YouSaid · the spoken record

Adamson

lines on the record: 244
first: 2016-09-14
most recent: 2018-10-18
sittings or episodes: 24
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

“It is critical that work undertaken to build those conditions be well coordinated with all relevant actors, in particular UNHCR. The EU will organize a third Brussels conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region in the last week of March 2019, so as to support the United Nations-led political process for a solution to the conflict, provide a platform for the voices of Syrian civil society, and seek pledges by EU member States and international donors. Finally, the EU reiterates that it will be ready to assist in the reconstruction of Syria only when a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition, negotiated by the Syrian parties to the conflict, on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communique, is firmly under way.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“The EU calls on all stakeholders to facilitate immediate humanitarian access. The EU supports the rights of Syrians to return to their homes voluntarily and in safety and dignity, in line with international humanitarian law, when conditions allow. The EU calls for safe and equal access to civil documentation on housing and property rights so as to ensure that the rights of Syrians are preserved and that those displaced are provided with the basic conditions to be able to return to their homes in a dignified, safe and voluntary way when conditions allow. However, the EU agrees with the assessment of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that conditions for non-coercive and safe repatriation are not yet in place.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“The EU welcomes the recent decision by the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction to enhance the OPCW's capacity to identify the perpetrators ofthe use of chemical weapons in Syria. The EU has imposed restrictive measures on Syrian high-level officials and scientists and has adopted a new global sanctions regime for the use of chemical weapons. In the meantime, we reiterate our calls upon all the parties to the conflict and those actors with influence over them, especially the Syrian regime and its allies, to ensure unhindered sustained humanitarian access and medical evacuations for all Syrians in need. The situation in Rukban camp is particularly appalling.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“All those responsible for breaches of international law and human rights law, some of which may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, must be held accountable. We reiterate our condemnation of the repeated use of chemical weapons in Syria by the Syrian regime and Da'esh, as confirmed by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism. We are deeply concerned by continuing reports by the OPCW Fact- finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic pointing to the use of chemical weapons in various locations in Syria in recent months.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“The EU expects that they will follow through on their commitment and also guarantee the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure, as well as safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access across Syria. The EU expresses its full support for the mandate and efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria aimed at establishing a constitutional committee that will serve as the first step towards an inclusive, credible and sustainable political solution in Syria, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communique (S/20l2/522, annex). The EU commits itself to remain at the forefront of international efforts for accountability and justice in Syria.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“The conflict in Syria has continued for more than seven years and has caused immense suffering. Millions of people have been forced to find refuge in other countries or have faced starvation, sieges and armed offensives within their country, along with blatant and ongoing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, in particular by the Syrian regime. The Syrian regime bears the overwhelming responsibility for the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the suffering of the Syrian people. The EU acknowledges the signing of the memorandum to establish a ceasefire in Idlib and calls on the Astana guarantors to ensure that that ceasefire is upheld and to safeguard the last remaining de-escalation zone in Syria.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“Settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace, and threaten to make a two-State solution impossible. We must work together to reverse the current negative developments on the ground, which are leading us away from a negotiated two-State solution with Jerusalem as the future capital of both States. A two-State solution based on the 1967 borders that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation, and resolves all final-status issues remains the only viable and realistic way to end the conflict and achieve just and lasting peace. The EU will continue to work towards that end with both parties and its regional and international partners, starting with the Middle East Quartet.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“We follow with great concern the situation on the ground, in particular the pending demolition of the Bedouin village of Khan Al-Ahmar, including its school, in a location of strategic interest for preserving the contiguity of a future Palestinian State, as well as the decision taken last Sunday by the Israeli authorities to move forward plans for settlement expansion in Hebron. The EU has repeatedly urged Israel not to execute its decision to demolish the Khan Al-Ahmar community or displace its citizens and today reiterates its strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions taken in that context, including demolitions and confiscation - including some EU-funded projects - evictions and forced transfers.