“Events on the battlefield” are the main spoiler to the peace process in Yemen, but political negotiations are the top overall priority for resolving the conflict, according to the UN’s envoy for the country, speaking exclusively to UN News.
Mr. President, Members of the Security Council,
Nearly three years ago, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2231 (2015) to endorse the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear issue. The Secretary-General, and the international community, welcomed the Plan as a major achievement in nuclear non-proliferation.
Since Implementation Day, 16 January 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency has reported 11 times to the Security Council that Iran has been implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA. Notwithstanding the continued adherence by Iran to its nuclear-related commitments, the agreement is unfortunately at a crossroads.
On 8 May 2018, the United States of America announced its withdrawal from the agreement. The Secretary-General deeply regrets this setback to the JCPOA and believes that issues not directly related to the Plan should be addressed without prejudice to preserving the agreement and its accomplishments.
At the same time, the Secretary-General calls on Iran to consider carefully the concerns expressed by Member States about Iranian activities that are allegedly contrary to the restrictive measures contained in annex B to the resolution.
Mr. President,
I thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the fifth report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2231 (S/2018/602). As guided by the Security Council, and consistent with our last four reports, the one before you today focuses on annex B to the resolution.
First, on the implementation of the nuclear-related provisions, I am pleased to report that the procurement channel continues to function effectively. Thirteen additional nuclear-related proposals were submitted to the Security Council for approval, bringing the total number of proposals to 37 since Implementation Day.
However, in this reporting period, the Secretariat has received information from two Member States on the supply, sale, transfer or export to Iran of dual-use items that may have been undertaken contrary to the resolution. The Secretariat has contacted the relevant Member States, who have informed us that they have initiated internal reviews.
Iran in its response to the Secretariat stressed that it is the “responsibility of the exporting state to seek approval through the procurement channel” and encouraged more outreach activities to address the lack of awareness among some Member States. The Secretary-General will report back on this issue to the Council in due course.
Second, in terms of ballistic missile-related provisions, the report reflects information provided by Israel and Iran to the Secretary-General and the Security Council on two ballistic missile launches by Iran in January 2018, as well as, our findings on the ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis into Saudi territory.
Since our last report, Saudi authorities brought to the attention of the Secretariat nine additional launches of ballistic missiles by the Houthis, which in their assessment were Iranian Qiam-1 missiles. The Secretariat was invited to examine the debris of three of those additional missiles. We provided preliminary observations, in our last report, from our examination of the debris of the missiles launched into Saudi Arabia on 22 July and 4 November 2017.
Based on the information and material analysed, the Secretariat assesses that the debris of the five missiles launched at Yanbu and Riyadh since July 2017 share key design features with the Iranian Qiam-1 ballistic missile.It is also our assessment that some component parts of the debris were manufactured in Iran.
We could confirm that subcomponents of the guidance system in these missiles were produced between 2002 and 2010. We note that the production date range of these subcomponents is incompatible with Scud missiles known to be in Yemeni stockpiles prior to the outbreak of the current conflict in early 2015.
However, we are at present unable to determine whether such missiles, or parts thereof, or related technology, may have been transferred from Iran after 16 January 2016, the date when annex B provisions came into effect.
The report also reflects information received from Israel regarding the possible presence of an Iranian drone in Syria, which was reportedly downed after entering Israeli airspace in 10 February 2018.
The Secretariat did not have the opportunity to examine its debris, but images provided by Israeli authorities show that its wing configuration appears consistent with that of an Iranian drone unveiled in October 2016. The report further notes that, according to Iranian media outlets, several Iranian drones have been deployed in Syria. The Secretariat has no information as to the owner and operator of those drones.
Third, as detailed in the report, the Secretariat examined arms and related materiel seized in Bahrain after 16 January 2016, and obtained additional information on the unmanned surface vessel laden with explosives recovered by the United Arab Emirates. In both cases, the Secretariat is confident that some of the arms and related materiel it examined were manufactured in Iran. However, we are unable to confirm whether these items were transferred from Iran after 16 January 2016.
