"PEACE CONSOLIDATION"

Briefing by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Briefing by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The Security Council unanimously adopted a draft resolution expanding the mandate of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVIC) to monitor and verify the implementation of a bilateral ceasefire between the Colombian government and the guerrilla group Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) that is set to begin tomorrow. UNIFEED

Peace Consolidation in West Africa.

The top United Nations humanitarian official in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), said “the situation has very seriously deteriorated” over the past 14 months, “with a huge spike of humanitarian needs.” UNIFEED

As armed groups, coups d’état destabilize West Africa, Sahel, role of United Nations Regional Office key in consolidating democracy, speakers tell Security Council.

Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, told the Security Council, “Despite efforts by national security forces and international partners, insecurity has again deteriorated in large parts of the region.” UNIFEED

As Under-Secretary-General for United Nations Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the Secretary-General’s Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray, conclude their visit to South Sudan, Lacroix said, “you cannot build a durable peace if you don’t involve women.” UNMISS

Speakers stress combating illicit trade in natural resources that fuels conflict, at Security Council briefing on Democratic Republic of Congo, Great Lakes.

Meeting on West Africa, Sahel region, speakers in Security Council express concern over successive coups, call for strengthening state institutions.