This Month in the Security Council – July 2021

In the month of July, France held the presidency of the Security Council and executed a packed agenda. Our delegation continued to work closely in the “A3+1” configuration with our African brothers and sisters (Kenya, Niger, and Tunisia) on many country-specific and thematic issues.

1. Haiti: The Security Council issued a press statement condemning in the strongest terms the assassination of the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse. Council Members called for the perpetrators of this abhorrent crime to be swiftly brought to justice and made an emphatic call on all political stakeholders in Haiti to refrain from any acts of violence and any incitement of violence. In our national capacity, our delegation noted that CARICOM remains willing to play a lead role in facilitating a process of national dialogue and negotiation to help the Haitian people and their institutions to craft an indigenous long-term solution to this crisis and ongoing challenges.

2. Tigray: The A3+1 condemned the targeting of unarmed civilians in the Tigray region and called for an end to any attacks or threats to civilians. We demanded that all parties respect international law including the humanitarian principles. The A3+1 welcomed the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire by the Government of Ethiopia and expressed the hope that it would translate into a permanent, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire. We also expressed solidarity with the Ethiopian people as they strive to execute free and fair elections. Our delegations urged the Security Council to encourage and support African solutions for African challenges.

3. Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam: Our delegation recognized the Nile River’s indispensable role to the sustainable socio-economic development of Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. We expressed our support to the African Union as it remains pivotal in facilitating constructive dialogue and meaningful negotiations. Our delegation remains optimistic that the parties will reach a lasting agreement.

4. Syria: Our delegation urged the Security Council to end the politicization of the humanitarian situation and take tangible steps to ensure that the people of Syria have access to necessities. We reiterated that the Syrian people ought to remain a priority and the international community must engage pragmatically. In this regard, the impact of unilateral sanctions on the civilian population needs to be considered and the sanctions urgently re-evaluated, as well as the practicality of withholding reconstruction aid.

5. Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions (IWG): In its capacity as current Chair of the IWG, SVG has continued the process of strengthening the working methods of the Security Council. In this regard, SVG has been carrying out negotiations with the members of the IWG on various draft notes. On 12 July, SVG was successful in facilitating the smooth adoption of 4 draft notes, which were issued as official notes by the President of the Security Council. These notes reaffirm the Security Council’s commitment to better familiarise newly elected members with the work of the Council and its subsidiary bodies, to prioritise multilingualism at all times, to encourage engagement with the work of the IWG, and to underscore the important role of the Presidency of the Security Council in securing the implementation of already agreed upon working methods commitments. These notes will contribute to the overall effectiveness, transparency, and efficiency of the Security Council.

6. A3+1 Retreat: A3+1 convened in Kenya for a retreat under the theme “United & Stronger” between 18th – 23rd July. The purpose of the retreat was to enhance comradeship among the Permanent Representatives of the A3+1 and to reinvigorate the group’s strategic role in the operationalisation of Africa’s Agenda, and that of the Sixth Region, at the UN Security Council. Ambassador King was awarded Kenya’s second highest national honour: First Class of The Order of the Burning Spear, by President Uhuru Kenyatta, in a ceremony held in Kenya on 23rd July 2021.

Please visit svg-un.org for the full text of all statements and other updates.