Security Council

The United Nations Security Council convened on Wednesday to review the latest developments in Afghanistan, where the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has coincided with a surge in terrorist activity and escalating rights violations against women and girls. A civil society representative delivered a stark briefing, stating that being born as a woman in Afghanistan “is a crime.” The Council’s session, part of its ongoing monitoring of the country’s human‑rights situation, highlighted the growing international concern over the treatment of Afghan women and the persistence of extremist groups. The briefing added a new, alarming perspective to the Council’s assessment and underscored the urgency of addressing gender‑based oppression in the region.

The United Nations Security Council welcomed a breakthrough agreement between Libya’s rival political blocs, describing it as an "important step" toward the country’s first national elections in over a decade. The council urged all parties to transition quickly from paper agreements to concrete action. The deal marks a significant milestone in Libya’s long‑standing political impasse, which has stalled democratic processes for more than ten years. By calling for swift implementation, the Security Council signals that the agreement must be operationalized promptly to avoid further delays. The council’s endorsement underscores the international community’s support for a peaceful electoral transition and stresses the urgency of moving beyond negotiation to execution.

The United Nations Security Council convened for a second informal straw poll to gauge the popularity of a growing field of contenders for the position of Secretary-General, following the departure of Antonio Guterres. The meeting aimed to assess which candidates have the most support among council members, providing a snapshot of preferences before the formal selection process begins. While the poll is not an official decision, it offers insight into the dynamics and potential frontrunners for the role. The exercise underscores the council’s role in shaping the leadership of the UN and highlights the increasing number of individuals vying for the top post, reflecting a competitive and evolving selection landscape.

The United Nations Security Council’s unanimous 2025 resolution extended the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until the end of 2026, with a planned phased withdrawal. Human Rights Watch (HRW) now urges the Council to delay that exit, citing a sharp rise in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah that began on March 2, 2026. Israeli forces have killed more than 4,333 Lebanese civilians and wounded over 12,250, according to the Ministry of Health, while mass displacement has continued despite a ceasefire declared on April 17. UNIFIL peacekeepers themselves have been targeted, with several personnel killed in the latest clashes. The United States, a permanent Security Council member, has signaled opposition to any extension, but 14 of the 15 Council members reportedly support a delay. HRW stresses that UNIFIL’s presence is a crucial deterrent against attacks on civilians and that a vacuum could lead to further abuses. Alternatives are being explored, including a multinational coalition led by France, Italy, and Spain, and proposals from China and Turkey, but none match UNIFIL’s size or mandate. The Council’s decision will shape the protection of millions of Lebanese civilians in a region where the ceasefire remains fragile.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire, with hunger rising, health services crumbling, and families exhausting their last coping mechanisms. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has briefed the Security Council on the crisis, highlighting the impact on women and girls, who require humanitarian support. Over 11 million women and girls need assistance, with four out of five lacking access to life-saving reproductive health services. The health system is at a breaking point, with disease outbreaks surging and a measles outbreak declared in Marib. Food insecurity is worsening, with over half the population experiencing acute food insecurity, and six million people facing 'Emergency' levels of deprivation. The UN is calling for flexible and predictable funding to bridge the gap between desperate need and current support. Access remains a significant hurdle, with 73 UN colleagues detained by the Houthi de facto authorities, and over 200 humanitarian access incidents recorded across the country. The UN is urging donors to provide funding, parties to protect civilians, and the Security Council to maintain its focus on Yemen.