Addressing a cluster of thematic issues, delegates painted a picture today of a world in disarmament crisis, from the proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction to the rampant illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, as the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) continued the thematic segment of its session.
With COVID‑19 sending shockwaves through trade and supply chains and pushing developing countries further behind, speakers called for urgent reform of the global trade system that ensures an equitable and inclusive recovery for all, as the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) took up macroeconomic policy today.
Warning that the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed peacebuilding gains and enabled intolerance and extremism to take hold, speakers told the Security Council in an open debate today that sustainable peace can only be ensured when the root causes of conflict, such as divides fuelled by inequity and difference, are addressed.
There is a persistent accountability gap for torture and ill treatment worldwide, caused in part by the systemic denial, deliberate obstruction and purposeful evasion of responsibility by public authorities, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the topic told the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today, as delegates began their consideration of broad human rights questions.
In rerouting the global community onto a sustainable path after COVID-19 setbacks and devastating natural hazards, speakers in the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today highlighted the need to restore degraded land, protect biodiversity, conserve natural ecosystems and tackle climate change.
Officials and delegates highlighted increasingly complex mandates shouldered by United Nations special political missions, even amid continued budgetary constraints, as the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) heard introductory statements and questions on that topic today.
As the Sixth Committee (Legal) concluded its debate on the rule of law and commenced its consideration of criminal accountability for United Nations officials and experts on mission, delegates stressed the importance of administering justice and combating impunity, whether at the international or domestic level, or within the Organization’s missions.
Against the backdrop of an eroding security architecture, delegates called today on arms‑manufacturing and nuclear‑weapon nations to rein in production, reduce stockpiles and adhere fully to their treaty commitments, as the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) concluded its general debate and began the thematic segment of its session.
Petitioners speaking today on the question of Western Sahara cited court judgments and advisory opinions on Morocco’s relationship to the Territory, while others continued to sound alarms over human rights violations reportedly committed there, as the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) concluded its hearing of petitioners on decolonization matters.
While the international disarmament machinery remains elemental in the pursuit of a world free of weapons of mass destruction, that effort is stalling in the face of unabated existential threats, delegates emphasized today, as the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) entered the fifth day of its general debate.
