Category: United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:

-Security Council
-Venezuela
-UN Peacekeeping / Middle East
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Sudan
-Israel-OPT
-Ukraine
-Financial Contributions

SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning, the Security Council held a meeting on the situation in Venezuela, and members of the Council heard from the Secretary-General.
In the remarks that were delivered on his behalf by the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, the Secretary-General said he is deeply concerned about the possible intensification of instability in Venezuela, the potential impact on the region, and the precedent the US military operation may set for how relations between and among states are conducted.
The Secretary-General said that he remains deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected with regard to the military intervention on January 3rd.
He highlighted that the Charter of the UN enshrines the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any Member State.
The Secretary-General said it is possible to prevent a wider and more destructive conflagration. He called on all Venezuelan actors to engage in an inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future. He further urged Venezuela’s neighbours, and the international community more broadly, to act in a spirit of solidarity and in adherence to the principles, laws and rules erected to promote peaceful coexistence.
And you saw that over the weekend, we did issue a statement on Venezuela that emphasized the importance of full respect by all of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.

VENEZUELA
On the humanitarian front in Venezuela, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell us that the situation in Venezuela remains dire.
At the start of this year, some 7.9 million people in Venezuela were found to need urgent support. This is the equivalent of more than a quarter of the country’s population. We, along with our humanitarian partners, under the leadership of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Venezuela, are assessing the situation, focusing on providing support as needed. We continue to provide assistance to the most vulnerable, including food, health care and protection services. The UN emphasizes the importance of respect for international law, the need to protect civilians and of preserving humanitarian operational continuity, so that assistance can be delivered in line with humanitarian principles. Funding is obviously also critical.
The Humanitarian Response Plan for Venezuela remains critically underfunded. Last year, only 17 per cent of the more than $600 million needed was received, making it one of the least funded country appeals in the world. More support is urgently needed to keep life-saving aid reaching the most vulnerable.

Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Website: https://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson

Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-01-05

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_ynJTy0Ys8

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The Council met in an emergency session to address the US rendition of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, a move that has sent shockwaves through the region and beyond.

Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, delivering a statement on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, called for “respect for the UN charter and all other applicable legal frameworks to safeguard peace and security; respect for the principles of sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of states,” and “the prohibition of the threat or use of force.”

DiCarlo said, “the power of the law must prevail. International law contains tools to address issues such as illicit traffic and narcotics, disputes about resources and human rights concerns. This is the route we need to take.”

Colombian Ambassador Leonor Zalabata Torres said, “these actions remind us of the worst interference in Latin American and the Caribbean politics and are a threat to our region as a zone of peace.”

Colombia, backed by China and the Russian Federation, requested the meeting.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said, “there is no and can be no justification for the crimes cynically perpetrated by the United States in Caracas,” and called upon the US leadership “to immediately release the legitimately elected president of an independent state and his spouse.”

Nebenzia said, “we are particularly appalled by the unparalleled cynicism with which a Washington did not even attempt to conceal the true aims of its criminal operation, namely, the establishment of unbridled control over Venezuela’s natural resources and the assertion of their hegemonic ambitions in Latin America’s legitimate rights and interests.”

Waltz, in his address to the Council said the US, “successfully carried out a surgical law enforcement operation facilitated by the US military against two indicted fugitives of American justice, narco-terrorist Nicolas Maduro and Celia Flores.”

He stressed that “there is no war against Venezuela or its people. We are not occupying a country,” and said, “this was a law enforcement operation in furtherance of lawful indictments that have existed for decades.”

The US Ambassador said, “this is the Western Hemisphere. This is where we live. And we’re not going to allow the Western Hemisphere to be used as a base of operation for our nation’s adversaries and competitors and rivals of the United States. You can’t turn Venezuela into the operating hub for Iran, for Hezbollah, for gangs, for Cuban intelligence agents, and other malign actors that control that country. You cannot continue to have the largest energy reserves in the world under the control of adversaries of the United States, under the control of illegitimate leaders, and not benefiting the people of Venezuela, and stolen by a handful of oligarchs inside of Venezuela.”

