YouSaid · the spoken record

Amde

lines on the record

309

first

2018-09-13

most recent

2022-12-14

sittings or episodes

42

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

1. “It is self-evident that unless the peace process is advanced and the underlying problems are resolved peacefully, this latest tragedy will only be repeated and the situation will once again move rapidly towards a point of no return. It is critical that we find ways and means to limit the damage and to work, however difficult it may be, to continue the peace process and save the two-State formula. That is the long-held position of the United Nations and the international community. There is no doubt that it is still the best and the only realistic option for the future. Of course, the same underlying problems and obstacles to peace persist. There has been little or no sign of movement, and the present situation is hardly conducive to sustainable peace or security for either party.”

   2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source

2. “Essential services such as water, fuel, electricity and access to health care must be restored as soon as possible, and we must prioritize enabling the movement of people, goods and services. It is also equally important to promote intra-Palestinian reconciliation and support Egypt's efforts to bring the Gaza Strip under the Palestinian Authority's control, as laid down in the 1994 Cairo Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area. It is vital that all sides exercise maximum restraint and work to de-escalate the tension to avoid continuing to endanger the lives of innocent civilians. Any escalation merely undermines efforts to improve the lives of Palestinians and support the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza.”

   2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source

3. “I would like to express our appreciation to Special Coordinator Mladenov for his comprehensive and valuable briefing on the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian question. We have been closely following the escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly the Gaza Strip, and we are deeply concerned about these developments, which undermine the hopes for peace. We strongly support the efforts of the Secretary-General, the Special Coordinator, the Government of Egypt and others to restore calm. We welcome all attempts to reduce tension and prevent further escalation. The deteriorating political, security and humanitarian situation in Gaza is extremely worrying.”

   2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source

4. “In conclusion, for the sake of civilians, who have suffered enormously, it is time to accelerate coordinated efforts to revitalize the Yemeni-owned and Yemeni- led political process under the auspices of the United Nations, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2216 (2015). The upcoming peace talks in Sweden will provide an opportunity to make progress. The parties must be called upon to demonstrate the necessary political will and commitment to participating in the talks. The Council should be able to speak with one voice in calling for an end to the war in Yemen and the need to address the humanitarian situation as a matter of urgency. We look forward to engaging constructively in the upcoming discussions on the proposed draft resolution by the United Kingdom.”

   2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source

5. “The Office for the Coordination ofHumanitarian Affairs has pointed out that the humanitarian movement and access to warehouses and people in need have become more difficult or impossible in some cases. Therefore, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access remains absolutely vital to enable them to provide the much-needed humanitarian assistance to all in need. The protection of civilians and civilian facilities is also critical. Protecting the supply of food and essential goods, addressing the economic difficulties, including the payment of civil servants, and increasing funding for humanitarian operations would also be critical to alleviate the humanitarian tragedy in Yemen.”

   2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source

6. “We also encourage the United Nations to re-engage the parties on a negotiated outcome on the Al-Hudaydah port, which should remain open and operational, as it is a lifeline for millions of Yemenis. We call on all parties to resolve their differences at the United Nations-facilitated political process, which we believe is the only solution to address the legitimate aspirations of the people of Yemen and respond to the legitimate security concerns of countries in the region. The Council should also continue to provide its political backing to the Special Envoy. In that regard, the unity of the Council is imperative. While it is time to seize this opportunity to relaunch the political process, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners should also be supported as they continue to operate in extremely difficult circumstances.”

   2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source

7. “We must do all we can to maximize the chances for success." We concur with the Secretary-General that the international community should act together to Stop the violence and prevent an imminent humanitarian catastrophe. We believe that that can be done by fully supporting the continued diplomatic endeavours of Special Envoy Griffiths. We appreciate that the Special Envoy has continued to make preparations for the upcoming round of consultations to revive the political talks. We also welcome the readiness of the parties to engage with him. In that regard, we underscore that the continued and sustained de-escalation of violence and restraint would be absolutely vital in order to create an enabling environment for the political process.”

