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

“This crisis is a risk to the fledgling peace in Yemen and must be urgently addressed. Similarly, the high risk of catastrophic oil spillage from the FSO SAFER in the Red Sea and the likelihood of a major humanitarian and ecological disaster resulting from such a spill remains a matter of great concern to us. We therefore call on all stakeholders in the United Nations coordinated plan to redouble their efforts to address the threat as quickly as possible. Notwithstanding the challenging humanitarian context and the debilitating effects of the conflict in Yemen, the renewal of the two-month nationwide truce is a positive development that offers much-needed respite from the devastating war.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9063 (2022) · source
“We call on the parties to fully commit to the terms of the truce and to refrain from actions that could undermine the marginal progress being made in the process of restoring peace and security in Yemen. Despite this hopeful news, the grim statistics of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification that have been released for Yemen are deeply concerning. According to the data, an estimated 19 million people are likely to face acute food insecurity in the second half of this year, with about 161,000 projected to experience famine-like situations. At the same time, about 2.2 million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished, with more than half a million of that vulnerable group living at a severe level, as the humanitarian crisis in the country shows no signs of abating.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9063 (2022) · source
“My delegation is grateful to Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Ms. Ghada Mudawi of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for their briefings to the Council, and we welcome their continuing engagement with all sides to address the security, political, economic and humanitarian dimensions of the Yemeni conflict. The steady progress being made towards finding a comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict in Yemen is grounds for some optimism. We would like to express our gratitude to the Special Envoy, the United Nations team and all stakeholders for their untiring efforts, which have resulted in the extension of the truce for another two months with effect from 2 June.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9063 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, I would be remiss if I ended this statement without applauding the untiring efforts of the President and the Prosecutor of the Mechanism and their staff, despite the strictures of the coronavirus disease, in carrying out their mandate to bring the perpetrators of atrocity crimes to justice. While commending the President, the Prosecutor and staff of the Mechanism, Ghana urges all States to cooperate with the Mechanism in order to enable it to complete its mandate in line with paragraph 13 of resolution 2529 (2020), which notes the conclusion of the Council’s review of the progress of the work of the Mechanism, including in completing its functions.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“Fourthly, Ghana applauds the cooperation between the Mechanism and the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) in completing the Mechanism’s residual functions in an efficient and effective manner and welcomes the role that the oversight bodies play in assisting its management to do so. It is gratifying to note that not only did OIOS perform its biennial evaluation of the methods and work of the Mechanism in preparation for the current mandate review, but that its Internal Audit Division also performed a number of audits on specific sections or topics. That is a step in the right direction towards the early completion of the work of the Mechanism.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“As much as the wheels of justice may sometimes grind slowly, we reiterate that it is also our collective responsibility to seek justice for the victims by holding accountable the perpetrators of heinous atrocity crimes. The only way the survivors and the families of victims can find closure is for the perpetrators of such heinous crimes to be brought to justice. Thirdly, Ghana notes with appreciation the ongoing collaboration between the Office of the Prosecutor and national investigations and prosecutions in the provision of access to evidence and information in response to the high volume of requests concerning those crimes. That is a positive development, as it helps to build the capacities of the officers in the national prosecutions of the affected countries in line with the principle of complementarity.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“We also call for the cooperation of States in the enforcement of sentences and reiterate our thanks to the Governments of Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for assuming additional responsibilities by agreeing to enforce the sentences of one or more convicted persons. We encourage those considering enforcing sentences in the future to do so. Secondly, Ghana pledges its support for the efforts of the Mechanism to arrest fugitives on the run. No matter how long it takes to arrest those fugitives, we as a Council cannot forget the survivors and families of the victims of atrocity crimes, and we must therefore sustain the demands of justice and accountability without limitation over time.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“My delegation acknowledges the important role of the Mechanism in ending impunity and holding accountable to justice the remaining perpetrators of the atrocity crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. It will support all constructive efforts in that regard. With regard to the report, Ghana would like to make the following four points. First, concerning the issue of the relocation of acquitted and released persons by the Mechanism to third States, Ghana encourages the Mechanism to continue with its diplomatic efforts to find an amicable solution with the receiving States. In pursuance of the diplomatic approach, Ghana further encourages the Mechanism to engage with all relevant stakeholders, including the States of origin of released persons.