Security Council draft resolution on humanitarian situation in Syria (Objected by Russia)

Russia objected to this draft resolution that was circulated by Luxembourg, Australia and Jordan, diplomats said. 

Vitaly Churkin, Permanent Representative of Russia,

speaks to journalists following closed-door Security Council

consultations on Syria. Dec 2013

    6 February 2014

The Security Council,

PP1 Recalling its resolutions 2042 (2012), 2043 (2012) and 2118 (2013), and its Presidential Statements of 3 August 2011, 21 March 2012, 5 April 2012 and 2 October 2013,

PP2 Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

PP3 Recalling resolution 7717 of the Ministerial Council of the League of Arab States on 3 November 2013, in which it expressed grave concern at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria,

PP4 Expressing outrage at the unacceptable and escalating level of violence and the death of over 136,000 people in Syria, including more than 11,000 children,

PP5 Expressing grave alarm at the significant and rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria, in particular the dire situation of hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped in besieged areas, the majority of whom are besieged by the Syrian armed forces, as well as the dire situation of over 3 million people in hard-to-reach areas, and deploring the failure to provide access for the humanitarian assistance to all areas inside Syria,

PP6 Calling on all parties to respect the UN guiding principles of humanitarian emergency assistance and stressing the importance of such assistance being delivered on the basis of need, devoid of any political prejudices and aims, commending the efforts of the United Nations and all humanitarian and medical personnel in Syria and in neighbouring countries, and condemning all acts or threats of violence against United Nations staff and humanitarian actors, which have resulted in the death, injury and detention of many humanitarian personnel,

PP7 Expressing grave concern at the increasing number of refugees and internally displaced persons caused by the conflict in Syria, which has a destabilising impact on the entire region, andunderscoring its appreciation for the significant and admirable efforts that have been made by the countries of the region, notably Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt, to accommodate the more than 2.3 million refugees who have fled Syria as a result of the on-going violence, while acknowledging the enormous political, socioeconomic and financial impact of the presence of large-scale populations in these countries,

PP8 Welcoming the pledges totalling $2.5 billion at the Second International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, hosted by Kuwait on 15 January 2014, and expressing its appreciationto Member States and regional and sub-regional organizations that have pledged to provide humanitarian assistance to people in need in all parts of Syria, including internally displaced persons, as well as to refugees in neighbouring host countries, and calling on all Member States to ensure the timely disbursement of pledges and continued support in line with growing humanitarian needs,

PP9 Calling on all parties to end the unspeakable human suffering in Syria, save Syria’s rich societal mosaic and cultural heritage, and take appropriate steps to ensure the protection of Syria’s World Heritage Sites,

PP10 Expressing its deepest regret that its Presidential Statement of 2 October 2013 (S/PRST/2013/15) has not translated into significant progress or action on the ground and that humanitarian aid delivery continues to be impeded throughout Syria, while condemning all cases of denial of humanitarian access and recalling that arbitrary denial of humanitarian access and depriving civilians of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supply and access, can constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law,

1.     Condemns the widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by the Syrian authorities, as well as any human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law by armed groups, including all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as all grave violations and abuses committed against children in contravention of applicable international law, such as recruitment and use, killing and maiming, rape, attacks on schools and hospitals as well as arbitrary arrest, detention, torture, ill treatment and use as human shields, as documented in the United Nations Secretary-General report on children and armed conflict in Syria (S/2014/31);

2.     Demands that all parties immediately put an end to all forms of violence, cease and desist from all violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights, and reaffirm their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and stresses that some of these violations may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity;

3.     Demands that the Syrian authorities immediately cease all aerial bombardment in populated areas as well as the indiscriminate employment of weapons, use of explosive weapons, projectiles and material, such as SCUD missiles, cluster and barrel bombs, against civilians, and methods of warfare which are of a nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering, and recalls in this regard the obligation to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law in all circumstances, and recalls, in particular, the obligation to distinguish between civilian populations and combatants, and the prohibition against indiscriminate attacks, and attacks against civilians and civilian objects as such;

