ibn Chambas, welcomes the decision taken by the Government and opposition parties in Niger to revise the electoral code within the National Committee for Political Dialogue (CNDP).

    "This agreement between all political actors members of the CNDP is a major step forward in consolidating the political dialogue in Niger," said Mohamed Ibn...

  • 9 oct 2018

    Abdifatah Hassan Ali’s childhood was forged in a crucible of civil war and violence. By his own account, he fled the chaos and insecurity of Mogadishu on ten occasions, only to find his way back to the war-torn city...

  • 9 oct 2018

    KANDAHAR - After nation-wide consultations on peace among ordinary Afghans from across the country, all documented in a new book, community leaders in Kandahar met at a UN-backed event to...

  • 9 oct 2018

    KABUL - With less than two weeks to the polls to elect a new Parliament, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) highlights that taking part in elections is a citizen’s right enshrined in the...

  • 8 oct 2018

    Kampala (Uganda), 8 October 2018 - The heads of State and Government of the signatory countries of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic...

  • 8 oct 2018

    Kampala (Uganda), 8 October 2018 - The heads of State and Government of the signatory countries of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of...

  • 8 oct 2018

    GHAZNI - The active participation of young Afghans in peace-building is necessary for creating a more stable, inclusive and peaceful region, said participants at a UN-backed symposium in the south-eastern province of...

  • 8 oct 2018

    ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

    On 5 October 2018 SRSG Natalia Gherman took part in a briefing, organized by the Ministry...

  • 5 oct 2018

    The registration process is underway in Guinea-Bissau, despite the difficulties. With about 150 teams on the ground, the Electoral Process Support Office (GTAPE) has already managed to register more than 30,000 voters.

    ...

  • 5 oct 2018

    Bogotá, October 5, 2018 – The Special Jurisdiction for Peace is a key component of Colombia's peace process. It is necessary to guarantee victims' rights to truth, justice, reparation and non-repetition. It is also indispensable to ensure access to transitional justice for former members of the FARC-EP, members of the security forces and other agents of the State and third parties who voluntarily wish to submit to it.

    ...
  • 3 oct 2018

    KUNDUZ - Government officials, civil society members, teachers, activists and other community leaders from Afghanistan’s northeast gathered at UN-backed events in Kunduz and Takhar to discuss recent...

  • 2 oct 2018

    NEW YORK - The Secretary-General condemns the series of lethal attacks – including today’s suicide bombing at a campaign rally in Nangarhar Province, on candidates, their affiliates and their supporters...

  • 2 oct 2018

    The Secretary-General congratulates Mr. Barham Salih on his election and swearing in on Tuesday, 2 October as President of the Republic of Iraq. The Secretary-General looks forward to working closely with President Salih on all issues of mutual concern, in accordance with the mandate of the United Nations in Iraq.  

    The Secretary-General hopes the election of the President will pave the way to the swift formation of an inclusive Government in line with constitutional...

  • 2 oct 2018

    KABUL - The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expresses its concern around the level of violence early in the campaigning period for the 20 October parliamentary elections, including intimidation and...

  • 2 oct 2018

    Tunis, 2 October 2018 – From 1 September to 31 September 2018, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) documented 40 civilian casualties –18 deaths and 22 injuries – during the conduct of hostilities...

  • 30 sep 2018

    LAL WA SARJANGAL - Government officials, religious scholars, activists and other community leaders in a remote district of Ghor gathered at a UN-backed symposium to strategize on ways to promote social...

  • 30 sep 2018

    SRSG NATALIA GHERMAN AT THE CEREMONY OF GRANTING PASSPORTS TO PERSONS ADMITTED TO THE CITIZENSHIP OF TURKMENISTAN (1st October 2018, Ashgabat)

    ASHGABAT,...

  • 29 sep 2018

    KANDAHAR - With a special focus in 2018 on the meaningful participation of women in peace initiatives, this year’s nationwide ‘Global Open Days’ events commenced in Afghanistan with a...

