A week after the Security Council authorized "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya from Colonel Muammar Al-Qadhafi's forces, speedy and decisive action by the world community remains crucial amid serious concerns of human rights abuses, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on March 24.

March 24, 2011 - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) prepares for his briefing to the Security Council on developments in Libya inside the Council chamber. Beside him is Mark Lyall Grant, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the UN. UN Photo/John McIlwaine

"The international community has acted together to avert a potential larger-scale crisis. I expect the international community to continue to exercise full diligence in avoiding civilian casualties and collateral damage," he told the 15-member body in a briefing requested by the resolution at the start of consultations on the air and missile strikes launched by several countries to enforce a no-fly zone and hit pro-Qadhafi forces besieging civilians in cities.

"Given the critical situation on the ground, it is imperative that we continue to act with speed and decision. The resolution places great responsibilities on the UN system. I assure you that we will work closely with member states and regional organizations to coordinate a common, effective and timely response," he said, citing the resolution's goal of stopping "the brutal campaign of violence by the Libyan regime against its own people."  

Mr. Ban told the Council that although the Libyan authorities have repeatedly claimed to have instituted a ceasefire, there has been no evidence that that is the case.

The Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations mission in Afghanistan for one more year so that it can continue to assist the government as it assumes greater responsibility for ensuring the country's security and development.

March 22, 2011 - Zahir Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the UN, addresses a meeting of the Security Council at which Members unanimously voted to extend the mandate of the UN mission in his country (known as UNAMA) until March 23, 2012. UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz

In a unanimously adopted resolution on March 22, the 15-member body authorized the mission, known as UNAMA, to continue its activities until March 23, 2012, including in the fields of monitoring human rights, promoting good governance, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance and assisting in the fight against corruption.

In his most recent report to the Council, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated UN support for the so-called "Kabul Process" that spells out a transition to greater Afghan responsibility and ownership, in both security and civilian areas.

"Our approach to the Kabul process and transition is based on three key principles; transition must be Afghan-owned; it must be planned and implemented in a sustainable manner; and it must ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of all Afghans," the Secretary-General wrote.  

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