YouSaid · the spoken record

Agyeman

lines on the record: 1,567
first: 2022-01-05
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 204
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

“As the Security Council, we have an enduring responsibility to end the present conflict, bring the parties to the table of dialogue and help deliver a secure and assured statehood for both Israel and Palestine, sooner rather than later. The peace process must also resume in earnest, without preconditions and with a clear and definite horizon.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“At this crucial time, every voice of moderation and positive influence on the parties to help de-escalate the conflict and prevent its further spread in the region is needed. In that context, it is also important for the Palestinian Liberation Organization, as the recognized representative of all of the Palestinian people, to activate its institutional authority in reinvigorating inclusive and accountable governance across the occupied territory of Palestine. Ghana believes that what is required is a deepened commitment to a negotiated two-State solution, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the shared capital.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“We are equally concerned about the actions of Palestinian armed groups that are threatening the security of Israel, including through the continuous firing of rockets into Israel and attacks against innocent Israeli citizens. We demand that all such actions and the opening of new front lines by Hamas, as well as cross- border incidents across the Blue Line and within the wider region should stop. The war must indeed stop, and it must stop now. As we have stated previously, urgent efforts must be made by both sides, supported by the international community, to stop the present war, address the root causes of the conflict, promote dialogue and find a peaceful resolution that ensures security, justice and self-determination.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“Like all other countries, Ghana is worried about the forced displacement of the civilian population in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, resulting from the activities of nationalist settlers and Israeli security operations. The creation of illegal outposts and the demolition and seizure of Palestinian- owned structures do not only serve to stoke tensions and deepen mistrust, but also diminish the prospects for sustainable peace in the Middle East. We urge Israel to enhance its investigations against nationalist crimes and to make the necessary administrative orders that would reduce the access of Israeli settlers and the consequential violence that it generates.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“We reiterate the demands of resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023) for all parties to the conflict to comply with international law, including as it relates to their conduct of hostilities and the protection of civilians and civilian objects, especially critical infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. Based on the expanding situation on the ground, we are compelled to reiterate our call for practical and urgent steps on the part of the parties to the conflict to protect civilians on both sides, including by taking constant care to spare them in military operations, as required by the principles of international humanitarian law governing the use of force in armed conflict.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“Even as the Council meets, families in the region and beyond are in anguish. The fate of loved ones still held captive by Hamas remains uncertain, and more than 21,000 civilians — mainly women and children — have been reported killed in the Gaza Strip, in addition to those killed on 7 October in Israel. With the grave situation in Gaza threatening even more lives, time is running out to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. We therefore welcome the Secretary-General’s expeditious appointment of Sigrid Kaag as the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator and encourage her efforts, as mandated by the Council in resolution 2720 (2023), paragraph 4. We consider the success of the Senior Coordinator as critical for the intermediate goals that support the overall peace objectives for Palestine and urge the cooperation and support of all.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari and the other two briefers for their perspectives on the precarious and volatile security situation prevailing across the Middle East against the backdrop of the war in the Gaza Strip that has been ongoing since the horrific attacks of 7 October. We have also listened carefully to the representatives of the Observer State of Palestine and the State of Israel and note their perspectives. In ordinary times, the end of the year should be a time of deep reflection and a period for renewing optimism and hope for the future. As it relates to Palestine, however, the unfolding events, including the growing risk of a regional spillover, have obscured the prospects for durable and sustainable peace and diminished the horizon for a viable pathway away from the brutality of war.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“We stand ready to work with all Member States and the Afghan people to usher in a new chapter of resilience and renewal for Afghanistan.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9521 (2023) · source
“The road ahead for Afghanistan is fraught with challenges but it is a road that we must traverse with Afghans, while demonstrating our resolve, commitment and unequivocal support that the rights, hopes and dreams of the Afghan people cannot and must not be ignored. As we look forward to a future of renewed engagement with Afghanistan, we hope that the recommendations of the independent strategic assessment will help us move our actions from the shadows of pessimism towards a shared humanity and responsibility for an Afghanistan in which peace is enduring, development is sustainable, governance is inclusive and every woman, man and child can live with dignity and hope. It is in that spirit of optimism and a sense of duty that the A3 voted in favour of the resolution.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9521 (2023) · source
“We also encourage the convening of Special Envoys and representatives on Afghanistan, which will present an invaluable opportunity to deliberate on the recommendations stemming from the independent assessment (see S/2023/856). During the envisaged international meeting, the A3 encourages frank and robust discussions that will lead to pragmatic actions for increased international engagement, coherent and coordinated efforts and actionable steps to ameliorate the humanitarian, political and security situation on the ground. With respect to the role of UNAMA, the A3 reaffirms support for its mandate and ongoing efforts.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9521 (2023) · source
