Source: Council of the European Union (video statements)
On this day in 1995, the Schengen area became a reality! Borders disappeared between 7 countries, marking a new era of freedom and unity in Europe.
Today, 29 countries – 25 EU & 4 non-EU – are part of the Schengen family, making travel smoother and easier than ever !
A milestone in European integration!
#schengen #schengenarea
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Earlier this month, the Speaker welcomed Members, House staff and special guests to Speaker’s House to mark Women’s History Month. They heard from Kirith Entwistle MP and Katie Lam MP as they honoured the history makers and trailblazers that were local to them.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Following PMQs, Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivers the Spring Statement in the House of Commons.
Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:
X/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
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Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivers the Spring Statement in the House of Commons.
Watch PMQs and the Spring Statement with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://youtube.com/live/IUIq5bbbp8M
Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
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Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.
In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.
The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.
Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:
Twitter: / houseofcommons
Facebook: / ukhouseofcommons
Instagram: / ukhouseofcommons
Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Delivers Remarks at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center For Security Studies at Marine Corp Base Hawaii, March 25, 2025
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Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.
For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!
Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
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Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense
Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)
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This #MedalofHonorDay, we honor all #MedalofHonor recipients as the National Medal of Honor Museum opens in Arlington, Texas. We got a sneak peek at the artifacts and interactive displays showcased at the museum that shares stories of our most decorated heroes. We are forever grateful for their courage and sacrifice.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/4127550/rare-collection-new-medal-of-honor-museum-brings-tales-of-heroism-to-life/
For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!
Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense
Source: US National Guard (video statements)
From Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau: On July 31, 1943, Ohio native and National Guardsman Pvt. Rodger Young demonstrated tremendous courage while helping his platoon withdraw from an enemy ambush on the Solomon Islands, costing him his life but saving many others. For his heroic actions, Pvt. Young was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor—one of the 3,528 heroes we celebrate this National Media of Honor Day.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
The trade of counterfeit and pirated goods threatens America’s innovation economy, the competitiveness of our businesses, the livelihoods of U.S. workers, and, in some cases, national security and the health and safety of consumers. Protect yourself and your family by avoiding potentially dangerous counterfeit items.
Trade of illegitimate goods is associated with smuggling and other criminal activities, and often funds criminal enterprises. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and partner government agencies work side-by-side to protect the intellectual property rights of American businesses. Safeguarding them from unfair competition, and loss of consumer trust, while upholding American innovation and ingenuity.
Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade
Detained and Missing Staff
Syria/Security Council
Occupied Palestinian Territory
UN Interim Force In Lebanon
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo / Mediation
Burundi
Sudan
South Sudan
Ukraine
Myanmar
Ecuador
Child Mortality
VICTIMS OF SLAVERY AND TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE
Today is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The Secretary-General spoke at the General Assembly event to mark the Day and said that the transatlantic slave trade is an indelible stain on the conscience of humanity.
Today, he said, we remember the women, children, and men forced to work in agonizing conditions, savagely punished, and deprived of their dignity and human rights, and we take strength in their resistance and demands for justice.
The Secretary-General said the obscene profits derived from chattel slavery and the racist ideologies that underpinned the trade are still with us, and he urged everyone to play their part in building inclusive societies free from the evils of racism.
DETAINED AND MISSING STAFF
Today is the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members. One hundred and one personnel were arrested or detained last year alone. In total, at least 52 of UN personnel are still in detention globally.
In his message, the Secretary-General says we stand with all those detained, and with their families and loved ones, as we call for their immediate release and safe return.
He urges governments to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel, and to continue pursuing accountability and justice for these crimes, while enhancing support and protection.
And in a video message, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said that the rights of all U.N. staff must be fully respected.
Out of the 52 detained colleagues, 23 as you know are arbitrarily detained in Yemen alone. Eight of those are from the Human Rights Office. “Their continued detention is a grave injustice,” Mr. Türk said.
On this Day, the UN renews the calls for their immediate and unconditional release.
