Deploring continued loss of life due to migrant smuggling and human trafficking off the coast of Libya, the Security Council this morning extended its authorization for Member States to intercept vessels on the high seas suspected of being used for those illicit activities, for a further period of one year.
Even amidst a shifting global paradigm, established rules and norms that the world had patiently built over decades continued to play a vital role in disarmament efforts, the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) heard today as it continued its general debate.
The Organization’s financial indicators for 2016 remained “generally sound and positive” except for the empty cash position of the regular budget and an accompanying reserve fund that was nearly exhausted, a United Nations senior management official told the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today.
Acting by consensus this morning, the General Assembly adopted a political declaration aimed at combating the global threats posed by antimicrobial resistance, which could include significant development backslides and millions of deaths each year if unaddressed.
Delegates in the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) shared the floor with youth representatives today, grappling with issues of inequality, unemployment and xenophobia that hampered young people’s advancement, as they concluded their two-day debate on social development.
The rule of law, embodied in Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, was a goal in and of itself, as well as a critical enabler of all the Sustainable Goals, the Deputy Secretary-General told the Sixth Committee (Legal) as the debate on the principle commenced today.
The Economic and Social Council today adopted a resolution and decision on international cooperation in tax matters, as well as a decision on its working arrangements.
The question of Western Sahara generated sharp debate today as the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) continued its annual hearing of petitioners, with many speakers decrying conditions in refugee camps and the potentially dire consequences for youth and children in particular.
The recent signing up of additional parties to a road map for ending conflict in Darfur must be followed by action to consolidate peace and ensure delivery of aid to those displaced by long-term and recent fighting in the western region of Sudan, the head of United Nations peacekeeping told the Security Council today.
Speakers in the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) called for more robust efforts to revive stalled disarmament processes, with some discussing whether the General Assembly should launch negotiations that would lead to a worldwide nuclear-weapon ban.
