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

“Secondly, we urge the new transitional authorities to uphold the commitments made by the former transitional Government with respect to tackling impunity for violations and abuses of human rights. We welcome the trial and conviction of those responsible for killing a United Nations peacekeeper, but many more Malians continue to wait for justice. We therefore urge the transitional authorities to make progress on trials and prosecutions, carry out a full and transparent investigation into the assassination of the President of the Coordination des mouvements de l’Azawad and renew efforts to protect civilians. Thirdly, we urge the transitional authorities to renew their commitment to the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“The United Kingdom therefore calls on the new transitional authorities to meet the conditions set by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in particular to prepare for elections without delay, ensure the unconditional release of those who remain detained and make certain that the rest of the transition period is based on dialogue, consultation and compromise. As the Secretary-General sets out in his report (S/2021/519), the former Government has taken a number of steps in the right direction to make the political process more inclusive and the needs and aspirations of Malians will be met through inclusive representation within Government and the active, meaningful participation of all sectors of society, including women.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General El-Ghassim Wane and Ms. Maiga for their perspectives and insights. First, like many of my Council colleagues, I am deeply concerned about the recent coup in Mali and its consequences for the return to constitutional order, the stability of Mali and the wider region, and the ability of State institutions to uphold the rule of law. I join others in regretting the attack on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) yesterday.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“Secondly, with regard to the methodology of the Investigation and Identification Team, could the Director-General set out the starting point of the investigation and tell us more about how the Team gathers evidence and conducts the investigation? Does it simply accept the Fact-Finding Mission’s findings, or does it question them?”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, and for that reason, we will continue to insist on Syria’s full cooperation with the OPCW, in accordance with resolution 2118 (2013), and on the full and verified destruction of Syria’s chemical-weapons programme, so that the ongoing threat to international peace and security can be neutralized to the satisfaction of the international community. I would like to take advantage of the Director- General’s presence to ask two questions. First, resolution 2118 (2013) requires Syria to cooperate fully. How does one assess the cooperation of the Syrian Arab Republic? After seven years of work and 20 unresolved issues in Syria’s declaration, what are the next steps and what more is required to start to reduce the number of issues and move towards a resolution?”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“Coupled with the independent findings of the United Nations and the OPCW, which, with the latest Investigation and Identification Team report, have now attributed eight chemical-weapons attacks to the Syrian regime, it is clear that Syria retained a chemical-weapons capability and the willingness to use it after 2013. Secondly, the retention of that capability means there is an ongoing risk of further use of chemical weapons. Given the unaccounted-for whereabouts of significant amounts of chemical agents and munitions, there is also the potential for those weapons to fall into the hands of other groups with an intent to use them.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the intense scrutiny under which the Technical Secretariat operates, it is clear that the OPCW continues to implement the duties conferred on it objectively and professionally and to prioritize dialogue, cooperation, discretion and candour with the Syrian authorities and OPCW States parties. The United Kingdom’s position on this issue is well known, and I would like to underline three points. First, we remain deeply concerned about the unresolved issues in Syria’s initial chemical-weapons declaration, which now stands at 20.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“I thank Director-General Arias and Mrs. Nakamitsu for their briefings today. This is the third time the Director- General has briefed the Security Council in the past two years. I think that underlines the Security Council’s enduring concern at the use of these banned weapons, as well as the importance the Director-General places on dialogue and collaboration between the Council and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). I would also like to thank the Director-General for the work of the various teams of the OPCW Technical Secretariat, as set out in his monthly reports to the Council.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“We welcome calls for equality of safety, security, freedom, peace and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis. In conclusion, a longer-term political horizon is essential. Recent events must galvanize us all in our commitment to achieving a two-State solution that ensures a safe and secure Israel living alongside a Palestinian State based on 1967 lines, with Jerusalem the shared capital of both States — the only solution that we believe can end the cycle of violence and deliver a just and sustainable peace.”
