SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: ‘Diplomacy must prevail’ over Iran following US military intervention, urges Guterres

SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: ‘Diplomacy must prevail’ over Iran following US military intervention, urges Guterres

The UN Secretary-General told the Security Council on Sunday that the bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites by the United States marks a “perilous turn”, warning that the region cannot endure yet another “cycle of destruction.” António Guterres said the must be an immediate ceasefire and returned to “serious, sustained negotiations.” We’ll have live updates from […]

Ukraine: Security Council hears of escalating attacks, diplomatic developments

Ukraine: Security Council hears of escalating attacks, diplomatic developments

“As we are facing renewed escalation on the ground and crisis elsewhere, it is critical to maintain focused attention on the urgent need for peace in Ukraine,” said UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča – one of two senior officials briefing the ambassadors. In the three weeks since the Council last met on Ukraine, Russia has carried […]

Development is ‘the first line of defense against conflict,’ Guterres tells Security Council

Development is ‘the first line of defense against conflict,’ Guterres tells Security Council

Ambassadors met to debate how poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment are fuelling conflict and instability, at a time when hostilities are increasing and demand for humanitarian aid is rising as resources dwindle.   Every dollar spent on prevention could save up to $103 in conflict-related costs, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  Sustainable development critical Conflicts […]

Israeli actions in Palestinian territories constitute war crimes, Human Rights Council hears

Israeli actions in Palestinian territories constitute war crimes, Human Rights Council hears

“The goal of the Israeli government is abundantly clear: the destruction of life in Gaza.” That’s how Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, opened her statement to the 59th session of the Council on Tuesday. Calling the war in Gaza “the most ruthless, prolonged and widespread attack against the […]

‘Behind each crisis, people are suffering,’ Türk tells Human Rights Council

‘Behind each crisis, people are suffering,’ Türk tells Human Rights Council

“We are on an indefensible path of escalating conflict and open disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law,” said Volker Türk, addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Offering a global overview, he painted a stark picture of a world in crisis – with surging armed conflict, deepening climate disruption, emerging technological threats, […]

Security Council meets in emergency session over Iran-Israel conflict, amid strikes and counterstrikes

Security Council meets in emergency session over Iran-Israel conflict, amid strikes and counterstrikes

The Council cleared its original schedule to address the rapidly evolving crisis, also hearing from the head of the UN-backed international nuclear watchdog, who warned of the grave risks to regional stability and nuclear safety. Overnight from Thursday into Friday, Israeli military strikes targeted nuclear facilities across Iran, including the Natanz enrichment site. Media reports […]

SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: US vetoes new resolution calling for immediate Gaza ceasefire, unconditional release of hostages

SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: US vetoes new resolution calling for immediate Gaza ceasefire, unconditional release of hostages

The United States has vetoed a new draft resolution on Gaza, standing as the lone vote against the text which called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas and others and the immediate lifting of all aid restrictions. Follow live coverage from our Meetings Coverage Section and […]

Five countries elected to serve on UN Security Council

Five countries elected to serve on UN Security Council

They will serve through the end of 2027 on the UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. They will join the five non-permanent members elected last year – Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia – who will serve through 2026. The Security Council has 15 members: five permanent members – China, France, Russia, […]

Ukraine: Hopes for peace on life support, Security Council hears

Ukraine: Hopes for peace on life support, Security Council hears

“The longer the war continues, the longer its regional and global impacts will be felt, and the more difficult it will be to find a peaceful resolution,” said Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. She recalled the adoption of Security Council resolution 2774 in February – the first since Russia’s full-scale invasion […]

SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: Ambassadors debate safety of civilians with 36,000 lives lost during conflict last year

SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: Ambassadors debate safety of civilians with 36,000 lives lost during conflict last year

We’re live as the Security Council convenes for its annual open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, with briefings from UN relief chief Tom Fletcher and the head of UN Women Sima Bahous. Ambassadors will discuss evolving threats, including use of heavy weapons and the rise of lethal autonomous killing machines such […]

UN aviation council finds Russia responsible for downing of Malaysian Airlines flight

UN aviation council finds Russia responsible for downing of Malaysian Airlines flight

The council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) voted on Monday that Russia failed to uphold its obligations under international air law which requires that States “refrain from resorting to the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight.” The case was brought by the Netherlands and Australia. “This represents the first time in […]

UN Security Council extends South Sudan mission amid rising instability

UN Security Council extends South Sudan mission amid rising instability

Introduced by the United States and supported by 11 other Council members, the resolution extended the mandate of UNMISS until 30 April next year. This action follows a short nine-day “technical rollover” approved by the Council on 30 April to allow more time for negotiations. Through the text – adopted on Thursday – the Security […]