Iran

The United Nations in Myanmar is following with concern the reports of violent clashes between the police and protesters in Rakhine State.  The United Nations Office urges respect for the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and calls for the security forces and demonstrators to act with restraint.

Recent protests sweeping Iran had resulted in more than 20 deaths, a top United Nations political official told the Security Council today, as the body met for an emergency session on the matter despite objections from some representatives who argued that the Council was not the proper forum for such a debate.

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The International Organization for Migration has chartered its first flight of 2018 under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme, helping 142 returnees departing from Libya to Gambia.  The organization has escorted almost 20,000 migrants home from Libya since the beginning of 2017.

Secretary-General António Guterres called for continued calm in Zimbabwe.  Closely following developments, he underlined the importance of resolving political differences through peaceful means, including through dialogue and in conformity with the country’s Constitution.

This week is Antibiotic Awareness Week, and it kicks off today under the theme “Learn how to handle antibiotics with care”.  The development of resistance is a big issue, and more information about can be found on the the World Health Organization’s website.

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary‑General António Guterres:

On 29 September 2017, the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission transmitted to the Security Council updated versions of documents offering practical information on the procurement channel, established by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and endorsed by resolution 2231 (2015), for the review of proposals by States seeking to engage in certain transfers of nuclear or dual-use goods, technology, and/or related services to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

On 1 August 2017, the Security Council decided to update the lists of items, materials, equipment, goods and technology whose supply, sale or transfer to the Islamic Republic of Iran require approval in advance, on a case-by-case basis, by the Security Council, in accordance with paragraph 2 of annex B to resolution 2231 (2015).