2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source
“The United Kingdom has provided an initial $4.5 million in aid to the emergency flash appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to help address immediate humanitarian needs. We commend UNRWA for its continued efforts and its support to Gazans displaced during the conflict. Economic growth in the occupied Palestinian territories remains vital to give hope to the Palestinian people. For too long, it has been stifled. We call on the Palestinian Authority and Israel to resume dialogue on economic issues, to reconvene the Joint Economic Committee and to address the financial and coronavirus-disease crises together. We applaud the efforts of all who have engaged the parties since the ceasefire to try to find a political way forward.”
2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source
“We continue to call on those groups to permanently end their incitement and rocket fire against Israel. We have been clear that Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence in responding to attacks. In exercising that right, it is vital that all actions be in line with international humanitarian law and make every effort to avoid civilian casualties. We are gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including damage and destruction of key civilian infrastructure. Rapid and unhindered access into Gaza for humanitarian actors and essential supplies remains critical. We urge the continued opening of all crossings in and out of Gaza, including for life-saving medical treatment.”
2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source
“The United Kingdom has been clear that violence against peaceful worshipers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque was unacceptable. Maintaining the historic status quo and the safety and sanctity of the holy sites is crucial. We support the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s important role as Custodian. We have all been deeply disturbed by the scenes of violence in Sheikh Jarrah. The United Kingdom has been clear that settlement activity is illegal under international law and damages prospects for peace; and that the Government of Israel must end its settlement expansion, demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem and elsewhere on the West Bank. Events at the holy sites and in Sheikh Jarrah do not justify the indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel by Hamas and other militant groups. We condemn those attacks in absolute terms.”
2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland, Commissioner- General Lazzarini and Professor Khalidi for their briefings today. The United Kingdom joins others in strongly welcoming the ceasefire. We reiterate our thanks to the United Nations, Egypt, Qatar and other regional actors for their mediation. My Prime Minister has conveyed my country’s deepest condolences to the families of the civilians killed, particularly those who lost children. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the cycle of violence has taken too many lives. We now need to focus on making the ceasefire durable. My Foreign Secretary travelled to the region yesterday and met Israeli and Palestinian leaders. As he made clear, the latest escalation underlines the urgent need to make progress towards a more positive future and to address the drivers of conflict.”
2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source
“There must be a political settlement on how to share power and resources in a federated Somalia. Somalia’s leaders need to be able to turn their attention to managing these problems, which affect the lives of millions of Somalis.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Political violence only compounds the impact of the existing threats of the coronavirus disease, flooding, drought, food insecurity and locust swarms, which all pose a substantial risk to the long- term stability of Somalia. Somali leaders should continue to work to address the impacts of these issues. Finally, the United Kingdom will maintain its support for Somalia both in mitigating the impacts of these events and in working to build longer-term resilience against these problems. We call on the international community to do the same. A long-term approach to alleviating these problems is the only way to break the cycle of dependency on international humanitarian aid. And fundamentally, the Somali people need and deserve effective and inclusive governance to support this.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“While political leaders focus on the elections, Government reserves are dwindling, and Al-Shabaab is growing its profits and its influence. Resolving the current impasse will enable everyone to focus on common challenges, namely, defeating Al-Shabaab and supporting development in Somalia. That brings me to my third point. The ongoing political instability risks exacerbating Somalia’s already dire humanitarian outlook. The 25 April clashes alone displaced tens of thousands of Somalis, and we are deeply concerned about the risk of further violence, especially if the talks fail. Respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians is paramount for Somali State legitimacy.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Tragically, that instability leads to loss of life and threatens the transition towards Somali-led security, as laid out in the Somali transition plan and endorsed by the Security Council through the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) resolution — resolution 2568 (2021). The United Kingdom encourages all parties, in spite of current challenges, to continue to deliver the Somali transition plan and to work constructively to determine the nature of a new mission from 2022. On this note, I welcome the engagement between the Security Council and the African Union to renew the AMISOM authorization and look forward to further close engagement over the coming months as we discuss the shape and mandate of a new mission. Unfortunately, this division and instability also benefits Al-Shabaab.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“First, as talks in Mogadishu continue — and we very much welcome the updates we received — we continue to urge the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states to continue their constructive dialogue based on the 17 September agreement and the recommendations of the Baidoa technical committee to ensure that inclusive, credible elections can take place as soon as possible and that we can break out of the political impasse that risks exacerbating insecurity and instability in Somalia. Secondly, political turmoil has direct consequences for Somali security, as we saw as recently as last month. The United Kingdom strongly condemns the violence that took place in Mogadishu on 25 April. We urge all sides to continue to show restraint and engage in dialogue to avoid a repeat of those scenes.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for bringing us back to the Security Council Chamber. I would like to start by thanking the briefers — Special Representative Swan, Ambassador Madeira — as well as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Abdirizak Mohamud. The United Kingdom welcomes the opening of a new round of talks in Mogadishu and their ongoing positive progress aimed at reaching a consensus on an electoral model. We give our full support to Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble as he chairs that process. I would like to make three points.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Finally, we must be united in our action to hold the perpetrators of attacks against peacekeepers accountable through the adoption of sanctions by the Security Council and the pursuit of justice by host States. It is also the duty of host States to ensure that missions be free to work without violations of their status-of-forces agreement. We are concerned about the recent spike in such violations against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, and I join others in calling on the authorities to ensure the security and free movement of United Nations personnel.”
