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

“We note the set obligation of the parties to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of international law and international humanitarian law and reiterate our call on them to implement the necessary measures to protect civilians and humanitarian workers from harm, while also avoiding the deliberate destruction of civilian and critical infrastructure, including in Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa and the Donbas region where intense fighting continues to rage. We continue to be concerned by the growing reports of gross human rights violations and possible war crimes, involving summary killings, forced disappearances, human trafficking and conflict- related sexual violence, and reiterate the necessity of an independent, impartial and thorough investigation to ensure effective accountability and secure justice for the innocent victims of the war.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“We commend the facilitative role played by United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross in the coordinated evacuation of civilians from the Azovstal steel plant on 3 May. However, we regret the resumption of heavy shelling and the fact that air strikes were aimed at the steel plant before all the people could be moved to safety. Intense efforts must be made to secure the immediate evacuation of close to 1,000 people, including an estimated 30 children, still holed up in the underground tunnels of the steel plant, with little access to food, water and medical assistance. We urge the parties to agree to further humanitarian pauses and demilitarized humanitarian corridors in all besieged areas to help protect the lives of civilians and to ensure the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate suffering.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“It is the ordinary people of Ukraine who continue to bear the brunt of the war, with women, children and the aged being disproportionately affected. Urgent action is therefore imperative to stem the rising humanitarian crisis and restore the hope of peace, which has so far eluded the people of Ukraine. We therefore welcome the important undertakings of the Secretary-General during his recent visit to Moscow and Kyiv, where he held discussions with President Putin and President Zelenskyy, personally assessed the impact of the war and helped to mobilize humanitarian evacuations in Mariupol. We encourage the continued deployment of the good offices of the Secretary-General in the international endeavour to bring an end to the war and facilitate a diplomatic solution to the ongoing security and humanitarian crises in Ukraine.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“Let me begin by congratulating you, Madam, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May and wishing you every success during the month. I also take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Barbara Woodward and the United Kingdom delegation for their able leadership of the Council last month. We thank the Secretary-General for his statement and have paid close attention to the important briefings by Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, and we thank them also for their coordination of United Nations efforts and actions in Ukraine. We also thank Ms. Tetiana Luzan of Right to Protection for highlighting the work of her organization in the area of protection assistance.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“We will continue to be supportive of accountability measures to strengthen deterrence and reinforce the well-established norms against the use of chemical weapons. Finally, we urge the support of the Council in addressing more constructively those issues that constrain meaningful progress in the full implementation of resolution 2118 (2013). The early closure of the elimination of Syria’s chemical-weapons programme forms an important part of our common goal of international peace and security.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“We also look forward to receiving further information on the subsequent rounds of inspections of the Barzah and Jamrayah facilities of the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Centre that have been planned for this year. We note that the tripartite agreement concluded among the OPCW, the Syrian Arab Republic and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) ends on 30 June, and we encourage its extension to maintain the supportive role of UNOPS in the implementation of the Syrian chemical-weapons programme. The A3 takes note of the continuing efforts of the Fact-Finding Mission in Syria and the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) as mandated by the relevant Executive Council decisions and reiterates the need for them to remain independent, transparent and impartial as they carry out their respective mandates.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“We also note the Technical Secretariat’s request of October 2020, relating to all undeclared types and quantities of nerve agents produced and/or weaponized at a former chemical-weapons production facility that was declared as never having been used as such, as well as requests for information regarding the damage caused to a military facility that housed a declared former such facility reportedly attacked on 8 June 2021, remain outstanding. As expressed in our previous statements, we believe that direct high-level exchanges between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic and the OPCW Director-General would be helpful in building confidence and providing the impetus needed to advance the various aspects of the programme and encourage greater commitment to strengthening cooperation.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“The unaddressed gaps, inconsistencies and outstanding issues in Syria’s initial and subsequent declarations must be addressed. We note that the convening of the twenty-fifth round of consultations in Syria has once again been held in abeyance owing to the denial of entry visas to the full complement of the Declaration Assessment Team. We continue to encourage the Syrian Arab Republic to grant the necessary entry visas to all members of the team, in compliance with its commitments. We believe also that enhanced cooperation between the OPCW Technical Secretariat and the Syrian National Authority would be useful in order to make progress in that regard. We take note of the ongoing discussions for the holding of limited consultations in Beirut and look forward to a favourable update at subsequent briefings.