   2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source

8. “While there was a marked increase in clashes at the beginning of this month, particularly in Al-Hudaydah city, causing civilian deaths and injuries and displacement, as well as the destruction of civilian facilities, we note that the intensity of the violence has now been reduced. Reports indicate that the coalition has halted its military operations in Al-Hudaydah. We hope that will lead to a sustained ceasefire. The increasing number of voices calling for ending the war in Yemen lately is something that needs to be welcomed. As the Secretary-General stressed in his statement on 2 November, "on the political side, there are signs of hope.”

   2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source

9. “We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock, Executive Director David Beasley and Ms. Rasha Jarhum for their respective briefings, which highlighted how the humanitarian crisis and the fighting in Yemen remain a source of grave concern. We are indeed moved by their powerful speeches. Those of us who have experienced hunger of biblical proportions in the past heard them loud and clear. The four ofthem told us the facts on the ground. They spoke sincerely and allowed us to rediscover for ourselves how weak and vulnerable we are of our own making as humans. We believe it is high time to find a durable political solution that could sustainably address the daily suffering of millions of Yemenis.”

   2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source

10. “We hope that the outcome of the annual discussion of the Peacebuilding Commission on 12 November will help mobilize support for the G-5 Sahel and the wider region. Although the Governments of the region do not stint in exerting efforts, the humanitarian situation in the Sahel remains very precarious and may continue to be worsened by increasing conflict and climate-related challenges. We wish to extend our support to the emergency programme for the rehabilitation of local infrastructure in border areas ofthe countries ofthe Sahel region. In that connection, it is important that access to basic services andjob opportunities in the border areas be scaled up in the context of implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and the United Nations Support Plan for the Sahel.”

    2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source

11. “While the operationalization of the G-5 Sahel Joint Force and presence of other international forces are contributing to resolving the security problem in the Sahel, partnerships in the social and economic development aspects, and principally in the implementation of the priority investment plan, should be a major preoccupation in order to ensure sustainable development in the region. In that regard, the cooperation of the United Nations agencies - such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Food Programme, the United Nations Development Programme, the European Union and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali - is indeed vital.”

    2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source

12. “The geographic challenge of military operations in the Sahel desert and the vastness of the terrain make it imperative that the capacity of the Joint Force be strengthened through robust international support. We support the African Union's work in reporting on the activities of the Joint Force, focusing on progress in its operationalization, international support to the Joint Force, the implementation of the technical agreement, challenges encountered, and adherence by the G-5 Sahel to human rights and international humanitarian law. In this context, we very much support efforts of the G-5 Sahel in restructuring its secretariat to meet its operational demands.”

    2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source

13. “If countries of the region are assured ofpredictable financing and supplied with adequate equipment capabilities, we believe that there is no reason why this should not materialize. At the aforementioned high-level event on Mali and the Sahel, representatives of donor countries expressed their willingness to support the Joint Force and urged the G-5 Sahel member States to accelerate force generation efforts. It is, however, important that the international community, including the Council, take concrete action, as requested by President Ibrahim Keita of Mali and other representatives from the region, to place the G-5 Sahel Joint Force under a Chapter VII mandate so as to ensure continuous support and funding.”

    2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source

14. “We agree with the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/1006) that the numerous recent terrorist attacks are clear indications of the growing presence of terrorist groups in the region, including those along the Libyan-Chadian border, which are taking advantage of the security vacuum not covered by the operations of the international forces or the G-5 Sahel member States armed forces. This situation calls for stronger coordination and deterrence work by the GS-Sahel Joint Force and the national militaries and security agents of each State of the region. The joint efforts of the G-5 Sahel member States and their commitment, which was renewed during the high-level week of the General Assembly through the pledge of Member States to fully operationalize the Joint Force, deserve appreciation.”

    2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source

15. “In the absence of viable State structures, the promotion of peace and reconciliation across the region and carrying out critical institutional reforms, including security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in Mali, have been very difficult. The threats and frequent attacks in recent months against security forces and other personnel serving in State institutions, as well as the destruction of public facilities, must be taken very seriously.”

    2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source

16. “We wish to thank Under- Secretary-General Lacroix, Permanent Secretary Maman Sidikou of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel), African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel Pierre Buyoya, and the Deputy Secretary-General for Common Security and Defence Policy and Crisis response at the European External Action Service, Pedro Serrano, for their respective briefings and updates concerning the situation in the Sahel region and the activities of the G-5 Sahel. We fully recognize that the restoration and expansion of State authority in northern Mali and G-5 Sahel countries still remains a serious challenge.”

