Somalia signals humanitarian, accountability priorities for Security Council presidency: Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, Syria on agenda
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Summary
Ambassador Abukar Taher Osman said Somalia will prioritize protection of civilians, humanitarian access and accountability during its presidency, citing ICC briefings on Sudan, concerns about Gaza and UN agency roles, and plans for discussions on Yemen, Syria and UN peacekeeping in Cyprus.
In his opening press briefing as president of the Security Council for January, Ambassador Abukar Taher Osman said Somalia will press for protection of civilians, improved humanitarian access and respect for international accountability mechanisms.
Osman noted that the council will receive an ICC briefing on Sudan on Jan. 19 and said members are “deeply alarmed” by the worsening humanitarian situation there. He emphasized accountability ‘‘including through the ICC’’ as essential to protecting civilians and combating impunity.
On Gaza and broader humanitarian concerns, Osman said the presidency is gravely concerned about civilian suffering and is coordinating with UN agencies such as OCHA and UNRWA. He cited a recent Security Council resolution on Gaza stabilization (referred to in the briefing as "28 03") and said the presidency expects to work with UN agencies to address humanitarian needs, including shelter, clothing and protection from cold weather.
On Yemen, Osman said escalation in the conflict is worrisome, flagged arrests of UN personnel by the Houthis and said the presidency is awaiting reports from the secretary‑general’s special envoy. On Syria, the president listed separate sessions on chemical weapons and on political, humanitarian and security aspects of the crisis. The ambassador said the council will listen to the secretary‑general’s reports and seek avenues for de‑escalation and political dialogue.
Osman underlined that the presidency will treat humanitarian questions seriously while relying on UN reporting and secretariat inputs before taking council action. No new humanitarian resolutions were announced at the briefing; the presidency framed January’s calendar as a platform for discussion and potential future action pending reports and consultations.