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

“In July, the adoption of resolution 2693 (2023), which called for the total lifting of the arms embargo measures imposed on Central African security forces and civilian law enforcement institutions, in line with the wishes and aspirations of the Government and the people of the Central African Republic, as well as of the African Union and subregional organizations, marked an important turning point in the restoration of normalcy in the country. I believe that the removal of such restrictions will ensure that the authorities of the Central African Republic are better equipped to curb the destabilizing activities of armed groups and fulfil their responsibility to protect civilians.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9508 (2023) · source
“First, I remain concerned about the destabilizing activities of armed groups in the Central African Republic, which continue to deploy various forms of violent tactics against security officials and civilians alike, including summary killings, maiming, sexual violence and kidnapping, among other things. I am also deeply concerned about the incessant attempts, by both local and foreign armed militia groups, to covet the Central African Republic’s mineral resources, and stress the importance of designating individuals, groups and entities found culpable of illegally exploiting and trading in the country’s natural resources.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9508 (2023) · source
“I am particularly thankful that we were able to conduct that visit, which allowed me and the members of my delegation to engage with the authorities of the Central African Republic on very pertinent issues concerning the work of the Committee, prior to the adoption of resolution 2693 (2023), on 27 July, by which, among other things, the Security Council decided that the arms embargo no longer applied to the Government of the Central African Republic. I would now like to make some personal observations regarding the situation in the Central African Republic, the lifting of the notification requirement and the importance of the Chair’s visit.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9508 (2023) · source
“In that context, the fact that the Committee has not sanctioned any individual since December 2021, in my view, is not lost on those armed group leaders who are continuing to destabilize the Central African Republic. The Committee may need to agree upon new listing designations as soon as feasible. From 6 to 9 June, together with the majority of the members of the Committee, I had the opportunity to visit the Central African Republic.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9508 (2023) · source
“I regret that, to date, the hold has not been lifted. It is my fervent hope that the Panel will be established as soon as possible to provide much-needed information to the Committee in its work on the situation in the Central African Republic. In that context, I wish to point out that, while the Security Council had requested the Panel to provide the Council, after discussions by the Committee, with the requested midterm and final reports, the current hold will make it impossible for the Panel to complete that task of providing such information in a timely manner. Member States, including the Central African Republic and neighbouring States, cannot meet with the Committee and the Panel to discuss the midterm and final reports of the Panel. It will also be difficult for the Panel to submit former listing proposals.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9508 (2023) · source
“I regret that, during my chairmanship of the Committee, no consensus was found in terms of convening a briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, who had briefed the Committee on an annual basis from 2015 to 2021. Information conveyed during those briefings was extremely useful for Committee members. I hope that my successor will continue the practice of convening regular briefings by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and that the Committee will find consensus in terms of hearing similar briefings by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. On 9 August, the proposed slate of five experts to serve on the Panel was placed on hold in the Committee.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9508 (2023) · source
“The Committee met with representatives of the Central African Republic and States of the region, and also had briefings from the Panel of Experts, the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict and officials of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Discussions focused, inter alia, on the security situation in the Central African Republic, the activities of armed groups, the monitoring of the arms embargo and the management of weapons and ammunition, the illicit exploitation of natural resources and the situation of children in the Central African Republic. During the briefings to member States, invited States, including the Central African Republic, and States of the region, discussed with the Committee and the Panel of Experts the midterm and final reports of the Panel.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9508 (2023) · source
“Mr. Agyeman: For the past two years, I have had the honour and immense privilege of chairing the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013), concerning the Central African Republic, for which I brief this afternoon. I welcome the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the Committee’s activities in 2022 and 2023 and to share some personal observations. Before doing so, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Secretariat for the support provided over the course of the past two years. Since early 2022, the Committee has met on 15 occasions in various formats, including remotely during the coronavirus disease pandemic.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9508 (2023) · source