SYRIA/SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning at the Security Council, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, told Council members that Syria stands at a crossroads: either to return to violence or to overcome the conflict and revive the economy. To take the right path, Syria needs increased and continued international support, he said.
For his part, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, said that we are making progress on the humanitarian front. We are now using more routes to deliver aid.
He added that the reality is still grim. 16 million people – nearly three-quarters of the Syrian population – lack sufficient food, water, shelter, and medicine. We need to move with greater urgency, while we can – he said.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=25%20March%202025
Source: United Nations (Video News)
The unprecedented levels of destruction in Gaza render conditions nearly unlivable, with the heaviest toll on children, who are trapped between the wreckage of war and the absence of safety. UN experts warn that nearly all of Gaza’s one million children suffer from severe psychological trauma amid acute food shortages.
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Informal comments to the media by Geir Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, on the situation in the Middle East.
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, o the General Assembly to mark the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
The transatlantic slave trade is an indelible stain on the conscience of humanity.
For more than four centuries, enslaved Africans were kidnapped and trafficked; dehumanized, abused and exploited.
The depth and scale of the cruelty, inhumanity, and depravity of this practice is incomprehensible.
So, too, is the suffering, fear, pain and misery endured by those millions of people exploited for profit.
Today, we reflect on families ripped apart and communities decimated.
We remember the women, children, and men forced to work in agonizing conditions, savagely punished, and deprived of their dignity and human rights.
And we take strength in their resistance and demands for justice:
From revolution in Haiti, to the underground railroad in the United States, to countless individual acts of courage and defiance.
I deeply regret that several countries – including my own – were engaged in this immoral trade…
A trade driven by greed and built on lies – particularly the lie of white supremacy…
A trade enabled by insurers, bankers, shipping companies, legal systems and more…
That saw individuals, institutions and corporations amass unimaginable wealth on the back of human suffering.
When slavery was officially abolished, it was not the enslaved who were compensated, but the enslavers – receiving reparations equivalent to billions of dollars in today’s money.
In an even crueler twist, some slaves were forced to pay compensation.
Haiti had to fund payouts to those who had profited from its suffering – all in the name of securing its independence.
Dear Friends,
Today is not only a day of remembrance.
It is also a day to reflect on the enduring legacies of slavery and colonialism and to strengthen our resolve to combat those evils today.
The obscene profits derived from chattel slavery and the racist ideologies that underpinned the trade are still with us.
Systemic racism has been embedded into institutions, cultures, and social systems.
And deeply rooted exclusion, racial discrimination and violence continue to undermine the ability of many people of African descent to thrive and achieve their full potential.
For too long, the crimes of the transatlantic slave trade – and their ongoing impact – have remained unacknowledged, unspoken, and unaddressed:
Links to slavery were buried…
Histories were rewritten, minimized or overlooked…
Ongoing harms were excused or dismissed…
And perpetrators seemed to hope their actions would be lost to the past.
Dear Friends,
They were wrong.
Thanks to the tireless work of affected leaders and communities, calls to acknowledge and repair the past can no longer be ignored.
This year, at both the African Union Summit and the Caribbean Community Heads of Government Meeting, I heard leader after leader make a powerful case for reparatory justice.
Some institutions and states are taking steps to acknowledge and address their pasts…
Museums and public spaces are commemorating the resistance of people of African descent, and celebrating their vast contribution to societies.
This is a start.
But we need much more.
The horrors of the transatlantic slave trade are an undeniable fact.
Acknowledging this truth is not only necessary – it is vital for addressing past wrongs, healing the present, and building a future of dignity and justice for all.
It is also important that reparatory justice frameworks are grounded in international human rights law….
Developed with the participation of affected communities…
And acknowledge the terrible harms caused.
I urge everyone to play their part in building inclusive societies free from the evils of racism:
That means countries complying with their international obligations – including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights…
Implementing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination…
And becoming Parties to the Convention if they are not already.
It means business leaders promoting equality and combatting racism.
And it means civil society, and everyday people continuing to push for justice, and taking a stand against racism wherever and whenever it appears.