The report also notes the 21 May 2018 statement by the political leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip that Iran has provided the Al-Qassam brigades and other armed groups in Gaza with money, military equipment and expertise.
This statement suggests that transfers of arms and related materiel from Iran may have been undertaken contrary to the provisions of annex B.
Fourth, the report highlights the participation of Iran’s Defence Industries Organization for the third year in a row in an arms and defence exhibition in Iraq. It provides information on the foreign activities of Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters (KAA) in Syria. Since both entities are on the 2231 list, their funds, other financial assets and economic resources on the Iraqi and the Syrian territories should have been frozen.
The report also provides information on an additional travel by Major General Qasem Soleimani.
The Secretary-General has reiterated his call upon all Member States in the region to take the steps necessary to fully implement their obligations in relation to resolution 2231 (2015).
Mr. President,
In closing, I would like to acknowledge the leadership of His Excellency Ambassador van Oosterom of the Netherlands in his role as Facilitator for the implementation of this resolution 2231 (2015). I also thank the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission for our excellent cooperation.
I would like to assure them, and the Security Council, of our fullest support for the continued implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2231 (2015).
Thank you, Mr. President.
New York, 27 June 2018 - The Secretary-General is concerned about the latest developments in Libya's Oil Crescent region. He calls for de-escalation and for the return of all natural resources, their production and their revenues to the control of the recognised Libyan authorities.
The Secretary-General recalls, as stipulated in Security Council resolution 2259 (2015), the need for unity of Libyan institutions and the exclusive right of the National Oil Corporation to...
On 27 June 2018, the 57th meeting of the Gali joint Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) took place under the chairmanship of the United Nations. The meeting was attended by Georgian, Russian, Abkhaz and EUMM (European Union Monitoring Mission) representatives.
The UN and EUMM assessed the general security situation, since the previous meeting of 18 May 2018, as calm and stable. In this regard, the UN highly commended contribution of all participants to prevention of incidents, which is one of key tasks of the IPRM. It was reported that there were 61 hotline activations on 28 different issues, since the previous meeting.
Due to differences on one of the points of the provisional agenda, the meeting could not be concluded. All participants reiterated that the IPRM format is important and useful.
Consultations will continue in search for a compromise on the date of the next meeting.
ASEAN-UN Regional Dialogue on Climate, Peace and Security in Indonesia, November 2023
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains an indispensable partner and role model for regional cooperation - it has a vital and growing role in promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The ASEAN-UN partnership continues to strengthen, especially since the adoption of the “Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations” in November 2011 as well as the adoption of the first ASEAN-UN Plan of Action for 2016-2020 and a second ASEAN-UN Plan of Action 2021-2025. The Plans of Action set out strategic priorities, activities and measures to be undertaken by both sides to further enhance political-security, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation, including on cross-sectoral issues, as well as Secretariat-to-Secretariat collaboration. The current Plan of Action includes provisions that enable joint initiatives related to key DPPA mandate areas, including conflict prevention, Women, Peace and Security (WPS), Youth, Peace and Security (YPS, strengthening electoral capacities and cyber-security, including addressing online hate-speech.
Under the political lead of the DPPA-DPO Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, the UN works closely with ASEAN across all areas of cooperation to implement the ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership. Regular meetings are held to discuss progress in the partnership at the Secretariat-to-Secretariat and Ministerial levels. Since 2000, ASEAN-UN Summits have been held regularly, bringing together ASEAN leaders and the United Nations Secretary-General. The Chairman’s Statement of the 13th ASEAN-United Nations Summit held in September 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia, is available here.
In addition to supporting the UN system in its engagement with ASEAN through the DPPA Liaison Officer in Jakarta, DPPA works directly with ASEAN in the areas of sustaining peace, preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention. Among the joint activities, the ASEAN-UN Regional Dialogue (AURED) provides a regular Track 1.5 platform for discussion of regional peace and security issues, which have covered such topics as prevention of violent extremism, the creation of an ASEAN pool of experts on conflict management, and advancement of the WPS and YPS agendas in Southeast Asia. These dialogues have helped advance progress in these critical areas within ASEAN, such as 2022’s launch of an ASEAN Regional Action on Women, Peace and Security, which was developed with UN support.