    2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source

17. “It is particularly important at this critical juncture not to divert attention from the current process as the Government prepares for the very important transition towards elections in 2020. The Council must continue to provide the fullest possible assistance to sustaining the Government and the transition. We must avoid the risk of seeing the gains achieved so far reversed; these are gains that were made with enormous sacrifices by the Somalis and others in the region. Finally, Ethiopia will continue to be involved closely, constructively and in a principled manner, in all efforts aimed at settling outstanding issues in good faith.”

    2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source

18. “Somalia has indeed reached an important phase in consolidating its State institutions, but Al-Shabaab remains the greatest challenge, as it is capable of creating destruction in Somalia and beyond. The security situation remains volatile, and Al-Shabaab continues to present a serious danger to the peace and security of Somalia and the region as a whole. The string of deadly bomb attacks last Friday claimed the lives of over 50 innocent civilians and injured many more. It was a reflection of the continuous threat being posed by the group. It underlined the importance of doing everything possible to minimize Al-Shabaab's acquisition of arms and funds, as well as the necessity to control its activities.”

    2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source

19. “A lifting of the sanctions regime on Eritrea does not, of course, mean that the region is free of challenges. We still face problems that require effort and determination to resolve. We still need the help and serious support of the international community. But, for our part, we are determined to accelerate efforts being taken to create a region where peace, development and democracy prevail in harmony. We are confident that the international community will stand in solidarity to support us as we continue to move forward towards greater peace, stability and economic integration in the Horn of Africa. It is also encouraging to note how far Somalia has come in recent years. At the same time, the rebuilding and reconstruction of the country still requires sustained engagement and support.”

    2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source

20. “The Council decision today will help to capitalize on the opportunities we are now creating to transform the region into a zone of peace and prosperity and usher in a new era of friendship among all the countries of the region. It is with this conviction that, last July, my Prime Minister formally submitted a request to the United Nations to lift the sanctions imposed on Eritrea. Therefore, today, we are very pleased that the Council responded positively by lifting the sanctions on Eritrea. For our part, we are fully committed to forging ever closer political, economic, social and security cooperation with all the peoples and Governments of the Horn of Africa. This will serve and advance the interests of our peoples and ensure regional peace, development and cooperation.”

    2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source

21. “We have adopted this resolution today at a time when a major historic development is unfolding in the Horn of Africa. The breakthrough arising from the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea is already producing unprecedented and far-reaching positive consequences and is significantly changing the political landscape of the Horn of Africa and beyond. It is highly appropriate for the Security Council to take this decisive decision at the time when countries of the region are turning a new page in their relations. The Horn of Africa has tremendous potential for shared development and prosperity, provided that there is durable peace and stability.”

    2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source

22. “We commend the role played by the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea and the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea, which has done great work in supporting peace and security in the Horn of Africa. The whole trajectory of future development in our subregion has changed fundamentally in recent months. Countries of the region have opened a new chapter of normalizing relations, resulting in relations that truly reflect the long-standing historical ties among our peoples. This has already had enormous implications for the work of the Committee and the sanctions regime as a whole. It also has great significance for regional and international peace and stability.”

    2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source

23. “At the outset, I would like to welcome Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman, Permanent Representative of Somalia, Ambassador Mohamed Siad Doualeh, Permanent Representative of Djibouti, and Mr. Amanuel Giorgio, Charge d'affaires of Eritrea. I welcome unreservedly the adoption of resolution 2444 (2018). We greatly appreciate the United Kingdom for its efforts as penholder in facilitating the negotiations on resolution 2444 (2018) and all Security Council members for voting in favour of the resolution. We fully support the resolution drafted by the United Kingdom, which we believe is balanced and the result of a consensus made in the negotiations over the last couple of days.”

    2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source

24. “Allow me to conclude by underlining Ethiopia's own commitment, as a founding Member of the United Nations and as the largest troop-contributing country, to fully playing its part, as it has done for more than 60 years.”

