YouSaid · the spoken record

Abushahab

lines on the record: 829
first: 2021-11-09
most recent: 2023-12-30
sittings or episodes: 155
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The international community must come together around a vision that brings an end to that suffering and promotes peace and stability in Ukraine and the wider region.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“The ongoing hostilities have not only brought immeasurable suffering to Ukraine and its people, but they also exacerbate an already difficult situation in global food security and risk pushing people further into poverty and undermining stability in countries far from the war. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was exemplary in showing what can be achieved through diplomacy, helped alleviate some of the war’s impact on global food security. We are encouraged by the ongoing efforts of the United Nations, Türkiye and others to revive it. While diplomatic solutions to the conflict remain elusive, we must do what we can to limit its impact. The war’s toll is heavy, and it is heaviest on the civilians in Ukraine. A just and sustainable peace, in line with the Charter, is the only viable solution.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“The resolution states that the referendums held in parts of Ukraine do not form the basis for any alteration of the status of those regions. That clear conclusion of the United Nations membership necessarily also applies to the elections held this week on the premise of the results of the referendums. Those elections further complicate the efforts for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The Council has an essential role in prioritizing the peaceful settlement of disputes and maintaining international peace and security. De-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy are more urgent than ever. The United Arab Emirates has been consistent in expressing the need to bring the conflict to an end and continues to offer its support to all genuine efforts to achieve that.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his informative briefing, and I welcome the participation of the representative of Ukraine at this meeting. In all situations discussed by the Security Council, we must be guided by the Charter of the United Nations, which calls for respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of all States. Those legal principles protect all States, large and small, from the most to the least powerful. They are central to peaceful, cooperative and productive relations among States and are essential for their security and stability. The applicable rules of international humanitarian law with regard to this week’s elections must also be respected. Last year, an overwhelming majority of countries supported General Assembly resolution ES-11/4.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, we underscore that the upcoming period will be critical for intensifying efforts to prevent tensions from reaching a point of no return. We must preserve the gains previously achieved in decades-long political process and guarantee the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent Palestinian State, within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace, security and mutual recognition.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“We condemn the storming of the Nur Shams camp earlier this week, as well as the recent incursion into the Jenin camp, which resulted in casualties and damage. In order to contribute to alleviating the difficult living conditions of the Palestinian people, especially refugees, the United Arab Emirates pledged $15 million this month to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to help families affected in the city of Jenin and its camp. That is in addition to the $20 million that the United Arab Emirates pledged to the Agency in June. The international community must continue its support to UNRWA, considering the critical role it plays in assisting refugees and supporting stability in the region.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“It will also be critical to maintain the historical and legal status quo of the city of Jerusalem, which remains one of the final status issues. That means ceasing demolitions, property confiscation and the unjust displacement of residents in East Jerusalem. As we affirm the need to respect the Hashemite guardianship over the holy places of the city, we condemn the repeated storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by extremists and members of the Israeli Government, the most recent of which happened today, resulting in clashes and further tensions. We reiterate our calls for ending the continued and repeated raids against our brother Palestinian people, whether they are conducted by the Israeli authorities or settlers.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“We must firmly reject any attempts to undermine the agreed international terms of reference for resolving the conflict, which call for working to achieve a two-State solution, to which the Council reiterated its commitment in its presidential statement in February (S/PRST/2023/1). The concept of a two- State solution must continue to serve as the foundation for all political endeavours. We cannot allow it to be marginalized under any circumstances. We once again underscore the importance of halting all settlement activities, which constitute a threat to the possibility of a two-State solution, especially if the approval and construction of new settlement units continue at the pace we have been witnessing, particularly in the past few years. Such activities violate international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“The current situation also demands that we spare no diplomatic efforts, regionally or internationally, to make it clear that unilateral measures are unacceptable and that the recent levels of violence are putting the security and future of both peoples in jeopardy. A return to constructive dialogue in good faith remains an urgent necessity and an international demand. In that context, it will be crucial to reinvigorate the momentum generated by the Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh meetings held several months ago. The emphasis should be on ensuring compliance with the commitments agreed, which include concrete steps to address the current situation.