UN Sustainable Development Group’s Post

The Day After: A UN Transitional Authority for Gaza “A [United Nations Transitional Authority] UNTA for Gaza has distinct advantages over other options, MARSHALL J. BREGER, RICHARD CAPLAN and LARRY D. JOHNSON write. “A UNTA would be established and overseen by the UN Security Council, as opposed to the UN trusteeship option that some have suggested, which would operate under General Assembly authority. As a Security Council-based option, any Israeli government would likely view it with less hostility than any other UN entity given that the US would be able to exercise its veto to protect Israel’s legitimate interests, if necessary. The Palestinian Authority – the governmental body that exercises partial control over the Palestinian territories – would also likely view a UNTA with less hostility knowing that it would be an interim arrangement leading to a two-state solution that realizes Palestinian rights and security while maintaining Israel’s rights and security. “Of course, a UNTA would face formidable challenges in administering Gaza. The establishment and maintenance of security – inside and outside the borders of Gaza – would be of paramount concern for a UNTA. A military security component with a separate Security Council mandate would be required – perhaps led by NATO, as in Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina before that. Policing, too, would need a robust international police force, as is currently envisioned for gang-ridden Haiti. The humanitarian challenges that Gaza faces are also enormous. Gaza’s health sector has been decimated; famine looms for a population of 2.23 million. With massive donor support, the UN system could deliver rapid and comprehensive humanitarian assistance to Gaza, as it has done in response to numerous natural and man-made disasters before. Reconstruction needs are urgent too: more than 1 million people have been displaced, their housing either damaged or destroyed; the lack of functioning sewage treatment facilities risks widespread water contamination, leading to serious public health issues, environmental degradation, and the spread of waterborne diseases.” #gaza #unta #unitednations #un #unsc #peacekeeping #securitycouncil #unsecuritycouncil #thinkun

Quiet diplomacy has failed

David Fromkin, in his book "A Peace to End All Peace," quotes an English officer: "They fought a war that ended all wars, but they also made a peace that ended all peace." This quote deeply resonates with me. In my recent article , I explore the historical and moral responsibilities of European colonialism concerning the Kurdish and Palestinian issues. By analyzing over seven decades of conflict data from UCDP and its External Support in Conflicts dataset (part of my ongoing research), I have shown how the Palestinian issue has often been prioritized over the Kurdish issue. I discuss how current European demands for Palestinian independence could potentially affects Kurdish issue , addressing a situation for which Europe holds significant responsibility. You can read my article through the link below:

Promoting peace and stability in Southern Africa

Kenyan President William Ruto said that Kenya and Haiti had inked a "reciprocal" agreement that will see Kenyan policemen heading a law-and-order operation supported by the United Nations in the gang-ridden state. According to experts, violent gangs in Haiti have unleashed a low-scale civil war. As a result, international pressure has forced Haiti's prime minister, Ariel Henry, to quit once a transitional presidential council is established. Henry made this announcement early on Tuesday 12.3.2024. The foregoing complicates the reciprocity agreement entered into between Kenya and Haiti. As the gang-controlled State misses on tenet to meet the definition of a state as per the United Nations definition of a state. According to the United Nations, a State must posses: a.      A Permanent Population; b.     A defined Territory; c.      A Government; and d.     Capacity to enter into agreements with other States. Haiti does not have a government currently thus lacking the capacity to enter into agreements with other States. Consequently, the reciprocity agreement between Kenya and Haiti is in limbo. A conversation is overdue #kenya #internationallaw #internationalrelations #diplomacy #haiti

An objective and renowned analyst and strategist of African affairs, Mehari Taddele Maru has provided a well-thought, authoritatively independent and expert opinion on the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland. As of the author, the MoU has generated much debate, with three major interests at its core: 1. Protecting Somalia's unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty; 2. Acknowledging Somaliland's pursuit of de jure recognition of its de facto independence and sovereignty; 3. Fulfilling Ethiopia's longstanding aspiration to regain access to the sea. In conclusion, Mehari Taddele Maru recommends that the African Union should position itself on three core principles: #Pragmatism: The AU and its member states should prioritize practical approaches that aim to improve the living conditions in Africa, without taking dogmatic or idealistic stances. #Dynamism: The AU and its member states must be able to adapt their policies quickly in response to changing global or regional circumstances. #A_Collective_Unified_Voice: A unified stance is crucial, given the diversity and fragmentation in the AU and its 55 member states' approach to partnerships with extra-continental actors.

