Yemen

The United Nations is concerned about reported violence and use of force by security forces during recent demonstrations in Douala, and condemns incidents of violence at Cameroon’s embassies in Paris and Berlin.  It is also concerned about the reported arrest of Maurice Kamto, leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement.

A two-day event on women, peace and security began in Addis Ababa today in preparation for the 2019 United Nations peacekeeping ministerial conference set for New York in March.  President Sahle Work Zewde of Ethiopia and Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Representative to the African Union, addressed the gathering.

On 18 January 2019, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014) held informal consultations to consider the final report of the Panel of Experts, submitted in accordance with paragraph 6 of resolution 2402 (2018).

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) is continuing its operations in Bambari in Ouaka prefecture.  It has established new check posts and resumed patrolling in Muslim neighbourhoods, in addition to conducting robust patrols in the other areas of town.

The Security Council today decided to establish a special political mission to support implementation of the ceasefire agreement reached in Stockholm on 13 December 2018 between the Government of Yemen and the Houthi militia covering the city and port of Hodeidah, as well as the ports of Salif and Ras Issa.

The Assistant-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations briefed the Security Council on Mali today.  Despite noting progress to implement the 2015 peace agreement, she however added that the security situation remains of concern, with attacks targeting peacekeepers, national and international forces, and civilians.

The United Nations system in Syria says it is gravely concerned about the protection of thousands of people who are estimated to remain trapped by ongoing fighting in Da’esh-held areas of Hajin in south-eastern Deir ez-Zor Governorate, as well as for some 11,000 who have fled these areas since December 2018.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said global trade in creative goods and services, including the fashion, design, media and software industries, is expanding mostly because of China, doubling from $208 billion in 2002 to $509 billion in 2015.  India, Singapore, Turkey, Thailand and Mexico also stimulated that growth.

The UN mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) is conducting an operation to restore order in Bambari, Ouaka Prefecture, in coordination with the country’s security forces.  The operation is in response to attacks by Union pour la paix en Centrafrique against the local population and peacekeepers.

Amid a languishing humanitarian crisis in Yemen and many hurdles to overcome, gradual and tentative progress has moved the nation along on a path towards peace, officials told the Security Council today, providing updates on fresh achievements in reducing hostilities.