Moncada said, “the kidnapping of the President of the Republic by the government of the United States of America,” constitutes “a direct violation of an essential norm of the international legal order, namely, the personal immunity of heads of state in office,” adding that disregard for these norms “not only affects Venezuela. But also sets an extremely dangerous precedent for all states represented in this chamber, regardless of their size, power, or alliance.”

The Venezuelan Ambassador said, “when force is used to control resources, impose governments or redesign states, we are faced with a logic that harks back to the worst practices of colonialism, and neo colonialism.”

He said, “we request today that the government of the United States of America be demanded to fully respect the immune immunities of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, as well as their immediate release and safe return to Venezuela. Second, the use of force against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela must be clearly and unequivocally condemned. Thirdly, that the principle of non-acquisition of territory or resources by force be reaffirmed, and fourth, that measures aimed at de-escalation, the protection of the civilian population and the restoration of international law be adopted.”

The US operation began with overnight strikes in and around the capital, Caracas. Venezuela has declared a state of national emergency, with casualty figures and the extent of the damage yet to be confirmed.

To watch full meeting in all UN official languages, please visit: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1k/k1kem3z5nm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AmQC8o9reI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:

-Security Council
-Venezuela
-UN Peacekeeping / Middle East
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Sudan
-Israel-OPT
-Ukraine
-Financial Contributions

SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning, the Security Council held a meeting on the situation in Venezuela, and members of the Council heard from the Secretary-General.
In the remarks that were delivered on his behalf by the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, the Secretary-General said he is deeply concerned about the possible intensification of instability in Venezuela, the potential impact on the region, and the precedent the US military operation may set for how relations between and among states are conducted.
The Secretary-General said that he remains deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected with regard to the military intervention on January 3rd.
He highlighted that the Charter of the UN enshrines the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any Member State.
The Secretary-General said it is possible to prevent a wider and more destructive conflagration. He called on all Venezuelan actors to engage in an inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future. He further urged Venezuela’s neighbours, and the international community more broadly, to act in a spirit of solidarity and in adherence to the principles, laws and rules erected to promote peaceful coexistence.
And you saw that over the weekend, we did issue a statement on Venezuela that emphasized the importance of full respect by all of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.

VENEZUELA
On the humanitarian front in Venezuela, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell us that the situation in Venezuela remains dire.
At the start of this year, some 7.9 million people in Venezuela were found to need urgent support. This is the equivalent of more than a quarter of the country’s population. We, along with our humanitarian partners, under the leadership of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Venezuela, are assessing the situation, focusing on providing support as needed. We continue to provide assistance to the most vulnerable, including food, health care and protection services. The UN emphasizes the importance of respect for international law, the need to protect civilians and of preserving humanitarian operational continuity, so that assistance can be delivered in line with humanitarian principles. Funding is obviously also critical.
The Humanitarian Response Plan for Venezuela remains critically underfunded. Last year, only 17 per cent of the more than $600 million needed was received, making it one of the least funded country appeals in the world. More support is urgently needed to keep life-saving aid reaching the most vulnerable.

Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Website: https://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson

Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-01-05

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_ynJTy0Ys8

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Venezuela – Statement by António Guterres, Secretary-General delivered by Ms. Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8dzrySYODdA

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Briefing by Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, on behalf of António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the situation in Venezuela.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AmQC8o9reI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Venezuela – Statement by António Guterres, Secretary-General delivered by Ms. Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XGs2orGqQGw

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Somali Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman told journalists in New York that Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state is a “calculated effort by the Israelis occupying force to distract the world,” and said that reports that Somaliland “secretly accepted” 1.5 million Palestinians to be deported there from Gaza would be “unacceptable.”