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“The A3 takes note of the verification of the destruction of all 27 chemical-weapon production facilities declared by the Syrian Arab Republic in furtherance of its obligations. We also note the Syrian National Authority’s submission to the Executive Council of its 100th monthly report regarding activities on its territory related to the destruction of its chemical weapons as well as its chemical-weapons production facilities, as required of it by the Executive Council. However, we are concerned by the Technical Secretariat’s assessment that the declarations submitted by the Syrian National Authority still cannot be considered as accurate and complete in accordance with the Convention, resolution 2118 (2013) and the decisions of the Executive Council.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“We remain committed to the established norms against the use of chemical weapons and all efforts to eliminate their production, storage or use, and reiterate our support for resolution 2118 (2013), which provides the framework for the expeditious and verifiable destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons. We thank the OPCW for its report covering the period of 24 February to 23 March 2022 (see S/2022/281) and express our support for its work as the foremost body responsible for ensuring the full implementation of the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme. In that regard, we welcome the continued efforts of the OPCW Technical Secretariat to carry out its mandate and its readiness to deploy to Syria, subject to the easing of travel restrictions and the difficulties imposed by the coronavirus disease pandemic.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“As we mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the entry of the entry into force of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction, the international community, and the Security Council in particular, must be awakened to the potential re-emergence and increasing threats of chemical warfare and take steps to accelerate action towards a world free of chemical weapons. The A3 collectively stands against the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African countries members of the Security Council (A3), that is, Gabon, Kenya and Ghana. We are grateful to Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, for her briefing on the status of the implementation of the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme and stress the relevance of the continuing partnership between the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). We welcome the participation of the representatives of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey in this meeting.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“Despite the intractable nature of the conflict, we believe that it is possible to bring finality to the decades- long question of Palestine. Ghana will continue, therefore, to support international efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“However, we welcome the commitment expressed by the Israeli Government to ensure unhindered access for humanitarian aid during the period of the closure and ask that more be done to alleviate the living conditions of the Palestinian people. In that regard, we encourage the parties to sustain their engagements on concrete measures that would make a positive impact on the daily lives of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Taking into account the present situation in the occupied territory and the challenges that exist in the Quartet, the Council must assume its responsibility and facilitate a renewed commitment by the parties to reinvigorating a robust political process that builds on the outcomes of previous initiatives, cognizant of the need to define a clear political horizon in the direction of the two-State solution.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“However, Ghana welcomes the various efforts being made to achieve reconciliation between Israel and her neighbours. We encourage renewed efforts towards the realization of the two-State solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side within secure and recognized borders and in peace, on the basis of international law, the tenets of the Charter and the parameters set out in the numerous decisions of the Council. We nonetheless note with concern Israel’s closure of the border crossings used by pedestrians, civilian workers and traders, and urge the easing of the restrictions and the reopening of the crossings as soon as possible, bearing in mind the potential impact of the closure on the ailing Palestinian economy.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“The recurrence of tensions and violence around the holy sites, which have resulted in casualties of both Palestinians and Israelis, raises serious concerns for stability in the Middle East region. We therefore call for the preservation and continuing full respect for the historic and legal status quo of the holy sites to preserve the sanctity of the religious grounds, manage access, guarantee freedom of worship and ensure non-interference in the peaceful practice of the monolithic faiths of the Middle East. Ghana also reiterates its condemnation of the recent violent attacks in Israel against innocent civilians by militants, leading to death and injury. The destabilizing objectives of such militants do not align with the international consensus for a peacefully negotiated solution.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“Let me start by thanking the Special Coordinator, Mr. Tor Wennesland, for his briefing on the present situation in the Middle East and for his efforts in facilitating de-escalation on the Palestinian question. All of us are deeply concerned by the highly volatile situation in Jerusalem. The violent clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and in the compound of Al-Haram Al-Sharif, which begun on Friday, 15 April, during the sacred celebrations of Ramadan, Passover and Easter, require urgent attention and dialogue. We equally note with deep concern the effect on the freedom of worship on the Temple Mount of the activities of those inciting violence or engaging in violence.