Overview
In May, China will hold the presidency of the Security Council.
China plans to convene one signature event, a ministerial-level open debate titled “Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system” under the “Maintenance of international peace and security” agenda item. Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will chair the meeting, during which UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to brief.
In May, the Security Council is also expected to hold its annual open debate on the protection of civilians. The anticipated briefers are officials from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
African issues on the programme in May are:
- South Sudan, renewal of the 2206 South Sudan sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee;
- Sudan/South Sudan, briefing and consultations on the work of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA); and
- Libya, vote on a draft resolution renewing measures outlined in resolution 2292 of 14 June 2016 in support of the full implementation of the arms embargo on the country and a briefing by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the Court’s Libya-related activities.
Middle Eastern issues on the programme include:
- Syria, meeting on the political and humanitarian tracks;
- Lebanon, consultations on the Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of resolution 1559; and
- “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”, the monthly meeting, with the possibility of additional meetings depending on developments.
Regarding European issues, the Council will hold its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina. As in previous months, there may also be one or more meetings on Ukraine in May.
In terms of non-proliferation issues, Council members are expected to receive a briefing in consultations on the work of the 1718 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Sanctions Committee.
Meetings could be convened on other issues—including Iran and Sudan—during the month, depending on developments.
In May, Council members are also expected to discuss the modalities for meeting the candidates running for the position of UN Secretary-General.