The meeting, held Monday in New York, was called after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, a self-declared state that Somalia considers part of its sovereign territory.

Fourteen of the 15 Council members opposed the decision. The United States was the only member that did not condemn Israel, though it emphasized that its own policy on Somaliland remains unchanged.

Somalia’s ambassador to the UN, Abukar Dahir Osman, urged the Council to reject what he called an “act of aggression,” warning that the recognition threatens Somalia’s unity and could undermine stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He also raised concerns that the move might be connected to proposals to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to northern Somalia.

“This utter disdain for law and morality must be stopped now,” Osman said.

The United States acknowledged Israel’s right to establish diplomatic relations but stressed that Washington has not altered its stance.

“There is no announcement to make regarding U.S. recognition of Somaliland,” said U.S. Deputy Ambassador Tammy Bruce, noting that American policy remains unchanged.

Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jonathan Miller, defended the decision, insisting it was not meant as a hostile act toward Somalia. He said recognition should be seen as an opportunity and does not preclude future dialogue between Somalia and Somaliland.

Several countries expressed concern about the broader implications of Israel’s move. Speaking for the Arab League, UN envoy Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz opposed any actions arising from the recognition that could facilitate forced displacement of Palestinians or the use of northern Somali ports for military purposes.

Pakistan’s Deputy Ambassador Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon described Israel’s recognition as “deeply troubling,” particularly given past references to Somaliland as a potential destination for displaced Palestinians from Gaza.

Permanent Security Council members China and the United Kingdom also opposed the move. China’s UN envoy, Sun Lei, said Beijing strongly opposes actions that could divide Somalia’s territory, warning against supporting separatist movements for geopolitical gain.

Non-Council members, including South Africa, were invited to speak as well. South Africa’s UN Ambassador Mathu Joyini reaffirmed her country’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing international law, the UN Charter, and the African Union’s founding principles.

The post UN Security Council Members Denounce Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland. appeared first on Kaab TV.

Chagutah states, “The housing challenge extends beyond the mere lack of physical houses in urban areas. It also encompasses the provision of decent and affordable housing, enabling individuals from all income brackets to access safe and adequate living conditions.”

Amnesty International calls on the assembly to urge governments to develop time-bound strategies that explore all viable options, including in-situ upgrading of informal settlements, in order to achieve adequate housing for all and to leave no one behind. With the global urban population on the rise, governments must take urgent measures to ensure that towns and cities possess sufficient housing and sanitation infrastructure.

“Delegates gathering in Nairobi must renew their collaborative efforts to realize the right to housing in urban areas. People living in poverty often have no choice but to reside in highly inadequate housing within informal settlements, which also poses health risks. Furthermore, many individuals face forced evictions and homelessness,” urges Chagutah.

Governments are urged to invest in social housing, slum upgrading, water and sanitation programs in urban informal settlements, as well as to undertake environmentally sustainable, inclusive, transformative, productive, and equitable urban renewal initiatives.

Address issues of sustainable urban development

The second United Nations Habitat Assembly is scheduled to take place from 5 to 9 June 2023 at the headquarters of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in Nairobi, Kenya. The assembly aims to address issues of sustainable urban development amidst challenges such as pandemics, conflicts, climate change, and economic uncertainty.

According to the World Bank, approximately 51% of Africa’s urban population, comprising 500 million people, reside in slums. Experts predict that Africa’s urban population will increase to 57% by 2050, underscoring the urgent need for Sub-Saharan African governments to reevaluate their housing strategies and prioritize informal settlements.

The UN reports that the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have hindered progress towards achieving the right to housing. Reduced domestic and foreign spending, decreased government investment in social programs (including sanitation and social housing in urban informal settlements), and the mounting debt burden in Sub-Saharan Africa have exacerbated the situation, impeding public investment in housing.

The post Kenya: Habitat Assembly urged to prioritize right to adequate housing appeared first on Kaab TV.