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“At the outset, I convey my delegation’s appreciation to the President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Mr. Carmel Agius, and the Prosecutor of the Mechanism, Mr. Serge Brammertz, for their presentation of the twentieth progress report of the Mechanism to the Council, which provides Member States with an overview of the progress of work and the challenges facing the Mechanism. Since this is the last briefing by Mr. Agius as President of the Mechanism, Ghana wishes to take this opportunity to express its deep appreciation for his dedication and service during his presidency and to express its support for his renomination by the Secretary-General as a judge of the Residual Mechanism.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“We therefore once again echo the Secretary-General’s urgent appeal for donor support to fill the $651 million gap in the humanitarian response plan for Mali. In conclusion, we reiterate the importance of strengthening cooperation and dialogue between the Malian authorities, the region, MINUSMA and all their international partners, and reaffirm our commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Mali. We therefore count on the support of all delegations in ensuring that the mandate of MINUSMA is renewed in a manner that enhances its robustness in addressing the security situation in Mali.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“Lastly, the A3 condemns in the strongest terms the attacks by terrorists and armed groups on civilians on the territory of Mali, and the persistent abuses perpetrated against women, girls and children, including abductions, arbitrary detentions and sexual exploitation and abuse. We underscore that such acts are flagrant violations of international human rights law and therefore encourage the Malian authorities to carry out swift investigations that will enable the perpetrators of such atrocious crimes to be prosecuted. A related concern involves the deteriorating humanitarian situation resulting from heightened levels of insecurity, as well as climate change, food insecurity and the coronavirus disease pandemic, contributing to an increase of more than 13,000 in the numbers of displaced persons over a three-month period.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“During and after the transition to civilian rule, it will be critical to ensure that while undertaking military measures against terrorist groups the State combines them with an inclusive embrace of diversity. That is a critical foundation for countering terrorist, militant and spoiler groups while reinforcing the social contract between the State and the people. In that regard, we commend the Peacebuilding Commission for its interventions in Mali, including initiatives targeting women, young people and self-employment in the agricultural sector, and we encourage more efforts of that kind.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“The question of adequate, predictable and sustainable funding for regional security initiatives that respond to threats to international peace and security is a pressing matter on which we urge the Council to take a coherent position. We welcome the ongoing efforts of the African Union, the United Nations, ECOWAS and the G-5 Sahel in undertaking a joint strategic assessment on governance and security in the Sahel and appeal for the mobilization of requisite political, financial and technical support in order to facilitate its successful implementation. Sixthly, we encourage greater attention to be given to addressing the root causes and drivers of terrorism in the Sahel. A major part of that is for the Government to win the faith of the population by embracing Mali’s ethnic, regional and political diversity.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“We therefore underscore the need for renewed cooperation, coordination and complementary efforts between the actors and mechanisms operating in the region, such as MINUSMA, the Multinational Joint Task Force, the Nouakchott Process and the Accra Initiative, as well as individual Member States, regional economic communities and regional mechanisms. We also remain anxious about the spillover effect of the protracted crisis in Libya on the Sahel, along with the possible return of foreign terrorist fighters and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. We therefore urge for coordinated action in addressing the matter by the countries of the region, including with regard to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“That development, which affects discipline, control and operational effectiveness, could have an adverse impact on the objectives of the Mission and the commitment of troop- contributing countries to the cause of peace in Mali. We therefore request that the Secretary-General resolve the matter with the transitional authorities as soon as possible. Fifthly, the decision by Mali to withdraw from the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) is regrettable, especially in the wake of the decisions to withdraw the French forces and other Western partners from Mali, which could create significant security gaps that should be addressed. It is our view that regional arrangements and mechanisms still provide the best opportunities to comprehensively address the security situation in the Sahel, including Mali.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“We pay tribute to the MINUMSA personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and express our appreciation to the gallant personnel who continue to make sacrifices for the sake of achieving peace in Mali. Even as we call for more measures to protect peacekeepers, we urge that they be supported to be robust enough in their training, operational posture, force multipliers and intelligence assets in order to be able to protect civilians and fully implement the mandate. Fourthly, we note the delay in the rotation of those troop-contributing countries whose troops have spent more than one year with MINUSMA, following the non-granting of flight permits.