India calls for termination of UN Observer group at LoC; UN Security Council adopts resolution condemning missile launch by DPRK; UNSC emphasises on multidimensional peacekeeping missions; UNSC extends mandate of peacekeeping force in Cyprus and peace bui
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  • JANUARY 21-27

    According to reports, at the UN Security Council, India and Pakistan got into a verbal exchange on the relevance of the UN Observer group at LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. India argued that the force’s role was “overtaken” by subsequent agreements signed between the two nations where they resolved to settle differences “through bilateral negotiations”. India’s representative, H S Puri also suggested that it would be better to spend resources allocated for the observer group elsewhere.1 Following the verbal clash, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General responded that the force can be terminated only through a decision of the UN Security Council. 2

    In another development, according to reports, the UNSC unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the December 2012 missile launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and imposed sanctions while demanding an end to its nuclear and ballistic tests. The Council also called on the Member States to exercise “enhanced vigilance” in preventing the transfer of funds related to the DPRK’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles programmes. 3

    Meanwhile, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2086 (2013) which emphasised that UN peacekeeping activities be conducted in a manner that facilitates post-conflict peacebuilding, prevention of relapse of armed conflict and progress towards sustainable peace and development. The Council through the resolution stated that multidimensional peacekeeping missions may be mandated to support a range of activities that aim at future stability. 4

    In other developments, the UN Security Council extended the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus till July 31, 2013. The Council also urged the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to continue discussions aimed at reunifying Cyprus. Both the sides were urged to engage with the UN force on the demarcation of a buffer zone and to increase the participation of civil society organisations in the negotiation process. 5

    Reports noted that the UNSC extended the mandate of the UN peacebuilding office in Central African Republic until January 31, 2014. The resolution adopted by the Council tasked the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the CAR (BINUCA) to work with all parties to facilitate the full implementation of the agreements signed in Libreville. 6

    Meanwhile, the UN human rights chief, Navi Pillay praised the report passed by the Verma Committee for proposing ways to tackle violence against women in India and said that it represents a groundbreaking basis for action. Ms. Pillay also urged the government to follow through with its recommendations. 7

    According to reports, six non-governmental organisations from India that work for the uplift of women, Dalits and poor have been granted consultative status with the UN. This enables the NGOs to attend meetings of the UN Economic and Social Council and issue statements. 8

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