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“Concerns are increasing about the mounting sentiments of anger and resentment, as well as the deep-rooted despair felt among Palestinians, especially young people, about the possibility of a just political settlement. Against that worrisome backdrop, it is imperative that the international community stop acting as a bystander. The current situation demands that we avoid the worst by taking a comprehensive approach to de-escalating tensions and pursuing a revival of the Middle East peace process. In view of that, we must consider all the options available for broadening our understanding in order to achieve those goals. We must also find creative approaches to rebuilding trust among the parties. It is not enough for the Council to convene meetings as a reaction to specific events.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“Mr. Abushahab (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): I thank the Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Khaled Khiari, for his comprehensive briefing. At the Security Council’s previous monthly meeting on the topic (see S/PV.9361), we heard several warnings about the deteriorating security situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. At the time the United Arab Emirates emphasized the need to take practical steps to curb the growing escalation. Less than a week after that meeting, the Jenin refugee camp witnessed one of the most violent incursions seen in nearly two decades, which confirmed once again that tensions are escalating to unprecedented levels. A return to calm has become an elusive goal in the light of the ongoing illegal practices in the occupied Palestinian territory and the prevalence of hate speech.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“We also stress that the parties must uphold their responsibilities under international law and avoid committing any acts of hostility directed at cultural objects and places of worship, which constitute the cultural and spiritual heritage of peoples. Protecting cultural heritage is a key part of making and sustaining peace after conflict.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9385 (2023) · source
“Resolution 2347 (2017) affirms that directing unlawful attacks on cultural heritage sites may constitute a war crime in certain circumstances. Cultural heritage is also a prism through which we can view our common humanity. As we have seen in other contexts, places of worship, as focal points for communities of faith, can serve as important platforms for post-war healing and peacebuilding. Every act of religious intolerance or destruction to sites serves only to escalate and prolong the conflict. We reiterate our position that there can be no military solution to the war, as well as our commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at bringing it to a peaceful, just and lasting resolution in line with the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9385 (2023) · source
“The Member States sitting around this table were united in their support of the tenets that the resolution upholds. We recognize that intolerance could contribute to driving the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict. At the same time, we recognize the importance of interreligious dialogue and the role of religious leaders in promoting peaceful coexistence that supports peacebuilding efforts. Cultural heritage and religious sites are physical manifestations of belief. As such, they are often put at risk when intolerance, hatred and extremism spread. Since the beginning of the war, UNESCO has verified damage to 270 cultural sites in Ukraine, including 116 religious sites. We have both a legal and a moral imperative to ensure the protection of cultural heritage.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9385 (2023) · source
“Throughout the more than 500 days since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, this Chamber has heard discussions on obstructions to humanitarian access, violations of international humanitarian law and the reality of the conflict for civilians and communities. Intolerance is one of the more intangible aspects of the war. It seeps into the social fabric of everyday life, fuelling the conflict. The United Arab Emirates condemns all forms of intolerance. In our own region we have seen the detrimental consequences of the politicization of religion and of unchecked incitement to violence masquerading as religious faith. The significant role played by tolerance and peaceful coexistence when it comes to peace and security was acknowledged just weeks ago by the Council when it unanimously adopted resolution 2686 (2023) (see S/PV.9347).”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9385 (2023) · source
“In the long run, the gains made by UNOWAS so far can be sustained only if international efforts are harmonized with national priorities through ECOWAS and the African Union, among others. The importance of the Council finding unity and speaking as one voice on UNOWAS, especially in terms of adopting a presidential statement on UNOWAS, cannot be overstated. If we succeed in doing that, our efforts will help the Special Representative of the Secretary-General deliver on his mandate to support the region. Ultimately, the Council’s continued commitment to UNOWAS remains crucial for the well-being, prosperity and peace of present and future generations in the region.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“The United Arab Emirates believes that the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali is essential, not only for Mali but for the region as a whole. We therefore encourage parties to remain engaged in its implementation. As this will be the United Arab Emirates’ final statement at a scheduled meeting on UNOWAS during its Security Council term, I would like to reflect one last time on the Office’s legacy and significance. UNOWAS’s ability to promote inclusive political processes and regional cooperation has come a long way. Looking to the future, its role in implementing the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel will help address the root causes of violence and foster community resilience.