    2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source

25. “There is every reason to emphasize the need for reform to start at the top, with the membership of the Security Council. Here, as elsewhere in our efforts to make the Organization fit for the problems of this century, we must also remain faithful to the principles of the Charter - sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-intervention and peaceful settlement of disputes. The global concerns and realities of today require us to reaffirm our full commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to multilateralism. They also demand that we muster the courage and determination to rise to that challenge.”

    2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source

26. “The Charter provides for a number of possible tools for the Security Council to address the world problems, Chapter VI of the Charter is clear about the primacy of pacific settlement of disputes and emphasizes the need to take measures to prevent conflicts before they erupt. Chapter VII provides for parameters for action with regard to any threat to peace, breach of peace or act of aggression. Chapter VIII provides for regional arrangements to buttress peace. It is deeply regrettable that we remain unable to take full advantage of what the Charter provides to help overcome the challenges that we face. In effect, that undermines the credibility of the Security Council itself. We hardly need to remind representatives that it is the body that has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”

    2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source

27. “That is why we need an Organization capable of addressing its own weaknesses. It must have the capacity to make a real difference not only in security, but also in economic, social, human rights and humanitarian areas. That is why the reform of the United Nations is so critical. The Organization must be true to the Preamble of the Charter - that it is the Organization of the peoples of the United Nations. We fully support the reform agenda of the Secretary-General to make the United Nations better able to respond to the needs and aspirations of "we the peoples" that generated the Organization.”

    2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source

28. “There is no doubt that the United Nations collective security system has helped reduce the danger ofwar. It has made enormous contributions to peacekeeping for more than 70 years. Nevertheless, the global geopolitical landscape has changed tremendously since the United Nations was established. The increasing number of intra-State conflicts, the threats ofterrorism and violent extremism, as well as other transnational crimes by non-State actors, are posing increasingly greater risks to world peace and security. The prevalence of poverty and inequality, the spread of pandemic diseases, the impact of climate change and other socioeconomic challenges all have major implications on the security and survival of humankind. At this juncture in human history, we need the United Nations more than ever before.”

    2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source

29. “It has always been an essential platform for advancing collective security and promoting multilateral cooperation among Member States in line with the spirit of its Charter. It has also been an Organization that has faced many challenges. It has had its successes and failures. We can certainly draw lessons from some of its achievements. We should also have the courage to admit its shortcomings and make every effort to redress them. At the same time, we would all agree that the United Nations is the only indispensable universal Organization we have. Despite all of its faults, it is an Organization that we cannot live without. The question is how we make it more effective, functional and relevant in addressing the challenges and threats humankind faces in the twenty-first century.”

    2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source

30. “We join others in expressing our appreciation to you, Mr. President, for organizing this timely and important high-level debate. We thank the Secretary-General, the Acting President of the General Assembly and the Presidents of the Economic and Social Council and the International Court of Justice for their briefings. We also support the statement to be delivered by the Permanent Observer of the African Union, Ms. Fatima Kyari Mohammed. We face today unprecedented challenges and threats to global peace and security. The need for multilateralism has never been more indispensable to ensuring a collective response. Of course, at the core of international multilateralism is the United Nations.”

    2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source

31. “While we are looking forward to positive progress at the Geneva talks in December, we reiterate our firm conviction that any meaningful progress in the peace process still hinges on respect for that fundamental principle. Commitment to that principle and the full cooperation of the two parties with the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General is absolutely essential. That is why it is vital that the Council encourage the parties to continue their constructive engagement, demonstrate the necessary political will and fully commit themselves to the political process. We look forward to a positive outcome to the Geneva peace talks in December.”

    2018-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8387 (2018) · source

32. “In that context, we would have liked to vote in favour of the text proposed by the United States. Unforunately, the points we raised during the negotiations on the draft, which we believed were fundamental principles for finding a political solution, were not taken into consideration. It is Ethiopia's consistent position that a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which must also have the ultimate objective of securing the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara in the framework of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, is the only viable option for resolving the issue of Western Sahara.”

    2018-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8387 (2018) · source

33. “We wish to thank our colleagues from the United States for their serious efforts to ensure a consensus on resolution 2440 (2018). We also appreciate their efforts in preparing the resolution. The developments that have unfolded in recent months surrounding the issue of Western Sahara have shown all of us that there is undeniable progress that needs the Council's full support. We trust that the efforts made by the Personal Envoy of the Secretary- General on the Western Sahara to relaunch the broadly advocated peace process will start seeing results with the convening of preliminary round-table talks in December in Geneva. It is also vital that the Council continue to speak with one voice in support of the Personal Envoy's efforts at this critical moment in the peace process.”