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“We welcome the work of UNMIK in building trust and social cohesion among the various communities, ethnic groups and institutions. We also commend the Mission’s support for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those initiatives relating to gender protection and empowerment, and youth, peace and security. Such efforts remain key to promoting unity and forging peaceful relations among the people. Finally, we encourage a unified approach on the part of the Council and the international community in finding a lasting and comprehensive solution in Kosovo, in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and resolution 1244 (1999).”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“We believe that further close cooperation between the sides is necessary to address the common challenges of the coronavirus disease pandemic, the energy crises and the economy. That collaborative effort can, however, rest only on the foundations of multi-ethnic stability and a firm respect for civil and political rights in the autonomous province. We also note the need to swiftly address the developing tensions arising from the conduct of the recently held elections and related issues of free movement, and further call for tolerance in dealing with incidents affecting religious and cultural sites. We encourage all sides to refrain from rhetoric that could be inflammatory and actions that are unilateral to avoid the risk of escalation in a region whose security environment is presently fragile.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“Achieving the normalization of the situation in the autonomous province of Kosovo is necessary for the long-term peace, security and prosperity of the Western Balkan region and the wider European region. To that end, we encourage the resumption of constructive negotiations between the representatives of Belgrade and Pristina within the framework of the European Union-facilitated dialogue, and urge the parties to work towards concrete progress on mutual understandings and previously reached agreements. Ghana remains supportive of an open, transparent and inclusive process of dialogue, involving women, youth and all sectors of society, to ensure the sustainability and durability of the agreements reached.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“At the outset, let me acknowledge the presence of His Excellency Mr. Nikola Selaković, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia. I thank Ms. Caroline Ziadeh for her briefing and join other delegations in congratulating her on assuming her duties as Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). My delegation assures her of its cooperation and support during the period it shall be serving on the Council. We also welcome the Secretary-General’s comprehensive report on the implementation of the mandates of UNMIK in promoting peace and security in Kosovo and in the region (S/2022/313), pursuant to the decision of the Security Council in its resolution 1244 (1999). I have also taken note of the views shared with the Security Council by Ms. Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“We further reiterate our call to the parties to respect and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and to refrain from direct attacks on civilian populations and civilian infrastructure. Humanitarian workers and medical personnel must also be protected from harm. Our desire to see an end not only to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine but to the fast-growing food, energy and financial crisis that is developing globally as a result of the war should drive our efforts to facilitate a peaceful settlement of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. We therefore have an urgent and collective responsibility to invest in peace in Ukraine and avoid actions that reinforce the security apprehensions of the parties and serve only to perpetuate a needless war.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“We call for prioritizing the particular needs of women, children, the sick, the elderly and persons living with disabilities, while underscoring that all reported cases of crimes and violations of human rights, including human trafficking and gender- based and sexual violence against women and girls, must be urgently and independently investigated to establish the culpability of those responsible and hold them accountable. The continuing bombardment in several parts of Ukraine has intensified the need for a negotiated humanitarian pause and for demilitarizing humanitarian corridors to ensure the safe passage of people leaving the war-torn areas, enabling the unobstructed delivery of life-saving aid and assistance to those who are unable to leave.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“We therefore condemn any differential treatment based on race, colour, nationality or any other distinguishing criteria and call for the equal treatment and protection of all refugees and internally displaced persons. In particular, we urge for easing border controls to facilitate the entry and passage of third- country nationals. We further urge host countries to refrain from forced deportations and instead to provide third-country nationals with assistance and legal options so that they can remain or return voluntarily to their countries of nationality. We remain alert to the risks posed by such mass movements of people, especially where human trafficking is concerned, and urge for strengthened oversight and accountability measures, including in transit and host countries.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“We urge for sustained cooperation between United Nations agencies, host Governments and the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the refugee assistance and protection measures conform with the internationally accepted standards defined by the 1951 United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees and its amending Protocol of 1967. Ghana is particularly concerned about the reports of the discriminatory treatment of third-country nationals in their efforts to board trains and buses transporting people out of Ukraine and to cross its borders into the safer territories of neighbouring countries. We believe that even in the most challenging circumstances the best of our common humanity will come through if we are committed.