Overview
There will be two high-level meetings during Spain’s December presidency: one on the comprehensive review of the implementation of resolution 1540, which seeks to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-state actors, chaired by Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alfonso María Dastis, and the other on international judicial cooperation on counter-terrorism, chaired by Spanish Justice Minister Rafael Catalá.
Another centrepiece of the December presidency will be a ministerial-level open debate on human trafficking in conflict situations. At press time, it seemed likely this debate would be chaired by Spain’s Prime Minister.
The adoption of a resolution is the anticipated outcome from these three meetings.
Council members will continue to follow developments in South Sudan and are expected to renew the mandate of the UN mission there. There will be discussions on several other African issues this month, including:
- Liberia, discussion on the Secretary-General’s report following an assessment mission and adoption of a resolution on UNMIL;
- Libya, renewal of UNSMIL and an update on the 1970 sanctions regime;
- Sudan, the quarterly briefing by the chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee and the semi-annual briefing on the ICC’s work; and
- UNOCA/LRA, update on the activities of the UN Office in Central Africa and the regional strategy to combat the Lord’s Resistance Army.
Council members will continue to monitor developments on the Syria political and humanitarian tracks. Other Middle East issues that will be considered are:
- Golan Heights, the renewal of UNDOF;
- Iran and non-proliferation, discussion of the implementation of resolution 2231; and
- Israel/Palestine, the regular monthly briefing.
Other issues on the December programme of work include:
- Afghanistan, quarterly discussion on UNAMA; and
- Tribunals, semi-annual meeting and extension of the terms of ICTY judges and the ICTY prosecutor.
There will also be the annual briefing by outgoing subsidiary body chairs, reviewing developments within the relevant committee or working group during their term.
A resolution paying tribute to the outgoing Secretary-General will be adopted.
Throughout the month, members will be monitoring developments in Burundi, the DRC and Yemen. Also possible is a briefing on the human rights situation in the DPRK.
Finally, Uruguay is organising an Arria-formula meeting regarding the synergies between the Council resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security and the CEDAW.