The most recent AURED in November 2023 was co-organized by the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation and the UN in Jakarta, Indonesia. It brought together experts, policymakers and practitioners as well as representatives of other regional organizations to formulate recommendations on advancing the Climate, Peace and Security agenda in ASEAN.
In April 2010, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) established a Liaison Team in Gaborone, Botswana, to work with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) through its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. DPPA and the SADC Secretariat signed a Framework of Cooperation in September 2010 aimed at strengthening collaboration in the areas of conflict prevention, management and resolution to assist both organizations to build their capacities and jointly contribute towards the promotion of peace and security in the Southern Africa sub-region.
Accordingly, the DPPA-SADC Liaison Team ensures effective implementation of the Framework of Cooperation. The Liaison Team maintains regular, swift and effective communication with the SADC Secretariat; advises DPPA and other departments/offices on relevant strategic and policy issues in order to strengthen the partnership; collaborates closely with the SADC Secretariat Directorate of the Organ to identify areas for potential cooperation and/or support capacity building activities identified by SADC towards the maintenance of regional peace and security; mobilizes UN internal technical and other resources to assist SADC initiatives in peace and security; facilitates coordination of UN system wide assistance to SADC peace and security efforts. In the absence of a regional special political mission for Southern Africa, the Liaison Team advises UN leadership on general matters of peace and security for both regional and national levels and serves as a DPPA outpost in the region.
Under the Framework of Cooperation of 2010, the two organizations agree on annual joint workplan providing for UN technical support to SADC’s mediation structures, SADC Election Support Unit, and assistance to SADC in enhancing the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security in the region. With DPPA's support, SADC developed a regional strategy on women, peace and security, a regional mediation training curriculum as well as the roll out of regional and national mediation trainings. DPPA also supports the development of SADC regional strategies for the prevention of election-related violence, as well as the implementation of the regional women, peace and security agenda, in the context of the Security Council resolution 1325.
In line with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, the United Nations engages actively with regional organizations, including key global actors such as the European Union (EU). Secretary-General Guterres has highlighted that cooperation with regional organizations is at the core of UN activities and that ensuring peace, security and development in a complex and rapidly changing world requires partnership from the local to the regional to the global levels.
Further, the Secretary-General has called for enhanced forms of cooperation and multilateral governance and argued that a more effective United Nations also depends on stronger and deeper cooperation with regional organizations. Secretary-General Guterres has argued that the EU must be an essential pillar of multilateralism in the new global order and that the partnership between the EU and the United Nations is a component of networked multilateralism – a concept that is set out in the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace.
Over time, the UN and the EU have forged a strong relationship, based on shared principles and values. The EU Lisbon Treaty provides that "The Union … shall promote multilateral solutions to common problems, in particular in the framework of the United Nations.” The Global Strategy for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy, unveiled in 2016, refers to multilateralism as its key principle and the UN as a core partner. In the EU’s Strategic Compass for Security and Defense, presented in 2022, the EU stressed that the strengthened strategic partnership with the UN is necessary to uphold rules-based multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter. In this regard, the EU is actively supporting UN efforts in work relating to conflict prevention, mediation, peacemaking, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, the prevention of violent extremism and counter-terrorism. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) is in the lead on the dialogue with the EU on political affairs and conflict prevention, and several mechanisms of dialogue have been taking place over the years. DPPA also participates in dialogues led by the Department of Peace Operations (DPO).
Priorities for the UN-EU partnership in the area of peace and security include the Women, Peace and Security agenda and support to political processes.
The UN Liaison Office for Peace and Security (UNLOPS) represents the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), Peace Operations (DPO), Operational Support (DOS) and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in Brussels and liaises on all matters related to peace and security that fall under the remit of these four entities.
The EU Delegation in New York enjoys enhanced observer status at the UN, allowing it to present common positions on behalf of the EU member states.
