Armenia / Azerbaijan: prisoner exchange a step forward
On 12 December, Armenia and Azerbaijan took a significant step forward by exchanging prisoners. This move follows years of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan annexed in September, resulting in most of its population fleeing to Armenia. The exchange, facilitated by the International Red Cross, involved the release of 10 Azerbaijani prisoners and the return of 15 Armenian captives. This act of goodwill was welcomed by the EU and the USA, who have been trying for years to persuade the two countries to sign a peace treaty. The exchange follows another positive move, an announcement on 7 December by Azerbaijan that it would not object to Armenia hosting COP29 in 2024: see
Gaza conflict: UN vote for an immediate ceasefire
On 12 December, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. With 153 votes in favour, 10 against (including the United States and Israel), and 23 abstentions (including the UK and Germany), the resolution emphasises the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, provide humanitarian assistance, and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. It also calls for an end to the use of force and the resumption of negotiations. It is reported that the conflict has now led to over 18,600 civilian casualties in the Gaza strip, 70% of them women and children. The vote serves as a strong international call for an end to hostilities and a return to peace talks. On 8 December, an almost identically worded resolution proposed at the UN security council was vetoed by the USA. There is a sense that Joe Biden’s administration is becoming increasingly isolated in its unconditional support of Israel’s actions.
COP28: historic move away from fossil fuels
At the end of COP28, nations have made a historic move by explicitly targeting the use of fossil fuels for the first time. The talks in Dubai came close to collapse, but in a dramatic turn-around, nations agreed to ‘transition away’ from coal, oil, and gas, although some small island nations felt the deal was rushed. The agreement departed from earlier, stronger language advocating for a ‘phase-out’ of fossil fuels, probably because of pressure from oil-producing nations. The deal recognises the need to transition away from fossil fuels ‘in a just, orderly and equitable manner.’ It also acknowledges that global emissions could peak before 2025. Despite criticisms and challenges for a variety of reasons, the deal (which is seen as a victory for Sultan al-Jaber, the conference’s president) was accepted by all participating nations.
COP28: illegal wildlife trade a huge threat
During COP28, a panel discussed the urgent need to address the vast and damaging illegal wildlife trade. The panel highlighted the severe consequences of this trade, which ranks as the fourth-largest illicit trade globally, valued at over $23 billion annually, mainly controlled by criminal networks. It poses a significant threat to biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate. It disrupts natural balance, impacting global sustainability. This illegal trade is transnational and organised, generating enormous profits; it was pointed out that banks have regulatory obligations to combat financial system abuse by such criminals. DP World, a major global supply chain solutions provider, revealed that a high portion of illegal wildlife trade products is transported by the maritime sector. The panel called for greater cooperation among stakeholders, including the financial sector, transport industry, and law enforcement, to combat this critical issue.
