Niels Annen
SPD · Germany
We hold 69 lines of what Niels Annen said in Deutscher Bundestag, from the official verbatim archive. They are translated and awaiting indexing, and will appear here once indexed, each linked to its moment.
Source: United Nations
The complete record
Every one of 69 lines we hold for Niels Annen, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 2.
This is not an official version of Deutscher Bundestag proceedings. It reproduces the published record and links to it; the official version is the one Deutscher Bundestag publishes.
“SSR is a natural link between any peacekeeping mission and the transition to an eventual peacebuilding setting. SSR is a long-term investment in peace and security. In this spirit, the Council needs to systematically consider this cross- cutting issue in its discussions and mandates.”
UN Security Council3 December 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“We need to make sure that what we build actually holds. Respect for human rights and political processes that are inclusive and allow all parts of society, especially women, youth and marginalized groups, to participate in a meaningful way are crucial for building lasting structures and security sectors that enjoy — maybe most S/2020/1176 S/2020/1176 important — the trust of the people. It is the Council’s task and duty to embed those requirements in its mandates. I thank you, Madam President, again for initiating today’s discussion. It is important to highlight the crucial issue of SSR itself, and even more so to fully understand that successful security sector reforms are central to stabilizing and creating resilient and inclusive societies.”
UN Security Council3 December 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Germany is happy to support those capacities financially on a bilateral basis, while we hope for the general budget to take over. I would like to appeal to those who have second thoughts about including this into the general budget: a penny spent on prevention saves dollars on intervention. Let us work on this together. Secondly, while we need better coordination and coherence within the United Nations system, its agencies, funds and programmes, coordination alone will not do the trick. Peacebuilding and sustaining peace also need sustainable and predictable funding. We need to explore innovative funding mechanisms and further strengthen partnerships with international financial institutions and regional banks, as well as the private sector. Thirdly, all efforts will be in vain if they are not based on national ownership.”
UN Security Council3 December 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Every peace operation needs to be able to provide advice and support to national security actors, including on the crucial aspect of combating the proliferation of small arms and lights weapons. We have partnered with the African Union in support of its Silencing the Guns initiative to cut the flow of weapons into areas of conflict, improve the control of arms and ammunition in fragile States, including through SSR, and train a new generation of experts to take the lead in arms control. That is particularly important in the context of transitions. Support to SSR processes is also very much needed in non-mission settings with a potential role for Resident Coordinators. The standing capacity in Brindisi is an important platform providing specific SSR expertise.”
UN Security Council3 December 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“It has become a key component of the international agenda in countries affected by conflict. It requires continued and early attention, as well as the engagement and support of a wide range of actors, to develop an effective, legitimate and accountable security sector. We have proposed very concrete steps on how the Council should better address root causes, thereby anticipating challenges and strengthening prevention, peacebuilding and sustaining peace. Allow me to point out some recommendations and how the approach relates to security sector reform: First, we, as members of the Security Council, need to ensure that the United Nations and its presences on the ground, its peacekeeping operations and special political missions, are sufficiently mandated and resourced to implement a comprehensive understanding of peace and security.”
UN Security Council3 December 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
““Peacebuilding and sustaining peace” has recently become a regular agenda item on the Security Council’s agenda. This is a crucial and hopeful sign of a more forward-leaning and preventative Council, which Germany has advocated throughout its membership over the past two years. Therefore, I would like to thank South Africa for the opportunity to have today’s discussion. We are grateful for the excellent cooperation during the past two years. This has been the second time South Africa and Germany have jointly served on the Council. I believe we have profited a lot from this, not least with a view to our bilateral relations in difficult times. Let us aim for a third joint period on the Council. Coming back to today’s meeting: security sector reform (SSR) is an essential aspect of a comprehensive approach to peace and security.”
UN Security Council3 December 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“We should keep these complex security challenges firmly on the Council’s agenda and work with the other pillars on addressing them holistically. Nothing less will do.”
UN Security Council3 November 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Let me conclude by stressing the need for constructive collaboration — collaboration among Member States as well as collaboration across the pillars of the United Nations system. There are concrete steps that the Council needs to take. We S/2020/1090 should further empower and encourage the Peacebuilding Commission to submit specific and targeted advice to the Council, as it holds a unique mandate within the United Nations system to enable integrated and cross-pillar approaches. We need to ensure that the United Nations and its presence on the ground, especially peacekeeping operations and special political missions, are sufficiently mandated and equipped to address the direct and indirect consequences of the pandemic, climate change and human rights violations.”
