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

“We are pleased to see Palestinian and Israeli firefighters working together to extinguish fires in Jerusalem. We want to see greater coordination and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians, particularly on economic initiatives, to help pave a pathway towards peace. The first anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords this month is a reminder that the advancement of peace is possible. We welcome and urge continued engagement between the new Israeli Government and the Palestinian leadership and call on both parties to work together to tackle immediate and long-term threats to peace and stability. Our collective goal remains a two-State solution based on the 1967 lines, which the United Kingdom stands ready to support.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“The use of violence against peaceful human rights defenders, activists and protesters and the mistreatment of those detained are unacceptable. In Jerusalem, we remain concerned by the high number of evictions and demolitions, including in Shaykh Jarrah, Silwan and Al-Walaja. Unfortunately, in 2021 we have seen the pace of those unilateral Israeli actions increase across the West Bank. We urge Israel to refrain from actions that displace Palestinians from their homes, that act as a driver for conflict and are, in all but the most exceptional circumstances, illegal under international law. It is also vital to maintain calm on Al-Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount and to uphold the historic status quo. Against that fragile backdrop, we continue to see signs of hope.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“It remains vital that Israel ensure regularized access into and out of Gaza, in accordance with international humanitarian law, especially for humanitarian actors and goods, for reconstruction materials and for medical purposes. In the West Bank, we should all be troubled by the high number of Palestinians who have been killed by Israeli forces in recent weeks. Since our most recent debate on 28 July (see S/PV.8826), nine Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including two children. We urge the Israeli authorities to conduct transparent and comprehensive investigations and to hold those responsible to account. With regard to the handling of recent protests, we call on the Palestinian Authority to adhere to international standards of freedom of expression, association and assembly, and we urge respect for human rights.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“My thanks go to Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. Let me start by once again reinforcing the need to prevent a further escalation in violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories and to restore calm. We share concerns about the recent tensions in Gaza and call on all parties to take steps to avoid exacerbating tensions and to maintain the cessation of hostilities. The United Kingdom condemns unequivocally Hamas’ indiscriminate attacks against Israel, including the use of incendiary balloons. We call upon Hamas and other terrorist groups to permanently end their rocket fire against Israel. Our attention must remain on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the impact on Palestinians living there.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, as we have heard, Somalia continues to face deep challenges brought about by coronavirus disease and climate change, including flooding, drought and locust swarms, which have put Somali lives and livelihoods at further risk. The United Kingdom will continue to support Somalia in mitigating the impacts of these events and in building resilience, and we call on other members of the international community to do the same. In conclusion, delivering on the 27 May agreement and completing the electoral process will present Somalia with an opportunity to address the challenges facing Somali people and for regional and international partners to renew their support to Somalia, particularly on its path to development, security and climate resilience.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“Secondly, with regard to security, the electoral process is a key part of sustaining the security gains that the African Union and AMISOM have helped to achieve. In support of the transition to a Somali-led security arrangement as laid out in the Somali transition plan and called for in resolution 2568 (2021), we support and encourage collaboration and consultation between the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations, the African Union (AU) and donors. Further, we look forward to the joint United Nations-African Union proposal on the successor mission to AMISOM, which we expect to see in September, and to working with Somalia, the AU and Security Council members to translate this proposal into a mandate in December.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“But we also endorse what we have heard from Special Representative of the Secretary-General Swan, namely, the importance of the engagement of Somalia’s leaders to keep this process on track and to ensure that the 30 per cent quota for women is met. We also encourage the Somali authorities, in close coordination with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), to accelerate preparations for election security. We say this because we know, as we heard from Special Representative Madeira, delays and deviation from this process risk further political division and benefit to Al-Shabaab, which continues to launch frequent attacks to regain ground, extort income and increase their political influence.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative Swan, Special Representative Madeira and Ms. Batula Axmed Gaballe for their briefings. I would like to make three points in response to what we have heard today. The first thing to say is that the United Kingdom welcomes the electoral agreement reached between the Somali Federal Government and Somalia’s federated member states on 27 May. Prime Minister Roble has our full support as he works with the federal member states to implement the agreement and conclude the electoral process as planned. It follows that we welcome the beginning of Upper House elections as a milestone in the process agreed on 27 May.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“Afghanistan’s neighbours and the regional organizations to which they belong have an important supporting role to play in the process, as does the Council.”