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“We will continue to do our utmost to ensure that UNRWA and its dedicated staff continue to operate until a just, fair, agreed and realistic solution to the plight of Palestine refugees is finally reached. Twenty-five years after the signing of the Oslo Accords, a just and lasting peace among Israelis and Palestinians is still sorely missing. While the Oslo Accords have not accomplished their overall goal, one of their major achievements is that Palestinian institutions are in place. It is in the interests ofboth the Palestinians and the Israelis that their stability be preserved. The EU will continue to urge both parties to refrain from unilateral actions that undermine the relaunching of the negotiations or imperil the viability of the two- State solution. There is no justification for incitement and violence.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“Just a few weeks ago the EU increased its financial support to UNRWA by â‚¬40 million, raising the total contribution to the Agency to â‚¬146 million since the beginning ofthis year. In the ministerial meeting that the EU co-chaired along with two EU member States, Sweden and Germany, and other partners on 27 September, participants underlined the importance of fully supporting the ability of UNRWA to implement its mandate effectively, namely, to assist and protect Palestine refugees, while continuing to ensure transparency and accountability in its programmes. Next year will be an even tougher year for UNRWA. In that context we need to stress once again the crucial importance for UNRWA and donors to intensify efforts to put the Agency on a stable financial footing while maintaining a focus on its mandate.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“The EU will continue to work towards that end with our partners, the Israelis and the Palestinians, regional actors and our partners within the Middle East Quartet. We hope that the United States peace plan for the Middle East will provide another contribution in that regard. Indispensable humanitarian assistance must overcome political divisions. Stopping the important activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) could well cause instability and create a vacuum that would only serve the extremists. That is why the EU and its member States have collectively been the largest contributors to UNRWA's budget. We are and will continue to be strong, reliable and predictable supporters of the Agency.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“The return of the Palestinian Authority to the Gaza Strip is indispensable if we wish to improve the conditions and humanitarian situation in a sustainable manner. Additional financial efforts by the international community are needed. But in order to ensure lasting results, a fundamental change in the situation in Gaza is critical. That should include an end to the closure and the full opening of crossing points, while addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns. In that light, we welcome the continued opening of the Rafah crossing. In the meantime, the EU will continue to support United Nations and Egyptian efforts towards the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under one single and legitimate Palestinian Authority.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“We commend his efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the fuel-delivery deal reached last week thanks to his engagement. We call on the parties to cooperate with the Special Coordinator and the wider international community to support him in the operationalization of the proposed humanitarian and economic interventions for Gaza, in continued close coordination with the Palestinian Authority, in order to secure and coordinate, among other things, the provision of lifesaving health care, increase access to clean water and energy supplies, improve the overall economic conditions and promote conditions that enable intra-Palestinian unity. The immediate priority must be to reduce tensions and avoid another conflict in Gaza.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“While recalling Israel's right to self-defence, we expect the Israeli authorities to respect the principle of necessity and proportionality in its use of force. Serious questions have arisen about the proportionate use of force, which must be addressed through independent and transparent investigations. The European Union takes note of the fact-finding assessment mechanism established by the Israel Defense Forces to review its own actions and specific incidents that have taken place on the Israeli-Gaza border since 30 March. The facts must also be established regarding reports about violent attacks against Israel under the guise of the protests. The European Union will continue its support for the work undertaken by Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“The launching of incendiary kites and balloons has now continued for more than half a year. It has caused severe damage in Israeli communities near Gaza and must stop. During the same period, more than 200 Palestinians have been killed and over 21,000 have been injured, most injuries coming from live ammunition and gas inhalation. That raises serious questions about the proportionate use of force, which must be addressed through independent and transparent investigations. We expect the de facto authorities in Gaza to do their utmost to prevent further escalation. The EU urges all actors concerned to act with the utmost restraint to avoid further loss of life, prevent any escalation, discourage recourse to violence and not exploit the demonstrations for other means.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“Ms. Adamson: The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory continues to deteriorate and the prospect ofa two-State solution for Israel and Palestine continues to be dismantled piece by piece, as mentioned by High Representative Federica Mogherini at the third Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean in Barcelona on 8 October. The European Union (EU) is deeply concerned by the situation in Gaza. Gaza is home to 2 million people who struggle to access basic services, sufficient water and electricity supplies. In the past few weeks, as living conditions continue to worsen, the ongoing protests and violence at the Gaza border fence, fuelled by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, have intensified and expanded in nature. They have further worsened the already volatile situation in and around the Gaza Strip.