YouSaid · the spoken record

Barbara Woodward

lines on the record: 1,082
first: 2020-12-08
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 263
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

“It is often alleged by Syria that we and other countries are using the chemical weapons file to punish them, but let me assure you, Mr President, that the United Kingdom would like nothing more than to receive a monthly report from the Director-General confirming that all declaration issues have been resolved and that Syria’s chemical weapons programme has been verifiably destroyed. We therefore call on Syria to take the process seriously and take expeditious steps towards meeting in full its obligations under resolution 2118 (2013) and the Chemical Weapons Convention.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“It continues to wait for answers to questions regarding the unauthorized movement and destruction of cylinders relating to the high-profile 2018 Douma chlorine attack. And the OPCW Executive Council and the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention continue to wait for compliance with the measures in the Executive Council’s decision of 9 July 2020, imposed following the findings of the Investigation and Identification Team that chemical weapons were used by Syria in Ltamenah in 2017.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“Syria eventually agreed to the deployment of the DAT this month, but now we are told that Syria has refused a visa for one of the DAT members, contrary to its obligations under resolution 2118 (2013) — yet again resulting in the DAT being unable to deploy. While we welcome the Technical Secretariat’s efforts nevertheless to advance discussions on Syria’s declaration by inviting Syria to The Hague, we regret that the twenty-fifth round of consultations has been unable to go ahead in full in Syria. Sadly, this lack of cooperation on the part of Syria is not an exception. For example, the OPCW continues to wait for answers with regard to the Schedule 2 chemical found at the Barzah facilities of the Scientific Studies and Research Centre in November 2018.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“May I also start by thanking High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing. We are disappointed that, despite Security Council members making clear, month after month, the importance of resolving the outstanding issues in Syria’s chemical weapons declaration, the most recent monthly report (S/2021/842, annex) from the Director- General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) again sets out a lack of substantive progress by Syria. The OPCW Technical Secretariat has been attempting to reach agreement on deploying the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) to Syria since April this year. It received no response to its requests to deploy from May to June and had to postpone the visit until after the summer.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“As penholder, we worked hard to find a text that all Council members could support for the renewal of UNSMIL’s mandate. In the past two weeks, we engaged intensively to forge consensus and find a way forward. It is clear that there is a high degree of consensus, and I would like to thank those Council members who engaged constructively and showed flexibility throughout these difficult negotiations. In that light, it is regrettable that we were unable to secure the support of all Council members for a compromise text. We will continue to engage all Council members on a substantive renewal of the mandate ahead of the 31 January deadline, guided by the Council’s ultimate responsibility to support the future security and stability of Libya.”
2021-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8870 (2021) · source
“Libya is at a critical point, and the Security Council has an important role to play. We must support the Libyan people as they look ahead to a more stable future, including through the elections planned for 24 December. It is essential that the elections take place on time and that they be credible and inclusive. The United Nations Special Envoy and his team have a vital role in support of that. We must also insist on the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement. That includes the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries, without qualification and without delay. We welcome the independent strategic review of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and look forward to seeing the implementation of its recommendations, including a return to a Special Representative of the Secretary-General based in Tripoli.”