2021-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8831 (2021) · source
“But the United Kingdom will not provide aid to a Government that does not respect and uphold human rights, including the rights of women and minority groups. The Taliban should understand that. We also recall resolution 2513 (2020) agreed by the Council, which stated that any easing of sanctions will depend on the Taliban making sustained efforts to embrace peace. Against that background, the opportunity to lift peace talks out of the stalemate in Doha, next week, is critical. We encourage all parties, including the Taliban and the Government of Afghanistan, other parties, neighbours and the international community, to engage and support, in good faith, an Afghan-led and Afghan- owned search for peace.”
2021-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8831 (2021) · source
“Those acts could constitute war crimes and we will work with international partners to hold the Taliban to account. The Security Council, therefore, should leave the Taliban in no doubt that there will be consequences for the group if it continues to pursue this military offensive. There can be no military solution to this conflict. For our part, the United Kingdom will not recognize a Taliban Government that comes to power by force. If the Taliban wants political power, it needs to engage meaningfully in a peace process. We are clear, too, about the standards we expect any Government to adhere to. As Prime Minister Johnson made clear on 8 July, we continue to support the Government of the Republic of Afghanistan and the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces and to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.”
2021-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8831 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Representative Lyons and Ms. Akbar for their briefings. I welcome the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan. First, it is clear that the Taliban’s military offensive has entered a new and more dangerous phase, with the risk of civil war and implications for Afghanistan’s neighbours. There is evidence of summary killings, Government officials dragged from their homes and assassination, including, tragically, yesterday of Dawa Khan Menapal, the director of Afghanistan’s media and information centre. We send our condolences to all the bereaved families. We are also concerned about evidence of Taliban human rights abuses, including of minority groups and women, forced marriage, using civilians as human shields and attacks on United Nations buildings.”
2021-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8831 (2021) · source
“We yet again urge Syria to comply with its obligations and refrain from actions not consistent with them. We note the proposed meeting between the OPCW’s Director-General and Mr. Fayssal Mekdad. We hope that that will be an opportunity for renewed commitment by Syria to compliance and set it on the path towards restoring its rights and privileges under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Lastly, we once again commend the OPCW Technical Secretariat’s professionalism, integrity and tireless efforts to support Syria on the road to compliance.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“Syria is required to give immediate and unfettered access to OPCW personnel, including members of the Declaration Assessment Team. Thirdly, we note the alleged destruction of two chlorine cylinders connected to the 2018 Douma chemical weapons attack in a strike on a former chemical weapons production facility. We understand that the OPCW was in the process of attempting to take those cylinders to The Hague for further investigation. As the OPCW observes, if the cylinders were destroyed at that facility, it means that Syria had moved the cylinders from another facility 60 kilometres away, against the express instructions of the OPCW. That incident represents not only a highly concerning failure by Syria to comply with important OPCW requests, but also unauthorized interference with evidence central to an ongoing high-profile investigation.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“By using chemical weapons throughout the conflict and failing to comply fully with the OPCW and its various teams, Syria has repeatedly breached its obligations under the Charter, Security Council resolutions, the Chemical Weapons Convention and decisions of the OPCW. Unfortunately, the Director- General’s monthly report (S/2021/692, annex) provides further ongoing evidence of non-compliance. First, there has been no progress in resolving the 20 outstanding issues in Syria’s chemical weapons declaration. In the light of Syria’s willingness to use chemical weapons throughout the conflict, that represents an ongoing threat to international peace and security. Secondly, we note the ongoing failure to grant visas to members of the Declaration Assessment Team. That is unacceptable.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“I would like to joint others in thanking France for its presidency of the Security Council for the month of July and in wishing India every success during its presidency this month. I would also like to thank Mr. Thomas Markram, Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, for his briefing. Article 25 of the Charter of the United Nations requires Member States to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council. In resolution 2118 (2013), the Security Council decided that Syria would not use, produce or retain chemical weapons and that it would cooperate fully with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and its personnel, providing them with immediate and unfettered access.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“We urge all parties to seize the opportunity to take action, tackle immediate and long-term threats to peace and stability and work towards a two-State solution on the 1967 lines. The United Kingdom remains fully committed to playing its part in those efforts.