UN Security Council3 November 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Through the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, Germany supported the establishment of its Emergency Response Window and made available $2.5 million for local women’s organizations to support them through the crisis. Crises and conflicts, whether driven by climate change, pandemics or underdevelopment, have gendered dimensions that need to be taken into account by the United Nations whole-of-system response. The response, including the work of the Council, must be built on respect for human rights and strive for political processes that are inclusive and allow all parts of society, especially women, youth and marginalized groups, to participate in a full and meaningful way. In doing so, we can contribute to building resilient societies that can better withstand the impact of pandemics and climate change and strive for development.”
UN Security Council3 November 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Two weeks ago, Germany, together with the United Nations and Denmark, convened a conference on humanitarian assistance for the Sahel region. While we were delighted that more than $1.7 billion was pledged, the humanitarian response is only one part of the puzzle. Only when all Member States and United Nations actors work together to address the root causes as well as the medium- and long-term effects can we hope to build and sustain peace. Conflicts will always harm the most vulnerable most. Their human rights are most at risk in contemporary conflicts. In the pandemic, gender equality gains are at a risk of being lost as many Governments are diverting funds originally dedicated to supporting women and girls and their participation in peace processes.”
UN Security Council3 November 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“More needs to be done to enhance our understanding of this dimension of conflict. We encourage the Secretary-General to include the climate dimensions of conflict in his reporting and call on all members of the Council to use all available formal and informal forums to contribute to enhancing the information flow to the Council. The informal expert group, which a number of members of the Council are convening, is an important step to anchor climate and security firmly in our agenda. There is a vicious circle of climate change, environmental degradation and conflict. It increases the risk of violent conflict, displacement and, consequently, humanitarian crises. We see that in different regions of the world. This is most evident in the Sahel region.”
UN Security Council3 November 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“That is not good enough, though. We must find ways to secure reliable and predictable funding for prevention and peacebuilding. Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most relevant threats to stability and security in our time. The year 2020 is likely to be the hottest year on record. The security implications of that can be felt around the world. From the Sahel to the Caribbean and to small island nations in the Pacific, climate change is threatening the stability, security and, in some cases, the very existence of nations. The Council has discussed the link between climate and security repeatedly, and today’s briefings once again make it clear that climate change is a major driver of conflict in the twenty-first century. The Security Council has to live up to its responsibility.”
UN Security Council3 November 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“We welcome such efforts and encourage the Secretary-General to fully integrate the impact of the pandemic on security in his reporting. Such reporting would support prevention and early warning, which is key to the work of the Council. The COVID-19 pandemic has massive, immediate socioeconomic repercussions. It has disproportionately negative effects on people in vulnerable and S/2020/1090 post-conflict environments. We must ensure additional support for humanitarian, development, prevention and peacebuilding efforts. Peacebuilding needs are already critically underfunded despite the fact that preventing a crisis is much less costly than addressing it later. The Secretary-General´s Peacebuilding Fund has remarkably evolved and adapted its work and projects to COVID-19 realities and needs. We continue to remain one of its major supporters.”
UN Security Council3 November 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“It is a multidimensional challenge that heavily affects health, humanitarian, political, social, economic and environmental developments. As a consequence, it increases insecurity and undermines peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected countries and countries in transition. The security implications are crystal clear. In July, the Council explicitly recognized in resolution 2532 (2020) that the pandemic is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security and might reverse peacebuilding gains. We should do more to follow up on this resolution. As the Deputy Secretary-General elaborated earlier in her intervention (annex 1), the United Nations system as a whole continues to adapt in response to the pandemic.”
UN Security Council3 November 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“And if the Council wants to remain relevant, it will have to up its game and finally grapple with the security implications of pandemics, climate change and all the other pressing global issues the world expects it to deal with. A comprehensive approach to peace and security implies the need to address root causes and anticipate mid- and long-term challenges. We must strive harder to find integrated solutions to interconnected challenges. And we must do more to strengthen prevention, peacebuilding and sustaining peace. In my intervention I will focus on three concrete examples of contemporary drivers of conflict to illustrate this, namely, pandemics, climate change and violations of human rights. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to rage across the world.”