URGENCY OF REMOVING THE OBSTACLES PREVENTING COMPLIANCE WITH JUSTICE-RELATED COMMITMENTS
Bogotá, 26 June 2018. The Colombian peace process is notable for the emphasis it places on ensuring that the transition from an armed conflict to peace is accompanied by truth, justice, reparation for the victims and non-repetition. Within this commitment, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP by its Spanish acronym) is...
Secretary-General Guterres meets PIF Leaders and Secretariat, September 2023. UN Photo/Mark Garten
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) was founded in 1971 and currently has a membership of 18 states and territories. As part of its cooperation with regional organizations, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs has been increasing its cooperation with the PIF Secretariat to address the unique challenges facing the region, including peace and security, governance, climate change, sustainable development/2030 agenda, gender equality and youth empowerment.
DPPA continues to partner with PIF, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), as well as the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS), to support national and regional peacebuilding objectives. In 2023 this included convening environmental peacebuilding dialogues with PIF Ambassadors to the UN to discuss different aspects of the climate change and security nexus affecting small states. For example, in May 2023 DPPA convened an informal exchange on developing gender-sensitive responses to climate-related security challenges in the Pacific. In 2022, DPPA supported the Peacebuilding Fund, UNDP and IOM on the Climate Security in the Pacific pilot project, in close coordination with local communities and Governments in three atoll nations (Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands and Tuvalu). The project undertook inclusive consultations to identify the most pressing climate-related security risks, including through an embedded environmental peacebuilding expert in the PIF Secretariat. Pilot briefs for the three initial countries can be found here and a phase two is being developed. In April 2021, an online discussion on the nexus of climate-related security risks and human rights in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) took place involving governments, experts and UN partners. In May 2019, DPPA in partnership with OHRLLS hosted a workshop on Climate Change, Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace: Perspectives from the Pacific. The summary report of the workshop is available here.
An overview of the role, approach and tools of the United Nations and its partners in preventing violent conflict
The Joint UN Development Programme (UNDP) - UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) Programme on Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention is a signature cross-pillar initiative that aims to enhance UN support to national stakeholders on conflict prevention and sustaining peace. Since its inception in 2004, the Programme has engaged in more than 60 countries and provided catalytic support to UN Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams to advance the UN Secretary-General’s conflict prevention agenda. The Joint Programme is widely recognized for providing thought leadership on conflict prevention, and is considered a unique example of how the political and development pillars of the UN can successfully work together in pursuit of the prevention of violent conflict.
The Joint Programme’s efforts focus on building existing and emerging national and local capacities to address, and fundamentally transform the underlying causes of conflict. Recognizing that national ownership, inclusivity and sustainability of peace efforts are key to success, the Joint Programme works on a premise that national actors are best placed to carry preventive work forward. Peace and Development Advisors (PDAs) are at the forefront of the Programme’s efforts to empower national stakeholders to strengthen existing mechanisms and capacities for inclusive dialogue, mediation and national peace architectures. PDAs also support the UN system to effectively adapt and respond to complex political situations and identify areas for preventive action. Over the years, the community of PDAs has grown significantly, reflecting the increasing need for conflict prevention as well as the realization of the value of embedding capacities for conflict analysis, conflict sensitive programming, and strategic leadership on conflict prevention within UN Country Teams.
Beyond the deployment of PDAs, the Joint Programme also facilitates deployment of short-term expertise to respond and engage in crisis settings, provides coordinated and complementary UNDP and DPPA support, analysis, and engagement in target countries, and builds on the expert knowledge of its stakeholders to share good practices, lessons learned, and engage in a community of practice. Aiming to serve as a platform that brings together various UN tools and approaches, the Join UNDP-DPPA Programme contributes to coherent UN engagement by working in partnership with other UN entities, such as the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), UN Volunteers (UNV) and UN Women.
Contact the Joint Programme here.
KABUL - Media can follow the live broadcast of the UN Security Council session on the Secretary-General’s latest Report on Afghanistan.
UN WEB TV <http...
The 44th round of the Geneva International Discussions has just concluded.