2021-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8870 (2021) · source
“Finally, turning to Gaza, the United Kingdom welcomed Israeli Foreign Minister Lapid’s speech proposing positive policy suggestions to support economic development in Gaza and greater security for Israel. A long-term solution for Gaza is needed, not only to end the cycle of violence, but also to make progress towards the two-State solution — a solution to which the United Kingdom remains firmly committed.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“We condemn any incidents of violence by settlers against Palestinian civilians and aid workers. We express particular concern about the reported attack on 15-year-old Palestinian Tareq Zubeidi on the 17 August. Communities must be protected from violence and harassment. Such incidents must be investigated fully, and those responsible brought to justice. We continue to call on the Palestinian Authority to adhere to international standards on freedom of expression, association and assembly, and urge respect for human rights. Reform is needed to rebuild trust with the public. I reiterate that the United Kingdom condemns unequivocally Hamas’ indiscriminate attacks against Israel, including the use of incendiary balloons. We call on Hamas and other terrorist groups to permanently end their rocket fire against Israel.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“We remain concerned about Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion, as well as the demolition of Palestinian property and the resultant displacement of protected persons, such as prospective demolitions and evictions in Silwan, Al-Walaja and Sheikh Jarrah. We urge Israel to allow for more legal avenues for Palestinian construction. As has been noted previously, we have seen a worrisome upward trend in Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces’ live fire throughout 2021, particularly around Beita, where eight Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli Defense Forces since May. We urge restraint on all sides. Israeli investigations should be transparent and comprehensive and, where there has been excessive use of force, those responsible should be held to account.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“While appreciating the difficulties on both sides, we urge all parties to be open to further dialogue. The United Kingdom wants to see greater cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians, including on economic initiatives, to help support the recovery of Gaza, boost the Palestinian economy and improve the lives of all Palestinians living in the occupied Palestinian territories. However, those initiatives need to be part of a political pathway. All parties need to take steps to avoid exacerbating tensions and avoid unhelpful rhetoric. Existing agreements must be respected, and all parties must refrain from harmful unilateral actions.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“My thanks go to the Special Coordinator for his briefing and the quarterly report on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). I would also like to thank Mai Farsakh and Meredith Rothbart for their remarks, their insights and their work on the ground. I would like to pay tribute to them and to all those civil society members who work to build social peace and the foundations for peace. The United Kingdom welcomes the recent engagement between the Israeli Government and the Palestinian leadership, including the meetings between Palestinian President Abbas and Israeli Defence Minister Gantz on 29 August. We urge further direct engagement and call on both parties to work together to tackle immediate and long-term threats to peace and stability.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“The United Kingdom reiterates its commitment to working constructively with Somalia and Somali women to strengthen the role of women in peace and security and advance progress in human rights and democracy to enable long-term stability.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8867 (2021) · source
“So the United Kingdom therefore calls again on Somalia’s leaders to deliver on their commitment to ensure that a minimum of 30 per cent of parliamentary seats go to women in the ongoing elections, in accordance with the 2020 and 2021 electoral agreements. As the Upper House electoral process moves towards its conclusion, it is disappointing to see that Somalia’s leaders have not met that commitment, and so we urge them to take steps to ensure that their commitment is met for the upcoming Lower House elections. Thirdly, we also encourage Somalia to accelerate the finalization, adoption and full implementation of its national action plan on women and peace and security, in close cooperation with civil society. That is a vital component of efforts to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding and socioeconomic progress.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8867 (2021) · source
“And so we again urge Somalia’s leaders to prioritize the adoption of the 2018 sexual offences bill as soon as possible and to implement its provisions. Secondly, to solve those problems, as we have heard, we need women to have seats at the table when decisions are made. For Somalia’s long-term development to be inclusive and effective, it is vital to take steps to bring about equal participation and representation of women in decision-making and leadership positions. As we heard today from Ms. Shukria Dini, and as we have heard before from Somali civil-society leaders, women have an important, constructive role to play in Somalia’s development, and they deserve a level playing field.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8867 (2021) · source