The Role of the United States in the Israeli Occupation of Palestine: A Call for Accountability in the International Arena!!! The ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine has been a longstanding and contentious issue in the international community, marked by frequent acts of violence, oppression, and what many describe as genocidal acts against the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza. One striking aspect of the global response to this crisis has been the consistent support from the United States in various international forums, including the United Nations (UN). This research keynote seeks to explore the implications of the unwavering U.S. support for Israeli occupation plans and actions, the resulting impact on the Palestinian population, and the urgent need for accountability on both the part of the United States and Israel. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has deep historical roots, with the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 leading to displacement, conflict, and the occupation of Palestinian territories. The situation has escalated over the years, culminating in frequent military interventions, settlement expansions, and devastating attacks on Gaza. Throughout this period, the United States has consistently supported Israel in international forums, often using its veto power in the UN Security Council to shield Israel from accountability. The U.S. support for Israeli occupation plans and actions has raised concerns about the objectivity of international interventions and the effectiveness of global institutions in addressing human rights violations. The consistent backing from the U.S. not only emboldens Israel but also perpetuates a sense of impunity, hindering efforts to bring about a just and lasting resolution to the conflict. This has led to increased suffering among the Palestinian population, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and other occupied territories. In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and allegations of genocidal acts against the Palestinian people, there is an urgent need for accountability on both the part of the United States and Israel. The international community must address the role of the U.S. in perpetuating the cycle of violence and impeding diplomatic efforts. Furthermore, a comprehensive examination of Israeli actions and their potential violation of international law is imperative to ensure justice for the victims and to establish a foundation for a peaceful resolution. #IsraeliOccupation #USsupport #PalestinianConflict #HumanRightsViolations #UNSecurityCouncil #GazaCrisis #Accountability #GenocideInGaza #InternationalLaw #USforeignpolicy #MiddleEastPeace #PalestinianRights #GlobalInterventions #HistoricalRoots #PeacefulResolution #HumanitarianCrisis #Impunity #UNResolutions #USRoleInConflict

Armenia has officially recognized the Palestinian state, joining a growing number of countries taking similar steps in response to the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip since October 7. In a statement, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. It emphasized Armenia's consistent advocacy for a peaceful and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue through various international platforms, supporting the two-state solution as the best path forward for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "In reaffirmation of the Republic of Armenia’s commitment to international law and the principles of equality, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence among peoples, we recognize the State of Palestine," the Ministry stated. The Ministry underscored the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgency of a peaceful settlement, aligning itself with United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Following Armenia's recognition, Slovenia's Parliament recently voted to recognize an independent Palestinian state, joining Spain, Ireland, and Norway. This brings the total number of countries recognizing Palestine to 149 out of 193 UN member states. #Armenia #WarOnGaza #Palestine #IsraeliApartheid #IsraeliWarCrimes #UnitedNations #InternationalCourtofJustice #InternationalCriminalCourt #HumanRightsWatch #HumanRights #EuropeanUnion #GazaGenocide #CeaseFireNow #StopFundingIsrael #GlobalPeaceSummit

The International Court of Justice instructs Israel to take preventive actions against potential genocide in Gaza, emphasizing humanitarian concerns. While not confirming genocide, the ruling prompts legal and diplomatic considerations, underlining challenges in enforcing ICJ directives due to geopolitical dynamics. . . . . . . . . #icj #Israel #humanitariancrisis #LegalRuling #ICJDirective #IsraelGenocide #humanitariancrisis #internationallaw #diplomacy #unsecuritycouncil #GenocideConvention #globaljustice #middleeastconflict #ICJRuling #humanrightslaw #UN #LegalAccountability #SouthAfricaVsIsrael #globalpeace #internationalrelations #UNEnforcement #geopolitics #JudicialAction #WorldNews #GazaCrisis

... An interesting article that happens just when the ICC is condemned by a handful of countries 🙄. However... There is also something interesting to consider in it.