“Today, as we reaffirm our commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan, the A3’s vote in favour of this resolution underscores our dedication to fostering a peaceful, stable, prosperous and inclusive future for all Afghans. The resolution just adopted is not merely procedural, but also touches on several critical areas of concern. In that regard, we call on the Taliban to reverse their discriminatory policies towards Afghan women and girls. They must act to immediately restore the rights of all Afghans to education and employment — rights that are enshrined under international law and critical for Afghanistan’s full integration into the international community.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9521 (2023) · source
“On behalf of the three African members of the Security Council — Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique (A3) — I express appreciation to Japan and the United Arab Emirates for their efforts, which culminated in the adoption of resolution 2721 (2023). The common resolve of the Council in addressing the concerning situation in Afghanistan has been reflected in our emphasis on the indispensable role of women, the pivotal function of the International Contact Group and the unique contribution a Special Envoy of the Secretary-General could make in complementing the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9521 (2023) · source
“Finally, we express the hope that the implementation of the resolution just adopted will be done in good faith to save human lives in both the Gaza Strip and Israel, and we view the appointment by the Secretary-General of a representative in that regard as important. May the coming year open new paths of opportunity to resolve this decades-long conflict.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9520 (2023) · source
“As these will be Ghana’s final remarks on this subject during our present membership of the Security Council, we urge the Council not to lose sight of its historical responsibility for the implementation of the two-State solution, even in this the darkest of moments. We believe, as we have often stated, that the two-State solution, on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as a shared capital, is the key to the resolution of the instability in the Middle East. In that regard, the renewal of the political horizon should be a commitment from which the Council should not waver.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9520 (2023) · source
“As the resolution we have adopted rightly emphasizes, all parties to the conflict have an obligation to comply with international law, in particular as it impacts the protection of civilians and their well-being. The need to fully respect United Nations premises, personnel and assets also cannot be overemphasized. We welcome the decision to open the Kerem Shalom border crossing to enhance the delivery of humanitarian assistance and call for the easing of all rigid procedures to speed up the delivery of humanitarian assistance. We also reiterate the call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9520 (2023) · source
“Let me begin by commending the United Arab Emirates for all the efforts it has put into resolution 2720 (2023) to enable the Security Council to obtain an outcome that we hope will scale up the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. While we believe it is time for the hostilities to end and for dialogue and diplomacy to be given a chance, Ghana voted in favour of resolution 2720 (2023) because with so many lives lost — mostly of women and children — and with many more on the verge of starvation, famine and pestilence, it is imperative that we take every opportunity that can help to save lives, facilitate humanitarian access and delivery to the millions of civilians in Gaza and address the deteriorating humanitarian conditions on the ground.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9520 (2023) · source
“Since this is the last open meeting of the Security Council, we take this opportunity to congratulate Ecuador on its successful presidency.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source
“We cannot do that without our common commitment to the promotion of strict adherence of the international instruments that prohibit the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances. In that regard, as the A3, and with our Permanent Representation on the Council, we will continue to support the efforts by the OPCW to resolve professionally the Syrian chemical weapons programme. We urge all stakeholders to show their full commitment in resolving all outstanding issues to remove lingering doubts over the production and possible use of chemical weapons in Syria. We underscore the need for a definite closure of the issues pertaining to the Syrian chemical weapons programme and reaffirm our continued support for resolution 2118 (2013).”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source
“We urge the two sides to reconcile their differences in a mutual and timely manner to move the processes forward. We also encourage the Syrian Arab Republic to fulfil its obligations in line with resolution 2118 (2013) and the Chemical Weapons Convention. Considering the multiplicity of crises facing the Syrian Arab Republic, we believe that the prompt and satisfactory resolution of the country’s chemical weapons programme can help redirect international efforts towards the resolution of the political and humanitarian problems confronting the Syrian people. The grave and serious threat that chemical weapons pose to international peace and security means that we all, the international community, must live up to our responsibility to protect humankind from those weapons.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source
“We also renew our steadfast support for the work of the OPCW as the main body responsible for ensuring the complete and verified elimination of the chemical weapons programme in Syria. As we await the outcome of the twenty-fifth round of consultations held between the Syrian Arab Republic and the Declaration Assessment Team in early November 2023, it is our hope that a new chapter of constructive cooperation between the two sides has been opened to help foster the needed momentum and speed up the process towards addressing all outstanding issues in line with resolution 2118 (2013). The A3 urges the two sides to use the recent encouraging development as new impetus in reversing the slow pace of progress in order to confirm without further delay the complete and verifiable elimination of all of Syria’s chemical weapons programme.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this joint statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3). We thank Mr. Adedeji Ebo, Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, for his briefing and welcome the participation of the representatives of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Türkiye in this meeting. We welcome the 122nd monthly report of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (see S/2023/920) and the submission of the 119th report of the Syrian Arab Republic. At the outset, the A3 reiterates its unwavering commitment to the principles and norms established against the use of chemical weapons and reaffirms its support for all efforts aimed at eliminating their production, storage or use.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source