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“Regarding the transition processes under way, it is important to continue making headway, as agreed with ECOWAS, and we welcome the Special Representative’s close coordination with ECOWAS to engage the authorities of the countries concerned in upholding their commitments on an agreed timeline. In that respect, we also welcome the establishment of the ECOWAS Presidential Task Force. As the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) begins its withdrawal, we encourage UNOWAS to sustain United Nations engagement with the Malian authorities, both regional and national, and to help ensure a smooth transition. We look forward to the Secretary-General’s presentation of the plan in August for the transfer of MINUSMA’s tasks, bearing in mind the possible contribution of UNOWAS and other stakeholders.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“We must therefore make concerted efforts to better understand and address the interplay between climate, peace and security. Fourthly and finally, long-term regional stability will be built on a foundation of resilient institutions. Part and parcel of building those institutions in West Africa is the conduct of free and fair elections. The recent holding of peaceful elections in Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and other countries is a positive step forward, as are the ongoing dialogue initiatives and efforts to ensure the participation of women in the upcoming elections in the region.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“Humanitarian actors must be allowed to provide the necessary services to people affected by those violations, and the perpetrators must be held accountable. Thirdly, the Council must approach insecurity in the region through a climate-sensitive lens. Increased desertification and reduced rainfall are shrinking already scarce food and water resources. Agriculture is hindered, leaving citizens without food and employment and rendering them increasingly vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups. In West Africa we see those dynamics writ large. Climate change has also further entrenched the epidemic of gender-based violence and inequality, as women and girls are exposed to more precarious situations when food insecurity persists.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“We have seen a decline in terrorist incidents in the Lake Chad basin, as well as improved maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, owing to best practices being shared from country to country. We welcome the growing coordination between ECOWAS and the Accra Initiative. Secondly, all the parties to a conflict must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. Humanitarian actors currently face significant challenges in reaching those in need. We urge all the relevant actors to facilitate humanitarian actors’ safe access to civilians who need life-saving assistance. Against a backdrop of great insecurity, women and girls in the region are at greater risk of sexual violence and abduction by armed groups.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“I would like to make four brief points today to that effect. First, maintaining security in the region demands a multitrack approach. According to the Global Terrorism Index, four countries across West Africa are among the top 10 most affected by terrorism. Protecting civilians is not simply an exercise in response to threats — it must also be about proactively creating a secure environment from the ground up. In that light, soft and hard security solutions, including building community resilience through basic services, all form part of a comprehensive security strategy for the region. Beyond national efforts, regional security cooperation has paid dividends in tackling cross-border threats and transnational organized crime.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“Its continuous contributions are vital to our work. Our briefers today elaborated on how the countries for which UNOWAS has responsibility are facing the dual challenge of insecurity and a changing climate. According to the report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/490), 6.3 million individuals remain displaced across the Sahel and coastal countries, and more than 37 million people require humanitarian assistance. Addressing those challenges necessitates a rethinking of the long-held assumptions and approaches previously deployed — not only focusing on the current challenges of the present, but the longer-term efforts needed to help shape and build a more stable, secure and peaceful horizon for the region, and not only focusing on the national level, but also considering the challenges on a region-wide basis.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“I want to begin by extending our sincere congratulations to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Simão on his appointment and express our deep appreciation to Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General Biha for her engagement with the Security Council. The United Arab Emirates remains steadfast in its support to the important work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and that of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Simão and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Touray, for their insightful briefings today. Furthermore, we welcome the advice from the Peacebuilding Commission, which informs the Council’s understanding of the region.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“As for the security situation, it remains a source of concern as Da’esh continues to carry out attacks in Syria, killing and injuring civilians and obstructing the efforts and imperilling the lives of humanitarian workers. In conclusion, it is crucial to move from managing the Syrian crisis to resolving it. Fragmented approaches have been shown to be unsuccessful and will not achieve the progress we all desire.