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“Yet political purpose and the building of effective and lasting peace should always remain the main objective. Lastly, it is also a way to respect the legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to defending peace and human rights. Among them, Kofi Annan was a prime figure, whose legacy should inspire us all. As he once stated, we have the means and the capacity to deal with our problems, if only we can find the political will. The Council's mandate is to maintain peace and security. Enhancing our action in conflict prevention and mediation is not an option for peace, it is a necessity.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“By bringing those actors together, we made progress towards achieving a common vision for the peace process. Such coordinated support is essential for bringing about peace in the Central African Republic, and we invite all actors to join those efforts. Today, we have the technical means to better support mediation. The missing ingredient, which we now need, is political support. That is where the Council can play a crucial role. It is our collective responsibility. The EU is ready to play its part. When the EU engages in a peace process, it is a sustainable, long-term, and comprehensive commitment that stands together with and respects United Nations values. The EU can mobilize a number of tools, from peace operations to development assistance.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Together with the United Nations, EU will be soon organizing a retreat on mediation structures in regional and international organizations to further improve our engagement. Working together has practical benefits. In the Central African Republic, we supported a capacity-building and strategy retreat of the African Initiative Panel involving not only the Government of the Central African Republic, but also the AU, the United Nations, the Economic Community of Central African States, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and countries of the region, as well as non-governmental agencies, such as the Community of Sant'Egidio, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Together with the United Nations, we have worked on insider mediators supporting local-level initiatives. Also, the inclusion of women and youth is not an option, but an imperative. We cannot reach sustainable agreements when only half the population is involved. The EU has worked to make a difference on the ground, such as in Syria, for example. The inclusion of youth is another precondition for achieving sustainable results in peace processes. EU High Representative Mogherini has identified creating open spaces for young people and promoting funding for youth work at all levels as important steps in order to harness the positive potential of youth-led peace initiatives, while also reaching out to marginalized young people.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“The recent joint report between the United Nations and the World Bank, Pathways for Peace, made a convincing business case for conflict prevention. Scaling up preventive action could save up to $70 billion a year. We need to take the next step in conflict prevention and mediation. Early warning needs to be matched with early action. The earlier we make use of mediation and mediation support, as the Secretary-General has encouraged in his report (A/72/115) to the General Assembly, the better. The Council can be a powerful force to resort to mediation early on, and should place preventive mediation at its heart. From the highest levels to the local actors, peace processes are more than reaching an agreement with those who hold apparent power or guns. To sustain an agreement, we have to involve elites and local levels alike.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“I would like to pay tribute to the United Nations Secretariat and the establishment of the Mediation Support Unit 10 years ago, providing discreet yet crucial policy and operational support. The EU is a proud supporter of the Mediation Support Unit. We command its work and we hope it will be further strengthened. Our Service for Foreign Policy Instruments has provided approximately â‚¬15 million for United Nations mediation projects worldwide over the past few years. With the number ofconflicts on the rise, their nature changing and tensions in our societies increasing, it is necessary to redouble our commitment to mediation and conflict prevention. As we look at the Council's agenda and beyond, we should collectively do more, better and earlier.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“He also launched several initiatives and introduced innovations in the field of mediation. We strongly agree with his vision and commend his commitment. The High-level Advisory Board on Mediation is, for example, an important addition to the United Nations toolbox. Over the past years, there has been important progress in professionalizing mediation support. That is in part thanks to the Groups of Friends, led by Finland and Turkey. At their initiative, the Secretary-General issued his Guidance for Effective Mediation, which provides principles for managing peace processes. That is a concrete achievement that sets a standard for mediation engagements. The United Nations has been at the forefront of those efforts.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“In the 2009 Concept on Strengthening EU Capacities, our member States have given a strong mandate to promote, leverage, support and fund mediation and dialogue efforts. The EU is today engaged in some 40 mediation or dialogue processes worldwide. Sometimes, the EU is in a leading and visible role, such as facilitating the Belgrade and Pristina dialogue, and sometimes discretely, such as in reaching the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran. The EU is ready to do more. We are currently further strengthening our capacities and structures for mediation and dialogue support. We look forward to increasing joint initiatives with our partners, including enhancing dialogues with the United Nations and the African Union (AU). In this Chamber, the Secretary-General stated that prevention is not a priority, but the priority.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Ms. Adamson: We commend you, Mr. President, for convening this timely open debate. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this statement. Promoting international peace and security is part of the European Union's (EU) raison d'etre, and is at the core of our international engagement. The Treaty of the EU guides the EU structures to "preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security". While the EU has a long history in promoting and exercising peace, the EU Global Strategy recently set conflict prevention as our top priority, thereby further enhancing our engagement for a more integrated approach to preventing and resolving conflicts.