    2018-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8387 (2018) · source

34. “Therefore, we hope that the resolution we have adopted today will send a strong message and contribute to mobilizing international support and engagement to bring the Ebola outbreak under control. It is indeed vital that the international community redouble its efforts in providing flexible financial support to enable a more rapid and effective response.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8385 (2018) · source

35. “It is in this context that we should encourage countries of the region to continue their efforts to prepare for operational readiness, in full cooperation with the World Health Organization. A regional meeting has already taken place in Entebbe, on 3 October, to review the implementation of cross- border disease surveillance activities and the status of emergency preparedness activities in districts that border the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the East African Community. Even though the World Health Organization has stated that a public health emergency of international concern should not be declared at this time, it remains deeply concerned by the outbreak and has emphasized that response activities need to be intensified and that ongoing vigilance is critical.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8385 (2018) · source

36. “The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been playing an important role in supporting the efforts of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the World Health Organization and other actors to respond to the Ebola outbreak in an extremely challenging and dangerous environment. We commend the Mission for its efforts within its existing mandate. In his briefing to the Council, WHO Director- General Mr. Tedros Adhanom explained to us the gravity of the Ebola situation and the possibility that the virus could spread to other parts of the country and the wider region. This is also reflected in the World Health Organization's latest assessment of the risk that the virus could spread to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8385 (2018) · source

37. “That is why the resolution we have adopted today underscores the need to address the security situation in the areas affected by the disease and condemns all attacks against civilians. It also condemns in the strongest terms the recent attacks and the killings of two Congolese health workers attached to a Congolese army unit helping to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The resolution also urges all parties to the armed conflict to ensure full, safe, immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian personnel and health services to patients and others in need.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8385 (2018) · source

38. “The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be commended for its leadership in responding to the Ebola outbreak, and particularly for providing free health care in affected health zones, as well as for its daily reporting on the status of the outbreak. We also appreciate the efforts of all humanitarian and health workers on the ground, including the World Health Organization and its partners in the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, as well as all other front-line actors involved in the response effort. We recognize that these humanitarian actors are operating under enormous difficulties to save lives. The security situation in the region affected by the Ebola outbreak is further complicating the ongoing efforts.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8385 (2018) · source

39. “We very much welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2439 (2018) on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are pleased to partner with Sweden in facilitating the negotiation on the resolution. We thank all members for their flexibility and constructive engagement during the negotiation process, which has made it possible for us to adopt the resolution by consensus. We are also very grateful to all members for sponsoring the resolution. The resolution is necessitated by the two important briefings that we received recently from the Director- General of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8385 (2018) · source

40. “Finally, without a united Security Council there can be no meaningful progress in support for the efforts to find a sustainable solution to the situation in Myanmar. We hope we will be able to restore that unity ofpurpose despite our divergent views.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

41. “In that context, the three-point consensus reached between China, Myanmar and Bangladesh during the informal meeting held on the sidelines of the General Assembly is indeed encouraging. We look forward to the outcome of the third joint working group meeting, to be held on 29 October in Dhaka. We hope it will help in making further progress with regard to the process of voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation. The enormous burden that Bangladesh has taken on in providing safety and humanitarian assistance to refugees is indeed commendable. However, the magnitude and scale of the humanitarian situation means that Bangladesh requires further financial and logistical support. We therefore hope that bilateral and multilateral partners will scale up their support to the country.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

42. “We would like to take this opportunity to appreciate the role of Special Envoy Christine Burgener, and we have seen the outcome of her third visit to Myanmar and the region, which enabled her to engage with various stakeholders. As she emphasized during her visit, the issues of accountability and inclusive dialogue are indeed important pillars for national reconciliation. We could not agree more with her on the need for credible and reliable fact-finding as a first step towards accountability. We believe the Council should continue to support her important efforts. We are also pleased to note the recent bilateral and regional engagement aimed at repatriating refugees and addressing the complex issue of Rakhine state.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