UN Security Council3 November 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Unless the Council systematically and effectively considers the security implications of climate change, global pandemics, underdevelopment and violations of human rights, we will fall short of what the international community — and, most of all, those who are most severely affected by conflicts —expects us to deliver. I am confident that everyone around this virtual table realizes that the challenges of the twenty-first century are not the same as those we faced in the middle of the twentieth century. If we want to live up to our responsibility, we must keep up with these developments and act accordingly. Hurling procedure and tradition at reality might work in a closed system, but the Council does not deal with a closed system. It deals with an ever changing world.”
UN Security Council3 November 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“At the outset, I would like to thank Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, in particular Prime Minister Gonsalves, for convening this important debate on contemporary drivers of conflict and insecurity. Under the German presidency in July, we put two related topics high on the Security Council’s agenda — pandemics and security and climate and security. We are grateful to the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for bringing conflict prevention and sustainable crisis management back to the agenda of the Security Council with today’s pertinent open debate. As The Honourable Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and every briefer highlighted, today’s conflicts are driven by complex, multifaceted challenges that require a concerted effort by the entire United Nations system. That must include the Security Council.”
UN Security Council3 November 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“We strive to support the existing multilateral framework when it is challenged. Tomorrow, at the invitation of Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, foreign ministers will meet under the theme “Our Commitment and Contribution to Building Back Better”, where initiatives in the fields of climate change and health among others will be presented. Let me conclude by reaffirming that my country is convinced that in this interconnected world, multilateral cooperation is the foundation of peace, security, prosperity, equality and justice. To uphold and strengthen this multilateral order, we have to nurture it and invest in it. We have to invest in its legitimacy.”
UN Security Council24 September 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“And of course, for Germany, the future of multilateralism also requires a strong role for the European Union (EU). As the EU, we have taken some important steps in the response to the pandemic. We set up the Access to COVID-19 Tools S/2020/953 S/2020/953 Accelerator together with civil society partners. We launched the Coronavirus Global Response initiative. Germany has been at the forefront of the global fight against the pandemic, showing solidarity through practical support and as a donor. Rest assured that we will continue to do so. Germany unequivocally supports the United Nations and advocates a joint approach for the international community in tackling global challenges. That is our only chance of success. Through the framework of the Alliance for Multilateralism, we seek to enhance the search for joint solutions.”
UN Security Council24 September 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Mention has been made of the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a central coordinating element of the multilateral system. Comprehensive global health protection, including pandemic preparedness and response, is possible only if WHO is strengthened in a sustainable manner. We should see the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to address existing challenges for WHO in general and in the area of health protection in particular. At the moment, our expectations exceed the capacities of WHO. Innovation is also needed when it comes to dealing with emerging threats to international peace and security. We must do more on crisis prevention and on how to address catalysts of conflict such as human rights violations, the effects of climate change and threats to global health. We need to advance a more preventive agenda.”
UN Security Council24 September 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“As we all know, the Charter endows the Council with special stature, powers and responsibilities. Its functioning is essential not just for its own reputation but for the reputation of the United Nations overall. The Council has lost trust because it was not able to find clear words on a joint approach to COVID-19 over a period of months, and to date progress in implementing resolution 2532 (2020) has been insufficient. Let me be very clear: when the Council is exclusively seen as a gallery for the great Powers, we all lose. It is up to all of us, permanent members and elected members alike, to keep the Security Council relevant and functional. It has become glaringly obvious: the Council needs to be reformed. Only then can we ensure its authority and legitimacy.”
UN Security Council24 September 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“In order to mitigate and prevent the heavy impact of global crises such as COVID-19, strong institutions and multilateral cooperation are needed. We must ensure the vitality of those institutions. Reform is an important aspect of these efforts. The founding principles of the United Nations need to be upheld, including the Charter’s call on all Members of the Organization to refrain from the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. Many of the Charter’s principles are timeless. At the same time, we must not be complacent; we need to be innovative so that our institutions are capable of tackling today’s challenges. The Security Council has a central role to play in bringing to life the value of international cooperation.”
UN Security Council24 September 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“I thank you, Mr. President, for having convened today’s open debate on the issue of global governance after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and for providing us with an opportunity to build on the discussions held during the past months, including during the German presidency of the Security Council. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, for their insightful briefings. We are at a critical moment for the rules-based multilateral order. We need to refocus on the positive potential of cooperation instead of on putting our own countries first. If one of us fails, we all fail. We need to cooperate across our regions and continents if we want to successfully fight today’s problems.”