2021-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/501 (2021) · source
“The deployment of the United Kingdom’s Reconnaissance Task Group in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali demonstrates the value of peacekeeping intelligence in connecting the Mission with difficult-to-reach communities and improving situational awareness. That contributes to both safety and security and the protection of civilians. Thirdly, when incidents occur, peacekeepers should be assured that they will benefit from reliable casualty evacuation and the right medical care needed in the first crucial minutes and hours. The availability of adequately equipped and performing air support is often key to that. Response times, processes and capabilities must be thoroughly stress-tested to ensure that they are robust, dependable and in line with medical needs.”
2021-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/501 (2021) · source
“First, thorough and mission-specific predeployment preparation is key to understanding and tackling threats. That is why, through our partnerships with other troop contributors and training centres, the United Kingdom provides training and mentoring in counter-improvised explosive device capabilities, peacekeeping intelligence and first-aid skills to help prepare peacekeepers before they deploy. For example, the United Kingdom has provided more than $1.4 million of support to the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, helping deliver 31 courses to more than 600 personnel from 12 police- and troop-contributing countries. Secondly, giving missions an accurate threat picture allows them to anticipate and mitigate risks and challenge those targeting them.”
2021-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/501 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s open debate, and I would like to thank our briefers for their insightful remarks. At the outset, I want to join others in paying tribute to those brave peacekeepers killed or injured in the course of their duties. Addressing the threats facing our peacekeepers requires commitment from all of us. The Secretary-General recognized that in his Action for Peacekeeping initiative. Safety and security must remain a central pillar of its implementation. Just as we ask our peacekeepers to perform to the best of their abilities and the Secretariat to put in place the required levels of support, it is our duty, as troop- and police-contributing countries, to provide the training and equipment to enable our personnel to fulfil their roles safely.”
2021-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/501 (2021) · source
“The news of the discovery of further mass graves in Tarhouna, bringing the total to over 100, is shocking. The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the Al-Kaniyat militia and its leaders for their role in these heinous acts. Libyans have had enough of impunity, interference and obstruction, and where necessary, we — the international community — must act. To conclude, Libya has made significant steps towards a sustainable, Libyan- led and Libyan-owned political settlement. The next steps to maintain that momentum are clear. It is now up to Libya’s leaders and to the international community to deliver.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“The implementation of the Libyan ceasefire is an urgent priority, including opening the coastal road to connect east and west. Thirdly, the international community must play its part. Those undermining Libyan sovereignty and breaching the United Nations arms embargo must stop. All foreign forces and mercenaries must be withdrawn from Libya without delay. Their presence undermines the peace and stability of Libya and the wider region, as seen in recent events in Chad. We encourage the rapid deployment of the United Nations forward team in support of the Libyan ceasefire monitoring mechanism. Finally, resolution 2570 (2021) is clear that those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of international human rights law must be held accountable.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“We note that the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum may also take steps to facilitate elections, if necessary. Secondly, delivering the successful and inclusive elections that Libyans deserve requires more than just legislation, so the United Kingdom urges the interim Government of National Unity and all the Libyan actors to take the necessary steps to create a conducive environment, with support from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. This includes measures to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of female candidates and voters. Progress on the unification of institutions, effective service delivery across the country and the transparency of public finances will help build confidence among Libyan actors.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Special Envoy Kubiš and Ambassador Tirumurti for their reports and their work. As we have heard from other colleagues, this is a critical moment for Libya. There is now a pathway to national elections in December and a prospect for longer- term stability. A month ago, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2570 (2021), which sets out the next steps in four key areas. First, the relevant Libyan authorities, including Libya’s House of Representatives, need to clarify the constitutional basis and any necessary legislation by 1 July in order to allow election preparations to go ahead. We urge the House of Representatives to consider the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum’s proposals and to play its part in the process.