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“Thirdly, the safety and security of United Nations peacekeeping troops in Mali is an issue of concern for the A3. The increasingly sophisticated and deadly attacks by terrorist groups against civilians and civilian objects and the Mission’s personnel, particularly through the use of improvised explosive devices, indirect fire and rocket-propelled grenades, are alarming. While acknowledging the efforts of the Malian army in addressing the security situation, we believe that a detailed assessment of the capacity gaps of United Nations troops and the Malian army would be useful in determining the appropriate strategies to be deployed in filling the gaps to help counter security threats against those who sacrifice their lives to guarantee the peace of others.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“The A3 would also like to underscore that, without cooperation from the host authorities, an appropriate mandate from the Council will not yield the required positive results. While there is a major crisis under way, as defenders of the Charter of the United Nations and of African sovereignty we remain guided by the need to reiterate respect for the sovereignty and political independence of Mali. We therefore reiterate the importance of renewed cooperation between the transitional authorities and the Mission. In particular, it is critical that the Government adhere to the status- of-forces agreement to which it has committed, which should be done in a manner that enhances the coherence of objectives and actions for lasting peace in Mali.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“We take note of the decision announced by the Malian authorities on 6 June to extend the transitional timelines to 24 months and hope that will not prejudice efforts by all parties towards seeking a mutually acceptable solution. Secondly, despite the increasingly challenging security environment in Mali, MINUSMA continues to support security in many parts of the country where it has a presence. While counting on the support of the Council for the mandate renewal, the Mission must be made fit for purpose. In that regard, the Mission will benefit from stronger support for troop contributions, capacity-building on counter-terrorism measures and the provision of adequate logistics, including airlift assets. Those support enhancements are critical to the effectiveness of the Mission’s adaptation plan.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“First, we remain concerned about the political situation in Mali, given both the slow progress in the implementation of the Algiers Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali and the absence of an agreed transitional calendar for constitutional rule. That protracted situation could impact negatively on the stability of Mali. We welcome the decision taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the Extraordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Accra on 4 June, which encouraged dialogue with the ECOWAS Mediator with a view to finalizing discussions on reaching an acceptable timetable for a quick return to constitutional order. We urge the transitional authorities to continue to positively engage with ECOWAS on the matter before its next Ordinary Summit, to be held in July.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“Achieving peace and security remains one of the foremost priorities of the people of Mali, as well as of the entire continent of Africa. That much-desired goal can be realized only through the enhanced support and cooperation of all stakeholders at the national, regional and international levels. We therefore support the continuing and indispensable role of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in sustaining the peace in Mali ,and we look forward to the renewal of its mandate and renewed cooperation with the host country. In the light of the complex political, security and humanitarian situation persisting in Mali, and mindful of the urgent need to address the situation, the A3 would like to note the following points in the light of the report of the Secretary-General.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council — Gabon, my own country, Ghana, and Kenya (A3). We welcome the report of the Secretary-General (S/2022/446) and thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General El Ghassim Wane for his comprehensive briefing and insightful perspectives on the situation in Mali. His continuous engagement of regional actors, including trough the pursuit of preventive diplomacy, as part of efforts in resolving the challenges in Mali is commendable. We also welcome the participation in today’s meeting of Sadya Touré, who spoke on behalf of the Founder and Executive Director of Mali Musso. We also welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Abdoulaye Diop of Mali at today’s meeting.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“Our collective commitment in that regard is fundamental to preserving and upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and our shared values for peace and security.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“We believe that gender mainstreaming and the integration of gender-responsive policies into existing and emerging accountability mechanisms at national and international levels will increase the measure of success for the prosecution of such offences, particularly those committed against women and girls. We also encourage the grass-roots engagement of women leaders as key focal points for the collection of evidence and the provision of psychosocial support to victims throughout the prosecution processes. In conclusion, we call on Member States to unite against impunity and stand committed to supporting all efforts aimed at advancing accountability and justice in the international system and the strengthening of both norms and institutions.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“Concerted and enhanced coordination efforts, including the engagement of the media, civil society organizations and international partners, are necessary to provide the requisite political support and resources for effective accountability. Accountability is also concerned with establishing the truth. In that regard, all allegations of atrocities must be subjected to independent, thorough and impartial investigations by relevant authorities to establish the facts as a basis for prosecution. We further emphasize the importance of the timely collection and preservation of evidence, as well as the identification and protection of key witnesses. It is an established fact that women and girls suffer disproportionately from situations arising from the violations of international law, including conflict-related sexual violence.