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“In just seven weeks, almost 5 million people in Ukraine have been forced to flee to neighbouring countries and some 7 million more have been internally displaced, with little or no hope of ever returning to their known places of abode and domicile. We commend the willingness of Ukraine’s neighbours — many of which are themselves still in fragile situations — for opening their borders to receive the exodus of people arriving daily from Ukraine. We also particularly thank the families and individuals who have generously offered to share their homes and continue to contribute food and other items to help us meet the needs of the refugees.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Mr. António Vitorino, the Director General of the International Organization for Migration, and Ms. Kelly Clements, the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, for their comprehensive briefings. I also commend the dedicated work of their teams in Ukraine, as well as in its neighbouring countries, through the implementation of the inter-agency Regional Refugee Response Plan spearheaded by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Too many people have been needlessly thrust into the stark and painful reality of life as refugees and internally displaced persons since the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“In addition to funding, which is crucial to the success of mitigating the environmental impact of the situation of the FSO Safer, we also urge the Houthis to continue in their cooperation with the United Nations to that end. In conclusion, we recognize that finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Yemen interlocks with peace, stability and security in the broader Middle East. We therefore call for the collective engagement by the Council as we seize this opportune moment in supporting the revitalization of the peace process in Yemen.”
2022-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9017 (2022) · source
“In line with their humanitarian obligations, the Yemeni parties must protect access for the delivery of humanitarian aid and services to all parts of Yemen. The growing risk of a major oil spill from the dilapidated FSO Safer tanker and its potential environmental, economic and humanitarian impacts have also been matters of great concern. We are therefore pleased by the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the authorities in Sana’a to permanently address the threat, including arrangements to offload the 1.1 million barrels of oil cargo to a temporary vessel within the next four months, pending the search for a replacement vessel. We thank all the countries that have supported that effort and those that are considering financial assistance in this regard.”
2022-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9017 (2022) · source
“We welcome the decision to reopen the Sana’a airport and the Al-Hudaydah port for limited commercial flights, commercial imports and humanitarian aid and underscore its significance for the import-dependent economy of Yemen, especially in these moments of unprecedented global challenges involving the questions of food, energy and finance. In view of the growing humanitarian needs and the near-famine conditions of millions of Yemenis, we encourage the continued support of the international community and donors to raise the funds urgently needed to mitigate the humanitarian crisis. In this regard, welcome the economic package announced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council.”
2022-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9017 (2022) · source
“My delegation remains concerned that Yemeni women have still not been provided a rightful place in societal efforts to find a solution to the conflict. Yemeni women, who have been disproportionately affected by the conflict, have a role to play in deciding how it should be resolved. We remind the parties that the durability of any political settlement is dependent on the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of political negotiations and decision-making and urge them to commit to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2022-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9017 (2022) · source
“The transfer of power by President Hadi Mansour to the newly created Presidential Leadership Council on 7 April is a positive and important act in the quest for a comprehensive and inclusive political solution that keeps all parts of Yemeni society together. We recognize the leadership responsibility that has been demonstrated in taking that step and thank the regional partners for their support in that regard. We urge the political class of Yemen to leverage the prevailing momentum for a Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned process, with the support of the United Nations. We believe that the window of opportunity provided by the truce is significant and must be purposefully utilized for the benefit of the people of Yemen, who desire nothing but peace and the chance to live a normal life.”
2022-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9017 (2022) · source
“We therefore welcome the two-month nationwide truce agreed between the parties as a positive development that offers a much-needed respite from the gruelling war, eases the humanitarian burden and creates a conducive environment to bolster political processes for a solution to the conflict. We urge the parties to respect the conditions of the truce and refrain from any escalatory actions that could potentially unravel the marginal progress being made towards peace, especially in the light of the recent skirmishes in Ma’rib governorate. We encourage the Special Envoy’s ongoing mediation and his engagement with broad sections of Yemeni society. We welcome the efforts to maintain open-channel communications to help the parties sustain their commitments to the truce, which we hope will extend beyond the two-month period.”