Full Implementation of the 2 October 2013 Presidential Statement

4.     Demands that all parties implement fully the provisions of the 2 October 2013 Statement by the President of the Security Council (S/PRST/2013/15), and further demands that the Syrian authorities take immediate steps to facilitate the expansion of humanitarian relief operations, as called for in its Presidential Statement;

Ending Sieges and Facilitating Access to Besieged and Hard-To-Reach Areas

5.     Demands that all parties, in particular the Syrian authorities, immediately end the sieges of the Old City of Homs (Homs), Nubl and Zahra (Aleppo), Madamiyet Elsham (Rural Damascus), Yarmouk (Damascus), Eastern Ghouta (Rural Damascus), Darayya (Rural Damascus) and other locations, to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance, including medical assistance, immediately end the use of starvation as a method of combat, and enable the rapid, safe and unhindered evacuation of all civilians who wish to leave, and underscoresthe need for the parties to agree on humanitarian pauses, days of tranquillity, localised cease-fires and truces to allow humanitarian agencies rapid, safe and unhindered access to all affected areas in Syria;

6.     Also demands that the Syrian authorities promptly facilitate rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to people in need through the most effective ways, including across conflict lines and across borders from neighbouring countries, and lift all restrictions on cross-border humanitarian access, in particular, via Turkey and Iraq, and stresses, in this regard, the particularly urgent need for the Syrian authorities to reopen the Yariba border crossing with Iraq;

7.     Further demands that all parties, in particular the Syrian authorities, take all appropriate steps to facilitate the efforts of the United Nations, its specialized agencies, the League of Arab States and all humanitarian actors engaged in humanitarian relief activities, to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the affected people in Syria, including by promptly facilitating rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need of assistance in all areas under their control, and encourages further cooperation between the United Nations, its specialized agencies and all parties concerned, including Syrian civil society organisations, to facilitate access and the delivery of assistance in the entirety of the Syrian territory;

Demilitarization of Civilian Infrastructure and Medical Neutrality

8.     Demands that all parties respect the principle of medical neutrality and facilitate free passage to all areas for medical personnel, equipment, transport and supplies, including surgical items and reproductive health supplies, and recalls that under international humanitarian law, the wounded and sick must receive, to the fullest extent practicable, and with the least possible delay, medical care and attention required by their condition and that medical and humanitarian personnel, facilities and transport must be respected and protected, and condemns in this regard the removal of medical supplies from humanitarian shipments;

9.     Also demands that all parties take all appropriate steps to protect civilians and stressesthat, in this regard, the primary responsibility to protect its population lies with the Syrian authorities, and further demands that all parties demilitarize medical facilities, schools and other civilian facilities and avoid establishing military positions in populated areas and desist from attacks directed against civilian objects;

Arbitrary Detention and Torture

10.  Condemns the continued arbitrary detention and torture of civilians in Syria, notably in the prisons and detention facilities of the Syrian authorities, as well as the kidnappings, abductions and forced disappearances, and demands that all parties immediately end these practices and release all arbitrarily detained persons starting with women and children, as well as sick, wounded and elderly people and including UN personnel;

Accountability

11.  Stresses the need to end impunity for violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights, reaffirms that those who have committed or are otherwise responsible for such violations and abuses in Syria must be brought to justice, andrecalls the relevance of the International Criminal Court to hold accountable those responsible for such war crimes and crimes against humanity;

Terrorism and Foreign Fighters

12.  Condemns the increased terrorist attacks resulting in numerous casualties and destruction carried out by organisations and individuals associated with Al-Qaeda, urges the opposition forces to maintain their rejection of these organisations and individuals which are responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law in opposition-held areas, demands that all foreign fighters immediately withdraw from Syria, including Hizballah and Quds Force, and reaffirms, in this regard, that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed;

Lasting Solution to the Syrian Conflict

13.  Emphasizes that the humanitarian situation will continue to deteriorate in the absence of a political solution, welcomes in this regard the ongoing Geneva Conference on Syria, anddemands that all parties work towards the comprehensive implementation of the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012 leading to a genuine political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and enables them independently and democratically to determine their own future, and further stresses that rapid progress on a political solution should include full participation by women and represents the only sustainable opportunity to resolve the situation in Syria peacefully, and that the implementation of this resolution is key to meeting the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people;

