Yemen’s peace plan boosts Houthis’ regional influence
29/12/2023: The UN special envoy for Yemen has expressed optimism about UN-led negotiations with Saudi Arabia, the Presidential Leadership Council and the Houthi militia. The peace plan offers the much-desired exit option from the war for Saudi Arabia but some have said the Houthis stand to gain in power.
Source: DW
Why the South China Sea was turbulent in 2023
26/12/2023: Through 2023 both China and the Philippines have been taking greater risks over disputed islets and shoals in the South China Sea. Their competing claims are considered a real threat to security and stability in waterways that carry trillions of dollars in global trade.
Source: DW
UN resolution on war in Gaza is an important but insufficient step
22/12/2023: The UN Security Council has adopted a compromise resolution calling for “expanded humanitarian access” to Gaza. Amnesty welcomes the humanitarian commitment but warns that nothing short of an immediate ceasefire is enough to alleviate the mass civilian suffering.
Source: Amnesty International
Despite violence in Sudan, pro-democracy groups won’t give up
22/12/2023: As the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces take control of Sudan's second-largest city, there is little hope that violence will subside soon. Experts fear the Sudanese conflict is devolving into a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Civilian pro-democracy activists are struggling for resources and logistical space.
Source: DW
UN General Assembly overwhelmingly demands Gaza ceasefire
13/12/2023: The UN General Assembly has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, piling pressure on Israel and Washington. The vote came after the Security Council responsible for global peace has repeatedly failed to make such a call, blocked by the US veto.
Source: The East African
COP 28 declaration on cycle of conflict and climate change
4/12/2023: Poor governance and conflict leave people more vulnerable to climate change, while climate impacts fuel further tensions. At COP 28 more than 70 countries and 40 humanitarian organizations have approved a declaration to tackle this vicious circle.
Source: Devex
Guterres invokes Article 99 for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza
6/12/2023: Invoking a rarely used article of the UN Charter, Secretary-General António Guterres has summoned the Security Council to call for a full humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants. This is the first time Mr. Guterres has felt compelled to invoke Article 99 since taking office in 2017.
Source: UN News
Amnesty petitions for ceasefire in Gaza and Israel
10/11/2023: More than a million signatures from people around the world have been gathered for an Amnesty International petition demanding an immediate ceasefire to end hostilities in Gaza and Israel. A ceasefire would allow aid to reach those in desperate need and provide opportunities to secure the release of hostages.
Source: Amnesty International
Call to suspend arms to Israel and Palestinian groups
6/11/2023: Human Rights Watch has called on allies of Israel and backers of Palestinian armed groups to suspend the transfer of arms to the warring parties. The campaign group says that both Israel and Palestinian armed groups have committed serious abuses amounting to war crimes during the current hostilities.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Israel-Gaza crisis: US vetoes Security Council resolution
18/10/2023: The US has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have called for “humanitarian pauses” to deliver lifesaving aid to millions in Gaza. The US Ambassador explained her country’s veto saying “this resolution did not mention Israel’s right of self-defence.”
Source: UN News