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Protests should remain peaceful, and Iraqi security forces must exercise maximum restraint. We would like to signal our offer to hold a side event on Iraq at the Assembly's seventy-third session as a follow-up to the International Conference for Reconstruction of Iraq, held in February in Kuwait. Iraq has the potential to become a success story in the region for its post-Da'esh transition, ongoing stabilization and democratic consolidation. However, as we are currently seeing, Iraq still faces major challenges entailing important risks.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“10, adopted by the Syrian regime, may have for the future return of Syrian internationally displaced persons and refugees. That law may also contribute to a change in the social, political, economic and sectarian landscape of Syria. The EU intends to host a high-level event on Syria at the seventy-third session of the General Assembly to reaffirm its strong commitment to a political solution to the Syria conflict and to sustaining international engagement to address the humanitarian and resilience needs of people inside Syria and in the region through the pledges made at the two Brussels conferences. Finally, I would like to comment on Iraq. The EU has been following closely the popular protests in Iraq. The right of citizens to assemble freely and protest is fundamental. Citizens' unhindered access to information must be guaranteed.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Accountability for war crimes will remain a high priority for the EU, and we will continue to support the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, as well as other organizations contributing to its efforts. In that context, the EU welcomes the adoption, at the Special Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention held on 27 June, of a decision condemning the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime and by Da'esh, and mandating the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to identify those responsible for chemical weapons attacks in Syria. The EU is concerned about the potential consequences that Law No.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“The EU also deplores the Russian-backed regime offensive in south-west Syria, which has again led to widespread displacement. The EU calls upon all parties to the conflict, especially the regime and its allies, to implement a cessation of hostilities to enable the safe, unimpeded and sustained delivery of aid consistent with applicable international law, as demanded in Security Council resolution 2401 (2018). The EU calls on all parties to respect the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as to allow the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force to properly fulfil its mandate and ensure the safety and security of its peacekeeping personnel.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Any alternative would play into the hands of extremists and potentially cause unrest and instability throughout the region. The EU reiterates that there can be no military solution to the Syrian conflict. We repeat that Syria needs a political solution and a political transition in line with resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex). Yet the Syrian regime, supported by its allies Russia and Iran, has intensified its military operations without regard for civilian casualties and has continued its violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The EU deplores the repeated violations of de-escalation agreements and urges the Astana guarantors - Russia, Iran and Turkey - to ensure the cessation of hostilities and unhindered, safe and sustainable humanitarian access throughout all of Syria.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“More generally, the EU reiterates its strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions. Settlements are illegal under international law. They constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-State solution impossible. The status of Jerusalem is a final status issue. The aspirations ofboth parties for Jerusalem must be fulfilled, and a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both States. There is pressing need for a political horizon to be restored. This is why the EU and its members States in past months have been so vocal in reconfirming their united, consolidated position in support for the two- State solution, with Jerusalem as the future capital of both States. We simply do not see any other viable option.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“That is why it has launched a review of the modalities for the EU engagement on the ground, to make sure that all the financial support and other policy activities of the EU have an impact in the achievement of the political goal of the two States without reducing the level of funding. Beyond Gaza, we cannot ignore the continued demolition of Palestinian property by the Israeli authorities. As High Representative Mogherini made clear last week, those issues have our full attention, in particular the pending demolition of the Palestinian village othan Al-Ahmar located in a sensitive location in Area C. Its demolition and displacement would severely threaten the viability of the two-State solution and undermine prospects for peace. The EU expects the Israeli authorities to reconsider their decision.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Finally, serious efforts must be made towards a resumption of meaningful negotiations aimed at a two- State solution, based on the 1967 borders, that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation and resolves all final status issues in order to end the conflict. The EU stands ready to contribute to those efforts. Our intention is to continue to work with our partners, the Israelis and the Palestinians; with regional actors, such as Jordan and Egypt; and with our partners within the Middle East Quartet to that end. The EU is committed to ensuring that all its instruments continue to best serve its policies.