In Working Group I, the participants reviewed the security situation on the ground, which they assessed as relatively calm and stable. The need to conduct a proper investigation into the tragic death of Archil Tatunashvili in February 2018 was reiterated, with the Co-Chairs emphasising the need to avoid any perception of impunity. The participants were encouraged to continue exchanging information on this and other cases, such as the killing of Giga Otkhozoria in May 2016, in the framework of the relevant Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms.
Given the divergent positions expressed by the participants on a draft joint statement on non-use of force, the Co-Chairs proposed to continue working further on that matter.
In Working Group II, the participants discussed issues relating to missing persons, freedom of movement, healthcare, documentation, education, livelihoods and environmental concerns. It was again not possible to complete discussion of all agenda items given long-standing divergent approaches to the issue of IDPs/refugees.
In light of the exchanges among the participants during the session, the Co-Chairs and co-moderators reiterated their call for a constructive and result-oriented approach by all participants on all agenda items. The Co-Chairs informed the participants about their ongoing efforts aimed at making the Geneva format more effective and productive. They appreciated the views expressed by the participants in this regard.
The participants reiterated their commitment to this format as a unique dialogue platform and agreed to hold the next round on 9-10 October 2018.
Monsieur le Président, Distingués membres du Conseil,
Depuis la publication du rapport soumis à votre examen, la situation en Afrique centrale est restée difficile avec un certain nombre de menaces sérieuses qui pèsent sur la stabilité politique, sécuritaire et socio-économique, y compris dans les pays touchés par des conflits armés de longue date, comme la République centrafricaine (RCA) et la République démocratique du Congo (RDC). Tous les onze états membres de la Communauté économique des états de l’Afrique centrale (CEEAC) sont soit au milieu ou au début d’un cycle électoral et, par conséquent, connaissent des tensions liées aux processus électoraux. Partout, les populations continuent de réclamer de meilleures conditions socio-économiques.
La demande en matière d’engagement d’UNOCA, de bons offices, et de diplomatie préventive est demeurée forte. J’ai intensifié mon engagement auprès des pays de la sous-région et notre appui aux organisations sous-régionales, notamment en dirigeant ou déployant plus de missions pour renforcer nos efforts dans la prévention des conflits et la gestion des crises.
Monsieur le Président,
Permettez-moi de vous présenter quelques nouveaux développements dans la sous-région :
Le 4 mai, la nouvelle Constitution adoptée par l’Assemblée nationale du Tchad a été promulguée et le 10 mai, le nouveau gouvernement a prêté serment. Le 24 mai, le Président Idriss Déby Itno a présidé une cérémonie d’installation d’un nouveau cadre de dialogue politique, le Cadre national du dialogue politique (CNDP), qui comprend 15 membres de la majorité et 15 autres membres de l’opposition. En coordination avec nos partenaires, UNOCA est prêt à apporter un appui au CNDP au moment où il relève le défi de promouvoir un dialogue inclusif et de créer les conditions favorables à la tenue d’élections législatives crédibles et pacifiques en novembre 2018.
Au Gabon, l’organe électoral nouvellement établi, le Centre gabonais des élections (CGE), a entamé les préparatifs pour les prochaines élections législatives. Au cours de ma rencontre avec le Président du CGE, le 18 mai, j’ai réitéré la disponibilité des Nations Unies à appuyer le processus électoral. Dans le but d’améliorer la représentation des femmes et des jeunes dans les postes électifs et les instances de prise de décision, UNOCA et le PNUD ont appuyé le Réseau des femmes sénatrices du Gabon dans l’organisation d’un atelier de formation à Libreville, du 5 au 7 juin, ciblant des femmes et des jeunes, tous dirigeants politiques.
Le 7 juin, le Président Pierre Nkurunziza du Burundi a promulgué une nouvelle Constitution après la validation des résultats du référendum du 17 mai par la Cour constitutionnelle. Plusieurs acteurs et partenaires ont exprimé leurs préoccupations selon lesquelles la réforme pourrait réduire à néant les acquis de l’Accord d’Arusha, en termes de paix, stabilité, démocratie et participation politique inclusive. Il est important que ce Conseil continue d’appuyer le processus de médiation dirigé par la Communauté d’Afrique de l’Est. Je réitère l’appel de l’Envoyé spécial Michel Kafando au Gouvernement et à l’opposition afin qu’ils reprennent et concluent les pourparlers le plus tôt possible et qu’ils commencent à préparer le terrain pour la tenue d’élections inclusives et crédibles en 2020.