“First, we should be clear that both the coronavirus disease pandemic and Somalia’s persistent political crises have prevented substantial progress on Somalia’s other priorities, including on the women and peace and security agenda. That is the opportunity cost of the current crisis, and this setback exacerbates Somalia’s political problems. Gender inequality and the perpetual cycle of violence against women and girls contributes towards Somalia’s protracted insecurity, instability and Al-Shabaab’s insurgency. In that respect, I want to underline that the United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the continued pervasiveness of sexual and gender-based violence in Somalia. Reports indicate that rates of forced marriage and female genital mutilation have increased during the pandemic.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8867 (2021) · source
“I should like to start by thanking our briefers, the Deputy Secretary-General and Ms. Shukria Dini. I am very struc. I am very grateful to Ireland for having convened this briefing. I think that here in the Security Council we tend to focus on the so-called big picture of political and security crises, including the security situation in Somalia. But today we have a chance to focus on the real-life impacts on the day-to-day lives of Somali women and girls shaped by those so-called big picture factors. We have also heard both from the Deputy Secretary- General and from Shukria Dini that Somali women and girls are not just passively affected by politics and security; they are powerful agents of change too. I would like to make three points in that regard.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8867 (2021) · source
“We urge the Syrian parties, particularly the regime, to commit to compliance with their obligations and a nationwide ceasefire and to seize this opportunity for progress with both hands. The international community will support them.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“We welcome the recent ceasefire there, but that, and the ceasefire in Idlib, need to form part of a nationwide ceasefire agreed in parallel with the upcoming political talks in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015). Until progress is made on the political process and until there is a nationwide ceasefire, the suffering of the Syrian people will continue, and the millions displaced will be unable to return home. In that regard we take note the Commission of Inquiry’s latest report, which documents the atrocities, abuses and violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law that continue in Syria to this day, including the indiscriminate use of weapons, targeted killings, arbitrary and incommunicado detention and torture and the denial of humanitarian access, which Ms. Mhaissen described so eloquently to us.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“Resolution 2254 (2015) explicitly recognizes the link between the political process and a nationwide ceasefire. We therefore remain very concerned by the ongoing escalation of violence in north-west Syria, which has recently led to the deaths of civilians and humanitarian workers, including in heavy shelling of residential areas, and the destruction of medical facilities. We hope the upcoming meeting between Turkey and Russia in Sochi will lead to the full implementation of the 5 March 2020 ceasefire agreement. And we remain concerned too about the potential for renewed conflict to break out across the rest of Syria. The recent hostilities in Dara’a are a reminder of that.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“Allow me to start by thanking Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Mhaissen for their briefings. We join others in welcoming Mr. Pedersen’s announcement that a sixth round of Constitutional Committee talks will take place in Geneva in mid-October. We commend Mr. Pedersen for his persistent efforts to secure agreement to the further talks. As Mr. Pedersen has made clear, the next meeting needs to be different to those that have gone before. Just as the United Nations strives to facilitate a political process in the implementation of its side of resolution 2254 (2015), so it is now down to the Syrian parties to take responsibility for implementing their side. It is time for the regime to end its artificial delays of the process and for substantive progress to be made on a new constitution, as envisaged in resolution 2254 (2015).”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“We are very concerned by reports that members of the Taliban have engaged in reprisals against United Nations staff throughout the country. We call on the Taliban to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law and respect the neutrality of all United Nations staff. We look forward to the Secretary- General’s strategic and operational recommendations on the UNAMA mandate in January and to further detailed discussion with Council members then.”
2021-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8862 (2021) · source
“We welcome the Taliban’s recent assurances on humanitarian access and hope they will live up to the commitments they made in Doha. Today’s resolution 2596 (2021) reiterates the calls of resolution 2593 (2021) on ensuring that Afghanistan is never again safe haven for terrorism. The resolution also makes clear the Council’s expectations on the establishment of an inclusive Government that upholds human rights and represents the country’s diversity and all of its communities, including women. As we have said, we will calibrate our approach to the Taliban according to the actions they take. As we have said, we will calibrate our approach to the Taliban according to the actions it takes. In conclusion, I would like to underline our concern about the safety and security of UNAMA staff.”
2021-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8862 (2021) · source
“Today the Security Council has sent a strong signal of support for the United Nations ongoing work in Afghanistan. The role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the work of the wider United Nations is needed now more than ever, as we enter an uncertain period that requires the international community to speak with a clear and unified voice. We reiterate our thanks for the continued efforts of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Lyons and her team and other United Nations actors on the ground in what are extremely challenging circumstances. They are playing a key role in coordinating desperately needed humanitarian aid and providing life-saving assistance to Afghans in need.”