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“The United Kingdom remains committed to the two-State solution as the best way to permanently end the occupation and bring peace and stability to the region. We urge all sides to show maximum restraint and refrain from taking actions that endanger civilians and make peace more difficult. These coming hours and days are critical. The United Kingdom will continue to do all it can to bring an end to the violence and work towards a more peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“We continue to support the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s important role as custodian of the holy sites. Let me also reiterate that the United Kingdom has made its position on evictions, demolitions and the settlement enterprise clear in the Council, and I will do so again today. We oppose those activities. Settlements are illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. We urge the Government of Israel to immediately cease its policies related to settlement expansion and instead work towards the establishment of a Palestinian State along the 1967 lines, with its capital in East Jerusalem. The situation on the ground demonstrates the urgent need to make progress towards peace.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“We are gravely concerned by United Nations reports that medical installations, 23 schools and more than 500 houses in Gaza have been destroyed or seriously damaged. Israel’s actions must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law. We are also concerned by reports that Hamas is again using civilian infrastructure and populations as cover for its operations. We are holding this special session of the Council during the holy days of Eid al-Fitr and as we approach the Jewish festival of Shavuot. The United Kingdom is clear that violence against peaceful worshippers is unacceptable and must stop. The right to freedom of worship must be upheld. The historic status quo in Jerusalem is important at all times, but especially during religious festivals.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“We urge the parties to work with mediators, cease hostilities and prevent further humanitarian impact. Let me be unequivocal: the United Kingdom condemns the firing of rockets at civilian populations. There is no justification for targeting civilians. The death toll seen in the last week is unacceptable, and the images we have all seen are truly harrowing. We strongly condemn these acts of terrorism by Hamas and other terrorist groups, which must permanently end their incitement and rocket fire against Israel and Israeli civilians. Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence and the right to defend its citizens from attack. In doing so, it is vital that Israel make every effort to avoid civilian casualties.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The ongoing violence across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories is deeply concerning and must stop. This week has seen the worst violence that Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories have experienced for several years. I repeat my Prime Minister’s call for both sides to step back from the brink and show restraint. This cycle of violence must end. The United Kingdom offers our deepest condolences to the families of those civilians killed. Each one of those deaths is a tragedy. We are deeply concerned that the current trajectory in Gaza will lead only to further violence and more civilian casualties. We want to see an urgent cessation of hostilities and calm restored. We value the continued United Nations, Egyptian and Qatari efforts to broker a ceasefire and improve the humanitarian situation.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The next steps for Syria are clearly set out in the decision: its rights and privileges will be reinstated by the Conference of the States Parties once the Director-General has reported to the Executive Council that Syria has resolved all the outstanding issues in its declaration and declared all outstanding production facilities and stockpiles, including those used in the 24, 25, and 30 March 2017 attacks. While these issues remain unresolved, and particularly in the light of Syria’s identified use of chemical weapons, there is an extant threat to international peace and security, on which basis the Council should remain seized of this matter.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“It continues to fail to comply fully with the OPCW Technical Secretariat. This has all been independently established by both the United Nations and the OPCW. In the light of this catalogue of breaches of Security Council resolutions, the Chemical Weapons Convention and fundamental international norms, the action taken by the OPCW Conference of the States Parties on 21 April was minimal, proportionate and entirely in accordance with articles VIII and XII of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the obligation on the Conference of the States Parties to take necessary measures to ensure compliance with the Convention. This is a clear case of the situation that these provisions are designed to address.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“Secondly, the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team concluded in its second report, dated 12 April 2021, that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Syrian Arab Air Force under control of the Tiger Forces dropped a canister containing chlorine on Saraqib on 4 February 2018. This brings to eight the number of occasions on which the United Nations and the OPCW have found the Syrian regime responsible for the use of chemical weapons. The implications are clear. Syria is a country that, by its own admission, had an extensive chemical-weapons programme. It failed to declare this programme in full. It retained a chemical-weapons production capability beyond the 2014 destruction of its declared programme, and it has been found to have used those retained chemical weapons on numerous occasions throughout the conflict.