UN Security Council24 September 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“If we manage to overcome traditional thinking and siloes and find integrated and coherent solutions, we will be able to defeat a deadly virus, eventually halt climate change and hopefully realize a world where everybody can live in peace and security.”
UN Security Council12 August 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“We will be able to build resilient societies that can better withstand the impact of pandemics only by working in lockstep with affected countries. Respect for human rights and political processes that are inclusive and allow all parts of society, especially women, youth and marginalized groups, to participate in a meaningful way, are crucial in building up such resilience. Let me conclude on a hopeful note. This pandemic, just like other multidimensional challenges, is providing us as an international community with an opportunity — an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, reinforce multilateralism and show international solidarity.”
UN Security Council12 August 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Through this window, local women’s organizations in countries in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe can apply for funding that enables them to sustain themselves through the crisis and for programmes responding to the pandemic and its gendered dimensions. But these efforts are not enough. To create sustainable and predictable financing for peacebuilding, we need strengthened partnerships with international financial institutions, regional banks and the private sector. Further, as donors, we should not forget: to make a difference: donors should coordinate better, use pooled funding if possible, and engage in good peacebuilding donorship. Fourthly, inclusive approaches are needed to build resilience. All efforts will be in vain if they are not based on national ownership.”
UN Security Council12 August 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“With its flexibility and catalytic function, the PBF plays a crucial role in meeting such critical peacebuilding needs as those relating to gender and inclusivity, cross- border collaboration and, in particular, in contexts of transition. On a bilateral level, Germany has contributed to the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire by supporting additional efforts of its mediation partners on the ground. Gender equality gains are at a risk of being lost as many Governments are diverting funds that were originally earmarked for the support of women and girls and their participation in peace processes. As a member of the Funding Board of the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, Germany supported the establishment of an emergency response window within the Fund and made $2.5 million available to this emergency window.”
UN Security Council12 August 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“We believe there is value in incorporating those lessons in the ongoing process of reviewing the United Nations peacebuilding architecture. Thirdly, peacebuilding and sustaining peace urgently need funding. The COVID-19 pandemic has had massive, immediate socioeconomic repercussions. Peacebuilding needs are underfunded even now, despite the fact that a prevented crisis is much less costly than an acute crisis. Germany continues to contribute to peacebuilding and prevention. For instance, we continue to support the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), to which we have just made an initial contribution of €15 million for 2020.”
UN Security Council12 August 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“This is particularly important in the context of transitions, such as those currently taking place in Darfur and Guinea-Bissau. This is the Security Council’s core business. Secondly, we underline the need for coordination and coherence. We need integrated peacebuilding efforts to respond to challenges such as COVID-19. The Secretary-General’s briefing today (see annex 1) and his recent report on peacebuilding and sustaining peace (S/2020/773) have demonstrated how the United Nations system as a whole has adapted to the pandemic. However, we need to ensure further progress in achieving better coordination and coherence within the United Nations system, its agencies, funds and programmes. There are lessons to be learned from the impact and response to the pandemic.”
UN Security Council12 August 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“It must follow up on resolution 2532 (2020), in which it explicitly recognized that COVID-19 might reverse peacebuilding gains. We should encourage the Secretary-General to fully integrate in his reporting the impact of the pandemic on security. Such reporting would support prevention and early warning. The Council should further empower the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), which has a unique mandate within the United Nations system, to enable integrated and cross-pillar approaches. We commend the PBC for its rapid response and excellent track record since the outbreak of the pandemic. We need to ensure that the United Nations and its presence on the ground, especially its peacekeeping operations and special political missions, are sufficiently equipped and mandated to address the direct and indirect challenges of the pandemic.”
UN Security Council12 August 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“A comprehensive approach to peace and security means also addressing root causes and mid- and long-term challenges, as opposed to only acute crises. It means needing to find integrated solutions for interconnected challenges and strengthening prevention, peacebuilding and sustaining peace — no matter if we are facing the multidimensional challenges related to human rights violations, pandemics or climate change. COVID-19 continues to rage across the world. It is a multidimensional challenge that adversely affects humanitarian, health, political, social, economic and environmental aspects. It also affects peace and security and undermines peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected countries and countries in transition. What needs to be done? Allow me to focus on four brief points. First, the Security Council needs to be active and engaged.”
