The UN Security Council (UNSC) is the executive body of the United Nations. It helps the UN General Assembly in implementing policy objectives and performs both regulatory and executive activities. This body is composed of 15 members with 5 of them that are permanent and have a representative with veto power (US, Russia, UK, France and China). The remaining seats are distributed according to a fixed scheme, 5 to African and Asian States, 1 to East Europe, 2 to South and Central America, 2 to Western Europe, Australia and Canada. This division should grant geographical, political and economic representation. As defined by Art. 39 UN Charter , “The Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, [...] or decide what measures shall be taken in accordance with Articles 41 and 42 , to maintain or restore international peace and security”. And according to Art. 25 UN Charter : “The Members of the United Nations agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the present Charter”.
The topic of the session taken during March 2025 concerned the topic of security focusing on the adaptability of peace operations , reports on the current situation in the African and East Asian countries, specifically the Palestinian war and the situation in Afghanistan and in the DRC; and the Ukrainian war. The UNSC's presidency for this month is of Christina Markus Lassen, Denmark representative, who aims at ““simply to have an honest look” at peacekeeping, she said.”
The article presents the main topics of the discussions, with the relative findings, divided between briefings (closed or informal sessions where experts or officials provide updates on specific issues to the Council members without a formal debate or resolution), open debates (public sessions where Council members and invited non-members discuss issues openly, often leading to statements or resolutions but not binding decisions) and adoptions (formal approval of resolutions or decisions, typically through a vote by the Security Council members, making them legally binding).
Briefing on the Situation in Yemen
The Security Council meeting on Yemen, held on 6 March 2025, focused on the escalating humanitarian, political, and environmental crisis, with a particular emphasis on the disproportionate impact on women and girls. UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg warned that rising military posturing and localized violence—especially in Ma'rib, Shabwa, and Taiz—signal the growing risk of renewed conflict. He called for a nationwide ceasefire, economic stabilization, and the immediate release of detainees. Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher discussed how 9.6 million women and girls face life-threatening conditions, 1.3 million pregnant or nursing mothers are malnourished, and the closure of 22 safe spaces has left over 11,000 without access to gender-based violence services. Civil society briefer Nesmah Mansoor Ali linked conflict and environmental degradation, urging the Council to integrate climate concerns into peacebuilding and elevate women's participation in political processes.
Member states echoed concern over civilian suffering, with the US, UK, and Denmark leading calls to protect women and girls and condemning Houthi violations of international law. Russia opposed recent US terrorism designations of the Houthis, while China, Slovenia, and South Korea emphasized de-escalation and UN-led dialogue. The A3+ bloc, Pakistan, and Panama highlighted the role of climate-induced disasters and donor fatigue in worsening conditions, calling for sustained humanitarian funding. The UN supported a nationwide ceasefire, unconditional detainee release, and climate-responsive recovery efforts. Despite geopolitical divisions, there was clear alignment on the need to prevent further escalation and prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls.
Briefing on the Elimination of the Syrian Chemical Weapons Programme
The Security Council met on 7 March 2025 to assess progress on the elimination of Syria's chemical weapons programme. UN High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu reported new commitments by Syria's interim government to cooperate with the OPCW, including the appointment of a liaison, engagement with a nine-point action plan, and preparations for a permanent OPCW presence. While 19 critical issues remain unresolved—including undeclared chemical agents—member states cautiously welcomed the shift. The United States and United Kingdom emphasized urgency in verifying and destroying remaining stockpiles to prevent proliferation. Russia questioned the organization's impartiality and warned against politicized accusations. States including China, Pakistan, and the A3+ bloc expressed support for depoliticized verification and welcomed the role of Qatar in facilitating renewed cooperation. Several members, including Denmark and South Korea, warned that continued Israeli airstrikes risk compromising OPCW operations and erasing key evidence.
The UN disarmament office urged the Council to support OPCW operations technically and financially, and to ensure a sustained verification presence inside Syria. A broad consensus emerged on the need for impartial accountability, the closing of long-standing gaps in Syria's declarations, and preventing chemical weapons from falling into non-state actors' hands. While conflict around OPCW credibility and regional military dynamics exists, the Council recognized the momentum created by Syria's transition. The challenge now lies in maintaining international pressure and providing sustained operational support to ensure full disarmament and restore trust in global nonproliferation norms.
Briefing on the Secretary-General's Report on Afghanistan
The Security Council met on 10 March 2025 to consider the Secretary-General's latest report on Afghanistan and the renewal of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Special Representative Roza Otunbayeva emphasized that although open conflict has subsided, Taliban rule has entrenched repression, particularly against women and girls. With over 23 million Afghans in need of assistance, funding shortfalls have closed hundreds of health facilities and deepened economic despair. The Taliban's ban on women's education—extended in December 2024 to prohibit medical training—threatens public health and further isolates the country. Otunbayeva also highlighted ISIL-K's ongoing attacks, adding urgency to counterterrorism coordination. UNAMA has launched inclusive working groups on economic and counter-narcotics policy, but momentum hinges on political will and international backing.