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“We look forward to continued Arab diplomatic efforts within the framework of the outcomes of the Jeddah Summit, and in close coordination with the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General, in order to pave the way towards a settlement of the Syrian crisis, which has witnessed no tangible progress for many years. We believe that empowering women in Syria and strengthening their participation at every stage of the peacebuilding process, especially in mediation and dialogue, are critical to ensuring that those efforts will be successful and sustainable. While we stress the need to preserve the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, we also stress the need for de-escalation across every region of the country. De-escalation will contribute to its security and stability and enhance regional security.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“We welcome Iraq’s recent repatriation of a new group of about 200 of its citizens from Al-Hol. In addition, we stress the importance of supporting demining activities in Syria as part of early- recovery projects there, both to protect civilians from the danger posed by mines and to create the conditions necessary to ensure the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Turning to the political situation, we hope that the recent visits of Arab officials to Syria, especially from neighbouring countries, will help strengthen coordination and cooperation in addressing several issues of common interest to the countries of the region, including the return of refugees and the fight against terrorism and drugs.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“I also stress that the Council must continue to discuss the humanitarian aspects of the Syrian crisis, despite the fact that the mechanism has not been renewed, with joint meetings on the political and humanitarian dossiers. We believe that is important, especially within the framework of the Council’s work and its responsibility to maintain international peace and security. More than 15 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, half of them women and girls. We also underscore the importance of the Secretary- General’s reports, which keep the Council informed about relevant developments. In view of the continued deterioration of the humanitarian and security conditions in Al-Hol camp, we stress the need to find a sustainable and prompt solution to the situation there.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“In the circumstances, it will be important for the international community to take practical steps during this transitional stage to ensure that assistance is delivered to the Syrian people through all available means. In that context, the United Arab Emirates once again welcomes the Syrian Government’s decision to grant the United Nations permission to deliver humanitarian aid through the Bab Al-Hawa crossing for a period of six months, especially considering that both sides have continued their constructive discussions on finding common ground and reaching an understanding on several related issues. The interests of the Syrian people must remain at the core of all humanitarian work. In the meantime, we find it encouraging that aid is flowing easily through the Bab Al-Salam and Bab Al-Rai crossings.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“Mr. Abushahab (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): I thank Mr. Geir Pedersen and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham for their briefings today. At the outset, I would like to acknowledge the humanitarian situation that we have witnessed over the past two weeks and its repercussions for our brother people of Syria. The sudden and unexpected end of the cross-border aid delivery mechanism to Syria was shocking both for the international community and the Syrian people. Although we expected the mechanism to end eventually, given that it was always an exceptional and temporary solution, we had hoped that it would be terminated in coordination with the United Nations, so that humanitarian workers on the ground would have appropriate and sufficient time to plan gradually for future humanitarian operations.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“While it is vital that Ukrainian and Russian food and fertilizer return to global markets, we must not let that issue obscure the wider context. Ultimately, only peace, just and sustainable, will help rectify the turmoil we are seeing both within and beyond Ukraine. That is what the overwhelming majority of States Members of the United Nations have called for — a peace that is in line with the Charter of the United Nations and respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“The Black Sea Grain Initiative was born out of extensive diplomatic efforts and dialogue, one of very few positive developments amid the shadow of war in Ukraine throughout the past 18 months. Now is not the time to walk away. On the contrary, it is time to build on any positive steps to secure a new way forward. This conflict is not the sole reason for the food insecurity crisis we face. The World Food Programme’s increasingly dire warnings about rising food prices precede the war, but the events of the past year and a half have significantly exacerbated that trend. Most Member States continue to call for an end to this war — a war that has visited immense suffering upon Ukrainians, compounded hardships for hundreds of millions of people around the world and strained the multilateral system.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“The Initiative and the memorandum of understanding on the export of Russian fertilizers and food products have indeed had a significant impact on global food security. Those agreements were not perfect by any means, yet they resulted in over 32 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain and foodstuffs being shipped to the world. As such, they fast became a lifeline for those who needed them most. The United Arab Emirates deeply regrets that the Initiative has not been extended. That said, we commend the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General and the United Nations to facilitate the continued transport of food products and fertilizers from both Ukraine and Russia to international markets.