The Foreign Affairs Committee continues its inquiry into how the UK can
use its penholder role at the United Nations Security Council
(UNSC) to reduce global conflict, holding an evidence session
with expert
witnesses.
As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, the UK acts as
a penholder for a number of countries and the thematic,
cross-cutting “Women, Peace and Security” file, amongst
others. As a penholder, the UK is expected to take the lead
in drafting resolutions in relation to conflict, for countries
such as Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and
Yemen.
In this session, Members will hear from Martin Griffiths, former
Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs at the UN, and
Richard Gowan, Director, UN and Multilateral Diplomacy,
International Crisis
Group.
According to the Global Peace Index, only 4% of conflicts in the
last decade were resolved through a peace agreement. This session
is likely to ask whether peace settlements remain fit for
purpose. The Committee is likely to discuss whether the UK's
penholder status is symbolic, or whether it delivers tangible
benefits.
1 July, 10.30:
· Richard Gowan –
Director, UN and Multilateral Diplomacy, International Crisis
Group [virtual]
· Martin
Griffiths – Former Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian
Affairs at the United Nations and Emergency Relief Coordinator
[virtual]