43. “The situation in Myanmar is extremely complex and difficult, and a sustainable solution to the root causes of the problems that led to this humanitarian disaster must be found. In that context, we do not believe that our course of action will help to make progress in ongoing efforts where building mutual confidence and trust among those concerned is so critical. That is the main reason why we decided to abstain in the voting on the agenda item. We believe that ensuring accountability through a transparent and independent verification mechanism is absolutely critical. In that regard, we recognize the efforts that the Government of Myanmar is making and underscore the importance of speeding them up in order to ensure peace and reconciliation in the country.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

44. “I would like to thank Mr. Darusman for his briefing. We have been following the situation in Myanmar very closely since we joined the Council. We believe that so far the Council's constructive engagement has had a positive impact in terms of addressing the humanitarian situation in Rakhine state. We note the progress that has been made but also recognize the enormous challenges that still lie ahead. The human rights situation in Myanmar is indeed a matter for serious concern and we understand that the relevant and appropriate United Nations bodies are handling the matter. The issue with respect to whether or how the Security Council should directly address human rights issues has been a matter of debate in the Council and there is no consensus among members on it, as we have clearly seen today.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

45. “It is very clear that the Yemeni crisis can be resolved only through a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned process, facilitated by the United Nations. We fully support the continued diplomatic efforts of Special Envoy Griffiths. We call upon all parties to constructively engage with the Special Envoy to fully reinvigorate the political process. The Council should also make clear its continued, full and comprehensive support for his tireless efforts.”

    2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source

46. “For the sake of the surviving civilians, who have endured so much, we strongly appeal to all parties to exercise maximum restraint, according to established international humanitarian law. The international community should take urgent and coordinated action to address the distortions in the Yemeni economy. All of those measures are of major importance, but they will not be sufficient to sustainably address the unfolding humanitarian tragedy. The deep-rooted crisis in Yemen demands far more, most urgently, namely, a comprehensive political solution that addresses both the suffering of Yemenis and the concerns of the countries of the region. In that context, diplomacy must provide the prime response to finding a durable political solution, while respecting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen.”

    2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source

47. “All the reports and figures from the United Nations and humanitarian agencies warn that unless urgent and concerted efforts are taken, the already devastating humanitarian situation will continue to deteriorate. In the meantime, we welcome today's announcement by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia that they will provide $70 million through UNICEF to pay teachers' salaries. There are no options left. All parties must fully cooperate with the United Nations and its humanitarian partners so that much-needed aid reaches all of those in need. Safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access remains absolutely vital. The use of the port of Al-Hudaydah is critical, and the protection of civilians and civilian facilities must be given high priority.”

    2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source

48. “Overland access to the City of Al-Hudaydah remains limited, which affects humanitarian operations. Its port is vital to humanitarian aid, and it must remain open and functional. The extremely difficult humanitarian conditions have been further exacerbated by the rapid depreciation of the local currency, and the continued economic decline is pushing millions of Yemenis close to famine. Already 75 per cent of the population requires food assistance. The non-payment of salaries has affected the already crumbling health service, increasing the probability of a major cholera epidemic. Thousands of people have been affected by the severe weather caused by Tropical Cyclone Luban. The situation has now amounted to the worst and biggest humanitarian crisis in the world today.”

    2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source

49. “We would like to express our profound appreciation to the United Nations and its humanitarian partners for their untiring efforts to provide life-saving assistance in Yemen under extremely challenging conditions. We also thank Under- Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his briefing on those activities and to express our gratitude to the United Kingdom for calling for this essential meeting. There can be no doubt that the humanitarian situation in Yemen and the suffering of the Yemeni people is still exceptionally worrying. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has noted that armed conflicts have intensified in Al-Hudaydah governorate, resulting in civilians being killed, injured or displaced, and in the destruction of civilian infrastructure.”

    2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source

50. “The main rationale for the imposition of the arms embargo no longer exists, and the Government of the Sudan needs to better secure and control its boundaries. Porous borders pose a real threat to regional peace and security. Border security requires effective military deployment, as well as the free movement of troops and military equipment. It is time to provide the Sudan with the means necessary to protect its borders and security.”

    2018-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8377 (2018) · source