Intensifying ISIL threat highlights need to step up counter-terrorism measures

Intensifying ISIL threat highlights need to step up counter-terrorism measures

Alexandre Zouev, Acting Under-Secretary-General at the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), presented its latest report which highlights the group’s intensifying presence in Africa, the Middle East and beyond.  He said the threat posed by ISIL, also known by its Arabic acronym, Da’esh, has “increased steadily” since the previous report issued in August, “remaining multipolar and increasingly complex.”  Instability in West Africa   ISIL and its affiliates have continued to recruit foreign fighters, enhance their use of new […]

Human trafficking depends on corruption at every step

A Chilean police officer stationed at the border collaborated on the scheme, enabling the crime. Were it not for border guards, public officials and other entities who look the other way in exchange for money or sexual favours – or are themselves being extorted – human trafficking could not occur on a large scale, according […]

Doha agreement brings DR Congo government and M23 rebels a step closer to peace

Doha agreement brings DR Congo government and M23 rebels a step closer to peace

In a statement released on 19 July, MONUSCO said that the Declaration of Principles, signed in Doha under the mediation of Qatar, “reflects the parties’ resolve to prioritise peaceful means, establish a ceasefire, and set up a joint mechanism to define its practical implementation.” “This important declaration marks a shift towards easing tensions and protecting […]

The Sevilla Commitment: A vital step to rebuild trust in global cooperation

The Sevilla Commitment: A vital step to rebuild trust in global cooperation

Activists, many from the Global South, attending the talks in Spain, are calling for greater leadership and commitment from wealthier nations to help address long-standing structural inequalities. The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) carries strong symbolic weight, reflected in the agreed priorities of the Sevilla Commitment. Courtesy of Paula Sevilla Paula Sevilla, […]

‘Step back from the brink’, Guterres urges India and Pakistan

‘Step back from the brink’, Guterres urges India and Pakistan

Addressing journalists outside the Security Council at UN Headquarters in New York, Mr. Guterres expressed deep concern over deteriorating relations between the two South Asian neighbours, saying they had reached “their highest in years.” He reiterated his condemnation of the 22 April terror attack in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir, which killed at […]

Ukraine: Ceasefire a critical first step on the road to durable peace

Ukraine: Ceasefire a critical first step on the road to durable peace

Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo addressed ambassadors alongside UN deputy relief chief, Joyce Msuya, who updated on the dire humanitarian situation in the country amid ongoing Russian attacks. Ms. DiCarlo said the meeting was taking place at a potential inflection point in the three-year war, as the past few weeks have seen intensified shuttle diplomacy towards a […]