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“May I start by thanking High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing today. I would also like to thank the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as always for his latest monthly report (see S/2021/422). The report raises issues of serious concern. First, we note the discovery by the Declaration Assessment Team in September 2020 of an undeclared neat chemical warfare agent in samples collected from large volume storage containers at a previously declared chemical-weapons production facility. This has led to the opening of a new outstanding issue by the Declaration Assessment Team.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“While there were constructive United Nations-Houthi discussions last week, the Houthis have not yet agreed to facilitate the United Nations assessment mission. The vessel is under Houthi control, and the responsibility for this matter rests on Houthi shoulders. If the Houthis fail to act on their stated desire to avert this crisis, then we will look to the Security Council to discuss further what steps we can take.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“We strongly urge the Government of Yemen to immediately release all remaining fuel ships and for all parties to work constructively with the Special Envoy towards a sustainable solution. Severe fuel shortages continue to threaten food distribution to millions of Yemenis over the coming months, at a time when 16 million risk starvation. And so the United Kingdom calls on the Houthis to ensure that any fuel that arrives is distributed transparently and not used to fund their escalation of the conflict. Finally, the FSO SAFER oil tanker continues to pose a grave risk to Yemen and to the Red Sea. The Suez Canal incident only highlights how fragile maritime routes are, and we welcome Under-Secretary-General Lowcock’s recent update.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“Indeed, in the same week that Saudi Arabia publicly reiterated its commitment to a peace deal, the Houthis launched a massive drone and missile attack on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia. With the notable exception of Iran, the international community has welcomed the Saudi announcement and condemned the Houthi military escalations. We must be clear about who is frustrating United Nations efforts, and I encourage all parties to engage constructively and without preconditions with the United Nations proposals. The United Kingdom welcomes the recent release of further fuel ships into Al-Hudaydah. However, as we have heard, this equates to only around 30 per cent of the fuel that the port would have expected to receive since the beginning of the year.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“So we very much support United Nations agencies’ efforts to redouble their efforts to respond to COVID-19, and we encourage the Yemeni authorities to disclose data, implement suppression measures and allow access for international staff and supplies. The United Kingdom fully supports the work of Special Envoy Griffiths to secure a national ceasefire and a resumption of the political process, for which he set out a very clear vision. The increased engagement from the United States and from Oman in support of the United Nations process is important and welcomed. But despite increased dialogue, the Houthis have continued their offensive on Ma’rib, displacing thousands and endangering civilians.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“I join others in sending good wishes for the Holy Month of Ramadan. As Yemen and the Muslim world celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan, Yemen, as we have heard, is sadly experiencing the darkness — the darkness of a second coronavirus disease (COVID-19) wave, with official case numbers doubling since the beginning of the year. Lack of testing means this is but the tip of the iceberg. The darkness, too, of imminent famine; its people can ill afford a renewed COVID-19 crisis. And we note, too, the testimony of the Special Envoy on the particular experience of Yemeni women at this time and throughout the war.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“As the Special Representative of the Secretary-General said, zero tolerance cannot have zero consequences. Resolution 2564 (2021), the recent resolution imposing sanctions against Sultan Zabin demonstrated that the international community can and will take action against perpetrators of torture and sexual violence in conflict. But there is more we can do to strengthen accountability for these crimes in United Nations-supported international and hybrid criminal courts and tribunals so that perpetrators are justly prosecuted. As we have heard, there are millions today who are affected by conflict- related sexual violence — survivors, children born of sexual violence, families and entire communities. I thank the presidency for convening this debate and our briefers for highlighting the problem and what can be done.