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“Lastly, we commend the positive engagement at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians on 6 July, and we welcome positive signals from both parties towards the re-establishment of the Joint Economic Committee. An effective Joint Economic Committee is essential in supporting the recovery of the Palestinian economy and ensuring the sustainability of the Palestinian Authority. We urge the parties to make progress at pace, and we stand ready to provide support. In conclusion, it is not too late to reverse the negative trends, rebuild trust and work towards a sustainable ceasefire and comprehensive peace. We welcome the early engagement between the new Israeli Government and the Palestinian leadership, as well as Israeli engagement with regional partners.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“In Jerusalem, we urge steps to end the ongoing tensions on Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount. The Waqf Administration and the Jordanian and Israeli authorities must work together to restore and sustain the historic status quo, including ensuring that any policing is sensitive to the sanctity of the site. Turning to Gaza, we must continue to address immediate humanitarian needs and work towards a long-term humanitarian solution. We welcome Israel’s commitment to allowing access for goods identified in the United Nations humanitarian response plan. We urge regularized and predictable access into and out of Gaza, in accordance with international humanitarian law, for humanitarian actors and supplies and reconstruction materials and for medical purposes.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“Demolitions are illegal under international law in all but the most exceptional circumstances. We also remain concerned about the high number of Palestinian households in East Jerusalem with eviction and demolition cases pending, including in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan. The United Kingdom remains strongly opposed to Israel’s proposed demolition of Khan Al-Ahmar, and we again call on Israel to reconsider its plans. We remain concerned too by the high number of Palestinians killed in confrontation with the Israeli security forces in the West Bank. In the past week alone, two Palestinian children died as a result of live fire by the Israeli security forces. Israeli investigations, where there are accusations of the excessive use of force, should be comprehensive and hold those responsible to account. Settler violence also remains a concern.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Hastings and Ms. Oppenheimer for their briefings. I share concerns already expressed regarding the current situation on the ground. In view of that, it remains crucial that all parties take steps to avoid exacerbating tensions in order to prevent a further escalation. The United Kingdom once again condemns unequivocally Hamas’s inflammatory action and indiscriminate attacks against Israel, including the use of incendiary devices. We continue to call on Hamas and other terrorist groups to permanently end their rocket fire against Israel. The United Kingdom has made clear that Israel’s settlement activity presents a barrier to peace. Rates of demolitions are rising, and this month we have seen particularly concerning mass demolitions and confiscations in the communities of Humsa Al-Baqai’a and Ras Al-Tin.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“We must now work together to implement the relevant resolutions, which have the provisions to hold to account those who breach international humanitarian law. That includes strengthening our use of sanctions while ensuring that sanctions and counter-terrorism measures do not themselves hinder the delivery of assistance. Through our tri-sector group, the United Kingdom is working with non-governmental organizations and banks to find legal, safe and transparent ways to ensure that humanitarian aid benefits those in need. While we work towards an end to conflict, international humanitarian law is there to protect civilians and the humanitarian space and the workers on which they rely. The Council has a duty to hold to account those who fail to respect those basic principles.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Sadly, Tigray is not unique, not an exception. In Afghanistan, hospitals are being targeted. In South Sudan, humanitarian supplies are being destroyed. In Yemen, bureaucratic restrictions are delaying the delivery of life-saving aid. And in all three countries and others, aid workers are being attacked. The United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for Famine Prevention has visited several countries to call for the respect of international humanitarian law by all parties to conflict. The Council has a responsibility to ensure that. We welcome our agreement last week to adopt resolution 2585 (2021), facilitating the continued delivery of life-saving cross-border assistance for 3.4 million people in Syria.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“I thank the Deputy Secretary-General, Director-General Mardini and Ms. Grosjean. Attacks on humanitarian operations are an assault on basic human values. They are shameful. They add to the human suffering caused by conflict by targeting those workers who are trying to alleviate it. For example in Tigray, which is on the brink of a man-made famine, parties to the conflict are impeding aid deliveries, destroying infrastructure and targeting civilians, including aid workers. While the announcement of a humanitarian ceasefire by the Government of Ethiopia on 28 June was welcome, we have witnessed continued efforts to hamper aid delivery. The United Kingdom again stresses that all sides must remove barriers blocking aid, protect infrastructure, facilitate banking services and allow communications equipment into Tigray.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Finally, we must not lose sight of the essential services that ordinary Libyans rely on, including electricity, water, education and health care. Delivering these things means agreeing on a balanced national budget and ensuring that resources are used for the benefit of people across Libya. It also means reunification of Libya’s institutions and the rebuilding of citizens’ trust in government. Thanks to the efforts and the will of Libyans, the country has made important progress in the last year, but that momentum must be sustained. The next steps in the transition are critical. Libya and all Libyans will continue to have the United Kingdom’s full support in the process.