  • 27 sep 2018

    Foreign Minister Soreide,
    Prime Minister Hamdallah,
    Minister Hanegbi,
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We are grateful to Norway for convening and chairing this forum.

    Last year and again in March, this forum noted the deeply worrying trends in the occupied Palestinian territory and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and socio-economic situation. Since then, the situation has worsened.

    The situation on the ground cannot be divorced from the broader context: Israel’s continued military occupation and settlement activity; Hamas’ continuing hold on Gaza, its militant activity, including rocket attacks and tunnel construction; uncertainties about the future of the peace process and the two-state solution; unilateral actions that undermine peace efforts; political divisions between Gaza and the Palestinian Authority; and turmoil in the wider region.

    The importance of the parties coming together with the international community to engage in meaningful dialogue at this critical time cannot be overstated.

    The Secretary-General has expressed concern about the violence during the recent demonstrations in Gaza. He deeply regrets the loss of lives. He is also concerned about the dangerous military escalation in Gaza and southern Israel and calls on all sides to exercise maximum restraint, cease all provocations and attacks, and use lethal force only as a last resort.

    The situation was also discussed by the Envoys of the Middle East Quartet, as reflected in their statement yesterday. We are grateful for the support of the US, Russia and EU, and are committed to pursuing our efforts to prevent further escalation, empower the legitimate Palestinian authorities in Gaza, and address all humanitarian needs.

    Over the past two months, United Nations Special Coordinator Office for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) and Egypt have engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring calm and returning to the 2014 ceasefire arrangements. I commend these efforts. For the de-escalation to hold, all sides must continue their engagement and do their part.

    The Secretary-General has stressed that a negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable way to end the conflict and meet the legitimate aspirations and security needs of both Israelis and Palestinians.

    The Secretary-General has repeatedly called on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that jeopardize prospects for peace and progress.

    Continued Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is an impediment to the two-state solution. It is illegal under international law and needs to stop. The return of the Palestinian Government to Gaza is critical not only to help meet Gaza’s humanitarian needs and advance its development objectives, but also the goals of self-determination and statehood.

    State-building remains a cornerstone of our efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability. International donors and the parties themselves should meaningfully engage with this critical endeavour. The Palestinian Authority must continue implementing the National Policy Agenda. Progress on the state-building agenda depends on an end to settlement construction, violence, and the revitalization of the Palestinian economy. Concrete steps to prevent territorial fragmentation and increase Palestinian access to Area C must be prioritized. 

     

    Excellencies,

    An unprecedented reduction in donor funding has brought into question the will and the ability of the international community to effectively respond to the increasing needs on the ground. As a result, this reduction in humanitarian and development assistance to Palestine, will leave a large gap of unmet needs. The impact of funding shortfalls on the economy and humanitarian situation, on the work of UNRWA, other UN Agencies and NGO’s, has and will be significant.

    To help mitigate these effects, the UNSCO’s report has highlighted a number of the most critical humanitarian interventions required to support Gaza’s failing energy, water and health networks. The United Nations has also established a Project Management Unit in Gaza to work with Palestinian and Israeli authorities to facilitate the smooth implementation of urgent projects.

    We are also supporting the parties to conclude a timely and critical review of the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism, to improve its functionality, transparency and predictability. I would also like to acknowledge UNDP and the World Bank for taking on the challenge of job creation in Gaza, particularly their efforts to prioritize women and youth.

    These steps will help advance a number of critical interventions for Gaza. The international community should offer as much support as possible. I welcome the recent announcements of contributions by several Member States and urge additional new funding including for UNRWA.

     

    Excellencies,

    The international community has invested extensive resources for years in Palestine’s statehood. Now is not the time to give up. The parties must also realize that donor support will not continue indefinitely without a meaningful political horizon and without resolving the split between Gaza and the West Bank.

    We should not lose sight of our central objective: fostering a climate conducive to meaningful negotiations that will end the conflict once and for all. This must be the foundation of all our efforts.

    The UN remains committed to support peace efforts leading to a negotiated two-state solution.

    I thank you for your continued engagement and support and wish you the best in your deliberations.