UN Security Council backs diplomacy during active hostilities

The UN Security Council adopted a presidential statement on Nov. 5 urging continued diplomacy, communication and mediation during active hostilities. It addresses armed conflicts generally and does not identify a particular conflict.

Pakistan circulated the initial draft on Oct. 14, 22 days before adoption. Security Council Report’s account of the agreed draft says it encourages direct and indirect communication between conflict parties to reduce miscalculation, recognizes mediation and de-escalation roles for states, regional organizations and UN bodies, and asks the secretary-general to continue supporting diplomacy before and during conflicts and keep the Council informed as appropriate. It also includes civilian protection, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and a reference to international humanitarian law.

Security Council Report said a proposed qualifier limiting the Council’s intended engagement to conflicts on its agenda was removed from the agreed draft. The adopted statement is a broad political position rather than a conflict-specific measure; it sets no implementation schedule.