by Jessica Kroenert, 26 October 2015

On 23 October 2015, the ACT group formally launched their year-long initiative on the Security Council Code of Conduct in a meeting hosted by Liechtenstein, the primary drafter of the Code.

by Jessica Kroenert, 26 October 2015

On Tuesday 20 October, the Security Council hosted its sixth annual open debate on the topic of the Council's working methods. Pursuant to the concept note circulated by Spain, Member States primarily focused on how the Council could improve its relationships with other UN organs such as the Secretariat, General Assembly (GA), and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), as well as regional organizations.

by Jessica Kroenert, 15 October 2015

On 1 October 2015, the Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein hosted a high-level ministerial event on “The Code of Conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes” on behalf of the Accountability, Coherence, and Transparency (ACT) Group. Over 100 Member States were in attendance, many of whom made statements, including three of the five permanent (P5) members of the Security Council: France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

by Jessica Kroenert, 5 October 2015

On 30 September 2015, the permanent missions of France and Mexico hosted a high-level ministerial meeting on their proposal for restraint of the veto powers of the five permanent members (P5) of the UN Security Council in cases of mass atrocities. Foreign Minister of France, Laurent Fabius, opened the meeting with the announcement that 70 member states had signed the statement, with more expected to follow in the coming days.

17 September 2015

On 14 September 2015, the General Assembly adopted, by consensus, a decision to advance efforts to reform and increase the membership of the Security Council into the 70th session. This decision, proposed by President Kutesa, reaffirms the GA's central role in reforming the Council, and intends to build on positions as established in the letter of 31 July and its annexes, one and two. In explanation of position, several delegates expressed their state's views on the decision, with some hailing it as a "landmark" step forward, and others viewing it as technical, but not substantive progress. For specific statements, visit UN meetings coverage and press releases.