This Month in the Security Council – August 2021

In the month of August, the Security Council conducted most agenda items in-person, while a few items remained virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our delegation continued to work closely in the “A3+1” configuration with our African brothers and sisters (Niger, Kenya, and Tunisia) on many country- specific and thematic issues.

1. Afghanistan: The situation in Afghanistan was a significant topic in the Security Council this month following the developments in the country, after the Taliban seized control 20 years after it was ousted by a US-led military coalition. The A3+1 condemned the violence, human rights abuses and loss of life endured by the civilian population in Afghanistan. They reiterated their principled rejection for any seizure of power by force and called for the establishment of an effective dialogue, noting that the only viable solution to the conflict is a negotiated political settlement. The A3+1 continued to welcome and fully support the good offices of the United Nations and other diplomatic efforts by neighbouring countries to reduce tensions and reach a negotiated solution. Our delegations reiterated our unwavering solidarity with the people of Afghanistan during these uncertain times. The Security Council adopted a resolution which among other things, condemns in the strongest terms the deplorable attacks of August 26, 2021, near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.

2. Haiti: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the United States, and Mexico requested a meeting under the agenda item the “Question Concerning Haiti” in the aftermath of the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace. Our delegation delivered remarks on behalf of the A3+1 and we underscored the importance of the humanitarian needs of the Haitian people and welcomed the support of the United Nations and regional institutions, including CDEMA in provided much needed assistance.

3. Maritime Security: At the Council’s high-level open debate on Maritime Security, our delegation was represented by Hon. Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Minister Gonsalves emphasised that the challenges affecting the oceans can only be solved through comprehensive multilateral approaches

that systematically address the peace and security, developmental, and humanitarian concerns of all states. Our delegation highlighted the work of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in making tremendous strides to enhance regional maritime security by improving surveillance and intelligence-gathering capacities, modernising law enforcement and criminal justice sectors, and upgrading and harmonising regulations for travel and trade. 4. Peace and Security in Africa – The Situation in Tigray: The A3+1 noted that the violence presently affecting the people and country of Ethiopia is the product of conflicting views of the country’s future. Our delegations emphasised that the resolution to this crisis required that we undertake a mediation of the deep divides as part of an Ethiopian-owned process supported by the available Peace and Security Architecture and practices, especially those of the African Union. Our delegations welcomed the appointment former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as the High Representative of the Horn of Africa region to support the peace process. 5. Yemen: Our delegation highlighted the concerning plight of children in the conflict, as many children remain out of school and in need of humanitarian aid. We also underscored the link between the dire economic situation and the humanitarian situation, emphasising the importance of remittances from abroad, on which many Yemenis rely. We called on all actors to concentrate efforts on achieving a nationwide ceasefire that would support credible political negotiations, undertaken in good faith.

Meetings were also held to discuss the situations in the Middle East (Iraq, Israel/Palestine and Syria), Myanmar, Somalia, and Iraq, as well as United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

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