“We thank all delegations for working constructively with the A3 to reach where we are and count on their continued support to get this draft resolution through in the interest of the millions across the continent of Africa who continue to suffer the undignified conditions that conflict brings. We thank all the co-sponsors of our draft resolution who have believed in this cause. We believe that the United Nations support for enforcement operations led by the African Union brings enormous benefits to all of us and serves the interests of global peace and security. We urge members to support this draft resolution.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“When adopted, the framework draft resolution would enable the African Union to request, on a case-by-case basis, the authorization of mandates with United Nations assessed contributions to resolve conflicts on the continent. In getting to this point, we have been faithful to the common African position, also known as the AU consensus paper on the financing of African Union peace support operations, and we have been responsive to the Secretary-General’s numerous appeals, including in his report of May 2023 (S/2023/303) and the relevant aspects of his policy brief on the New Agenda for Peace.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“Driven by the ambition of the African Union to work closely with the United Nations, and in particular the Security Council, to silence the guns over the continent, we have an opportunity today, through the draft resolution that has been presented by Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique (S/2023/999), to address the question of adequate, predictable and sustainable financing, which has been the bane of African Union peace support operations, away from the ad hoc arrangements that have so far existed. The draft resolution that the three African members of the Council (A3) have presented is a framework draft resolution that sets out, in clear and simple terms, the commitments of the African Union in complying with expected standards, the decision-making process, the financial arrangements and the oversight and reporting requirements.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“While acknowledging the critical role United Nations peacekeeping has played in stabilizing several parts of the continent of Africa, the evolving nature of threats on the continent and the increasing complexities of the peacekeeping environment have served to underscore the need to look beyond traditional peacekeeping and deploy other tools as envisaged in Chapters VII and VIII of the Charter, and in a manner that enhances the complementarity of the tools available to the Security Council in addressing the protracted conflicts on the continent of Africa.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“Indeed, through the experiences of UNAMID and in the evolution of the African Union Mission in Somalia to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia since 2007, we have also seen a strengthened and coordinated approach to sustaining peace and security on the continent, in reflection of the true intent of the partnership envisioned with regional arrangements under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“In the aftermath of the situation in Somalia and Rwanda in the early 1990s, and particularly since the United Nations and the African Union (AU) partnered to establish the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) in 2007, both organizations have learned useful lessons, including about the growing recognition that each organization has its unique strengths and brings to the table comparative advantages that help the Security Council to fulfil its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, especially as it relates to the continent of Africa.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“In December 1981, then President Daniel Arap-Moi of Kenya, in his capacity as the Chair of the Organization of African Unity, wrote to the Security Council for resources to enable a pan- African peacekeeping force to be deployed to help stop the fighting in Chad. Regrettably, that support was never given and the conflict in Chad ran its course, with many lives lost.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“Even as the term of Ghana and Gabon on the Council ends, we assure the people of Syria of our continuing solidarity with them in their quest for peace and security.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“We therefore call for broad consensus behind the proposals of the Special Envoy for prompt resumption of the meetings of the Committee, without further delay. The A3 welcomes the report (A/78/627) of the Secretary-General on the implementation of General Assembly resolution 77/301, on the establishment of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic. We call for the full cooperation of all stakeholders to help address the plight of the detained and missing. The families of the victims deserve to know the fate of their loved ones. In conclusion, the A3 reiterate its collective call for a nationwide ceasefire and the immediate resumption of negotiations among the parties towards a political settlement that brings comprehensive and lasting peace and stability to Syria in line with resolution 2254 (2015).”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“The most workable solution to the conflict remains a Syrian-led and-owned inclusive political process undertaken with the support of the international community, under the auspices of the United Nations. In that regard, the role of the Special Envoy Geir Pedersen remains critical if the political process is to crystallize into a tangible outcome that brings respite and restore the hopes of all Syrians. Genuine commitment to the peace process and the parties’ support for the Special Envoy’s efforts, including the step-for-step confidence-building measures, will go a long way to ensure a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Reconvening the small body of the Constitutional Committee, with the active participation of all parties, will give impetus to the political process.