Inside The UN Security Council: The Situation In The Middle East

By Ijechi Nwaozuzu, United Nations Security Council Monitor Fellow

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On 25 January 2018, under the Presidency of Kazakhstan, the Security Council held its quarterly open debate on the situation in the Middle East. During the debate, representatives of Member States exchanged views on how to best support the peace work in the region following the U.S. Administration’s 6 December 2017 decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Many speakers condemned the US action in region, claiming that such actions only complicate the peace process in the Middle East and enable further violence.  

The overtly politicised nature of the discussion was superseded by the fundamental failure to address the root causes of conflicts in the Middle East and militarised and authoritarian approaches that perpetuate gendered and racialised inequality and oppression. Despite women’s organisation’s increased efforts to advance feminist peace in the region, the discussion did not touch on the role of women, their expertise and agency. Moreover, while the majority of speakers noted the importance of ensuring sustainable peace in the Middle East, references to disarmament and the impact of arms on women were also absent from policy considerations.

Find the full analysis of the Security Council Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question here>>