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Under-Secretary Griffiths for their informative briefings, and we listened carefully to Mr. Mikhail Khazin. I also welcome the participation of Ukraine in this meeting. Earlier this week, the Council convened shortly after the news that the Black Sea Grain Initiative would not be extended (see S/PV.9380). In the short time since, wheat futures have continued to rise, portending further difficulties for developing countries in securing necessary staples. If nothing is done, this will lead to heightened hunger and food insecurity. After a year of respite, during which the Black Sea Grain Initiative contributed to a fall in prices, the world now faces the threat of destabilized markets and food shortages — yet again for the most vulnerable.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“Today’s announcement is disappointing, but it should not dissuade our collective efforts to bring the war to an end. The United Arab Emirates will continue to call for this and support all genuine efforts to mitigate the war’s consequences. De-escalation and dialogue are necessary to achieve a sustainable and just peace, one that is in line with the Charter of the United Nations and respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“In the past week alone, there have been two instances of humanitarian aid workers coming under fire in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhya. We encourage all relevant authorities to facilitate the life-saving work of humanitarian organizations. That is especially important at a time when humanitarian needs remain significant and civilians are facing continued interruptions to power supplies across the country. For its part, the United Arab Emirates is distributing $100 million of aid for Ukraine, including the provision of generators and LED lights for civilians, supplies for babies, as well as a grant of $4 million for programmes supporting the welfare of orphaned children, under the Olena Zelenska Foundation. The United Arab Emirates will continue its humanitarian efforts to help alleviate suffering on the ground.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“One can speak of the destruction wrought by the war and the long journey towards reconstruction that awaits Ukraine. One can also speak of the intangible impacts — the broken families, the uprooted communities and the traumatized children. All of these will last long after the last bullet is fired. Since the outbreak of war, the World Health Organization has recorded more than 1,000 attacks on health care in Ukraine, including on medical personnel, facilities and their means of transport. We reiterate our call on the parties to respect their obligations under international law. We underline the demand made by the Council, in resolution 2286 (2016), that all parties to armed conflict ensure the respect and protection of all medical personnel, their means of transport and equipment, as well as hospitals and other medical facilities.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“The United Arab Emirates regrets that the agreement will not continue and that Ukrainian food items will struggle to reach those who depend on them. Though this remains a political decision, it is the most vulnerable who are now forced to grapple with the very real consequences of that decision. The Initiative is one of the few positives that have emerged in the context of this conflict. These agreements were borne out of a resolute commitment to dialogue, and it is our hope that dialogue will prevail among all parties. The world has witnessed more than 500 days of suffering since the beginning of the war. It is difficult to convey the true cost of this conflict. One can speak of the millions who have been displaced, the tens of thousands killed and injured and the impossible situation faced by those living amid the shifting front lines.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her informative briefing and express my appreciation to you, Foreign Secretary Cleverly, for presiding over this meeting. I also welcome the other ministers and high- level representatives who have joined us today. The toll that the war in Ukraine is exacting on civilians is enormous. Further afield, the consequences of conflict have reverberated across the globe. Since the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the memorandum of understanding on the export of Russian fertilizers and food products were agreed almost one year ago, they have had significant impact globally. The shift in the price of grain following the announcement of the Initiative’s termination, this morning, reflects its importance.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“Reparations for survivors and increased access to data also speak to the direction of travel of our efforts. By enhancing our commitment and advancing the gains, the international community can better address these heinous crimes and provide women and girls with the protection and dignity they need and deserve. We have the mechanisms in place. It is high time for their implementation.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“Education must also be deployed to tackle the root causes of these crimes, such as gender discrimination, hate speech and incitement to violence. Education has the potential to promote gender equality and eliminate stigma. Just last month, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2686 (2023), co-sponsored by the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, which urges Member States to support quality education that promotes the principles of tolerance to prevent sexual and gender- based violence. In conclusion, we have seen promising progress. In the normative framework, there are women’s protection advisers in United Nations peacekeeping operations, and these abhorrent crimes are included as a listing criterion in various United Nations sanctions regimes.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“To that end, I am pleased to share the news that, last month, the United Arab Emirates renewed its commitment to UN-Women and pledged an additional $15 million over the next three years. Thirdly, we must utilize technology and education to combat the shifting nature of such crimes. In recent years, the threat has metastasized from a physical threat to one that pervades online space. When the threats evolve, so too must our tools to protect against them. We do not need to be overly creative. Even commonly used digital technologies such as WhatsApp can provide access to reporting mechanisms and protection networks. As Ms. Shabana Basij-Rasikh said at the briefing on Afghanistan last month (see S/PV.9354), ensuring equal accessibility to technology can be a lifeline to women and girls at risk.