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“I therefore urge all relevant Libyan authorities to work together with the support of UNSMIL to agree on a legal basis for elections and ensure that they go ahead on 24 December as agreed. Members of the House of Representatives and the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum have a particular responsibility in this regard, and the United Kingdom will not hesitate to act against those who deliberately undermine holding elections. Secondly, we urge the full implementation of the October ceasefire agreement. This includes the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries without delay. We support efforts by the United Nations and Libyans to operationalize this withdrawal immediately. We also encourage the Libyan parties to press ahead with their commitment to opening the coastal road and building confidence in the transition away from conflict.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this discussion. I would also like to thank Special Envoy Kubiš for his briefing. I am pleased that we are joined by Prime Minister Dbeibah, Foreign Minister Maas and Mr. Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. The United Kingdom welcomes the progress made in Libya over the past year, supported by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the Berlin process. However, as we have heard, there is still work to be done to complete Libya’s political transition. I would like to highlight three urgent steps today. First, it is time to deliver on the commitment to free, fair and inclusive national elections on the 24 December 2021, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, let me once again reaffirm the United Kingdom’s strong support for the AU-led process and the Governments of Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan in their endeavours to reach an equitable, mutually acceptable agreement.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“The United Kingdom notes Egypt and the Sudan’s disappointment that a resolution has yet to be reached, as well as the stated commitment of all three countries to the AU-led talks. The United Kingdom is confident that, working together with the ongoing support of the African Union and the wider international community, Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan have the strength and resolve to reach agreement to the benefit of all. We call on all three sides to refrain from actions that undermine negotiations. We encourage them to engage constructively and urgently in a spirit of compromise to conclude negotiations and reach a mutually acceptable agreement.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“We are pleased that many of the key elements needed to reach that consensus on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam are captured in the 2015 Declaration of Principles on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, in particular the principles not to cause significant harm and of equitable and reasonable utilization. Since the Declaration of Principles, the three parties have continued talks to reach a more detailed trilateral agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. We would like to thank African Union (AU) Chairperson Tshisekedi and former Chairperson Ramaphosa for their support for the process. We recognize that reaching agreement requires compromise by all parties.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Onanga-Anyanga, Executive Director Andersen and the Chargé d’affaires of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who spoke on behalf of the African Union, for their briefings today. I would also like to welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Sudan and the Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy of Ethiopia to our meeting today. The United Kingdom shares strong partnerships with all three nations and recognizes the vital interests that each has in Nile waters. The United Kingdom places strong emphasis on consensus among parties on developments that impact a shared natural resource.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“We note Iranian President- elect Raisi’s comments on 18 June stating that his Administration is open to continuing dialogue with Saudi Arabia. We urge all regional partners to engage constructively to improve the security and prosperity of the region. We call upon President-elect Raisi to set Iran on a different course. He can do that by addressing concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme, putting an end to Iran’s destabilizing activity and human right abuses and releasing British nationals detained in Iran. Upholding the nuclear non-proliferation regime, ensuring the authority and integrity of the Security Council and improving regional security should remain our shared objectives.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“In that context, we are also concerned by the continued limits placed on the monitoring and surveillance activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Iran. Iran must cooperate fully with the IAEA and grant unimpeded access to all relevant sites and activities to ensure that the Agency can continue to fulfil its reporting mandate under resolution 2231 (2015). The year 2021 has also seen a continuation of Iran’s destabilizing activity around the Middle East, including activities that are inconsistent with resolution 2231 (2015). Iran’s ballistic missile technologies pose a threat to regional security, including as a potential delivery system for weapons of mass destruction. We welcome the talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Dialogue is the cornerstone for the de-escalation of regional tensions.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“Our priority is for the United States to return to the deal, for Iran to return to compliance with its commitments and to restore the benefits of the deal for all. The talks cannot be open-ended, and the time for reaching a decision is fast approaching. We cannot guarantee that the same terms for a deal will be on offer later in the year. We remain deeply concerned by Iran’s continued violations of its nuclear-related commitments, including the escalatory steps taken since January. Collectively, those steps present a significant nuclear proliferation risk. They have irreversible consequences for Iran’s nuclear capabilities and undermine the non-proliferation benefits of the JCPOA.