"GHADA FATHI WALY"

Piracy, armed robbery declining in Gulf of Guinea, but enhanced national, regional efforts needed for stable maritime security, top official tells Security Council.

A top United Nations official for Africa told the Security Council that pirate groups in the Gulf of Guinea “are adapting to changing dynamics both at sea and in coastal areas” and said criminal networks may be shifting to “less risky and more profitable” activities. UNIFEED

Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

The Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ghada Fathi Waly, said, “it is essential to better understand the links between organized crime and terrorism in Africa through rigorous collection of data and evidence, as well as the development of relevant programs and policies.” UNIFEED

Stronger regulation, cross-border coordination key to stopping terrorism across Africa funded by illegal trafficking in natural resources, speakers tell Security Council.

The ten elected members and five incoming members of the Security Council called on the Taliban to immediately reverse the decision to exclude girls from secondary education in Afghanistan. UNIFEED

Afghanistan’s future depends on Taliban’s engagement with world, but restrictions on women signal lack of international commitments, briefer warns Security Council.

Haiti’s crises at new levels of desperation, top officials warn Security Council, urging critical assistance for national law enforcement, humanitarian aid.

The Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ghada Fathi Waly said, “maritime insecurity, illicit flows, and linkages between transnational organized crime and terrorism all represent major obstacles to achieving peace, security and development in West Africa and the Sahel." She reiterated, "we must encourage political will and increased international support to strengthen comprehensive and cooperative crime responses.” UNIFEED

Organized crime perpetuating instability, violence, poverty across West Africa, Sahel, executive director tells Security Council.