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“While addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns, the EU calls for an end of the closure and a full opening of the crossing points in order to reinvigorate the Gazan economy. The international community should continue to support the Special Coordinator's proposals to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Current efforts under Egyptian auspices to reunite Gaza and the West Bank under one single and legitimate Palestinian Authority through progress in the intra-Palestinian reconciliation must also be supported by the international community. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East must remain able to carry out its important function and services with the international community stepping up its support and its financial commitment to plug the funding gap.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Equally, Israel should reverse its punitive measures and work with the international community to ease conditions in Gaza, including opening movement and access for all humanitarian actors. In order to prevent further escalation of violence, we strongly urge all relevant parties to respect international law, de-escalate tensions, exercise restraint and prevent incidents that couldjeopardize the lives of Palestinians and Israelis. We welcome the truce and the planned reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing. The EU fully supports the efforts by Special Coordinator Mladenov, in close relation with the Palestinian Authority, to enhance United Nations capacity in Gaza to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and reduce tensions. But to prevent the crisis from worsening, further action is needed. Five steps are urgent and necessary.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“In past weeks, we have seen multiple rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, followed by Israeli air strikes on targets in Gaza. The incendiary kites and balloons that have been launched from Gaza for over a hundred days must stop. The response by Israeli security forces, often using live ammunition, resulted in over 135 Palestinian fatalities, including minors, journalists and a health worker. More than 14,000 were injured, which put a massive strain on the Gaza health sector. The European Union (EU) urged Israel to refrain from the excessive use of force against unarmed civilians when protecting its legitimate security interests. The use of force must be proportionate at all times.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Ms. Adamson: The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Liechtenstein align themselves with this statement. The situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate. The Gaza Strip has been like a pressure cooker for some time and is on the verge of explosion. Two million people have limited access to basic services and shrinking hopes that their own lives and the lives of their children can be improved. That is the backdrop to tensions, which have escalated in past months. Since the end of March, we have seen protests and violence at the Gaza border fence. Continued provocation and unacceptable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad represent a real and concerning threat, with communities in southern Israel paying the consequences.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Finally, peacekeeping missions can play a pivotal role by having the protection of civilians at the core of their mandates, in line with the Kigali Principles. In that regard, we must seek a better definition of possible political strategies for the protection of civilians that can help to improve implementation on the field, as well as in the framework of the reform of the peace and security architecture envisaged by the Secretary- General and its focus on prevention. In addition, Member States should strive to improve the gender balance in all components of peacekeeping operations in order to achieve more equitable gender representation and to improve the capacity of missions in reaching all segments of the civilian population.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Fourthly, and related to my last point, the EU remains concerned about the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, including those providing of medical services in conflict. As facilitator ofthe General Assembly resolution on this topic (General Assembly resolution 72/131), we work tirelessly to strengthen the protection of those who risk their lives on a daily basis to help others, including national staff. We are also fully committed to the continued implementation of resolution 2286 (2016), adopted by the Council two years ago, and urge other States to join us in this effort. Principled humanitarian action, including the provision of medical services to the wounded and the sick, defines our humanity and must remain an undisputed priority.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“The EU condemns, in the strongest terms, the use of siege and starvation tactics as a method of war. Politics have no role to play in the delivery oflife-saving assistance. The EU also opposes bureaucratic impediments, including delays in permits or visas, that challenge effective humanitarian action. Lastly, mindful of States' legitimate security concerns, we oppose the criminalization of principled humanitarian activities under the pretext of countering terrorism. Therefore, under the March 2017 European Union directive on combating terrorism, the provision of humanitarian assistance by impartial humanitarian organizations recognized under international law does not fall within the scope of that directive.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“The victims - women and girls, men and boys - are often those already belonging to the most vulnerable groups. It is therefore absolutely imperative that a gender perspective be incorporated in protection efforts, including humanitarian action. To that end, the EU and its member States remain committed to, among other initiatives, the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-based Violence in Emergencies. We encourage partners to urgently implement their commitments. Thirdly, the year 2017 served as a sombre reminder of the crucial link between the protection of civilians and humanitarian access - and more often the lack thereof. Widespread and persistent constraints on the delivery of humanitarian aid prevented millions of civilians across the world from meeting their most basic needs.