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“We must together guard against impunity becoming ingrained into the fabric of our international system and recommit to ensuring that perpetrators of international criminal offences and atrocities do not go unpunished. In acknowledging the primary responsibility of States to ensure accountability, we reiterate that such a responsibility extends to preventive and resilience mechanisms against atrocities. We therefore urge for relevant support for enhancing national capacities to prosecute serious violations of international law. As a State party to the Rome Statue, Ghana reaffirms its commitment to its tenets and to the important work of the International Criminal Court, as an integral part of the international architecture for upholding international law and ensuring accountability.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“It is necessary to uphold the rule of law at the international level and restore confidence in the credibility of international law and its accompanying international adjudicative bodies, such as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and the investigative mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. Importantly, it is our duty to secure justice for the victims whose lives and livelihoods have been adversely affected by such violations. We are convinced that accountability and justice for all people are achievable. We believe that the fight against impunity is a mission to be pursued by the international community as a whole.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“At the very least, measures to ensure transitional justice should be taken. Indeed, protecting the rights of individuals and recognizing their critical role in ensuring the effective functioning of States and the stability of nations lies at the heart of the rules-based international order that has been built over the past seven decades. Therefore, those who exercise the sovereign authority of the State should not use Government instruments against the very individuals they have a universal responsibility to safeguard. Accordingly, ensuring accountability is fundamental and now needed more than ever to prevent a further weakening of the rules-based order.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“We therefore believe that the Council can do better to support accountability and justice by making its actions blind to the actors involved in serious violations and ensuring that those actions are impervious to the geopolitical interests of key Member States. Whether serious violations occur in Mali, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan or Ukraine, the response should be the same. Where States are either unwilling or unable to ensure justice for systematic and widespread violations of human rights, genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity, impunity must not be allowed to prevail. That must also apply to the act of aggression. The complex and delicate approach often required for resolving present-day conflict situations should not trample upon the rights of individuals and their need for justice.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“Yet, the Council has also, in the past, acted in a unified and clear-sighted manner, even in the absence of the referral mechanism of article 13 (b) of the Rome Statute, for example, when it set up the ad hoc international criminal tribunals for Rwanda and for the former Yugoslavia, and when it helped to establish the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia. What those bold acts of the Council show is that when geopolitical interests are subordinated and our common humanity is freed to rise to the fore, we can, in the face of despicable acts underlying egregious violations, take the action needed to prevent impunity, render justice to victims and prevent such egregious violations from recurring.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“I also join other delegations in paying tribute to Judge Antônio Augusto Cançado Trindade, who passed away on 29 May. We commiserate with his family, the international courts and the Government and the people of Brazil. For nearly three decades, the Council’s progressive focus on the question of accountability and justice for serious violations of human rights and international crimes has resulted in an increased recognition of that subject’s importance in international peace and security. However, that focus has often produced uneven results. It has sometimes been challenging to translate the Council’s decisions into practice, and its approach to dealing with questions of accountability and justice has in some instances appeared to be selective.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“Mr. President, let me begin by congratulating you and your delegation on Albania’s assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June. I wish you, Sir, the best of success and assure you of Ghana’s cooperation during the month. I also acknowledge all the high-level officials who have joined us in the Council this morning and believe that their presence has made today’s open debate richer in terms of helping to deepen a shared commitment for strengthening accountability and justice for the cause of international peace and security. We are also grateful to the briefers for their enriching contributions to our discussions. I further take this opportunity to commend Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and the delegation of the United States for their sterling leadership of the Council over the past month.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“On behalf of Ghana and Norway, in our capacity as co-penholders, as well as the Member States of the region, I thank all delegations and look forward to their support in adopting this much-awaited draft resolution. The draft resolution is critical and will do much to help galvanize global support against piracy and strengthen regional and national measures in combatting the menace of piracy and other crimes at sea in the region.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9050 (2022) · source