2021-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8862 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, we note with concern the water crisis in north-eastern Syria. We welcome the United Nations consolidated whole-of-Syria response plan to the crisis and look forward to updates on efforts to address the situation. Fourthly, we commend the ongoing efforts of the United Nations and its partners to scale up cross-border humanitarian shipments into north-western Syria in order to meet the vast needs of the 3.4 million people there. We also welcome the recent cross-line World Food Programme delivery to Sarmada, as part of the effort to address those needs. Lastly, we wish to express our condolences for all those who have lost their lives to maintain ceasefires and humanitarian operations, including an attack in north-western Syria in which Turkish soldiers were killed last weekend.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“We urge all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement and comply with their obligations to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. Secondly, turning to the situation in Dara, we welcome the recent ceasefire agreement, which we hope will provide a lasting reprieve from violence for civilians living there, but brutal shelling by the regime military, backed by Iranian-affiliated militias, together with fierce street fighting between regime forces and opposition fighters, has resulted in the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. The estimated 20,000 people who remain in the area continue to have limited access to food, water and medication. With approximately 45,000 people displaced, it is more vital that humanitarian agencies are granted unhindered access to Dara Al-Balad.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths and Ms. Amany Qaddour for their briefings. First, we reiterate our serious concerns about the continuing escalation of violence in north-western Syria. Air strikes and artillery bombardment, which violate the ceasefire agreement, have become the new normal in southern Idlib, with approximately 10 to 20 air strikes currently recorded every day, directly affecting civilians and humanitarian workers, as Ms. Qaddour briefed us earlier. In recent weeks, eight civilians, including two women and one child, have been killed, including in heavy artillery shelling on residential areas of the city of Idlib by the regime and its allies. Since March 2021, 19 humanitarian workers have been killed and 36 injured in the violence.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“The next major milestone is also clear: presidential and parliamentary elections on 24 December. The United Kingdom looks forward to working with international partners, led by UNSMIL, to support Libya over the months ahead.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“We look forward to the initial deployment in the coming weeks of the United Nations ceasefire monitors in support of the Libyan Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism. The 5+5 Libyan Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism, supported by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), has the United Kingdom’s full support in driving this process forward. Finally, I would also like to welcome the independent strategic review of UNSMIL and thank Mr. Bathily and his team for all their work. The recommendations of the review must now be implemented so that UNSMIL is best placed to help facilitate the Libyan-led and Libyan- owned political process and build on the gains achieved by Mr. Ján Kubiš and his team. Libya is at a critical point. The actions needed to build a stable, prosperous and inclusive future for all Libyans are clear and also urgent.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“As Asma said, women have been disproportionately affected by the conflict in Libya. Elections due in December offer an opportunity for the full and meaningful participation of women as voters, candidates and decision-makers in the political process. Thirdly, I would like to welcome the opening of the coastal road last month and congratulate the 5+5 Joint Military Commission in securing this step towards building trust between east and west. There is much more to be done. It is essential now, just over a month from the anniversary of the signing of the 23 October ceasefire agreement, that there is a move from words to action. All foreign forces and mercenaries must withdraw from Libya without delay.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“We welcome the efforts by the House of Representatives to find a solution to this issue and encourage further engagement to allow full agreement on and preparation for presidential and parliamentary elections on 24 December, as set out in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum road map endorsed by the Council in resolution 2570 (2021).The steps needed have not changed since the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum road map was agreed. But the task has become increasingly urgent. The United Kingdom will not hesitate to act against those who deliberately attempt to undermine the Libyan political process. Secondly, the United Kingdom remains committed to championing women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in Libya. In that spirit, we welcome Ms. Asma Khalifa’s important contribution to today’s discussion.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Special Envoy Ján Kubiš, Ambassador Tirumurti and Ms. Asma Khalifa for briefing the Security Council today. I would like to make four points. First, time is running out to agree a legal and constitutional basis for elections. We are at a critical point. There is clear demand from the Libyan people to participate in elections and have their voices heard. It is essential that those in authority who represent them reach an agreement on holding elections and that they commit to accepting the results of those elections.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“The Government of Yemen must therefore implement reforms to open up the possibility of greater financial assistance, with support from the international community and the relevant international financial institutions.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“The Riyadh agreement, facilitated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, needs to be implemented so that stability returns to the south. The Government of Yemen and the southern groups must work together to that end. In addition, the Southern Transitional Council must facilitate the return of the entire Cabinet of the Government of Yemen to Aden. Lastly, we remain alarmed by the deteriorating economy and increasing risk of famine. That must remain a key priority for the United Nations-led peace process. Last month, the Yemeni rial passed the symbolic mark of 1,000 rial to the dollar for the first time, making food and basic services increasingly unaffordable for millions of people.