Excellencies,
This mission is at the heart of the United Nations.
The human dignity of every person is our founding creed.
We must stand with everyone, everywhere to combat racial discrimination and hate, and to defend the human rights and dignity of all.
Thank you.
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the Department of State, on March 25, 2025.
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Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
X: https://x.com/StateDept
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Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw
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Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou
#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
The White House
Source: US National Guard (video statements)
From Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau: Today, we recognize and celebrate the bravery and valor of the heroes who earned the Medal of Honor—our Nation’s highest military decoration.
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname March 26-27 to advance President Donald J. Trump’s U.S. foreign policy priorities in the Caribbean.
Source: European Commission (video statements)
We’ve engaged with young people across the EU on EU policies—but the conversation isn’t over! Now it’s your turn. As Commissioner Micallef explains, you can join the debate on our Citizens’ Engagement platform and share your ideas on climate action, digital rights, and more!
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
In 2024, the Palace of Westminster welcomed 560,317 visitors, and rose 112 places in the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions rankings.
“We are thrilled to have welcomed a record number of visitors to Parliament in 2024. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our Visitor Experience team, who work tirelessly to deliver a world-class experience for every visitor,” said Abbie Fox-Smith, Director of Visitor Experience.
Nick, a member of our Visitor Experience team, shows you what to expect on a midweek tour of Parliament
Book your tickets to visit the Palace of Westminster: https://tickets.parliament.uk/timeslot/uk-parliament-english-guided-tour
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, at the Department of State, on March 25, 2025.
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Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
X: https://x.com/StateDept
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Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw
State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
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#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
“Greek-Americans have blessed our country with exceptional courage, patriotism, and tremendous skill. Under this administration, we will continue to honor the virtues, ideals, and spirit of this magnificent heritage – From the Golden Age of Greece to the Golden Age of America.” –President Donald J. Trump
Source: European Commission (video statements)
In the first 100 days of the mandate, one of the priorities of the Commission, was to give a voice to young people. Well, mission accomplished! The Commissioners each held their own Youth Policy Dialogues, discussing EU policies with European youth. After this first round of dialogues, they will be held annually.
Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
Follow us on:
-X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
-Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission
Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the Department of State, on March 25, 2025.
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Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
X: https://x.com/StateDept
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Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw
State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
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White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
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#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Secretary Rubio meets with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys at the Department of State, on March 25, 2025.
———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
X: https://x.com/StateDept
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Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
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#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy
Source: US Army (video statements)
Sgt. Amanda Mclean – Defense Media Activity
About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.
Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
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#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts
Source: US Navy (video statements)
National Medal of Honor Day
Did you know that the U.S. Navy was the first branch to approve the Medal of Honor? Today, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes on National Medal of Honor Day!
This day is dedicated to recognizing the recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the President in the name of Congress. These extraordinary individuals went above and beyond the call of duty, shaping our history and continuing to inspire future generations with their acts of valor.
Watch video to learn more!
#MedalOfHonor
Source: United Nations (Video News)
UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan Nicholas Haysom warned said that the country “is teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war.”
Addressing the press today (24 Mar), Haysom said that the political and security situation has significantly deteriorated since the White Army, “that is a youth militia, overran barracks previously occupied by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Nasir on the 4th of March. In retaliation, communities across Upper Nile are being subjected to persistent aerial bombardment using devices, barrel bombs, allegedly containing a highly flammable liquid that acts as an accelerant on explosion.”
He continued, “These indiscriminate attacks on civilians are causing significant casualties and horrific injuries, especially burns, including to women and children.”
According to humanitarian partners, Haysom added, at least 63,000 people have fled the area.
He also said, “We are receiving reports of further mobilization of White Army and SSPDF forces in Upper Nile, allegedly including children forcibly recruited into the ranks of the respective armed formations. This, in addition to the deployment of foreign forces at the request of the South Sudan government, is further fueling fear and anxiety across the country.
On the political front, Haysom reported that some senior military and civilian officials affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) have been replaced or removed from their official positions while others have been detained, gone into hiding, or fled the country.
