The highest-ranking official of the United Nations mechanism that acts as the central repository of information and evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Syria described progress made collecting and documenting evidence, while also stressing the immediate and urgent need to prepare for justice, as the General Assembly took up the latest report on the matter today.
In progress at UNHQ
Plenary
Endorsing a new international declaration on the critical role South-South cooperation plays in tackling sustainable development challenges, the General Assembly today adopted a related resolution and a package of other texts, including several recommended to it by its Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) and a draft on the Organization’s partnership with French-speaking nations.
With millions at risk of losing their job to automation amid increasing global inequality, policies ensuring decent work and protection from exploitation are more critical than ever, the General Assembly heard today, as it commemorated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The General Assembly today adopted without a recorded vote two texts, including one that strongly condemns continuing violence and acts of terrorism targeting individuals, including persons belonging to religious minorities, based on or in the name of religion or belief.
Speakers sounded the alarm over the rise of nationalist populism and supremacist ideologies around the world today as the General Assembly commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as well as the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
The General Assembly today adopted a decision (document A/73/L.77) by which it accredited and invited organizations identified in a note by the Secretariat to participate as observers in the second High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation, in accordance with resolution 71/318 of 28 August 2017.
The General Assembly today underscored how the global diamond certification scheme can contribute to international peace and security and sustainable development, while also proclaiming 2021–2030 the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
There is no alternative to a peaceful settlement of the five-year conflict in Ukraine, with deployment of a United Nations-mandated peacekeeping operation there being an effective tool to bring peace, speakers told the General Assembly today.
The General Assembly today elected Mustapha El Baaj (Morocco) to the roster of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals for a term until 30 June 2020, selecting him from a list of candidates submitted to it by the Security Council (document A/73/578).
Concluding the main part of its seventy-third session, the General Assembly tonight adopted 24 resolutions and 2 decisions recommended by its main Committees, including texts on management and fiscal issues, as well as on nuclear disarmament, human rights and eliminating racism.