This morning, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the expansion of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to 17,731 uniformed personnel, as well as to put AMISOM on a predictable financial footing through the enhancement of the United Nations logistical support package.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
This morning the Secretary-General briefed the Security Council on the impact of transnational organized crime on peace, security and stability in West Africa and the Sahel, saying that transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking, affects peace, security and stability wherever it occurs.
The Secretary-General wrapped up his visit to Vienna today, and before leaving, he attended a ceremony commemorating the fifteenth anniversary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization. He stressed that nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation are not utopian ideals, but are critical to global peace and security.
The Secretary-General is in Vienna today. This morning, he addressed the opening of the Third Ministerial Conference on Combating the Afghan Illicit Opiate Trade, saying the fight against that trade went to the heart of UN efforts in Afghanistan and our work on reducing poverty. He later delivered a lecture on the theme of Empowering People in a Changing World.
Leaders of United Nations agencies, representatives of affected Governments, and major donors today called for an urgent scale-up of assistance to address rising levels of hunger and malnutrition caused by the combined effect of drought, high food prices, displacement and conflict affecting the Sahel region of West Africa.
This morning, the Secretary-General spoke at the KPMG Summit on the Business Perspective for Sustainable Growth, saying that we need corporate sustainability to be in the DNA of business culture and operations. At Rio+20 later this year in Brazil, business and investors have a true opportunity to show leadership.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, addressed the General Assembly on Syria this morning, saying that the number of dead and injured continues to rise every day. Tens of thousands, including children, have been arrested, with more than 18,000 reportedly still arbitrarily held in detention.
The Secretary-General is concerned by the lack of progress in the negotiations on post-independence issues and the possibility of further escalation of tensions following unilateral decisions taken by the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan over their oil dispute. He says the moment has come for the necessary compromises.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, has reiterated her call to the Syria authorities to stop the killing and maiming of children, noting that over the past months, the number of child victims in Syria has climbed into the hundreds and the rate is increasing.
The Secretary-General welcomed the inauguration of the Darfur Regional Authority today. He congratulated the Government and the Liberation and Justice Movement on the important step forward, and reiterated the commitment of the United Nations system to support their efforts to bring peace to Darfur.