“Finally, we would like to join the Secretary-General in conveying our deep appreciation to the troop- and police-contributing countries, to Special Representative Haysom and to the uniformed and civilian personnel of UNMISS for continuing to work tirelessly towards the peace and stability of South Sudan. As we support their efforts, we also help to ensure the future contributions of South Sudan to a stable regional and international order and their role in global peace, security and sustainable development.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“We want to once again draw attention to the challenges presented by the implementation of the remaining benchmarks of the peace agreement and call on the Government of South Sudan and all political leaders to keep the overall interests of the people of their young country at the heart of their discussions and decisions, especially considering that only a few more months remain for the transition. We encourage the further efforts of the African Union, IGAD and the United Nations, as well as other bilateral and multilateral partners, including China, the troika countries and the IGAD Partners Forum, to continue to extend the necessary assistance and support for the activities of the oversight mechanisms. We urge the parties to make progress on the aspects of implementation that are lagging.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“Haysom for his series of diplomatic engagements with the countries of the African Union Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, which was appointed to deal with the situation in South Sudan. We share his vision that such initiatives can encourage regional support and international partnerships for South Sudan ahead of its first post- independence elections. The A3 welcomes the deployment to Malakal of 750 troops from the first phase of the necessary unified forces to beef up security in the Tonja area of Upper Nile state. We look forward to seeing the remaining forces deployed to Jonglei, Warrap and Bahr El Ghazal, among other areas.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“In that vein, it is gratifying that on 12 December the parties to the Revitalized Agreement announced that they had achieved tentative agreements on several critical aspects surrounding the conduct of the elections scheduled for December 2024 and had jointly signed a communiqué that urged the Transitional Government to urgently provide ample and adequate funding for the elections. However, we want to highlight South Sudan’s continuing need for international financial support to enable it to fully implement the Revitalized Agreement’s mechanism, owing to the damage done to its economy by prolonged floods resulting from climate change, as well as other intervening factors. We would also like to take this opportunity to commend Mr.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“With regard to the political situation in South Sudan, and while acknowledging that the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement has been slow, the A3 joins the African Union Mission in South Sudan, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in welcoming President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s proclamation on 3 November of decrees on the commencement of processes for reconstituting South Sudan’s National Constitutional Review Commission, National Elections Commission and Political Parties Council. We call on the parties to the Revitalized Agreement to engage in immediate dialogue to resolve the remaining outstanding issues, and on the Government of South Sudan to disburse the necessary resources to ensure the institutional readiness of the reconstituted entities.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“We condemn the deliberate acts of violence perpetrated against humanitarian workers in South Sudan and are deeply concerned about the high incidence of such attacks, which has led to the deaths of 28 aid workers and injuries to 44 others in 2023 alone. We are also concerned about the looting of humanitarian assets. The A3 calls for the perpetrators of those attacks to be held accountable, as it is unacceptable that humanitarian workers who make sacrifices to serve humankind under challenging circumstances should be subject to deliberate attacks. Such heinous acts are violations of international humanitarian law, and the necessary deterrence must be established through the delivery of full accountability and justice.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“In that regard, the A3 reiterates its appeal for the international donor community to honour its pledges and increase development assistance for the country. Significant international support is still required for the reforms that are badly needed to help diversify the country’s economy, promote agriculture and food security and enhance infrastructure development. We also encourage South Sudan to deepen its engagement with the Peacebuilding Commission. Mindful of the adverse impact of the conflict in the Sudan on the humanitarian situation, as well as the intercommunal violence in Jonglei and Warrap and some parts of Upper Nile state, we demand that the parties halt their hostilities and allow humanitarian agencies to deliver much-needed assistance.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“We reiterate our call on the parties to urgently resume talks under the facilitation of the Community of Sant’Egidio. The humanitarian situation in South Sudan continues to be a major concern for the A3. According to the 2023 South Sudan humanitarian response plan of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, about 9.4 million people, almost 76 per cent of the country’s population, required humanitarian assistance in 2023, including 2.2 million women and 4.9 million children. The shortage of funding for relief efforts, which has forced humanitarian agencies to prioritize the many needs to be met and in some cases to suspend some programmes, is exacerbating conditions on the ground. As of 19 November, South Sudan’s 2023 humanitarian response plan, which requires some $2.05 billion, was only 48.2 per cent funded.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“We call on the forces and armed groups involved to cease their hostilities immediately and to refrain from harming civilians, including internally displaced persons. The Agreement on Temporary Arrangements of 20 June 2011 called for the full demilitarization of the Abyei Area, and we reiterate that such acts of violence in the Area violate its demilitarized status. We call for the swift and full implementation of the demilitarized status without further delay. We implore all South Sudanese actors to remain committed to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, and we also call on the non-signatory parties to demonstrate their commitment to the peace and stability of South Sudan by refraining from actions that impede its implementation.