"POLITICAL AFFAIRS"

As South Sudan makes the long journey from winning independence a decade ago through a long and brutal war to rebuilding its economy and democracy, people across the country are beginning an important debate about a new permanent constitution. UNMISS

UN Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan told the Security Council that to ensure the elections process continues to advance in the country, "constant effort by all parties involved, and continued leadership by the signatories of the 27 May Agreement" will be needed. UNIFEED

UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) launched a Peace Fellows Program that aims to enhance the interaction between citizens and the government, and galvanize both grassroots support and national-level engagement towards sustainable peace in South Sudan. UNMISS

In the lead up to celebrations of the 10th anniversary of South Sudan’s independence, an achievement made possible by years of struggle by its people, UNMISS organized a two-day roundtable discussion with eminent leaders, intellectuals, politicians and young people in the country’s capital, Juba. UNMISS

Briefing by Eri Kaneko, Associate Spokeswoman for the Secretary-General.

Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo told the Security Council that ongoing negotiations in Vienna “offer a critical opportunity for both the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to return to the full and effective implementation” of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and of Security Council resolution 2231, stressing that it was “essential that all Member States promote a conducive environment and avoid any action that may have a negative impact on these ongoing diplomatic efforts, as well as on regional stability.” UNIFEED

Amid ongoing talks to fully restore 2015 nuclear deal, United States should lift or waive sanctions against Iran, political affairs chief tells Security Council.

South Sudan’s government, with the support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), organized a workshop to consult Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) on the constitution-making process, which is a key component of the country’s Revitalized Peace Agreement. UNMISS

Central African Republic seeing spikes in rights violations, attacks on aid workers, Special Representative tells Security Council, calling for support.

"We need our partners," said CAR’s President Faustin Touadera following the meeting with a joint delegation from the African Union (AU), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), United Nations and European Union. MINUSCA