2022-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9017 (2022) · source
“Repeatedly, the Council has expressed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Yemen and reaffirmed its conviction that there can be no military solution to the armed conflict, which threatens the existence of a unified Yemeni State. Over the past seven years, Yemenis have had to endure incessant violent clashes that have resulted in the killing of more than 400,000 people. Lives and livelihoods have been disrupted, and some 17 million people, mostly women and children, are on the brink of starvation as the country faces its worst-ever humanitarian crisis.”
2022-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9017 (2022) · source
“Today’s briefing gives a more hopeful outlook on the situation in Yemen, and we are grateful to Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and the United Nations team for all the efforts that have been made in securing the two-month truce between the parties, as well as the facilitation being undertaken with regional partners to move forward the political processes required for stabilizing Yemen. We nonetheless acknowledge the persisting humanitarian concerns in Yemen and thank Under- Secretary-General Martin Griffiths for his briefing on the humanitarian situation as well as on the actions being undertaken concerning the threat posed by the FSO SAFER tanker. I also acknowledge the presence here today of the Permanent Representative of Yemen at this meeting.”
2022-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9017 (2022) · source
“Whenever conflicts occur, innocent civilians are often exposed to unspeakable physical, mental, environmental and economic harm, with very little hope for recovery. When sexual violence is introduced into that already toxic cocktail, victims experience agony that most of us could never imagine. For that reason, inaction and indifference should be considered a real enemy within the Council. As we strive to fulfil our mandate to maintain international peace and security, we owe it to victims, potential victims and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence all over the world to ensure that our actions ultimately lead to freedom from sexual oppression and accountability for acts of sexual violence.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016 (2022) · source
“Thirdly, in order to empower survivors, the United Nations and organizations within Member States, including civil society groups, should show determination in their recruitment of survivors to be part of decision-making processes and advocacy mechanisms on sexual violence in order to meaningfully impact policy, legal processes and implementation. In that regard, we welcome the announcement by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of her appointment of a Global Champion for the Fight Against Sexual Violence in Conflict. That form of empowerment helps survivors to re-establish a sense of control and agency, as well as to recognize their own strengths and capabilities in resolving the challenge. In conclusion, it is important to recall that the effects of conflicts on populations are innumerable.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016 (2022) · source
“Secondly, while Ghana commends the commitment demonstrated by the Council to deploy women’s protection advisers as part of peacekeeping and special political missions to monitor, analyse and report arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence in the field, we believe that the timely provision of adequate human and financial resources for that purpose will ensure that the Council receives even more frequent, reliable and accurate information from the ground in order to take required action on conflict-related sexual violence.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016 (2022) · source
“Periodic briefings to the committees by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict would be useful in sustaining their focus and reviewing progress on the implementation of such sanctions, as well as the existing challenges. Member States are also encouraged to actively ensure the development and implementation of domestic legislation that enables the investigation and prosecution of prosecutors of sexual violence in conflict settings in order to redress the wrongs done to their victims.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016 (2022) · source
“In the worst scenarios, help is completely unavailable. In almost all the conflict situations with which the Council is seized, there are reports of sexual violence in varying degrees. The Council and the global community therefore have a continuing responsibility to ensure that the existing resolutions that champion prevention, accountability and justice are translated into actions that can be felt on the ground. In making specific recommendations for today’s debate, Ghana would like to focus on the following three points. First, we reaffirm our support for the Council in ensuring that conflict-related sexual violence is treated as a basis for targeted sanctions against culpable actors and that sanctions committees have the requisite expertise on conflict-related sexual violence.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016 (2022) · source
“It is therefore important that we elevate the discussion above the common perception that limits the appreciation of the notion of sexual violence to rape in order to create a broader awareness of the breadth and extent of the menace of sexual violence if we are to succeed in ensuring the operationalization of global norms, including the resolutions of the Council, such as resolution 2467 (2019), as well as other United Nations and international norms concerning the subject. Whenever sexual violence has been used as a reprisal tool or weapon of war, the path to accountability has often been fraught with enormous challenges. In many cases, survivors are unable to access the help required, owing to systemic or institutional obstacles, the fear of reprisals and stigmatization, and societal norms and cultural perceptions, among other things.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016 (2022) · source
