New York (United Nations), 13 November 2026 (SPS) – Australia welcomed the UN Secretary-General's commitment to continuing efforts to advance dialogue and peace in Western Sahara, warning that the abrupt withdrawal of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) could have serious and unpredictable consequences for regional stability.
Speaking before the UN General Assembly during its debate on Western Sahara, Australia stressed the importance of UN peacekeeping operations and called for any transition or withdrawal of MINURSO to be carefully planned and orderly to prevent a renewed escalation of the conflict.
Australia also urged Security Council members to overcome their divisions, strengthen preventive diplomacy and support UN mediation efforts.
The Australian delegation further reaffirmed its commitment, as a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2029–2030 term, to working with UN Member States to prevent conflicts and promote sustainable peace.
The General Assembly debate was held on 10 and 11 November under Resolution 76/262, following the Security Council's failure to renew MINURSO's mandate on 30 October.
Related blogs
