February 2011 Monthly Forecast

• Protection of Civilians/Children/Women in Situations of Armed Conflict

  It seems possible that in February Council members will informally review the progress of the Council’s thematic work under the general rubric of protection. It is unclear whether this will lead to any decisions. Read more

• Organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe

  In February the OSCE chairperson-in-office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, is expected to brief the Council on the activities of the OSCE. He will provide an overview of priorities and plans for its 2011 chairmanship of the organisation. No Council decision is expected. Read more

• Overview

  Brazil will have the Council’s presidency in February. There will be an open debate, most likely on 11 February, on the linkages between development and peace and security. It is likely to be chaired by the country’s Foreign Minister, Antonio... Read more

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

  In February, the Council will hear a briefing on the Secretary-General’s latest report on the peacekeeping operation in the DRC, MONUSCO, by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Roger Meece. The briefing will be followed by consultations. Read more

• DPRK (North Korea)

  In February the chair of the DPRK Sanctions Committee is expected to brief the Council. At time of writing no Council decision was expected. Read more

• Liberia

  A report of the Secretary-General on Liberia is due in mid-February. The head of UNMIL, Ellen Margrethe Løj, usually briefs the Council. In normal circumstances the Liberia report would be considered in March. However, in light of the situation in neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire and the risks of potential cross-border issues, Council members seem likely to be keen to absorb quickly any relevant observations in the Liberia report. Read more

• Peacekeeping

  In February members of the Council are expected to continue the cycle of consultations on peacekeeping, with briefings from DPKO and DFS. Most likely the focus will be on the issue of national consent by the host country. Read more

• Israel/Palestine: Gaza

  Robert Serry, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, will likely brief the Council in February. Read more

• Kosovo

  In February, the head of UNMIK, Lamberto Zannier, is expected to brief the Council. A debate is likely. No formal action is expected. Read more

• Timor-Leste

  The Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN operation in Timor-Leste, UNMIT, for a further 12 months prior to its 26 February expiry. Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmão will address an open debate of the Council and Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Timor-Leste Ameerah Haq will brief the Council.  Read more

• Status Update

  Status Update of Security Council Activity in January 2011. Read more

• Sudan

  The official results of the Southern Sudan referendum are expected on 14 February or possibly earlier if there are no appeals lodged. The Council is expected to meet after the announcement of the official results and issue a statement. Read more

• Côte d’Ivoire

  The Council is expected to continue its ongoing discussions on the tensions in Côte d’Ivoire. The sanctions committee is also expected to review the sanctions regime (on arms and diamonds, along with a targeted asset freeze and travel ban on certain individuals) in February. Read more

• Guinea-Bissau

  In February the Council is expected to consider a report on Guinea-Bissau, and the head of the UN office, Joseph Mutaboba, will likely brief the Council. The mandate of UNIOGBIS expires on 31 December. Read more

• Security Council Statistics in 2010

  The year 2010 saw a slight reversal in the previous downward trend in the numbers of Security Council decisions. (The 2009 output was at the lowest level since 1991.) The number of formal decisions increased slightly in 2010 from 83 to 89, however, overall the level remains low. Read more

• Aide Memoire

  Important matters pending include: In October 2009 the Council renewed the mandate of the panel of experts of the Security Council Sudan Sanctions Committee in resolution 1891 and requested the panel to submit a final report on its findings and... Read more

• Notable Dates

  Notable Dates for February 2011. Read more