UN Security Council12 August 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“I thank you, Sir, for convening today’s open debate on pandemics and the challenges for sustaining peace. I would also like to thank Secretary General António Guterres, Mr. Ban Ki-moon and Ms. Sarah Cliffe for their insightful briefings. Six weeks ago, the Security Council held an open debate on pandemics and security (see S/2020/663), chaired by the German Foreign Minister. Recently, we also had an informal exchange of Council members, with representatives of the Peacebuilding Commission, on the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on peacebuilding. In both meetings, we called on the Council to adopt a comprehensive understanding of peace and security. I am therefore grateful to Indonesia for providing us with an opportunity to build on these discussions today.”
UN Security Council12 August 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Our message is clear: whoever commits crimes against humanity or war crimes cannot feel safe anywhere and will eventually be held accountable. I call on all other States to use all legal means at their disposal to go after the perpetrators, and I call on the Security Council to finally live up to its responsibility, join the fight against impunity and ensure that those responsible for torture and killing in Syrian prisons and for other atrocities are held to account. The victims deserve justice.”
UN Security Council23 July 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“It is their responsibility that those who S/2020/743 S/2020/743 committed and are still committing the most serious crimes in Syria cannot be brought to justice before the ICC. However, national jurisdictions are starting to fill the void. Two former officials of the Syrian regime’s repression apparatus have been charged with crimes against humanity at a court in Koblenz, Germany. For the first time, abductions, torture and abuse by the Syrian regime are being prosecuted in Germany. At the same time, members of Da’esh are being brought before German courts; several have already been sentenced. Furthermore, German authorities recently arrested two men for their support of Jabhat Al-Nusra and for the commission of war crimes in Syria.”
UN Security Council23 July 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Germany continues to support all efforts, in particular those of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Those Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 and of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, to ensure that the most serious crimes and atrocities committed during the Syrian conflict do not go unpunished, that perpetrators will be held accountable and that victims receive justice. There has to be a follow-up to the findings of all these reports. We must not tolerate impunity. Russia and China blocked the referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC).”
UN Security Council23 July 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“This reporting as well as the findings of the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and of the United Nations Headquarters Board of Inquiry demonstrate that the Syrian regime and its allies are responsible for indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in north-west Syria.”
UN Security Council23 July 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Finally, the Syrian regime must inform the families of the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared. I would also like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing. We fully support his analysis that peace and reconciliation in Syria can only be achieved through a political process under the auspices of the United Nations in line with resolution 2254 (2015). I therefore welcome Mr. Pedersen’s intention to finally resume the work of the Constitutional Committee. I urge all parties to take up the invitation and engage constructively. Further, I echo Mr. Pedersen’s call for a complete, immediate, nationwide ceasefire. In its latest report, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic has detailed human rights violations and war crimes in Idlib.”
UN Security Council23 July 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“Resolution 2254 (2015) calls for the immediate release of arbitrarily detained persons, particularly women and children. But since its adoption in December 2015 (see S/PV.7588), arbitrary detention, forced disappearances, torture and sexual violence in Syrian prisons and detention facilities continue unabated. Today, the Security Council should be united in urging all parties to immediately release all arbitrarily detained persons, starting with the most vulnerable, namely, women and children, the sick, the wounded and the elderly. This call should be loud and clear and directed particularly at the Syrian regime, which holds the overwhelming majority of detainees. I also call on the Syrian regime to allow immediate, unconditional and unhindered access for relevant humanitarian organizations to all its prisons and detention facilities.”
UN Security Council23 July 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.
“I would like to thank Ms. Mustafa for her testimony today and for her call for justice. Few people have shown her courage in pressing for accountability. According to the numbers provided by the Syrian Network for Human Rights, almost 150,000 people have disappeared, and Syrian regime forces account for almost 90 per cent of them. Where are they? More than 14,400 Syrians have died as a result of torture, almost 99 per cent of them at the hands of Syrian regime forces. The stark “Caesar photos” show their agony. We must not forget these faces. We owe it to them to make progress on justice and accountability. Wafa Mustafa and all families of detainees and missing persons have a right to know what happened to their loved ones in Syrian prisons.”
UN Security Council23 July 2020Source: United NationsSource ↗
By video-teleconference · issued as a Council document, not delivered in a meeting
English text from the UN verbatim record. Where the speaker did not speak English, this is the UN's interpretation, not their original words.