Meetings Coverage and Press Releases

In progress at UNHQ

Meetings Coverage

SC/10592

Security Council, in Statement, Condemns ‘Forcible Seizure of Power’ from Mali Government, Demands Troops Responsible Return Immediately to Barracks

Strongly condemning the forcible seizure of power from the democratically elected Government of Mali by some elements of the Malian armed forces — which late last week took control of the country and announced the dissolution of the Government — the Security Council today called for a return to constitutional order and the holding of previously scheduled elections.
GA/11217

Speakers Urge Vigilance against Lingering Racism as General Assembly Observes International Day to Remember Transatlantic Slave Trade’s Victims

Decrying the “hideous mechanics” of a trade that once spanned the Atlantic Ocean, senior United Nations and Government officials today marked the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade by urging vigilance against lingering racism and calling for action to combat modern-day forms of slavery and exploitation.
HR/CT/748

Human Rights Committee Continues Discussion of Working Methods, Adopts Paper on Relationship with Non-Governmental Organizations

The Human Rights Committee continued discussion of its working methods today, adopting a paper on its relationship with non-governmental organizations. Prior to the adoption, the Committee carried out a paragraph-by-paragraph review of the document, which had been drafted by Cornelius Flinterman, expert from the Netherlands, and Iulia Antoanella Motoc, expert from Romania.
SC/10589

Sierra Leone Must Pass ‘Crucial Test’ of November Elections to Consolidate Exceptional Success Achieved Since Civil War, Security Council Told

To consolidate the “exceptional successes” that Sierra Leone had made in the ten years since its brutal civil war, it was critical that the international community continue its support, focusing in particular on this year’s all-important elections, the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General told the Security Council this morning.
SC/10588

Security Council Extends Assistance Mission in Afghanistan until 23 March 2013, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2041 (2012)

The Security Council this morning extended the authorization of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one year, until 23 March 2013, emphasizing that its renewed mandate took full account of the transition process and was in full support of the country’s full assumption of leadership and ownership in security, governance and development.
HR/CT/747

Human Rights Committee Discusses Working Methods

The Human Rights Committee met today to consider its working methods, including proposals to name a case manager, add a second working group on communications, and draw up a master calendar.
GA/11216

Cultural Diversity, Mutual Understanding Formed Bedrock of United Nations; Return to Such Principles Vital for World Torn by Extremism, Fear, General Assembly Told

Cultural diversity, freedom of thought and mutual understanding formed the bedrock on which the United Nations had been built, and returning to those principles was vital in a world increasingly characterized by extremism and an entrenched fear of the “other”, the General Assembly was told today, as senior Government officials gathered for a thematic debate on fostering cross-cultural understanding.

DC/3329

Preparatory Committee Readies Draft Report for Consideration by Forthcoming Conference to Review Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons

On the penultimate day of its week-long session, members of the Preparatory Committee fine-tuned a draft report to be sent to the Second Review Conference on the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, to be held in New York from 27 August to 7 September 2012. Members held formal and informal discussions throughout the day to finalize the draft report of the Preparatory Committee.