L’escalade de la violence et des tensions dans les régions du nord-ouest et sud-ouest du Cameroun, qui est également toujours affecté par les activités de Boko Haram et l’impact de la crise en RCA, est une source de préoccupation majeure. Plus de 20.000 réfugiés camerounais ont déjà été enregistrés de l’autre côté de la frontière avec le Nigéria et ont besoin d’assistance. Le 25 mai, sept activistes anglophones ont été condamnés à jusqu’à 15 ans de prison pour terrorisme et autres accusations.
Les Nations Unies ont systématiquement appelé au dialogue inclusif avec tous les acteurs, comme étant la meilleure manière de trouver une solution à la crise, répondre aux doléances des populations anglophones et garantir l’intégrité territoriale du pays et la stabilité régionale. Je félicite la Commission nationale pour la promotion du bilinguisme et du multiculturalisme pour ses efforts et l’encourage à poursuivre son travail et à tenir dûment compte des recommandations faites par les populations. Apaiser les tensions contribuera également à la bonne conduite des élections présidentielles, législatives et municipales prévues pour cette année. A cet égard, les Nations Unies continueront d’appeler tous les acteurs à s’abstenir de tout nouvel acte de violence.
La République du Congo a connu une série de procès de dirigeants politiques arrêtés à la suite de l’élection présidentielle de 2016, donnant lieu à des peines de prison longues pour plusieurs d’entre eux, y compris 20 ans pour le Général Jean-Marie Mokoko, l’ancien Chef d’état-major de l’armée et ancien candidat à la présidentielle. Alors que des progrès ont été enregistrés pour faire avancer le processus de paix dans la région du Pool, le processus de Désarmement, Démobilisation et Réintégration avance plus lentement que prévu. Les Nations Unies continueront d’appuyer ce processus avec d’autres partenaires.
A São Tomé-et-Principe, des tensions ont encore éclaté à la suite d’une décision, le 4 mai, de l’Assemblée nationale contrôlée par la majorité, de révoquer les juges de la Cour suprême de justice en raison de divergences sur la décision de la Cour suprême de restituer la brasserie du pays, Rosema, à un investisseur angolais. Le 23 mai, l’Assemblée nationale a approuvé une résolution sur la nomination des nouveaux juges de la Cour suprême, qui a été adoptée le 30 mai. Le 31 mai, les parties de l’opposition ont demandé à la Cour constitutionnelle de contrôler la constitutionalité de la loi.
La crise en RCA continue d’avoir un impact négatif sur la situation dans la sous-région, en particulier dans les pays voisins, provoquant un grand nombre de réfugiés. Cependant, je suis encouragé par les conclusions de la deuxième phase de consultations avec les groupes armés, menées par le Panel des Facilitateurs de l’Initiative africaine pour la paix et la réconciliation. J’ose espérer que les résultats de ces consultations permettront d’améliorer de façon tangible la situation sécuritaire. J’exhorte les pays de la région à participer plus activement à l’Initiative africaine, tant politiquement que financièrement. J’encourage aussi fortement les autorités centrafricaines et les pays voisins à accélérer le processus de mise en place des commissions mixtes de coopération, qui pourraient traiter des questions telles que le contrôle des frontières et la transhumance. Je continuerai de consacrer mes efforts sur la mobilisation de soutien à l’Initiative africaine.
Le 11 juin, le Président Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo de la Guinée équatoriale a invité tous les partis légalement enregistrés et non-enregistrés, la société civile et la Diaspora à participer à un dialogue politique national prévu pour le mois de juillet. Je félicite le Président pour son initiative et attends avec beaucoup d’intérêt les résultats de ce dialogue qui pourrait ouvrir davantage l’espace politique dans le pays.