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“I would like to start by welcoming the Secretary- General’s eleventh report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2021/582) and thanking the Secretariat for its continued professionalism and the support provided to the Secretary-General in enabling the production of the report. We also thank the Security Council Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) and her team for their work on a balanced and accurate Facilitator’s report (see S/2021/602). We support the Secretary-General’s findings and remain committed to the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and resolution 2231 (2015). That is why we are engaging in talks in Vienna aimed at finding a diplomatic solution to revitalize and restore the benefits of the JCPOA.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“Without expansion, therefore, we cannot tackle the growing food crisis or overcome the impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic and fulfil the requirements of resolution 2565 (2021) to ensure equitable access to vaccines. That is why we continue to insist that we should approach this mandate and issue on the basis on humanitarian need, renew the mandate for Bab Al-Hawa and re-authorize the crossings at Bab Al-Salam and Al-Yarubiyah. Anything less would be a dereliction of our responsibility to the 13.4 million Syrian people who remain in need of assistance.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“But we should recognize the impact of the loss of the Al-Yarubiyah crossing in the north-east, where needs have risen by 38 per cent since January 2020. Health-care facilities now face chronic shortages of medications such as insulin, painkillers and drugs used to treat chronic diseases. The loss of the Bab Al-Salam crossing, in the north-west, has had a similarly huge impact. Assistance now travels across lines of control and multiple checkpoints. Air strikes in areas facing conflict have damaged warehouses and destroyed trucks carrying humanitarian supplies. If deliveries are able to make it through undamaged, there are persistent delays, often lasting up to three weeks.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“Earlier this week, 27 non-governmental agencies operating in Syria wrote to the Security Council asking for an expansion of the mandate to ensure the continued delivery of food, shelter, protection and other life-saving services. The United Nations has repeatedly outlined the implications of non-renewal. The United Nations vaccination programme would cease. The provision of food assistance to 1.4 million people a month would end, and critical medical items, which supported 10 million treatments in 2020, would stop. Ending the cross-border mandate would cut off the last lifeline into the country for millions of vulnerable Syrians in the north-west. The issue of cross-line access continues to be debated. Let me be clear: the United Kingdom supports all efforts to improve cross-line assistance.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“I thank the Secretary-General and our briefers today. As we start deliberations on the cross-border mechanism, humanitarian need should be front and centre of our decision-making; 13.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Syria, which is more than the entire population of London or Moscow. Seven years ago, we came together to adopt resolution 2165 (2014), authorizing the cross-border mechanism. As we heard from Sonia Khush, Director of Save the Children, in February (see S/2021/206, annex II) and Amani Ballour in March (see S/2021/315, annex III), that created a vital system whereby humanitarian assistance could reach all Syrians, wherever they lived.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, on transparency, as we heard many times this morning, we must remain relevant and connected with the wider United Nations membership and public. We must explain ourselves where we can. We therefore support a return to using press elements regularly to help transparency and project the voice of the Council when we agree. Engaging with a diverse set of briefers is an important way of staying connected, and we will continue to promote the participation of civil society in Council activity. In conclusion, I welcome the chance to hear from Council and non-Council members about how else we can build back better. We have an opportunity to reset as we return to the Chamber to ensure that we can credibly fulfil our mandate in the face of twenty-first- century challenges. Let us not waste it.”
2021-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8798 (2021) · source
“First, on effectiveness, the Security Council best fulfils its mandate by solving problems through interactive debate, critical analysis, challenge, building consensus and making decisions that move issues forward. Sometimes that means more talking in private rather than in public, and sometimes that means discussing new issues that may be uncomfortable to some. But it is of overriding importance that we address risks of conflict before they escalate if the Council is to remain relevant and effective. Secondly, on efficiency, we have all tried to make progress in bearing down on speaking times in the Council. However, lengthy meetings, using prepared statements, without moving issues forward, rarely, if ever, fulfil the Council’s mandate.”
2021-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8798 (2021) · source
“Agility does not mean just being able to convene; it is also about responsiveness to emerging issues of concern and our working methods, as we have heard from others, have inhibited that responsiveness. Due to objections from a single Council member, the Council has not held formal meetings via video- teleconference since last March. That has meant that, without the procedural mechanisms for the resolution of disagreements, we have at times not been able to discuss new or existing agenda items more substantively or to bring visibility and attention to issues in the open when needed. Looking forward, we need to build back better. I call on all of us to work collectively towards three goals so that the Council can continue to fulfil its mandate in the face of new challenges.”
