This week, UN and world leaders call for peaceful resolution between India and Pakistan. Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute prepares for annual training. UN extends mission in South Sudan, prepares for vote on arms embargo.
UN and World Leaders Call for Peaceful Resolution Between India and Pakistan
Following recent escalations, the United Nations and several countries urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and engage in diplomatic dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully. This development comes after the terror attack in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which killed at least 26 civilians, 25 of whom were Indian tourists, and wounded several others. India and Pakistan both claim Jammu and Kashmir in full. India accused Pakistan of being involved in the attack, which Pakistan denies.
On May 5, UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres reiterated his condemnation of the attack, however, he also called for “maximum restraint” from both countries. Gutteres offered his offices to both governments to help defuse tensions and promote diplomacy.
But tensions continue to escalate. On May 6, India launched a series of strikes on Pakistan, and Pakistani-held Kashmir, which the Indian defence ministry said were to hold accountable those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan’s military said at least 31 people were killed and 57 injured in the strikes.
On May 7, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said in a statement that “Bangladesh remains hopeful that tensions will be diffused through diplomatic endeavours.” Meanwhile, the leaders of several other countries including France, Japan, the UAE, and the UK, called for both countries to act with restraint.
Midanao Peacebuilding Institute Prepares for Annual Training
The Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute (MPI) announced its upcoming 2025 Annual Peacebuilding Training, scheduled for May 19 to 30, 2025, in Davao City, Philippines. The training aims to equip peacebuilders with skills and knowledge to address conflicts in their communities.
This year’s theme will focus on the interconnection between theory and real-world practice, and how it supports peacebuilders to navigate conflict in their contexts. MPI is celebrating its 25th year of training peacebuilders from across the globe.
UN Extends Mission in South Sudan, Prepares for Vote on Arms Embargo
On May 8, the UN Security Council voted to extend its mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS, until April 30, 2026. Twelve member states voted in favor of the extension, with only Pakistan, China, and Russia abstaining. The council demanded that all parties to South Sudan’s conflict and other armed actors immediately end fighting, and reminded authorities of their main priority to protect civilians.
The UN is also preparing to vote on whether or not to renew the arms embargo on South Sudan in late May. A minimum of nine votes is needed to extend the embargo. The UN first imposed sanctions on South Sudan during its civil war in 2015.
South Sudan experienced a civil war in 2013 between First Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir. Kiir accused Machar of plotting against him, and Machar was removed as vice president. This led to brutal violence between armed groups supporting both figures. In 2018, a peace deal was agreed upon, however, many issues remain. Although the agreement ended a five-year civil war that killed over 400,000 people, talks stalled after Kiir sacked the former government delegation to the talks.
Keywords: India, Pakistan, South Sudan, Philippines, peace, peacebuilding, conflict, conflict resolution, Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam, Pahalgam attack
Tara Abhasakun
Tara Abhasakun is a journalist in Bangkok. She has reported on a range of human rights issues involving youth protests in Thailand, as well as arts and culture. Tara's work has appeared in several outlets, including Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.