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“First, in June, Lord Ahmad, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative, launched the draft Global Code of Conduct for Investigating and Documenting Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, also known as the Murad Code, for global consultations. This is a code of behaviour for those collecting evidence in order to respect survivors’ rights and ensure investigations are safer, more ethical and more effective. Secondly, in November, Lord Ahmad inaugurated the Declaration of humanity by leaders of faith and leaders of belief, which calls for the prevention of sexual violence in conflict and denounces the stigma faced by survivors, including children born of rape. Finally, alongside supporting survivors, we must do all we can to ensure accountability for the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“That includes the right to accessible sexual and reproductive health-care services and access to justice that take into account the specific needs of victims and survivors living with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex individuals and other at-risk groups. The United Kingdom has committed £1.3 million to the Global Survivors Fund, run by Mr. Mukwege, which works to ensure that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence have access to reparations and other forms of redress in conflict and post-conflict countries. In the past year, the United Kingdom has also launched two key tools to support survivors.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“In these and other post-conflict situations, survivors carry the effects of their trauma, while perpetrators most often walk free. I would like to make several remarks in that regard. First, I want to underline the United Kingdom’s commitment to tackling sexual violence in conflict. We are the only country with a Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, with a dedicated team and funding. Since 2012, we have committed over £48 million to supporting survivors, tackling stigma and reducing impunity, supporting projects across 29 countries. Secondly, I want to emphasize, as we have heard from our speakers, the importance of a survivor-centred and human-rights-based approach that prioritizes the rights and needs of survivors.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“We thank today’s briefers for their compelling and informative testimonies. The United Kingdom is proud to be a partner in this vital work. Sexual violence is a feature of conflict in countries around the world. We are particularly concerned about the credible and widely corroborated reports of rape and sexual violence in Tigray. We urge Ethiopia to work closely with the Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict to address that issue. Ms. Caroline Atim’s briefing reminded us, too, of the disproportionate impact of gender-based violence on women and girls in South Sudan. There have been ambitious commitments, but little peace dividends for women and girls in South Sudan. We look to South Sudan to expedite the establishment of the Hybrid Court, and to partner with the United Nations to deliver justice.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“We are providing international humanitarian law training to Malian forces and supporting engagement with communities by the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel. We are helping protect civilians through our humanitarian aid and by working through the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to strengthen civilian military coordination. We will continue working closely with our Malian and international partners to coordinate efforts. By working together and integrating our defence, development and diplomatic efforts, we stand the best chance of delivering our shared vision of long-term peace and stability in Mali and the region.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“Finally, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for sharing the roadmap for MINUSMA’s transition. It contains some important guiding principles, including the need for Government-led reform. As we prepare for MINUSMA’s mandate renewal in June, we will draw on this roadmap and from the experience of our own deployment to MINUSMA, to understand how the Mission can best support the Malian Government to assume increasing responsibility for the security tasks currently carried out by the Mission. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting MINUSMA’s core objectives. We are contributing to stabilization efforts that will help reduce violent conflict. We are supporting projects aimed at increasing the meaningful participation of women, both in the peace process and in wider conflict-resolution mechanisms.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“As the Secretary-General’s report (S/2021/299) points out, justice is necessary in order to achieve sustainable peace and help build trust between the State and its people. Secondly, the need for an inclusive political process based on consultations and dialogue will foster a sense of ownership among all parties to the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. The recent meetings of the Agreement Monitoring Committee of Kidal, as well as efforts by the transitional Government to initiate dialogue with political parties, were encouraging developments. However, with less than a year to go until the end of the transitional period, progress on the implementation of the Peace Agreement has been limited. We hope to see accelerated progress and concrete achievements, in line with the roadmap agreed in December.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“And, on behalf of the United Kingdom, I pay tribute to those peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives for peace and security in Mali. I offer my deep condolences to their families and friends and to the Mission, and I wish those injured a speedy recovery. In the light of this attack and the other significant attacks against peacekeepers earlier this year, I want also to reiterate what I said in January (see S/2021/47) — these crimes should not go unpunished and those who perpetrate them should be aware that they may constitute war crimes. While recent prosecution orders and investigations are positive steps, we urge the Malian authorities to ensure transparency and accountability for such acts.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source