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Instead, Syria is still marked by political instability and violence, with devastating consequences for civilians’ lives and well-being. Rising military hostilities in the country in recent times, without regard to safeguarding civilian lives, is deepening the crisis. We remind the parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. All parties must exercise maximum restraint and take proactive steps towards de-escalation. The parties involved must remember that no group can win in the midst of such constant bloodshed. A nationwide ceasefire remains a sine qua non for the start of the political process in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015).”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Given the substantial number of beneficiaries of the cross-border aid delivery mechanism, the A3 urge the Syrian national Government to renew the authorization for the use of the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing before its expiration in January 2024. That is vital to maintain an uninterrupted supply of life-saving assistance in the area. Despite the broader scope of that delivery system, the A3 is of the view that aid distribution across the front lines is equally important and should be expanded to complement the cross-border supplies. It is regrettable that the political situation in Syria continues to deteriorate notwithstanding international and regional efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict. The Arab Spring, which renewed hope of a new dawn of democracy in Syria, has failed to deliver on the aspirations of the youth.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Amid this unending crisis, funding shortages persist, with this year’s humanitarian response plan funded to only 33 per cent, the lowest contributions on record in the past three years. The low funding has constrained aid agencies’ ability to provide the needed support to vulnerable populations. We reiterate our appeal to the international community to support the humanitarian cause in the country in order to ease human suffering in the country. In view of the dire nature of the humanitarian situation, the A3 pledges its full support for any mode of aid delivery that helps the most vulnerable people. We urge the parties to collaborate closely with the United Nations to create a safe and secure environment for unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid through all modalities.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Added to the economic challenges, cuts to humanitarian support due to funding shortfalls and the wanton destruction of agricultural infrastructure resulting from the prolonged conflict have created a crisis within a crisis. The upsurge in violence in parts of the country has worsened the protection concerns, as thousands of civilians remain displaced and are unable to safely and voluntarily return to their homes. Women and girls have been particularly vulnerable under such circumstances, as they are exposed to gender-based violence in displacement camps. Consequently, the daily lives of Syrian women and girls are marred by gender- based violence and early and forced marriage and characterized by limited opportunities and resources.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this joint statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3). We thank Special Envoy Geir Pederson and Director Lisa Doughten for their briefings and welcome the participation of the representatives of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Türkiye in this meeting. The humanitarian crisis in Syria has continued to maintain its downward trajectory, with an overwhelming number of Syrians requiring various forms of assistance. As we heard again today, unfortunately, children and displaced people are bearing the brunt of the country’s acute and rising food security crisis. At the same time, necessities such as water and electricity are in short supply, with millions having to live without them.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“We acknowledge the disproportionate impact of armed conflict on women and girls and support the Security Council’s ongoing commitment to integrating the perspective of women and girls, as well as young people, into decision-making processes, including through the promotion of women’s participation in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and disarmament. Finally, as an outgoing member of the Council, Ghana encourages the Council, which bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, to make a more determined effort to address the trends in small arms and light weapons and their implications for the stability of our world. We must prioritize prevention and reinforce actions that minimize the human cost associated with the use of these weapons and their misuse.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“Meanwhile, we believe in the continued importance of the existing measures in place to ensure the comprehensive data capture of crimes and activities related to conventional weapons. The Council must identify new ways to consider information that it may receive on the proliferation of small arms and ammunition from peacekeeping missions and other entities in the field, beyond those that are considered within the context of the existing Sanctions Committees. We encourage the Council’s further efforts to transform gendered power dynamics in the peace and security arena and to support initiatives that empower women in conflict-affected areas.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“We believe that platform will help address the current gaps in the area and foster responsible and effective ammunition management. Thirdly, while the Council’s imposition of sanctions on entities violating arms embargoes is crucial in curtailing the illicit flow of weapons to conflict zones, a nuanced approach is always necessary to enhance the effectiveness of such sanctions. An effective approach should be aimed at avoiding the undermining influence that arms embargoes have on legitimate State defence efforts and should focus instead on the armed groups, individuals and entities that exploit clandestine trade channels and profit from conflict. It must also seek to ensure that the effects of sanctions extend to those responsible for manufacturing such tools of violence, holding them accountable for the trade in and use of such weapons.