Humanitarian Appeals

14.  Urges all Member States to contribute or increase their support to the United Nations’ humanitarian appeals to meet the spiralling needs of people affected by the crisis, and to provide this support in coordination with the relevant United Nations agencies, and to ensure that all pledges are honoured in full, and further urges all Member States, based on burden sharing principles, to support the neighbouring host countries to enable them to respond to the growing humanitarian needs, including by providing direct support;

Monitoring Implementation of this Resolution and the 2 October 2013 Presidential Statement

15.  Expresses its intent, if the demands in paragraphs 2 through 10 are not met within 15 days, to impose measures under Article 41 of the Charter targeting those individuals and entities obstructing the implementation of the above paragraphs, including those who obstruct humanitarian assistance, commit or threaten violence, including against United Nations personnel and humanitarian actors, deny humanitarian access, or fail to facilitate rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need of assistance in all areas under their control and across conflict lines;

16.  Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council on the implementation of this resolution by all parties in Syria, in particular paragraphs 2 through 10, and to identify individuals and entities who are obstructing the implementation of this resolution, within 20 days of its adoption and every 30 days thereafter;

17.  Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

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Security Council resolution 2134 authorises EU force in CAR / BINUCA

United Nations S/2014/54

Security Council - 27 January 2014

Original: English

France and Luxembourg: draft resolution

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and statements on the Central African Republic (CAR), in particular resolutions 2121 (2013) and 2127 (2013),

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the CAR, and recalling the importance of the principles of non-interference, good-neighbourliness and regional cooperation,

Expressing deep concern at the continuing deterioration of the security situation in the CAR, characterized by a total breakdown in law and order, the absence of the rule of law, religiously motivated targeted killings and arson, and further expressing its grave concern about the consequences of instability in the CAR, on the central African region and beyond, and stressing in this regard the need for the international community to respond swiftly,

Condemning the attacks occurring in the CAR and, in particular those that have taken place since 5 December 2013 in Bangui which left more than 1000 people dead and hundreds of thousands persons internally displaced, and which have triggered widespread violence between Christian and Muslim communities across the country,

Remaining seriously concerned by multiple and increasing violations of international humanitarian law and the widespread human rights violations and abuses, including those involving extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, sexual violence against women and children, rape, recruitment and use of children and attacks against civilians and attacks against places of worship, committed by both former Seleka elements and militia groups, in particular those known as the "anti-Balaka,"

Alarmed by the increasing cycle of violence and retaliation and degeneration into a countrywide religious and ethnic divide, with the potential to spiral into an uncontrollable situation, including serious crimes under international law in particular war crimes and crimes against humanity, with serious regional implications,

Noting the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme's temporary suspension of rough diamond trading by the CAR and expressing concern that diamond smuggling and other forms of illicit natural resource exploitation, including wildlife poaching, are destabilizing forces in CAR, and encouraging the Transitional Authorities and the State Authorities to address these issues through all possible avenues,

Welcoming tire holding of a special session of the Human Rights Council and taking note with appreciation of the appointment of the Independent Expert ON the Situation of human rights in the CAR,

Welcoming the pledges made at the High-Level Meeting on Humanitarian Action in the Central African Republic in Brussels, January 20 2014 and encouraging the international community to swiftly follow through on pledges to continue providing support in response to the humanitarian situation in CAR,

Welcoming the readiness of the European Union, expressed at the meeting of the Council of the European Union held on 20 January 2014, to consider the establishment of a temporary operation to support MISCA in the Central African Republic, and taking note of the letter dated 21 January 2014 from the High Representative of the European Union,

Taking note of the letter from the Transitional authorities of the Central African Republic dated 22 January 2014 approving the deployment of an operation by the European Union,

Determining that the situation in the CAR constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region,

