Syria

The United Nations flag flies at UN Headquarters in New York. (file)
UN Photo/Mark Garten

UN chief appoints head of panel laying groundwork for possible war crimes probe in Syria

3 July 2017
Human Rights

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Catherine Marchi-Uhel of France as the head of the independent panel to assist in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for most serious violations of international law in Syria.

Destruction at the World Heritage site of Palmyra in Syria.
©UNESCO/Francesco Bandarin (file)

Building peace requires culture, education – message of historic UN Security Council resolution

24 March 2017
Culture and Education

Univocally condemning unlawful destruction and pillaging of cultural heritage such as religious sites and artefacts, the United Nations Security Council today adopted an historic resolution that is expected to strengthen protections for such heritage during armed conflicts where they are most vulnerable.

UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura (second right) takes questions from journalists during a press conference prior to the Intra-Syrian negotiations, Geneva. 22 February 2017.
UN Photo/Violaine Martin

Syria negotiations may not yield breakthrough, but momentum needs to be maintained – UN envoy

22 February 2017
Peace and Security

A day before negotiations on the crisis in Syria kick off in Geneva, the United Nations Special Envoy for the war-torn country acknowledged that while he is “not expecting a breakthrough,” the proactive momentum needs to be sustained, and the top United Nations relief official told the Security Council that the country’s humanitarian needs would remain critical for a long time.