While civilians continue to suffer because parties to conflict choose to ignore their legal obligation to protect them, the Security Council heard today that adhering to the rules of war — and enforcing accountability when they are broken — can produce a different result.
A nuclear disaster with potentially harrowing human and environmental impacts was narrowly averted this week in the United Arab Emirates, as Iranian drones struck a functioning nuclear power plant, the senior UN nuclear safety official told an emergency meeting of the Security Council today.
Following one of the largest aerial attacks against Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began, United Nations officials warned the Security Council today that civilian casualties are rising sharply, humanitarian operations are coming under direct attack and only renewed diplomacy and a full ceasefire can halt the worsening toll.
While Syria has seen progress towards accountability and sustained international engagement, the Security Council heard today that unresolved tensions, economic hardship and repeated violations of Syria’s sovereignty persist as the country charts its path forward in a volatile region.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is moving along “a narrowing path” that could lead either towards institutional sustainability and economic revitalization, or stagnation and deconstruction of State institutions, the Security Council heard today from the High Representative of the international community in that country.
The conflict in Sudan and instability in South Sudan are delaying agreement on Abyei’s final status and degrading conditions in the demilitarized area, United Nations officials warned the Security Council today, as delegates called for the urgent revival of stalled joint oversight mechanisms and diplomatic resolve to advance a durable political solution.
The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) until 30 April 2027.
Amid growing concern over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s expanding nuclear and ballistic-missile programmes, senior United Nations officials and Security Council members today warned of continued weapons development, sanctions evasion and rising military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Amid a tenuous ceasefire in Gaza, punctuated by airstrikes and shelling, as well as soaring humanitarian needs, the Security Council today heard updates on what a transitional governance structure and reconstruction efforts would resemble in the devastated Strip during the organ’s quarterly open debate on the Palestinian question.
The Security Council today heard urgent calls to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning that disruptions since early March have “struck” at global energy security, food supplies and trade.