BINUCA Mandate

1. Decides to extend the mandate of BINUCA until 31 January 2015;

2. Decides that the mandate of BINUCA shall be reinforced and updated as follows:

(a) Support for the implementation of the transition process:

- To expedite the re-establishment of constitutional order and implementation of the Libreville agreements by identifying, facilitating, and coordinating regular communication between all relevant Central African, regional, and international stakeholders and providing strategic advice, technical assistance, and support to the ongoing political process, transitional institutions and Authorities and their implementation mechanisms;

- To take a leading role in working with the Transitional Authorities, relevant stakeholders, regional actors and the international community to devise and facilitate the political transition process and to provide technical assistance in support of the process;

- To assist in reconciliation efforts, at both the national and local levels, including through inter-religious dialogue and truth and reconciliation mechanisms working with relevant Transitional Authorities and relevant regional bodies;

- To make all necessary preparations, in support of the Transitional Authorities and working on an urgent basis with the National Electoral Authority, for the holding of free and fair elections, including the effective participation of women, as soon as possible, but no later than February 2015 and, if possible, in the second half of 2014, including by providing an urgent assessment of the financial, technical, and logistical needs for the electoral process;

 (f) Cooperation with the Committee and the Panel of experts established pursuant to paragraphs 57 and 59 of resolution 212 7 (2013):

- To assist the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 57 of resolution 2127 (2013) and the Panel of Experts established by the same resolution, within its capabilities, including by passing information relevant to the implementation of the mandate of the Committee and Panel of Experts;

(g) Coordinatio17 of international actors:

- To coordinate international actors involved in the implementation of the tasks described above;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to urgently reinforce BINUCA and provide it with significantly increased resources and expertise in order to fully and swiftly implement all aspects of the mandate defined in paragraph. 2 of this resolution and increase its capacity of coordinating international actors in the field of its mandate and in this regard further requests the Secretary-General to submit proposals and resource requirements to appropriate bodies as soon as possible;

4. Recalls the need for the Transitional Authorities to restore state authority over the whole territory of the country and underlines in this context the importance of BINUCA's further expansion in the provinces;

5. Stresses the importance of BINUCA working closely with the United Nations Country Team and the Peacebuilding Commission;

6. Welcomes the deployment of an initial contingent of the Guard Unit from the Kingdom of Morocco on 1 January 2014, and urges the Secretary-General to expedite preparations for the swift deployment of the full Guard Unit at the earliest possible date;

7. Stresses the importance for BINUCA to urgently make all necessary preparations for elections, on an urgent basis, with the Transitional Authorities and the National Electoral Authority;

8. Underscores the importance for the Transitional Authorities to finalize, with the support of BINUCA, a comprehensive strategy for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of combatants as well as repatriation (DDRR) in the case of foreign combatants, including of all children associated with armed forces and groups, working with the Transitional Authorities and in consultation with MISCA and the French Forces and in this regard reiterates its request to the Secretary-General to present detailed proposals for United Nations support in his forthcoming report due no later than 5 March 2014;

9. Calls upon the Transitional Authorities, with the assistance of BINUCA and international partners, to address the illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation, and misuse of small arms and light weapons in the CAR, and to ensure the safe and effective management, storage and security of their stockpiles of small arms and light weapons, and the collection and/or destruction of surplus, seized, unmarked, or illicitly held weapons and ammunition, and further stresses the importance of incorporating such elements into SSR and DDR/R programs;

10. Stresses the urgent need to deploy throughout the country an increased number of BINUCA's human rights monitors in order to implement fully its mandate to monitor, help investigate and report to the Council on violations of

20. Requests BINUCA to provide assistance to Transitional Authorities in securing, in coordination with MISCA, evidence and crime scenes to support future investigations;

2 I. Reiterates that all perpetrators of such violations and abuses must be held accountable and that some of those acts may amount to crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), to which the CAR is a State party, and recalls the statements made by the Prosecutor of the ICC on 7 August 2013 and 9 December 2013;

