Meetings Coverage

Continuing a read-through of its draft “general comment” on article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which deals with the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Human Rights Committee today set language for six more paragraphs in the “first reading” draft of the 54-paragraph text.

Noting that the number of complex peacekeeping operations has increased in recent years, the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations encouraged, in the final report of its 2010 substantive session, which concluded early Saturday morning, the continuation and finalization of the ongoing restructuring of peacekeeping at United Nations Headquarters and indicated that it intended to follow up on the steps already taken.

Concluding the first part of its resumed session this afternoon, the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today approved six draft texts, including a multipart draft resolution urging movementtowards an accountability system in the United Nations Secretariat and a draft resolution that would fund a new Emergency Preparedness and Support Team.

The President of the Economic and Social Council today welcomed the “open and constructive” discussions held during the 54-member body’s special high-level meeting with the Bretton Woods institutions, and expressed hope that the spirit of engagement over the past two days marked the beginning of closer relations between the United Nations and the major international financial institutions.

A new phase of relations had begun between Afghanistan and the global community, and the new Afghan Government was assuming greater responsibility for the country’s peace, security, and economic and electoral reform processes, speakers told the Security Council today as it considered extension and adjustment of the mandate to assist that country.

The Security Council today voted to permit an increase in the number of ad litem judges serving on the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

The Security Council today set the date for an election to fill a vacancy on the International Court of Justice resulting from the resignation of Judge Shi Jiuyong.

The General Assembly’s Special Committee on Decolonization approved today plans to hold its 2010 Pacific Regional Seminar in Noumea, New Caledonia, from 18 to 20 May.

Gathered at Headquarters in New York for their annual meeting with the Economic and Social Council, top officials from the major international financial institutions today highlighted the new possibilities provided by the financial and economic crisis to intensify support for developing countries and mobilize action and resources within the United Nations-backed Financing for Development process to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

Briefing the Security Council this morning, the head of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire expressed dismay over the current political impasse in that West African country and its ramifications for the electoral process.