Meetings Coverage and Press Releases

In progress at UNHQ

Security Council

SC/10322

Adopting Resolution 1999 (2011) Without Vote, Security Council Recommends Admission of Republic of South Sudan as United Nations Member

The Security Council today recommended to the General Assembly that the Republic of South Sudan be admitted as a Member of the United Nations, adopting resolution 1999 (2011) without a vote. In a statement (S/PRST/2011/14) read out during a formal meeting by Guido Westerwelle, Foreign Minister of Germany, the 15-nation body noted with great satisfaction the Republic of South Sudan’s solemn commitment to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter and to fulfil all the obligations therein.
SC/10319

Security Council Adopts Text Expanding Criteria for Secretary-General’s List ‘Naming and Shaming’ Violators of Conflict-Affected Children’s Rights

Building on more than a decade of contributions towards a comprehensive framework for protecting children affected by conflict, the Security Council today declared schools and hospitals off limits for both armed groups and military activities, calling for all parties that attacked such facilities to be held accountable and placed on the Secretary-General’s annual list of those committing grave violations against children.
SC/10318

Security Council Refers South Sudan’s Application for United Nations Membership to Its Committee on Admissions

The President of the Security Council today referred the membership application of the Republic of South Sudan to its Committee on the Admission of New Members — the first step for the newly independent African country to join the United Nations. Should South Sudan’s application be approved by the 15-member Council and the 192-nation General Assembly, it will become the world body’s 193rd member.
SC/10315

Special Representative Urges Security Council to Remain Vigilant for Potential Instability in West Africa with Approach of Several Elections

While commending the institutional and governance improvements that had helped resolve both long-brewing and unexpected political crises in West Africa over the past year, the top United Nations envoy in the subregion today urged the Security Council to remain vigilant because elections scheduled between now and 2013 held the potential to ignite simmering tensions that could lead to renewed violence and instability.