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“Regarding the security situation, the A3 is gravely concerned about the continuing insecurity in parts of South Sudan and condemns the recent attacks and violence by armed elements in Upper Nile state, as well as the hostilities in Leer county in Unity state between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the main armed group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition. We call on the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism to work quickly to investigate those violations and make the necessary accountability recommendations. The A3 is also very distressed by the violence in Warrap state that claimed 75 lives in November and early this month in the southern Abyei Administrative Area, where 10 lives were lost.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3). At the outset, we would like to thank the Secretary- General for his report (S/2023/784) and to welcome the insightful briefing on the situation in South Sudan by the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for South Sudan, Mr. Nicholas Haysom. We also thank Ambassador Michel Xavier Biang, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan, for his report to the Council, and welcome the participation of the representative of South Sudan in this meeting. The A3’s statement today will focus on the security, humanitarian and political situations in South Sudan.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“To prevent the humanitarian assistance system from collapsing, it is imperative that the revised 2023 humanitarian response plan is adequately funded. The A3 echoes the Secretary-General’s appeal to international donors and partners to finance humanitarian intervention plans in the region, particularly in Chad, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In conclusion, we reiterate our support for Special Representative Abarry and his team and thank them for their tireless efforts on the ground.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“We also welcome the fact that such cooperation to combat cross-border threats is being strengthened at the level of regional offices and between subregional organizations such as the Economic Community of Central African States and the Economic Community of West African States. The humanitarian issue in Central Africa is still largely influenced by the conflict in the Sudan. Chad and the Central African Republic — two countries already weakened by internal crises — are bearing the humanitarian weight of that conflict. The number of people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance continues to grow, having increased from 6.9 million to 7.6 million, according to figures contained in the Secretary-General’s report.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“It should be remembered that, without adequate funding, the DDR processes that are so important for the stability of several countries in the region are often ineffective and contribute to the resurgence of even more serious crises. The A3 therefore invites all partners to continue their financial support to ensure that the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes set up in the region are completed properly and on time. The A3 also encourages the strengthening of cross- border cooperation between States in the region and beyond and recalls the example of the joint operations led by the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Uganda against cross-cutting threats.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“The A3 remains concerned by the continuing activities of armed groups in north-west and south-west Cameroon, who are multiplying their acts of barbarism against the population, particularly women and children, as well as attacking civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. The A3 strongly condemns those acts and calls on the armed groups to renounce violence and return to the process of disarmament and dialogue. We welcome the continuation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process in the Central African Republic, which is making a major contribution to easing tensions in the country. It is imperative that all armed groups join the process of disarmament and reintegration with a view to achieving lasting peace in the country.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“While it contributes only marginally to climate change, the region remains one of those most vulnerable to the consequences of climate disruption, particularly in terms of their peoples’ way of life. The recurrence of increasingly devastating floods, the longer duration of droughts and the historic shrink in the size of Lake Chad are perfect illustrations in that regard and contribute to the internal displacement of populations and tensions among communities. Climate change is therefore gradually becoming a key issue in terms of security in the region. We welcome the support provided by UNOCA, whose expertise in climate security is essential in strengthening peacebuilding in the region.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“We are encouraged by the announcement of the transition timetable and by the inclusiveness of the ongoing process of reforming the political system, which will be anchored by a national dialogue. At the regional level, the A3 welcomed the cooperation between the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, which enabled a joint assessment mission to be carried out in the areas of the two regions affected by the terrorist activities of Boko Haram. We also welcome regional cooperation on the important issue of climate change and its impact on security. From a security perspective, we are concerned about the impact of climate change on the Central African region.