2021-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8798 (2021) · source
“First, I have been struck by how easily the technology now allows us to include more diverse voices from the field — the voices of civil society, women peacebuilders and young people — as we did during our presidency of the Council in February. As our fellow 10 elected members of the Council highlighted, we should continue such practices. Secondly, the virtual convening of leader-level debates has brought greater visibility and weight to issues of international concern, such as the impacts of climate change on security and fragility. But we need to be honest with ourselves that there have been downsides, which have affected the Council’s capacity to fulfil its mandate, including to face new challenges.”
2021-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8798 (2021) · source
“I join others in paying tribute to Professor Edward Luck and Ambassador Kenzo Oshima for their work. I would first like to thank Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, for their excellent stewardship of the discussions on improving Council working methods and for maintaining momentum on this important topic. I also thank our briefers today for their stimulating ideas and their reflections. Like others, the United Kingdom recognizes how far the Council has adapted to challenging circumstances in the last year. And I pay tribute to the Security Council Affairs Division for their role in enabling that. I agree that there have been some positive developments from the adoption of virtual working methods.”
2021-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8798 (2021) · source
“We have heard the devastating toll that a worst-case scenario could put 670,000 lives at risk and take decades to clear. Rather than hiding being endless bureaucratic hurdles, the Houthis must engage substantively to avoid a potential disaster. Finally, as Mr. Griffiths said, Yemeni people have been paying a high price of lost and missed opportunities over six years. As we heard, a nationwide ceasefire would be a first critical step on the path to a future of stability, rights and freedom.”
2021-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8797 (2021) · source
“But the world’s worst man-made humanitarian crisis continues. Severe fuel shortages continue to blight Yemen, meaning that the fuel imported into Al-Hudaydah is only one third of what would normally be expected. The United Kingdom calls on the parties to find a permanent solution to that issue. The Houthis must ensure that fuel imports are distributed transparently, and the Government of Yemen must ensure a reliable and sustained flow of fuel into northern Yemen. Earlier this month the Security Council (see S/PV.8786) met to discuss the perilous situation of the FSO SAFER oil tanker — a year after the Council first held a dedicated discussion on the FSO SAFER (see S/2020/721). Yet the tanker is no closer to being made safe. This issue is in the gift of the Houthis to deliver.”
2021-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8797 (2021) · source
“I strongly condemn those acts as well as the Houthis’ continued crackdown on the rights and freedoms of Yemeni women as well as religious and ethnic minorities. I welcome Ms. Al Naggar’s briefing today and clearly hear her call for a ceasefire backed up by the resources and support for women-led organizations for inclusive path to peace. I, and I am sure others, will encourage the new Special Envoy to consider how they may work closely with you to make the process more inclusive and ensure that the positions of women, youth and minorities are genuinely represented going forward. I would also like to thank Mr. Lowcock for his tireless efforts. In the past years as conflict has ravaged Yemen, but his and the United Nations efforts have helped support those in most need and save lives.”
2021-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8797 (2021) · source
“May I start by thanking our briefers for their briefings today, but in particular for their work over the past few years and months. I would also like to thank Mark Lowcock as outgoing Under-Secretary-General, and I look forward to continuing our cooperation with Martin Griffiths in his new role. Mr. Griffiths recent visit to Sana’a is welcome, but also sadly underlines that the Houthis waited until the last days of his tenure to invite him back to Sana’a for the first time in over a year. I think it is clear that the Houthis do not have the courage to embrace a ceasefire. Instead, last week, they again targeted civilian sites in Ma’rib indiscriminately with ballistic missiles, killing 10 civilians, and, on Sunday, a Houthi attack hit a Saudi school.”
2021-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8797 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, the United Kingdom condemns the coup and stands ready to support the efforts of ECOWAS and the United Nations to ensure compliance with ECOWAS conditions, make progress towards elections and help ensure that human rights are protected and promoted and that the rule of law is upheld.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“Progress depends on full ownership by all signatory parties and their involvement in political and decision-making processes. We support the call of the Secretary-General for an impact-oriented and people-centred strategy for the central part of the country — a strategy that brings together security, governance and development responses under a clear overarching vision. That strategy needs to be owned by the Government, with MINUSMA present to support its implementation. The meeting that we hosted with France, Norway and Mali last month on the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda in Mali demonstrated the real impact and value of increasing women’s participation in the peace process.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source