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“We are morally obliged to bring perpetrators of crimes to justice, especially those who commit the most flagrant violations of international law. Within the EU, there has been an increasing number of prosecutions under national legislation against those who breach the norms of international humanitarian law. The EU maintains strong support for international justice and accountability, including the work of the International Criminal Court, and urges all States members of the United Nations to do the same. Let us bridge the gap between what is being said in the Council and everyday practice. Secondly, as noted in the Secretary-General's report, sexual and gender-based violence continues to be employed as a tactic of war, terrorism, torture and repression. It is a common and alarming trend across various and otherwise diverse crises.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Only a few days ago, the Security Council, together with numerous Member States, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding and respecting international law (see S/PV.8262). Notwithstanding that, civilian populations continue to bear the brunt of armed conflicts across the globe - whether it be as victims of deliberate or indiscriminate attacks, such as those suffering from the reverberating and long-term effects of urban warfare or those forcibly displaced from their homes. It is our collective responsibility to ensure respect for international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, and to hold those who violate it accountable. It needs to be said openly that civilian victims of unimaginable atrocities need elementary satisfaction of the sense ofjustice.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Every day, news reports remind us that civilians - including women, children and persons with disabilities - disproportionately suffer the consequences of conflict and instability. Schools and hospitals are regularly attacked, with negative effects also on the fulfilment of the right to education and the possibility for children to pursue a better future. That was a worrying trend throughout 2017, which unfortunately has continued in the first months of 2018. I would like to address four areas that are of particular concern to us and where the EU and its member States have taken steps to advance protection efforts: respect for international law; preventing gender-based violence; reducing restrictions on humanitarian access and protection of medical and humanitarian personnel.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Ms. Adamson: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I would like to thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, the Secretary-General and the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their speeches. The protection of civilians remains of the utmost concern for the EU and its member States, and we welcome this opportunity to speak today. We also welcome the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/462), along with the practical recommendations contained therein. One does not need to look to official documents or reports to be made aware that we are facing a protection crisis.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“By addressing situations earlier and in a more coherent, integrated manner, and by mobilizing the entire toolbox at our disposal, we can help transform our approach to conflicts and crises and thereby further empower the Security Council in fulfilling its core mandate. The EU and its States members stand ready to assist the United Nations and the Council in that process.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“We also believe that when the Security Council makes a referral to the ICC, the Council should demonstrate support for it in instances of non-cooperation with the Court by States and consistently and rigorously apply its own guidelines on contacts with persons who are the subject of arrest warrants and summonses. Looking ahead towards the twentieth anniversary of the Rome Statute, we would like to note the activation of the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over the crime of aggression as of 17 July. Lastly, in a world faced with increasing and complex challenges to international peace and security, our working methods need to evolve accordingly.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“With regard to the issue of accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, the EU believes in strengthening international courts, tribunals and mechanisms that serve that purpose and promote the rule of law, especially in conflict and post-conflict situations. In our view, peace and justice must go hand in hand. We are of the opinion that the Security Council's inability to take action regarding situations such as that in Syria, including referring them to the International Criminal Court (ICC), seriously undermines the credibility and legitimacy of the United Nations. The EU and its States members have from the beginning supported the International Criminal Court. We encourage the broadest acceptance ofitsjurisdiction.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“The EU urges the Secretary-General, in accordance with resolution 1904 (2009), to swiftly appoint an Ombudsperson for the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, a post that has been vacant for more than nine months. We would also like to stress the importance of ensuring respect for international law, including humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law, as a fundamental basis of the struggle against terrorism. Respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, and efforts to counter terrorism, are mutually reinforcing objectives.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“With regard to the most effective responses to flagrant violations of international law concerning international peace and security, the EU and its States members stress the importance of complying with the Charter and United Nations resolutions adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter. The Security Council has a duty to act, when necessary, to restore international peace and security, which it has sadly failed to do in certain situations. We are of the View that, as applicable, the Council should be more systematic in including in its relevant resolutions, including those imposing targeted sanctions, language regarding respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law. With regard to listing and delisting decisions, fair and clear procedures are important.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source