Speakers called on Israel to respect international law and halt its illegal settlement activities, amid strong objections from others to unilateral moves by the United States in the region, as the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People met today to observe the International Day of Solidarity.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees welcomed today Somalia’s ratification of the Kampala Convention to protect internally displaced people in Africa as a “landmark achievement for the country and the African continent”.  Somalia became the thirtieth African Union member State to ratify it since 2009.

Delegates cautioned against record levels of violence in Afghanistan despite recently held presidential elections, as the General Assembly adopted its annual resolution on the situation in the country, and also filled vacancies in several of its subsidiary organs.

Following is UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ message for the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed on 29 November:

The Office for Disarmament Affairs welcomes the addition of Humanium Metal to the United Nations Permanent Disarmament Exhibition at Headquarters.

The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will hold a special meeting on 27 November in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

The General Assembly today concluded its discussion on the question of equitable Security Council representation with speakers echoing the need to adapt to new and emerging global challenges by boosting the organ’s transparency, legitimacy and membership. (For details, see Press Release GA/12217.)

The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today approved 28 draft resolutions, including one emphasizing the urgent need to combat protectionism in all forms and rectify trade‑distorting measures inconsistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

Following are UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ remarks to the Internet Governance Forum, in Berlin today:

Following earthquakes that struck Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina this morning, two United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination technical support members will be deployed to Albania.  The United Nations stands ready to provide assistance if required, and is in contact with local authorities.