22. Calls upon all parties to armed conflict in the CAR, including former Seleka elements and anti-Balaka elements, to issue clear orders prohibiting all violations and abuses committed against children, in violation of applicable international law, including those involving their recruitment and use, rape and sexual violence, killing and maiming, abductions and attacks on schools and hospitals and further calls upon Transitional Authorities to make and implement specific commitments on timely investigation of alleged violations and abuses in order to hold perpetrators accountable and to ensure that those responsible for such violations and abuses are excluded from the security sector;

23. Reiterates its demands that all parties protect and consider as victims those children who have been released or otherwise separated from armed forces and armed groups, and emphasizes the need to pay particular attention to the protection, release and reintegration of all children associated with armed forces and armed groups;

24. Calls upon all parties to armed conflict in the CAR, including former Seleka and anti-Balaka elements to issue clear orders against sexual and gender- based violence, and further calls upon Transitional Authorities to make and implement specific commitments on timely investigation of alleged abuses in order to hold perpetrators accountable, in line with its resolutions 1960 (2010) and 2106 (2013), and to facilitate immediate access for victims of sexual violence to available services;

25. Reiterates its call upon all parties to armed conflict in the CAR to engage with the Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict and the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict

26. Demands that transitional authorities as well as all militia groups and parties to the conflict, in particular the former Seleka, and the "anti-Balaka", ensure the rapid, safe and unhindered access of humanitarian organizations and relief personnel and the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to populations in need, while respecting the UN guiding principles of humanitarian assistance, including neutrality, impartiality, humanity and independence in the provision of humanitarian assistance;

27. Expresses deep concern at the increasing numbers of internally displaced persons as a result of the ongoing violence, stresses the need to ensure that the basic needs of those persons are met, in particular access to water, food and shelters, and commends UN humanitarian agencies and partners for their efforts to provide urgent and coordinated support to the population in need in the CAR while also recognizing the need to augment assistance to address increasing needs; other financial assets or economic resources and in tile absence of a negative decision by the Committee within five working days of such notification;

(b) To be necessary for extraordinary expenses, provided that such determination has been notified by the relevant State or Member States to the Committee and has been approved by the Committee; or

(c) To be the subject of a judicial, administrative or arbitral lien or judgment, in which case the funds, other financial assets and economic resources may be used to satisfy that lien or judgment provided that the lien or judgment was entered into prior to the date of the present resolution, is not for the benefit of a person or entity designated by the Committee, and has been notified by the relevant State or Member States to the Committee;

34. Decides that Member States may permit the addition to the accounts frozen pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 32 above of interests or other earnings due on those accounts or payments due under contracts, agreements or obligations that arose prior to the date on which those accounts became subject to the provisions of this resolution, provided that any such interest, other earnings and payments continue to be subject to these provisions and are frozen;

35. Decides that the measures in paragraph 32 above shall not prevent a designated person or entity from making payment due under a contract entered into prior to the listing of such a person or entity, provided that the relevant States have determined that the payment is not directly or indirectly received by a person or entity designated pursuant to paragraph 32 above, and after notification by the relevant States to the Committee of the intention to make or receive such payments or to authorize, where appropriate, the unfreezing of funds, other financial assets or economic resources for this purpose, 10 working days prior to such authorization;

36. Decides that the measures contained in paragraphs 30 and 32 shall apply to the individuals and entities designated by the Committee as engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR, including acts that threaten or violate transitional agreements, or that threaten or impede the political transition process, including a transition toward free and fair democratic elections, or that fuel violence ;

37. FurtDer decides in this regard that the measures contained in paragraphs 30 and 32 shall also apply to the individuals and entities designated by the Committee as:

(a) acting in violation of the arms embargo established in paragraph 54 of resolution 2127 (2013), or as having directly or indirectly supplied, sold, or transferred to armed groups or criminal networks in CAR, or as having been the recipient of arms or any related materiel, or any technical advice, training, or assistance, including financing and financial assistance, related to violent activities of armed groups or criminal networks in CAR;

(b) involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute human rights abuses or violations, in the CAR, including acts involving sexual violence, targeting of civilians, ethnic- or religious-based attacks, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction and forced displacement;

