Meetings Coverage

Sexual violence was increasingly evolving from a tactic of war to one of terrorism, speakers said today, as the Security Council held an open debate on the use of sexual violence in conflict situations.

The Economic and Social Council today adopted seven draft resolutions, two by recorded vote, and two draft decisions, as it addressed the advancement of women, social development and non-communicable diseases on the second day of its coordination and management meeting.

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) today approved without a vote a draft resolution on peacekeeping, and heard the introduction of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations’ report on its 2016 session.

MANAGUA, 2 June — As the Pacific Regional Seminar on Decolonization concluded this afternoon, speakers stressed the need for productive dialogue and harmonious relations in order to advance the decolonization of the world’s 17 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories.

The Economic and Social Council adopted three draft decisions and approved a list of non-governmental organizations requesting hearings at its 2016 high-level segment, as its June coordination and management session opened today.

MANAGUA, 1 June — As the Pacific Regional Seminar on Decolonization entered its second day, delegates and experts and expressed concern about the effects of nuclear testing on the inhabitants of French Polynesia and the military build-up on Guam, calling on the administering Powers of both Non-Self-Governing Territories to address those issues.

Suspending its 2016 resumed session pending one final day of work, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations today recommended 23 organizations for special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, while deferring action on 44 organizations.

As the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations continued their session, recommending 10 organizations today for special consultative status and 2 for general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council while postponing action on 33 groups, representatives tackled the politicization of procedure in the selection process.

Expressing its deep concern at the failure of South Sudan’s leaders to end hostilities and fully implement the agreement on resolving the conflict in that country, the Security Council today renewed until 31 May 2017 a package of sanctions — including a travel ban and asset freeze — imposed by resolution 2206 (2015) on those blocking peace, security and stability.

The Security Council’s visiting mission to East Africa and its efforts to build stronger relations with the African Union were among the highlights of its work in May, members said today, as the 15-member organ held its monthly “wrap-up” meeting.