“The repositioning of what was originally the eighteenth preambular paragraph as the third preambular paragraph of the draft resolution underscores the point that has always been made — that the provisions of the draft resolution apply only with respect to the situation in the Gulf of Guinea. In conclusion, I wish to remind the Council that the countries of the region cannot afford to have the already difficult situation they confront to be compounded by the activities of pirates. Any link between the pirates at sea and terrorist activities on land would have a devastating impact on the region. The fate of the draft resolution lies in our hands collectively.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9050 (2022) · source
“After that long-haul process of re-engaging with delegations on the issue, we are pleased that delegations have been able to show flexibility and compromise, leading to a draft resolution that enjoys the consensus support of all delegations. The compromise reached has enabled us to maintain the agreed language on UNCLOS in the third preambular paragraph of the draft resolution, which is the most recently agreed language of December 2021, while at the same time linking it to other agreed language in what was originally the eighteenth preambular paragraph of the text.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9050 (2022) · source
“However, the adoption of the draft resolution was deferred due to the last-minute objections raised by a delegation regarding the third preambular paragraph of the draft resolution, which relates to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). True to our desire from the beginning until now to ensure that the concerns of all delegations are considered and out of respect for the negotiation process and the many delegations that co-sponsored the draft resolution, we re-engaged with the concerned delegation to find text that ensured that the language in the draft resolution was acceptable to all.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9050 (2022) · source
“It is pertinent to underline that the negotiations commenced in early January with three rounds of formal negotiations, after which multiple bilateral engagements were held with delegations to address their respective concerns. Throughout the process, the co-penholders diligently engaged all delegations in an open and transparent manner to ensure that we had a good balance of the views of all members as an outcome. After the conclusion of negotiations in late January, 10 Council members and an overwhelming number of non-Council members co-sponsored the draft resolution, for which we are grateful.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9050 (2022) · source
“The draft resolution builds on existing frameworks, including resolutions 2018 (2011) and 2039 (2012) and existing comprehensive regional frameworks, notably, the Yaoundé Code of Conduct. Its operative core focuses on the need to criminalize and prosecute acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea, as well as some measures to further enhance and support national, regional and international efforts to deal with the situation. The draft resolution requests the Secretary-General to report on current efforts, including assessing the possible links between piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea and terrorism in West Africa, as well as to provide recommendations for enhanced efforts and support for national and regional responses.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9050 (2022) · source
“In that regard, urgent attention is required to combat the menace, which is detrimental to the development of coastal economies in the region and risks compounding the multifaceted challenges facing the region, including a surge in terrorism, a return of coup d’états, a deepening of climate change and the worsening impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic. It is for those reasons, and mindful of the fact that maritime piracy is one of the most pressing concerns on the African continent, that Ghana and Norway jointly initiated a draft resolution to refocus global attention and garner the necessary support to help address the situation in the Gulf of Guinea.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9050 (2022) · source
“On behalf of Norway and my own country, Ghana, the co-penholders of the draft resolution on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, contained in document S/2022/62, I wish to thank your delegation, Madam President, for convening this meeting under the agenda item entitled peace and security in Africa. As members of the Security Council are aware, it has been 10 years since the Security Council adopted resolution 2039 (2012), on maritime piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea. Despite the global nature of the threats, the region remains a global hotspot for maritime piracy. The region recorded 130 maritime kidnappings out of the 135 global incidents reported in 2020, in addition to the 40 kidnapped crew recorded globally in the first quarter of 2021.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9050 (2022) · source
“Before I conclude, I want to emphasize that Ghana reaffirms its belief that strong and genuine political will and commitment on the part of Member States, with support from civil-society organizations and other partners, is indispensable to the urgent enhancement of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. As a major troop-contributing country to United Nations peace operations, Ghana considers the protection of civilians a high priority and will continue to ensure that its troops are given the training and support they need to carry out their mandate with regard to the protection of civilians.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“Lastly, we encourage the strengthening of support for regional arrangements to help sustain efforts in the protection of civilians. Such bodies are the international actors closest to armed conflicts and usually have a better understanding of how civilian populations can best be assisted before their situations get out of hand. In that regard, we note that enhanced partnerships between the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States, for instance, could lead to the effective implementation of the regional body’s humanitarian policy aimed at addressing the barriers to humanitarian assistance in the region of West Africa and the Sahel.