Mandate for the European Union operation in the CAR

43. Authorizes the European Union to deploy an operation in the CAR as referenced in the letter dated 21 January 2014 from the High Representative of the European Union (S/2014/45);

444. Authorizes the EU operation to take all necessary measures within the limit-s of its capacities and areas of deployment from its initial deployment and for a period of six months fronl the declaration of its full operational capacity;

45. Requests the European Union to report to the Council on the implementation of this mandate in the CAR and to coordinate its reporting with the reporting by the African Union referred to in paragraph 32 of resolution 2127;

46. Calls upon Member States, including neighboring countries of the CAR, to take appropriate measures to support the action of the European Union, in particular by facilitating the transfer to the CAR, without obstacles or delay, of all personnel, equipment, provisions, supplies or other goods, including vehicles and spare parts, intended for the European union operation;

47. Invites the Transitional Authorities of the CAR to conclude a status of forces agreements as soon as possible for the establishment of the European Union operation;

48, Emphasizes the need for all military forces in CAR, while carrying out their mandate, to act in full respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of CAR and in full compliance with applicable international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law and recalls the importance of training in this regard,

49. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on the implementation of BINUCA's mandate every 90 days after the adoption of this resolution;

50. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

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Security Council statement on Iraq/ ISIS

Statement by the President of the Security Council

The Security Council deplores in the strongest terms the recent events in the cities of Ramadi and Fallujah in Anbar province in haq. The Security Council condenms the attacks that are being peq?etrated by A1-Qaida affiliate, the Islalnic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), against the people of Iraq in an attempt to destabilize the country and region. The Security Council recognizes that Iraqi security forces, local police and tribes in Anbar province are showing gTeat courage as they fight to defeat ISIL in their cities.

The Security Council urges the people of h'aq, including h'aqi tribes, local leaders, and h'aqi security forces in Anbar province, to continue, expand and strengthen their cooperation against violence and terror and it stresses the critical importance of continued national dialogue and unity. The Security Council welcomes comments from Grand Ayatollah Sistani welcoming internally displaced residents of Anbar to Najaf and Karbala, as well as the conunitment of a number of communities - Sunni, Shia and Kurd - to meet the needs of the displaced.

The Security Council expresses its strong support for the continued efforts of the Iraqi Governlnent to help meet the security needs of the entire population of Iraq. In this regard, the Security Council acknowledges the efforts of the Iraqi security forces and Iraqi local police, whose members are also being targeted and killed in ongoing attacks by terrorists. The Security Council welcomes the commitment of the Government of Iraq in the protection of the civilian population in Fallujah and elsewhere and to the provision of humanitarian relief, and encourages the Goverlmlent of Iraq to continue working with the United Nations Assistance Mission for h'aq (UNAM1) and humanitarian agencies to ensure the delivery of humanitarian relief. The Security Council expresses concern about the impact of the violence on civilians, and encourages the safe passage of civilians trapped in conflict areas, as well as the safe return of internally displaced persons as conditions allow.

The Security Council stresses the critical importance of continued national dialogue and unity, an inclusive political process, the holding of free and fair elections in April 2014, and the right to peaceful protest as guaranteed under the h'aqi Constitution. The Security Council believes that this is vital to underpin a unified national stance against terrorism, and to ensure h'aq's long-term security.

The Security Council reaffirms the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with Iraqi authorities in this regard.

The Security Council reaffmns that ISIL (QE.J.115.04) is subject to the arlns embargo and assets freeze imposed by Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999) and 2083 (2012) and underlines the importance of prompt and effective implementation of these measures.

The Security Council reaffmns the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, tlu'eats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. The Security Council reminds States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and hulnanitarian law.

The Security Council reaffirms its support for the independence, sovereignty, unity and ten'itorial integrity of h'aq. The Security Council reiterates that no terrorist act can reverse the path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction in Iraq, which is supported by the people and the Government of Iraq and the international community.

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Ban Ki-moon's invitation to Geneva-2 on Syria

Secretary-General briefs the press at the UN Headquarters. 

24 December 2013

  The UN Secretary-General sent invitations to Syrian and international participants of the Geneva Conference on Syria. 