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“That could certainly be the case in Haiti, where gangs employ such heinous acts as a weapon to terrorize, abuse and control populations. The United Nations capacity-building expertise should also be leveraged to bolster survivor-centred justice and accountability, which includes supporting those who are uniquely positioned to engage with national Government entities, such as peacekeeping operations, and engaging with entities with expertise, such as the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence. Close cooperation with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and UN-Women can also strengthen global norms and standards for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“Those efforts can be successful only if they are carried out with a whole-of-society approach, throughout the entire conflict continuum. We must include women and youth, as well as religious, community and education leaders, in the design and implementation of gender- responsive strategies. In turn, they can act as one of the key pathways to the prevention of such crimes. That is critical across ongoing conflicts, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Sudan, where we continue to receive an increase in reports of conflict-related sexual violence. Secondly, the prevention of these crimes demands strengthened national judicial institutions and the consistent implementation of the rule of law. National authorities with robust judicial institutions stand a much better chance of countering sexual and gender- based violence.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“As co-Chair of the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security, alongside Switzerland, and as a member of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, a United- Kingdom-led initiative, the United Arab Emirates remains a steadfast partner in strengthening the global response to those crimes. Fifteen years have passed since the Council adopted resolution 1820 (2008), which condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and an obstacle to peacebuilding. Since then, the international community has taken important steps, but much remains to be done. In that regard, I would like to share three points today. First, we need to bolster survivors’ access to necessary services and support. That requires taking into consideration the needs of women and girls — from early- warning mechanisms to humanitarian aid provision.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the United Kingdom for organizing this important open debate and for its unwavering dedication to the cause of ending sexual violence in conflict once and for all. I would also like to thank Lord Ahmad for presiding over this meeting. I thank Special Representative Patten for her detailed briefing today and reaffirm our full support for her mandate and the tireless work of her Office. We listened carefully to Ms. Hser Hser and Nadine, and I want to thank Nadine in particular for sharing her personal and heart-wrenching testimony with us today. The voices and recommendations of survivors are critical to the work of the Security Council. The United Arab Emirates condemns all acts of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly in conflict.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378 (2023) · source
“We therefore welcome the resolution’s inclusion of a paragraph proposed by the United Arab Emirates that recognizes that the adverse impact of climate change and natural disasters are exacerbating the humanitarian situation in Haiti, further fuelling instability. We applaud the co-penholders’ constructive approach on this critical issue and across the text, which was reflected in the unanimous adoption today — a much needed sign of Council unity.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9377 (2023) · source
“This remains critical for the sake of the people of Haiti and the wider region. We therefore welcome the resolution’s increased recognition of the important role of countries and organizations of the region, including the Caribbean Community, to support Haiti on its path towards stability and security. Haiti remains one of the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. Just last month we witnessed the heavy rainfalls and floods that followed the earthquakes that hit the country. The implications of climate change have aggravated the already dire food, water and humanitarian situation, destroying critical infrastructure and impeding the capacity for humanitarian actors to reach those who are most in need.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9377 (2023) · source
“By voting in favour of resolution 2692 (2023), the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its full support for the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and its role in assisting Haiti back onto the path towards peace and stability. The ongoing and horrific violence, including abhorrent reports of sexual and gender-based violence visited on the people of Haiti by armed gangs, remains completely unacceptable. The security and political situation in the country must be addressed simultaneously. While the Security Council continues its discussions on how best to respond to the deteriorating security situation, we once again call on all relevant stakeholders to work towards an inclusive and inter-Haitian dialogue for a Haitian-led and Haitian- owned political settlement.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9377 (2023) · source
“In the past, Council unity prevailed on this matter and served to send a clear message that the Council would not allow nuclear proliferation. The United Arab Emirates will continue to encourage a return to this unity so that the Council can fulfil its responsibility to support the work towards peace and security in the Korean peninsula.”
2023-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9376 (2023) · source