“Through the annual reports of the Secretary- General, we are repeatedly reminded that conflict- related sexual violence comprises actions such as rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, forced marriage and many other forms of sexual violence of comparable gravity perpetrated against women, men, girls or boys that is directly or indirectly linked to a conflict. The lengthy list of acts of sexual violence not only paints a horrific picture of the sheer atrociousness of the acts perpetrated in the contexts of conflict but also points to the multifaceted, diverse and extensive nature of acts of sexual violence in conflict.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016 (2022) · source
“When an individual sexually violates another, long- lasting, indelible and life-changing wounds are inflicted on the victim, which can be purged only if the perpetrator is held accountable and brought to justice. Without accountability, which is necessary to deter future violence, there is no closure for victims and society is worse off in its efforts to rid itself of the culture of impunity associated with sexual violence.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016 (2022) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the delegation of the United Kingdom for convening this open debate, which provides the Security Council with the opportunity to sustain its engagement on an issue of great importance to the global community. I also wish to express our appreciation to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Pramila Patten and the other briefers for drawing our attention to specific conflict situations in which sexual violence continues to be a concern and the need for action to follow up the commitments made. Ghana welcomes the emphasis placed in this open debate on accountability as a preventative mechanism against conflict-related sexual violence, as it rightly directs our collective thinking to an essential truth.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016 (2022) · source
“Ghana therefore affirms its commitment to supporting resolutions 2532 (2020) and 2565 (2021) and believes that, through their successful implementation, vaccination can be successfully implemented in all settings, especially in conflict settings.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“Fourthly, we must strengthen and support existing mechanisms, such as the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility and the African Union and African Vaccine Acquisition Trust initiatives, which have played a vital role in the distribution of vaccines to vulnerable countries, as well as countries in special situations, including those in armed conflict situations, post-conflict situations and humanitarian emergencies. In that regard, we are heartened to learn that, so far, the COVAX mechanism has distributed more than 1 billion vaccines to low- and middle-income countries. The pandemic has taught us that national solutions to international problems simply do not work.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“It is for that reason that countries, such as Ghana, Rwanda and Senegal, in partnership with the German biotechnology company BioNTech SE, are venturing into vaccine development and manufacturing so as to become hubs in sub-Saharan Africa. Ghana has committed $25 million to develop its domestic vaccine production capability and facilitate the capacity of domestic pharmaceutical companies to fill, finish and package messenger RNA COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis and other vaccines, as the first step towards vaccine production.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“It will require dedicating an additional 1 per cent of gross domestic product to funding global health. This is an investment in a global public good, not aid. Secondly, COVID-19 vaccinations cannot be a stand-alone goal. The international community needs to take a common but differentiated approach and work to strengthen public health systems to ensure that vaccination is only one element of a broader health strategy that responds to the reality of people’s health needs and priorities. Thirdly, there is an urgent need for the deconcentration of manufacturing capacities for vaccines, including in Africa, where a significant number of conflict situations prevail and distribution challenges persist.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“We also wish to urge countries to commit a portion of their vaccine supply to the humanitarian buffer that will be used to vaccinate people in countries experiencing humanitarian crises. In addition to the implementation of the humanitarian buffer, I wish to share a few thoughts that I believe should form the basis for global cooperation to address the issue of vaccine equity in countries in armed conflict situations, post-conflict situations and humanitarian emergencies. First, we need to strengthen the funding of existing global health organizations. This must include a greater, more predictable base of multilateral funding for the World Health Organization and regional centres for disease control, which play a central role in global health security.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“That is unacceptable and reflects the failure of the international community to administer vaccines in a fair and equitable manner. The fulfilment of the mandate of resolution 2565 (2021), particularly the provisions relating to a humanitarian buffer, continues to be relevant in ensuring equitable access to vaccines in order to bring an end to the pandemic and help those countries prepare for the next pandemic. My delegation therefore calls on major stakeholders to address issues surrounding vaccine indemnity and liability requirements, to streamline the vaccine roll-out in high-risk and vulnerable populations and to provide funding for delivery operations.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source