"POLITICAL AFFAIRS"

Assistant-Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council that the expansion of armed conflict throughout Myanmar, “has deprived communities of basic needs and access to essential services, and a devastating impact on human rights and fundamental freedoms.” UNIFEED

Assistant-Secretary-General Khaled Khiari reiterated the Secretary-General’s condemnation of the Israeli attack on an Iranian Embassy building in Damascus and said, “the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law.” UNIFEED

The mandate renewal of the panel of experts assisting the sanctions committee on Democratic People's Republic of Korea was vetoed by permanent Council member Russia, in a vote of 13 favour to 1 against (Russia) and 1 abstention (China). UNIFEED

The Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 on Sudan reminded the warring parties “that those who commit violations of international humanitarian law and other atrocities may be subject to targeted sanctions” and other measures. UNIFEED

A top UN official said, “repeated calls” for protection of civilians in Russia and Ukraine “appear to fall on deaf ears.” UNIFEED

The Security Council adopted a resolution calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. UNIFEED

The General Assembly held a plenary meeting to debate the use of a veto cast by the United States on a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on 20 February 2024. UNIFEED

Addressing the Security Council on the Palestinian question, Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said, “I cannot stress enough how urgently we need a deal that will bring about a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages.” UNIFEED

The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said, “rising regional tensions linked to the war in Gaza, and in particular the military escalation in the Red Sea, are slowing down the pace of the peace efforts in Yemen.” UNIFEED

A top UN official said that in the approaching anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine “is not only an occasion to recount the horrors of the past two years, but also a reminder that the armed conflict in Ukraine did not begin on 24 February 2022, but has been ongoing in the country’s east since 2014.” UNIFEED