He added, “Rampant misinformation, disinformation and hate speech is also ratcheting up tensions and driving ethnic divisions, and fear.”
He stated, “Given this grim situation, we are left with no other conclusion, but to assess that South Sudan is teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war.”
To try and prevent this outcome, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is engaging in intense shuttle diplomacy, alongside international and regional peace partners, including the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).
According to UNMISS head, the region and the international community have also been actively engaged.
He also informed the press that the high-level visit by IGAD foreign ministers to Juba was today postponed to the 3rd of April by the Government “at the last minute, and without explanation.”
He highlighted, “The collective message of the region and the international community is the same. We remain convinced that there is only one way out of the cycle of conflict and that is to return to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, in letter and spirit.”
This includes strict adherence to the ceasefire, the release of detained officials or their treatment in accordance with legal process, an immediate return to consensus-based decision-making, and the resolution of tensions through dialogue rather than military confrontation.
He also encouraged the President and First Vice President to meet to resolve their differences constructively and make a joint public statement that reassures all South Sudanese of their united, steadfast commitment to peace.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)
Minister of Home Affairs launches Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
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#WorldEconomicForum
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Security Council
– Gaza
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Lebanon/Peacekeeping
– Lebanon/Humanitarian
– Ukraine
– Democratic Republic Of The Congo
– Sudan
– Afghanistan
– Libya
– Rohingya Refugees
– International Days
– General Assembly Event
– Upcoming Briefings
– Noon Briefing Guest
SECURITY COUNCIL
The Secretary-General spoke to the Security Council this morning during a special session on UN peace operations.
He reminded council members that UN peace operations safeguard people and communities in some of the most desperate places on earth, adding that they represent a critical tool at the Council’s disposal to maintain international peace and security.
At their best, he said, they show how, when the UN comes together to address challenges, the burden is diminished on individual countries. But, Mr. Guterres added that peace operations face serious barriers that demand new approaches.
The Secretary-General said that work is now underway to review all forms of peace operations, as requested by Member States in the recently adopted Pact for the Future.
He said the review will build on the analysis presented in the New Agenda for Peace and it will be informed by the first comprehensive study of the history of special political missions in the 80 years of this organization and that report which will be released soon.
The review will also help inform efforts – through the UN@80 initiative – to find efficiencies and improvements across our work, in light of the continued funding challenges we face as an organization.
GAZA
In the past week, Israel carried out devastating strikes on Gaza, claiming the lives of hundreds of civilians, including United Nations personnel, with no humanitarian aid being allowed to enter the Gaza Strip since early March.
As a result, the Secretary-General has taken the difficult decision to reduce the United Nations’ footprint in Gaza, even as humanitarian needs soar and our concern over the protection of civilians intensifies.
The United Nations is not leaving Gaza. We remain committed to continuing to provide aid that civilians depend on for their survival and protection.
More than three weeks ago, the Israeli Government cut off the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza – which is the longest such suspension since 7 October 2023.
Israeli officials have indicated that they intend to continue their military activities in Gaza.
Based on the information that is currently available, the strikes hitting a UN compound in Deir Al Balah on 19 March were caused by an Israeli tank shell. The strikes claimed the life of a UN colleague from Bulgaria and left six others – from France, Moldova, North Macedonia, Palestine and the United Kingdom – with severe injuries, some of them life-altering.
The location of this UN compound was well known to all the parties to the conflict. I reiterate that all parties to the conflict are bound by international law to protect the inviolability of United Nations premises. Without this, our colleagues face intolerable risks as they work to save the lives of civilians.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns these strikes and demands a full, thorough and independent investigation into this incident.
All parties must comply fully with international law at all times. Civilians must be respected and they must be protected. The denial of lifesaving aid must end. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.
All States must use their leverage to stop the conflict and ensure respect for international law – by applying diplomatic and economic pressure and combating impunity.
The Secretary-General renews his urgent call for the restoration of the ceasefire to bring an end to the anguish.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=24%20March%202025