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“Entesar Al-Qadhi for her poignant briefing and courage. The bleak picture that she painted today for women and girls in Yemen, particularly in Ma’rib, underlines the necessity of peace. As members of the Security Council have said repeatedly, the Houthi offensive in Ma’rib must end. We condemn the reckless cross- border attacks by the Houthis facilitated by Iran. They have resorted once again to launching missiles and explosive-laden unmanned aerial vehicles. Most worrisome is the indiscriminate nature of those actions. On 31 August shrapnel wounded eight civilians and damaged a commercial aircraft at Abha airport, and, on 4 September, another two civilians — children — were wounded by more shrapnel. Thirdly, we continue to be concerned about the situation in the south.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“I would like to start by thanking all of our briefers today. I welcome Mr. Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen. He brings a great depth of knowledge to the role, and we look forward to working with him and supporting his efforts. His appointment comes at a critical time and, as he said, is a moment to reassess. The resumption of inclusive peace talks that represent all of Yemeni society, including minorities and women, is essential to ending the war. I welcome his plans to travel throughout Yemen and the region and listen first. That will also be an opportunity for the Yemeni parties to demonstrate their commitment to peace and move beyond their existing positions to meet with him without preconditions and facilitate his travel within Yemen. Secondly, I would like to thank Ms.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“The caretaker appointments announced by the Taliban on 7 September did not reflect the diversity of the country’s regions and communities or women, and we call on the Taliban to pursue inclusive politics and an inclusive society. Finally, the members of the Security Council share a common interest in making sure that Afghanistan does not return to the chaos of the past. We must now work together, and we will need the United Nations family to continue its brave work. I commend the efforts of the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan as we enter this new phase. The United Kingdom stands ready to work with it.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“We encourage the Taliban to create the safe environment needed in order to deliver humanitarian support, including by ensuring unimpeded access for aid workers and no interference in the work of United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations. We call for the protection of human rights and of the gains of the last two decades, especially the education of girls, the employment of women and the rights of minorities. And I thank Ms. Wazhma Frogh and Ms. Malala Yousafzai for their briefings today. We have today seen disturbing images in the press of journalists who have been beaten. We are clear that the Taliban’s actions must be consistent with their words, and we will calibrate our approach accordingly.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“It is in the shared interests of all countries that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for Al-Qaida, the Islamic State and other terrorist groups and does not undermine regional stability. We must all hold the Taliban to that. We welcome the Taliban’s commitments to allow safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghan citizens with documentation for travel. Again, we call on the Taliban to ensure that their actions reflect that. We, too, are deeply concerned by the impact of recent events on the Afghan people. The United Kingdom is doubling its aid to Afghanistan to £286 million this year. We warmly welcome the United Nations flash appeal.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Representative Lyons for her briefing. As she said, these have been extraordinary and challenging times, and I should like to thank her and, through her, her team for the courage and dedication with which the United Nations family in Afghanistan has responded. We are in a new situation. We all remember the Taliban’s previous period in power, so we approach it clear-eyed. But we have also heard that some in the Taliban may now want a different approach. So we are also open-minded. Our approach will be shaped by what the Taliban now do. Resolution 2593 (2021) sets out the Council’s minimum expectations. We call on the Taliban to distance themselves from terrorism and to live up to the commitments they made during the Doha talks.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“It is critical that the Tatmadaw engage with him to make progress on the five-point consensus and address the humanitarian situation. In the Council, we should keep all options under review so as to remain engaged in support of a political solution. Finally, the Council has primary responsibility for international peace and security but it cannot act alone. A coherent approach to conflict prevention requires action by the entire United Nations system, combining humanitarian, development and peacebuilding efforts and in coordination with regional organizations and partners. In that regard, the United Kingdom strongly supports the Secretary-General’s commitment to embedding conflict prevention across the United Nations system and to delivering the sustaining peace agenda.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“Recent events in Afghanistan have also demonstrated just how vital it is for us to engage on conflict prevention and respond rapidly to changing situations on the ground. The multilateral system and clear, coordinated messaging across the international community, including from the Security Council, will be necessary to ensure that the Taliban’s actions are consistent with its words. The adoption of resolution 2593 (2021) last week provides a strong foundation for the Council to continue to play its part in that vital undertaking. The Security Council has been united in condemning violence and calling for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar. However, the situation continues to deteriorate. We welcome the appointment of His Excellency Dato Erywan Yusof as Special Envoy to Myanmar of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“We should therefore be proactive in horizon-scanning and early warning instead of delaying until conflicts have already passed a tipping point. Secondly, there are numerous ongoing crises where a more nimble, creative Security Council response would help people affected by conflict. Arguably, we did not act quickly enough to respond to the conflict in Tigray, but continued and constructive Council engagement can