  The invitations were sent to these countries and organizations: UN Security Council P5 members, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, the High Representative of the European Union, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in addition to: Algeria, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

    Here is the text of the invitation:

THE SECRETARY – GENERAL

6 January 2014

(...),

       In light of the appalling human suffering and widespread destruction in Syria, including the grave and ever-deteriorating human rights situation, violations of international humanitarian law and the risk of deepening conflict and regional instability, it is imperative to reach a peaceful settlement with the greatest urgency.

The path towards such a settlement was outlined in the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012 (Annex I), unanimously endorsed by Security Council resolution 2118 of 27 September 2013. The Security Council called for the convening, as soon as possible, of a conference to implement the Geneva Communiqué. Since the initiative of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Mr. Sergey V. Lavrov, and the Secretary of State of the United States of America, His Excellency Mr. John F. Kerry, on 7 May 2013, intensive preparatory consultations have taken place.

Consequently, I am now convening the Geneva Conference on Syria, and am pleased to invite you to attend the high-level international meeting that will launch the Conference.

The Conference aims to assist the Syrian parties in ending the violence and achieving a comprehensive agreement for a political settlement, implementing fully the Geneva Communiqué, while preserving the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. The Communiqué contains Principles and Guidelines for a Syrian-led transition. These set out a number of key steps, beginning with agreement on a transitional governing body with full executive powers, formed by mutual consent. As the Geneva Communiqué says, the public services must be preserved or restored. This includes the military forces and security and intelligence services. All governmental institutions and state offices must perform according to professional and human rights standards, operating under a top leadership that inspires public confidence, under the control of the transitional governing body.

The Geneva Conference on Syria will convene under my chairmanship, first in an international high-level format over one day at Montreux, Switzerland, on 22 January 2014, beginning at 9 a.m. Negotiations between the two Syrian parties, facilitated by the Joint Special Representative for Syria, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, will follow immediately in Geneva on 24 January 2014. Adjournments and subsequent meetings may take place in accordance with a workplan to be agreed. The high-level international meeting may resume its deliberations as required.

I am confident that the international participants who gather in Montreux will offer meaningful support for constructive negotiations between the Syrian parties in Geneva. I am sure that all present will do their utmost to encourage the Syrian parties to reach a comprehensive settlement, fully implementing the Geneva Communiqué, within an accelerated time frame. In addition to participation in the high-level meeting, it may be necessary to call upon you to assist further as the negotiations between the Syrian parties progress.

In inviting the Syrian parties, I have reminded them that the Security Council has called on them to engage seriously and constructively at the Conference, and underscored that they should be broadly representative and committed to the implementation of the Geneva Communiqué and to the achievement of stability and reconciliation. I have also reminded the Syrian parties that, consistent with the Geneva Communiqué as well as Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and other relevant resolutions (Annex II), full and effective participation of women is essential.

I look forward to confirmation of attendance of your delegation, and the list of delegates and advisers, at your earliest convenience.

Confirmation of attendance will be taken as commitment to the aims of the Conference stated above, in accordance with the Geneva Communiqué, in particular the Principles and Guidelines for a Syrian-led Transition contained in it.

A technical information note will be provided by the Office of the Joint Special Representative in due course.

The conflict in Syria has raged for too long, and has imposed too many sacrifices on the people of Syria. The Government and all parties must allow immediate and full humanitarian access to all conflict-affected areas. The violence must be ended expeditiously. All attacks against civilians should cease. All parties must work to put an end to all terrorist acts. The Geneva Conference offers a unique avenue towards these ends. I am deeply grateful for your cooperation in this venture, to help ensure that peace can be restored and the transition foreseen in the Geneva Communiqué can be implemented in a way that fully meets the aspirations of the Syrian people.

   Please accept, (...), the assurances of my highest consideration.

BAN Ki-moon

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Security Council statement on Lebanon / Chatah assassination

Security Council - Press statement

Terrorist attack on Lebanon

        The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the terrorist attack on December 27, 2013 in the city center of Beirut, which killed former Lebanese Minister M. Mohammed Chatah along with at least four other people, and caused numerous injuries, including among civilians. 

