The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today released a regional refugee and resilience plan, which is seeking $5.7 billion to reach 6.8 million Syrian refugees and 6.1 million people in host communities with assistance in 2023.

With the United Nations Team’s support, the Chadian Government adopted its first-ever action plan to implement Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, with authorities also pledging to strengthen women’s participation in the political transition, including a revision of the Constitution.

Weeks ahead of a referendum meant to move Mali closer to constitutional order, the senior United Nations official in the country — emphasizing that the situation stands at a critical juncture, amid sustained security and humanitarian crises — welcomed a new strategic review of the Organization’s peacekeeping mission as a fresh opportunity to chart the best way forward.

On 14 December 2022, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017) concerning Mali held informal consultations with the Permanent Observer of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the United Nations, Ambassador Mahama Kappiah.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report that the ozone layer is on track to recover within four decades.

In the Central African Republic, United Nations peacekeepers have concluded a joint mission with the Central African security forces to better protect people in the country’s west. Over a period of one month, peacekeepers conducted over 100 patrols and 30 aerial surveillance missions.

In Colombia, the United Nations team has received over $17 million for the multi-donor fund aiding the country’s “Total Peace” initiative, securing 76 per cent of the Fund’s 2023 investment needs to support transitional justice, rural development, reintegration of ex-combatants and security.

The Elsie Initiative Fund for Women in Peace Operations announced today the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali will receive a nearly $1.5 million grant to build gender-sensitive camp facilities and thus facilitate greater deployment of women police from Nigeria, Senegal and Togo.

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

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Ruchira Kamboj (India):