prevent further escalation by encouraging the parties to reach political solutions to the conflict. Such engagement would also support the efforts of the African Union. In that regard, I would welcome The Elders’ views on how the Council can best support the work of His Excellency Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo as the African Union’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“First, in the 76 years since the Security Council was entrusted with the responsibility to maintain international peace and security, the nature of the threats that we face has evolved. How we respond to new challenges, including climate change and building back better from the coronavirus disease, will shape our world over the next decade and well beyond. As the threats to international peace and security evolve, so too must the Security Council. We should not self-censor. Where there are clear emerging threats to international peace and security, we should consider them in a timely fashion. We should respond more quickly to the warning signs of conflict and violence and act earlier to prevent conflict and escalation.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Their Excellencies Mrs. Mary Robinson and Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi for their briefings today. I also welcome Their Excellencies Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Mr. Ernesto Zedillo. The United Kingdom values The Elders’ views on how the Security Council can play its part in improving multilateral responses to conflict prevention and evolving threats to international peace and security. I would like to focus my intervention on three points: first, the Council’s response to the evolution of threats to international peace and security; secondly, some country-specific examples of where the Council can have a real impact; and, finally, the importance of a system-wide approach to conflict prevention.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“I would like to conclude by expressing my regret at the ongoing use of these meetings to call into question the OPCW’s scientific, technical and independent findings. Those who do so claim to be protecting the OPCW and the Chemical Weapons Convention. The reality is that they are seeking to divert attention from the Al-Assad regime’s well-evidenced use of chemical weapons, and in doing so they themselves continue to undermine the Chemical Weapons Convention, the long-held norms against chemical-weapons use and the role and unity of the Council on such an important issue. There are questions to answer, but those questions are for the Syrian regime, not the OPCW. The Council should leave Syria in no doubt that we expect it to take expeditious action to resolve those questions and comply fully with its obligations.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, there continue to be unjustified delays in agreeing on the next round of consultations with the OPCW Declaration Assessment Team and in granting visas to Technical Secretariat staff, which has led to a period, for the second time this year, where there is no Technical Secretariat presence at the command post. As we said last month, we hope the proposed meeting between the Director-General and Mr. Fayssal Mekdad will open the door to resolving these compliance issues. We also hope that it will contribute to progress on the increasing list of declaration issues and that it will provide clarity on other open questions for the Syrian regime, such as on the unauthorized movement of cylinders relating to the high-profile Douma chlorine attack and those cylinders’ subsequent alleged destruction.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“In this month’s report of the Director-General of the OPCW (S/2021/764, annex) there are further signs of Syria’s failure to cooperate fully with the OPCW and its personnel. We note with concern, for instance, that Syria has agreed to only a three-month extension of the tripartite agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services and the OPCW, rather than the nine months requested, which will significantly affect its ability to conduct its mandated activity. The tripartite agreement is often held up by Council members as evidence of Syria’s alleged cooperation. This is actually evidence of Syria’s failure to cooperate fully.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“I would like to join others in appreciating India’s presidency of the Security Council, and wishing you, Madam President, and your team, the very best for your presidency. I would like to start by thanking High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing, but I have little to add to what I said one month ago (see S/PV.8830). Syria has an obligation under the Charter of the United Nations to abide by the decisions of the Security Council in resolution 2118 (2013), and, as a member of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), it has an obligation to meet its commitments under the Chemical Weapons Convention. It has breached these obligations by using chemical weapons throughout the conflict in Syria.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“We are coordinating closely with partners to strengthen efforts to support humanitarian assistance and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian workers and organizations. Finally, the gains of the past 20 years must be protected, and human rights, including those of women, children and minorities, must be safeguarded. Resolution 2593 (2021) lays down a marker that the international community will be watching closely. Today’s resolution is an important step towards a unified, international response to the situation in Afghanistan. We will continue to build on it to ensure that the Council holds the Taliban accountable as regards its commitments. The Taliban will be judged by the international community on the basis of its actions on the ground, not its words.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8848 (2021) · source
“Today the Security Council has spoken clearly on the situation in Afghanistan and has set out its minimum expectations of the Taliban. First, the immediate priority is to ensure that all those who wish to leave Afghanistan can do so safely. We have been clear that the Taliban must adhere to its own stated commitments to ensure safe passage beyond 31 August. Secondly, Afghanistan can never again become a safe haven for terrorists. We have unequivocally condemned the attack on Kabul airport last week, and we reiterate our condolences and sympathy to the bereaved and injured. A coordinated approach will be vital to counter any extremist threat emanating from Afghanistan, and we call on the Taliban to uphold its commitments set out in the Doha agreement. Thirdly, the humanitarian situation requires urgent attention.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8848 (2021) · source