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“We also welcomed the signing of a reconciliation agreement for those exiled during the events of 20 October 2022, which facilitated the return of the opposition leader Succès Masra. The political progress made in Chad is all the more remarkable in that it comes at a time when the country has been significantly affected by the conflict in the Sudan. In Gabon, the A3 notes with satisfaction the initiatives taken by the transitional authorities to stabilize the country and ease political tensions, particularly the efforts to strengthen good governance, improve institutions and meet the social and economic challenges of our brother country. We also note the active dialogue between the President of the Transition and the countries of the region.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“We invite the international community generally and the Council, in particular, to consider those efforts and support the countries of the region in their quest for development and peace. The positive momentum of recent months has been marked by a maintenance of stability in countries facing major security, socioeconomic and political challenges. In that regard, we welcome the significant progress that has been made in the implementation of the Doha Peace Agreement, signed in August 2022 by Chadian stakeholders, especially through the signing of a decree establishing a National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, the adoption of a draft revised Constitution and the launch of a revised electoral list, in view of the constitutional referendum scheduled to take place this month.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the members of the three African members of the Security Council — Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique (A3). We welcome the Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/934) and thank Mr. Abdou Abarry, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), for his comprehensive briefing and relevant information on the situation in the region. At the political level, we are encouraged by the dynamic initiatives in several countries of the region that are essentially aimed at strengthening and restoring institutions, with a view to aligning with the aspirations of the populations.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“We also call on the parties to act to stop human rights violations, such as sexual exploitation and abuse, and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. Although the resolution did not address all our concerns, we voted in favour based on the considerations I mentioned, and especially in the interest of the people of the Sudan and that of lasting peace and security in our sisterly country. Finally, we wish to reiterate our call for non-interference in the Sudan by external parties and for all to respect the independence, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Sudan.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9492 (2023) · source
“We call on the parties in the Sudan to cooperate with the United Nations — especially the humanitarian agencies — following the exit of UNITAMS to deliver aid to those in need. The A3 underscores the importance of diplomacy in that context, encourages the Secretariat and the country team to demonstrate the same level of constructive engagement exhibited with the Council in the final moments of negotiations and resolve all technical challenges associated with the drawdown and liquidation. In conclusion, we reiterate our call on the parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and allow safe corridors for humanitarian assistance to be delivered to the suffering people in the Sudan.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9492 (2023) · source
“As members of the A3, we are more concerned — and rightly so — with the situation and will continue to engage constructively within the Council and our continental context with the processes required to abate the fighting that has ensued in the Sudan since 15 April, and to establish, together with the Sudan, a pathway towards peace, national reconciliation and the restoration of the constitutional order. In that regard, we reiterate our support for the processes led by the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and also support all coordinated international efforts, especially the Jeddah-led process facilitated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States with the involvement of IGAD.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9492 (2023) · source
“We believe that, despite the challenging context of the negotiations, a clear set of expectations was established that will enable the United Nations and the Sudan to carry out the transitional and liquidation phases of the Mission in an orderly and secure manner. While the Council has obliged the Sudan’s request to terminate the Mission, we hope that our continuing interest in the resolution of the dire security and humanitarian situation in the Sudan and the impact on neighbouring states is not diminished. The situation in Darfur and other parts of the Sudan is disturbing, and we must all respond to the calls of the suffering Sudanese people for a cessation of the hostilities, the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the numerous displaced persons, among other things.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9492 (2023) · source
“I would like to begin by welcoming the Personal Envoy for the Sudan to today’s meeting. On behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3), I would also like to sincerely thank the United Kingdom for facilitating the adoption of resolution 2715 (2023), relating to the termination of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) at the request of the Sudan. We also acknowledge the cooperation of the colleagues of the Permanent Mission of the Sudan during the negotiating process. Throughout the negotiations, and cognizant that UNITAMS was a special political mission under Chapter VI of the Charter, the A3 emphasized the need for closer engagement with the Sudan in order to ensure a smooth transition.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9492 (2023) · source
“We are confident that, with the continued support of the international community, Somalia’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous future will become a reality.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9491 (2023) · source