  

        The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the families of the victims and expressed their sympathy to all those injured in this heinous act and to the people and Government of Lebanon. 

  

        The members of the Security Council reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of any attempt to destabilize Lebanon through political assassinations and demanded an immediate end to the use of intimidation and violence against political figures. 

  

        The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. 

  

        The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and all obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. 

  

        The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

  

        Recalling the Presidential Statement of July 10, 2013, the members of the Security Council appealed to all Lebanese people to preserve national unity in the face of attempts to undermine the country’s stability and stressed the importance for all Lebanese parties to respect Lebanon’s policy of disassociation and to refrain from any involvement in the Syrian crisis, consistent with their commitment in the Baabda Declaration. 

New York, 27 December 2013

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Security Council resolution 2132 on South Sudan

​United States of America: draft resolution

​The Security Council,

​Expressing grave alarm and concern regarding the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan resulting from the political dispute and subsequent violence caused by the country’s political leaders,

​Recalling its 17 December and 20 December 2013 press statements, and previous resolutions1996 (2011), 2046 (2012), 2057 (2012), and 2109 (2013), and acknowledging the 23 December 2013 letter from the Secretary-General (S/2013/758),

​Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of South Sudan,

​Condemning the fighting and targeted violence against civilians and specific ethnic and other communities occurring across the country that have resulted in hundreds of deaths and casualties and tens of thousands of internally displaced persons,

​Further condemning reported human rights violations and abuses by all parties, including armed groups and national security forces, and emphasizing that those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be held accountable,

​Welcoming the strengthening of the human rights investigation capacity of United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) with the support of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights,

​Commending the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Ministerial Group’s initiative, as supported by the United Nations and African Union, in seeking to open the dialogue and mediate between key leaders, and urging all parties to cooperate with this initiative,

​Commending the active steps taken by UNMISS to implement its mandate and give refuge in its premises and other forms of assistance to the civilians caught in the fighting,

​Condemning in the strongest terms attacks on and threats made to UNMISS personnel and United Nations facilities, demanding that all parties respect the inviolability of United Nations premises and to refrain from any violence against those gathered at United Nations facilities, and in this regard reiterating its condemnation of the attack on the UNMISS camp in Akobo, on 19 December, which resulted in the death of two Indian peacekeepers and the wounding of another, as well as at least 20 other casualties of individuals seeking UNMISS protection,

​Determining that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

​Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

​1.​Calls for an immediate cessation of  hostilities and the immediate opening of a dialogue;

​2.​Demands that all parties cooperate fully with UNMISS as it implements its mandate, in particular the protection of civilians, and stresses that efforts to undermine UNMISS’ ability to implement its mandate and attacks on United Nations personnel will not be tolerated;

​3.​Endorses the recommendation made by the Secretary-General to temporarily increase the overall force levels of UNMISS to support its protection of civilians and provision of humanitarian assistance;

​4.​Decides, therefore, that given the urgent circumstances of the situation, UNMISS will consist of a military component of up to 12,500 troops of all ranks and of a police component, including appropriate Formed Police Units, of up to 1,323, requests that the Secretary-General keep the new levels of troops and police in UNMISS under continuous review, and requests that the Secretary-General report to the Council within 15 days on the steps taken to implement this resolution, and at least every 30 days thereafter;

​5.​Authorizes the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to facilitate inter-mission cooperation and, if needed and subject to further Council consideration, complementary force and asset generation, and authorizes, in order to reach the new levels of troops and police within the overall troop ceiling set out in paragraph 4 on a temporary basis, appropriate transfer of troops, force enablers, and multipliers from other missions, in particular MONUSCO, UNAMID, UNISFA, UNOCI and UNMIL, subject to the agreement of the troop-contributing countries and without prejudice to the performance of the mandates of these United Nations missions;

​6.​Urges the concerned Member States to facilitate the deployment and redeployment to and from UNMISS, and encourages all Member States to respond to United Nations efforts to mobilize troops and resources;

​7.​Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.  

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