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“We further recommend including the issues of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech in training programmes for stakeholders, and note that it would be useful to have capacity built for humanitarian mapping and analysis in a way that extends its reach among the relevant stakeholders. While digital technologies such as mobile-phone applications may create opportunities for effective humanitarian action, they also expose vulnerable populations to malicious activities. We therefore underscore the crucial role of building resilience by investing in understanding current information-security threats and adopting strategies to protect data. The 2021 Inter-Agency Standing Committee Operational Guidance on Data Responsibility in Humanitarian Action is useful in that regard.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“That can be done by ensuring that the reports submitted to the Council include comprehensive recording and reporting of all types of serious civilian harm, including records of casualties, and could help build momentum in the Council for identifying proactive ways to address the challenges. Fifthly, the risks to civilians and humanitarian workers posed by misinformation, disinformation and hate speech during armed conflict represent a driver that needs to be managed. Promoting discussions and exchanges within humanitarian organizations, as well as awareness-raising programmes among civilian populations on humanitarian law and human rights law, would be useful in bridging knowledge asymmetry.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“Fourthly, we believe that the Security Council can help strengthen the protection of civilians in armed conflict by improving reporting mechanisms for monitoring and tracking civilian harm through the adaptation of tools such as the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism for the six grave violations of children’s rights in conflict and the Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Arrangements in response to sexual violence in armed conflict. We believe that expanding such mechanisms to cover reporting on civilian casualties or the use of explosive weapons in populated areas would provide standards and a clear methodology for tracking, mitigating and reducing civilian harm. Attention could also be given to regular reporting on the gaps and challenges in delivering humanitarian assistance in areas of armed conflict.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“We therefore encourage the further deepening of the policy on the protection of civilians in United Nations peacekeeping, and welcome the systematic and meaningful integration of gender and women protection advisers into planning for the protection of civilians at the strategic and operational levels. As we know, while women and youth are unquestionably critical agents of change in conflict situations, it is they who are most often subjected to various forms of abuse, including sexual exploitation.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“Secondly, in recognition of the primacy of politics, the protection of civilians must be an integral part of any settlement in the resolution of any conflict, not only in terms of peace agreements and ceasefires, but even in moments when humanitarian pauses and truces may offer an opportunity to centre the protection needs of civilian populations. Thirdly, the protection of civilians should remain a critical and integral component of all the parts of peacekeeping operations and in a manner that not only provides authorization for missions but also the capabilities to use all necessary means, including force, as required to prevent or respond to threats of physical violence against civilians, without prejudice to the responsibility of host Governments.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“In addressing the challenges faced by civilians in armed conflict, Ghana believes that careful consideration may be given to some of the following priorities. First, we believe that respect for global conventions and treaties, including international humanitarian law, should be reinforced to provide a solid foundation for protecting civilians in situations of armed conflict. The commitment of States must be renewed for the preservation and protection of principled humanitarian action, including by encouraging both State and non-State parties to conflicts to comply with international humanitarian law and human rights law. In that regard, we must also be unwavering in ensuring accountability for egregious violations of the laws of armed conflict.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“Amid these ignoble situations that conflicts create, in recent years we have also had to contend with the exacerbating effects of climate change and the coronavirus disease pandemic, which have worsened the vulnerabilities of civilian populations in conflict settings and made their protection even more challenging. It is therefore distressing to witness the hostile environments deliberately created by parties to conflicts and armed combatants in order to prevent humanitarian personnel from effectively carrying out their noble tasks in service to civilian populations. The laws of armed conflict must be respected at all times and cannot be ignored even in the basest of our human weaknesses.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“The cost of the proliferation of conflicts is today reflected in the many civilian deaths and injuries that are being recorded; the displacement of millions of people; the life of indignity they are forced to live; the starvation and hunger that the destruction of their livelihoods bring about; the psychological trauma that many young girls, women and boys face as a result of conflict-related sexual violence; the deliberate targeting of civilians as a strategy of war; and the destruction of critical life-supporting infrastructure that makes any effort at reconstructing societies an almost-distant dream.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source