“We extend our gratitude to the penholder for guiding the Council to agree to Somalia’s proposals to divide the text into two distinct yet interconnected resolutions. This division allows a more focused approach to both the unique challenges that Somalia faces and the specific threats posed by Al-Shabaab. We also thank the penholder for its leadership in incorporating the inputs of the A3 in the two resolutions and for fostering constructive engagement among our delegations. The consensus-based adoptions of the two resolutions, even if one was not unanimous, are a strong testament to the power of collaboration and mutual respect. Lastly, the A3 reaffirms its unwavering solidarity and support to Somalia in their pursuit of lasting peace, stability and prosperity.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9491 (2023) · source
“This affirmation of Somalia’s sovereignty and its right to equip its own military is essential, especially as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia prepares to leave the country under the transitional plan. Furthermore, we commend Somalia for the progress made in weapons and ammunitions management, which has been recognized in the resolution. It is crucial for Somalia to continue strengthening these efforts, as effective weapons management will reduce the ability of Al-Shabaab and other actors to obtain illicit weapons and ammunition. It will also enhance the capability of the Somali security forces to analyse captured weapons, ultimately reducing the threat caused by terrorists not only in Somalia but in the wider region.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9491 (2023) · source
“Allow me to begin by thanking China for its presidency for the month of November and congratulating you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency today. The three African members of the Security Council (A3) voted in favour of resolutions 2713 (2023) and 2714 (2023) to reaffirm our commitment to peace and stability in Somalia. We recognize the significant role that Somalia plays for the peace and stability of the African continent and the challenges it faces, particularly from the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. We therefore support all efforts to degrade the capabilities of the Al-Shabaab group. We particularly appreciate the resolutions’ clarification that there is no arms embargo on the Federal Government of Somalia.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9491 (2023) · source
“We note with interest the announcement by the European Union of humanitarian aid in the amount of €15 million for the most vulnerable people in Syria and Lebanon, including €11.5 million intended for Syria. That will provide food assistance and water, sanitation and hygiene support to those who need it the most. In conclusion, the A3 reiterates its call for a nationwide ceasefire and the immediate resumption of negotiations between the parties, with a view to a political settlement that will bring about comprehensive peace, stability and sustainable development to Syria, in accordance with the terms of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“For that reason, we welcome the Syrian Government’s decision to extend the authorization for the use of Bab Al-Salam and Bab Al-Rai border crossings by the United Nations to deliver aid to people in need in north-west Syria for an additional three months until 13 February 2024. While welcoming the broader scope of the cross-border mechanism, the A3 also encourages the delivery of aid across the front lines, which is equally essential and complementary to the cross-border deliveries. Furthermore, given current funding challenges, we re-echo the call for greater financial mobilization to support the humanitarian response plan in Syria, which, as we heard this morning, is currently 33 per cent funded.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“The escalation of hostilities results not only in the loss of human lives, but also in serious protection concerns among displaced populations, with women and girls being particularly affected. At the same time, we remain concerned about the plight of millions of people in Syria who remain food-insecure and continue to be deprived of basic necessities, such as water and electricity, and whose situation will be exacerbated by the coming winter, as we heard earlier from the briefers. Facilitating access to humanitarian aid for as many people in need as possible therefore remains a priority for the A3.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“The most effective solution to the conflict remains an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, undertaken with the support of the international community under the aegis of the United Nations, as detailed in resolution 2254 (2015). In that regard, we fully support the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Geir Pedersen, and his step-for-step approach. With regard to the humanitarian situation, the A3 would like to reaffirm the value of human life in all circumstances, including during war. Syrian lives matter. As in all conflicts, civilians in Syria, particularly women and children, are the first victims of hostilities. The parties should constantly take measures to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure during the conduct of hostilities, in accordance with international humanitarian law.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“We believe that, after several years of conflict, it is important to fully and closely support Syria so that it can emerge from the current political and security impasse, which is causing the country to retrogress and blighting the future of its population, especially the youth. The link between conflicts and delayed development is no longer in doubt. In that context, we echo the words of the Secretary-General, who recently said that “[t]he closer a country is to conflict, the further it moves away from sustainable and inclusive development”. The advancement of peace and the progression of sustainable and inclusive development go hand in hand. We call for an immediate nationwide ceasefire to create an enabling environment for the political process.