Civil society briefer Azadah Raz Mohammad condemned the Taliban's gender apartheid and called for international recognition of it as a crime. She urged support for ICC proceedings and the full inclusion of Afghan women in peace efforts. Member States broadly condemned Taliban policies, especially the education ban, with the US, UK, France, and South Korea linking women's exclusion to broader instability. Security concerns also shaped debate, with Pakistan warning of cross-border terrorism and Russia and China calling for greater engagement and sanctions relief. The UN reiterated the need to renew UNAMA's mandate, uphold women's rights, and revitalize the Doha process. The meeting revealed a fractured consensus, but a clear call emerged for sustained engagement anchored in human rights and inclusive governance.
Presidential Statement on the Mass Violence in Latakia and Tartus, Syria
The Security Council agreed on 14 March 2025 to address the outbreak of mass violence in Syria's Latakia and Tartus provinces, culminating in the adoption of Presidential Statement S/PRST/2025/4. The Council condemned the killing of civilians, including members of the Alawite community, and the targeting of hospitals and essential infrastructure. Emphasizing the need to prevent further escalation, the statement called on all parties to cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law, and ensure full humanitarian access. It further urged Member States to support the UN and humanitarian partners responding to the crisis and reaffirmed the need for humane treatment of all persons affected by the conflict.
The Council acknowledged steps taken by Syria's interim authorities, including the formation of an investigative committee and a civil peace initiative, while underscoring the importance of impartial accountability and civilian protection. The situation was placed within the broader context of Syria's political transition, with the Council reiterating support for a Syrian-led process under Resolution 2254 (2015). The statement also addressed concerns over foreign terrorist fighters and emphasized compliance with counterterrorism resolutions. While member states expressed broad support for justice, reconciliation, and the preservation of Syria's sovereignty, the long-term impact of the interim authorities' commitments remains uncertain. The Council's call for inclusive governance and legal accountability reflects the ongoing priority of civilian protection and a durable political settlement.
Briefing on the Humanitarian and Security Situation in Palestine
This UNSC briefing of March 18, 2025 addressed the escalating crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories, focusing particularly on the impact of the Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. The Council expressed concerns over the violence of the soldiers and the creation of humanitarian blockades that keeps the supply deliveries outside of the Strip, the increasing numbers of civilian casualties and the deteriorating living conditions due to prolonged conflict. According to the latest data, since the start of the conflict, over 29,000 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 68,000 injured while 700 medical facilities and 350 schools were damaged or destroyed. The UNSC highlighted the impact of the blockade on Gaza, which has severely restricted access to food, water, and medical supplies. The figures claimed that over 2.2 million people face extreme shortages, with 80% of the population relying on humanitarian aid.
The UNSC strongly condemned these attacks and called for accountability for those responsible. It underlined the necessity of establishing humanitarian corridors to ensure the delivery of aid which is now lacking resources, especially for medical and food supplies aid convoys. Several countries, including France and China, emphasized the need for de-escalation and adherence to international law. Thus, the UNSC urged an immediate ceasefire and stressed the importance that peace negotiations resume. It also encouraged member states to promote a two-state solution while keeping as a priority the protection of civilians, and more coordinated operations with regional partners aimed at preventing famine and reducing the probability of disease outbreaks.
Meetings on Humanitarian and Security Conditions in the Middle East
The sessions of March 20-21 2025 focused on the ongoing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, concerned about the severe humanitarian crises, with millions facing displacement, famine, and persistent violence. Member states' concerns primarily centered on regional security and steps toward peace process developments.
Firstly, regarding Syria the main aim is to increase humanitarian aid and cross-border access to deliver it, as 12.4 million Syrians remain in blockaded areas. Security concerns over continued air strikes on civilian-populated areas were raised, with reports confirming over 500 civilian casualties in recent attacks. Moreover, the destruction of healthcare infrastructure and water shortages are worsening the humanitarian situation. Indeed, many hospitals are inoperable due to bombings, and clean drinking water is scarce, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
Secondly, Yemen's crisis regards famine and peace negotiations. The figures show that 17 million people face acute food insecurity increased by the insecurity of the country. As such, the UNSC emphasized the need for a ceasefire between the parties involved to facilitate humanitarian aid and urged diplomatic efforts to mediate between the internationally recognized government and the Houthis. Furthermore, the economic collapse has had a severe impact on civilians, with fuel shortages affecting transportation and the delivery of essential goods. The UNSC called for increased UN intervention to ensure aid reaches affected regions.
Lastly, Iraq's ongoing political instability, also increased by the resurgence of terrorist groups such as ISIS makes post-conflict recovery the primary goal. The UNSC called for strengthened counterterrorism efforts without harming civilians. Reports noted concerns about the slow rebuilding of infrastructure, including electricity grids, water systems, and schools.
The UNSC stressed the importance of peace talks in all these countries and recommended increasing efforts to improve human rights conditions in these regions, including increased international monitoring. A need for the expansion of humanitarian aid delivery, funding for refugee assistance programs, and stronger diplomatic engagement.
By Kaitlyn Llerena and Giorgia Rossini