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“As we note the impact on risk mitigation of international cooperation, we also want to highlight the positive impact of regional mechanisms such as the Economic Community of West African States Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Their Ammunition and Other Related Materials, the Nairobi Protocol and the Southern African Development Community Firearms Protocol, which seek to ensure transparency in arms transfers and have played an essential role in combating their diversion and preventing their unauthorized acquisition, including by terrorist groups. It was in that regard that we welcomed the agreement reached by the Open-ended Working Group on Conventional Ammunition, within the context of the First Committee of the General Assembly, to establish the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“The Council should encourage the reinforcement of international cooperation under the rubric of prevention, including through intelligence-sharing and capacity-building initiatives, to help disrupt the growing symbiotic linkages between the proliferation of small arms and other malignant activities.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“For many around the world, it is difficult to comprehend how arms-producing States fail to see the connection between their failures of control and the consequences of that failure for other parts of the world in the form of violent conflicts and instability. Affirming the responsibility of major manufacturers and exporters is therefore essential to fostering a collective commitment on the matter. Secondly, the Security Council must play the pivotal role that it is best placed to undertake in addressing the nexus between small arms and light weapons and organized crime and armed violence.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“A crucial aspect of the Council’s action should be aimed at strengthening advocacy and outreach on respect for the norms of export controls, which should be backed up by effective monitoring and enforcement, as required by international and regional instruments. In that context, the major arms exporters, most of which are permanent members of the Council, should be unalloyed in their commitment to mitigating the challenges associated with the proliferation of illicit arms. It is therefore regrettable that two of the five major arms-exporting countries have not fully committed to the Arms Trade Treaty.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“In today’s debate, Ghana’s statement will focus more narrowly on the African context, in recognition of the persistent resort to those tools of violence in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, and of Africa’s ambition to silence the guns on the continent by 2030. In addressing today’s topic, we will make three main points. First, it is important for the Security Council, through its convergent actions, to prioritize and reinforce compliance with the existing international instruments and treaties aimed at preventing the illicit acquisition, proliferation and misuse of conventional weapons in order to address the adverse consequences of small arms and light weapons.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“That underscores an alarming trend in the interconnected challenges of unregulated arms circulation and terrorism and the broader security concerns of the African continent. And while Africa has been a major victim of the conspiracy of small arms and light weapons, it has by no means been the only continent affected. In Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as in Asia, we have seen the devastating impact of the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons. We believe it is therefore time to hold all actors strictly accountable, not excluding manufacturers and traders, if we are to indeed preserve global peace.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“Besides being used by non-State armed actors and terrorist groups to enforce a reign of terror over huge segments of society, they have also been resorted to in the past by mercenaries and other actors working to overthrow Governments. Moreover, transnational criminal networks have relied on such weapons when stealing natural resources and protecting the benefits of their nefarious and transboundary criminal activities. All of that reinforces the drivers of instability in the States and regions affected and threatens international peace and security. As the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism reports, there was a troubling surge in terrorist activities between April and June of this year, with 809 recorded attacks — a 152 per cent increase over the previous year — resulting in 4,027 fatalities.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Ecuador for convening today’s open debate, which seeks to address the threats to international peace and security posed by the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons. We are grateful to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Under-Secretary-General Nakamitsu, for her briefing to the Council, and we thank Ms. Aptel and Ms. Mutota for their additional perspectives. While small arms and light weapons are necessary and even useful for legitimate law-enforcement activities and for the defence of territorial integrity, they have also been a source of great instability for many countries around the world, particularly those of us in Africa.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“I also want to use this opportunity to extend my deep appreciation to all the members of the Committee for their cooperation. I also seize this opportunity to extend to the incoming Chair of the Committee the greatest success in their upcoming role.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9508 (2023) · source
“Following the recent removal of all restrictions on the Central African Republic authorities, subsequent Chair visits could be used to sensitize the population of the Central African Republic to the new regime of measures and encourage concerted national efforts to end the reign of terror unleashed by armed groups. Based on my experience, I believe that media engagements by the Chair during their visits, including through the use of United Nations radio and press interviews, serve as an effective tool for public sensitization and education on the sanctions measures. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate Ghana’s support for the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013), concerning the Central African Republic, and its Panel of Experts.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9508 (2023) · source
“I affirm support for the Central African Republic as it carries out crucial security sector reforms and encourage it to continue developing its capacity for enhanced weapons and ammunition management practices, which will prevent arms from slipping into the hands of unauthorized armed groups. With respect to the importance of the Chair’s visit, let me reiterate that such visits to the Central African Republic and, when possible, to neighbouring countries are an effective tool to raise awareness on the purpose and scope of the sanctions measures in the Central African Republic.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9508 (2023) · source