Mr. President,
The scourge of terrorism and violent extremism continues to affect populations of the sub-region and divert Government resources from much needed development programmes to costly security operations. Boko Haram and the Lord’s Resistance Army have not stopped their deadly attacks on civilians, committing egregious human rights abuses and causing countless victims. UNOCA is engaging sub-regional organizations, including the ECCAS Secretariat, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the Multinational Joint Task Force and other stakeholders to fight Boko Haram and address related issues and more broadly violent extremism in the sub-region, including to facilitate the implementation of the Regional Strategy against Boko Haram. I also continue liaising closely with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, for a coordinated support to regional efforts to address the Lake Chad Basin crisis.
On 8 and 9 May, the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum for Regional Cooperation on Stabilization, Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development held its inaugural meeting in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The Governors established the Forum as a platform for regional cooperation on stabilization, peacebuilding and sustainable development in the regions affected by Boko Haram. The Forum, which is supported by UNOCA, UNOWAS and UNDP will convene at least once a year.
Violent extremism, as well as persisting cross-border insecurity and criminal activities are compounded by the flow of small arms and light weapons throughout the sub-region. In order to respond to this challenge, the first Conference of States Parties to the Central African Convention for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition and all Parts and Components (the Kinshasa Convention) is taking place, as we speak, in Yaoundé, Cameroon with the participation of UNOCA. The Convention was developed through the UN Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC), with the support of UNOCA.
Mr. President,
In its capacity as Secretariat of UNSAC, UNOCA supported the holding of the 46th ministerial meeting of the Committee in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, from 29 May to 1 June. The forum provides a unique and rare decision-making platform to discuss the overall political, security and socioeconomic situation in the sub-region. The Heads or representatives of UN peace operations present in the sub-region, including MINUSCA, MONUSCO, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, UNOAU, and UNOWAS also attended the meeting, in recognition of the need to promote cooperation and coherence among UN presences on the ground.
UNSAC recommended that ECCAS expedite the implementation of the regional strategy on counter-terrorism and the non-proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Central Africa, which was adopted at the 41st meeting of UNSAC in 2015.
Mr. President,
I welcome the validation on 24 May of the Regional Action Plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security in Central Africa, following a two-day workshop co-organized by ECCAS and UNOCA in Brazzaville. Resource mobilization will be critical to ensure the successful implementation of the Plan.
I am convinced that the participation of women and youth will be crucial in ensuring a successful joint Summit of ECCAS and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is expected to take place in July 2018 under the theme, “Peace, Security, Radicalization and Violent Extremism within the ECCAS-ECOWAS space.” I call upon ECCAS and ECOWAS member States to ensure the involvement of women and youth in the development and implementation of strategies to prevent violent extremism and counter terrorism, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions. UNOCA and UNOWAS will continue supporting ECCAS and ECOWAS in a coordinated manner.
Mr. President,
Consistent with its mandate, UNOCA has remained actively engaged in support of member States in Central Africa and sub-regional organizations, particularly ECCAS. At their joint retreat on 11 and 12 May, ECCAS and UNOCA adopted a biennial programme for 2018-2019, which includes more joint visits to the sub-region and joint analyses to promote enhanced coordination in conflict prevention and management and peacebuilding.
I welcome ECCAS member States’ decision to accelerate the ECCAS institutional reform. I further appeal to ECCAS member States to remain committed towards the completion of this important process. Indeed, the reform is a good opportunity for the sub-regional organization to improve its functioning, including funding mechanisms to ensure implementation of key projects in peace, security, peacebuilding and governance. The UN, including through UNOCA, stands ready to provide assistance to ECCAS and member States in this critical endeavour.
Mr. President,
Since its mandate was last renewed in 2015, UNOCA has proved its effectiveness as a tool to advance the Secretary-General’s prevention agenda in Central Africa. The activities of the Office have also been crucial in strengthening the capacities of ECCAS and enhancing UN coordination in the sub-region. We look forward to the Security Council’s support to the renewal of UNOCA’s mandate for another three-year period, as recommended by the Secretary-General in his report.
Thank you for your attention.