Osman was briefing reporters on the program of work of the Security Council for the month of January, which Somalia is presiding.

On Claims that Somalia had committed crimes of genocide in Somaliland, he said, “those atrocities can never be called genocide. And it was not a term that can be used because it was not targeted for a specific group or specifically. The government were fighting with people who want to overthrow that regime at the time, and it took place many parts of Somalia, not only northwestern region.”

Osman said, “the claim of genocide in Somalia decades ago – more than 40 years ago – by the occupying power of Israel, it was kind of like a shock to us. And it is an attempt, I believe, to distract what the occupying force are doing in the occupied land of Palestine.”

The Somali Ambassador expressed appreciation for Security Council Members who unanimously supported “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia” at the Council on Monday.
6. Wide shot, dais

He said, “Somaliland no longer exists. Somaliland was – when we got independence – was two regions, northeast and northwest region. And northeast, which is about 45 percent of the territory and 45 percent of the population, if it’s not more, are also part of the Federal Government of Somalia.”

Osman Said, “this, basically is not a problem of sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is a small group that want to secede.”

He said Israel’s is to “export the Palestinian from Gaza to any country that accepts,” adding that this was “probably” linked to the recognition of Somaliland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGr4hA3SH-Q

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The Security Council welcomed Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia as the five new non-permanent members for the 2026 -2027 period.

The flags of the five newly elected members of the United Nations Security Council — Latvia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Bahrain, and Colombia – were officially installed today (02 Jan).

Latvia joins the Council for the first time.

Addressing the ceremonial flag-raising, Jamal Fares Al Ruwaiei, Bahraini Permanent Representative said that his country “commit to ensuring peaceful resolution of conflicts, and in particular to the Palestinian cause, our top priority during our membership. We shall strive toward ensuring the legitimate right of Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, as the key to opening a new chapter for regional security, stability, and prosperity.”

Colombian Ambassador Leonor Zalabata Torres, said, “This event holds special significance for my country as I am the first indigenous woman to represent it before this body, I assume this responsibility with my people, the people of Colombia, the Arhuaco people and the indigenous peoples of the world as an expression of the commitment of President Gustavo Petro’s government to a more inclusive and representative Colombia and United Nations, where diversity constitutes a genuine force for equality.”

Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said, “With regard to peace and security, we will actively contribute to discussions on the future of United Nations peacekeeping operations. As a host country for more than two decades to one of the largest peacekeeping missions, the DRC has acquired concrete experience of both the challenges and limitations of these instruments.”

Latvian Ambassador Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes said, “Our presence in the Security Council reflects a long journey from hardship to prosperity, from aspiration to active contribution. Latvia joins this Council as a committed partner, ready to listen and to act in good faith. We believe that responsible engagement by countries big or small strengthens global peace and security.”

Lewis Garseedah Brown II, Liberian Permanent Representative said, “Libera comes to the Security Council guided by experience and anchored in the United Nations Charter. We come committed to diplomacy because we have lived the cost of its absence. We come determined to build bridges, encourage consensus, and contribute constructively to a safer world.”

The ceremonial flag-raising, introduced in 2018 at the initiative of Kazakhstan, marks the start of each country’s two-year term. Before that, the flags of the non-permanent members of the Council were installed and replaced in the normal course of work by the Protocol.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBHdoOpNVGU

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Sexual violence against children is endemic, systemic, and worsening across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a new UNICEF report. While conflict remains a major driver, the report shows cases documented in communities across every province and rising sharply since 2022.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LKbfZcWzQO4

Source: United Nations (video statements)

This video is based on the United Nations Victims’ Rights Statement, which affirms the Secretary-General’s priority of upholding the rights and dignity of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse.

It presents a child-friendly version of the statement to help children understand their rights in a clear, safe, and age-appropriate way.

The United Nations is committed to ensuring that the rights of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse are accessible and understood by all, including children.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xVlIlcPvQk