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“The contents of the report are deeply distressing. The rights of children in Syria are being severely violated as a result of the violence. The violations, including their recruitment and use in the conflict, killing, maiming, mutilating and subjection to various forms of sexual violence, among other despicable abuses, are serious crimes under international law. The rights of children must be respected by all, particularly the parties to the conflict. In that regard, we welcome the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice requiring the Syrian Arab Republic to do everything in its power to prevent torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, and to ensure that its officials adhere to such standards.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“No country is safe from that scourge. We use this opportunity to reiterate our condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and underscore that no motivation is adequate enough to justify such acts. Mindful of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, we urge all countries in the region and friends beyond to work in concert to guard against any potential spillover of the conflict into Syria. The consequences would be catastrophic, not only for international peace, but in particular for the many Syrian civilians already severely affected by a war that has lasted for far too long. We take note of the fourth report of the Secretary- General on children and armed conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic (S/2023/805), which covers the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 September 2022, in accordance with resolution 1612 (2005).”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“Regrettably, Syria has also become a theatre for foreign military actions, with a number of foreign forces repeatedly attacking installations, including civilian infrastructure. One such recent attack on the Damascus International Airport, attributed to Israel, disrupted United Nations aviation services and affected the transportation of light humanitarian cargo and personnel. We urge such attacks to stop and renew our call for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and for the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces from that country. Amid the unending violence, fertile ground has been created for terrorism to take root, constituting a great threat to international peace and security. Security Council-listed terrorist groups such as Da’esh and Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham continue to target innocent civilians.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (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 Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi and Director of Operations and Advocacy of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Edem Wosornu 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. Cognizant of the volatile situation in Syria, the A3 reiterates its concern over the increasing rate of violence in the country, which reached a crescendo on 5 October, when a military graduation ceremony in Homs was attacked, resulting in the deaths of more than a hundred people, including civilians.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“We recall our long-held position that the security of Israel and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to their homeland lie in a deepened commitment to a negotiated two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side within secure and recognized borders on the basis of the pre-1967 borders and with Jerusalem as the shared capital. It us our fervent hope that, as a Council, we can find further consensus to abate the conflict and bring the parties to the table of peace. We must help them to untie themselves from the burden of history and embrace the promise of a shared future of peace and security and prosperity.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“In that context, we believe strongly that the Council must remain steadfast in its commitment to ensure the protection of civilians in strict compliance with international humanitarian law. We commiserate with the families and colleagues of all humanitarians who have lost their lives, including the 104 UNRWA staff members. We also regret the several deaths that have befallen the media fraternity, with some 48 journalists — 43 of whom were Palestinian, four Israeli and one Lebanese — having been killed. We continue to condole the families of all those who have lost their lives. In conclusion, I reiterate our appeal for all of us to be guided in our conduct and engagement by the dire situation on the ground in the interest of peace.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“We appreciate in particular the efforts made for the evacuation of 31 premature babies from Al Shifa Hospital to Rafah for proper neonatal care following the total collapse of medical services last Saturday, as well as the evacuation of children, women and seriously injured people to neighbouring countries for medical treatment. We regret that not all of the babies survived before the opportunity to evacuate. We note that the death of several non-combatants on both sides is attributable to the continued air strikes and launch of rockets. We therefore urge their cessation beyond the agreed deadlines and aver that the continuous holding of innocent civilians hostage is a violation of their fundamental human rights.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“It is our expectation that further mutual measures will reinforce the parties’ respect for international humanitarian law and the preservation of hospitals and schools from the conflict, as well as creating space for humanitarian access and supplies to civilians to prevent the deterioration of conditions, which could lead to a major health catastrophe. Moreover, it is important that any effort to build the confidence of the parties help to preserve the inviolability of UNRWA installations and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including schools, storage facilities and shelters. The humanitarian actors operating in Gaza have done so under extremely dangerous and difficult conditions, and we acknowledge their efforts.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source