YouSaid · the spoken record

Barkin

lines on the record: 85
first: 2019-10-24
most recent: 2020-03-12
sittings or episodes: 15
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

“The current UNMISS mandate enables it to be an important partner in protecting those rights and in meeting the needs of the country’s people. There is no greater supporter of the people of South Sudan than the United States. We want the very best for South Sudan, and we believe that the renewed UNMISS mandate will help to create a path towards the long- term stability and security for which the people of South Sudan have longed over these many years.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8744 (2020) · source
“The mandate before us today reinforces the core mission of UNMISS: to protect civilians, support the delivery of humanitarian assistance, support the implementation of the peace agreement, and monitor and investigate human rights. The mandate also encourages UNMISS to be more mobile and responsive to emerging threats, including in areas to which people may return after years of fleeing violence. The leaders of South Sudan must remain focused on addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of their people, respecting human rights and ensuring accountability, including for sexual and gender-based violence. There are too many people, especially women and children, whose rights have not been adequately safeguarded during this conflict and who have lived in fear as a result.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8744 (2020) · source
“The United States thanks Council members and the Permanent Mission of South Sudan for their engagement in renewing and improving the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). For the first time in many years, the UNMISS mandate was renewed in the context of positive developments. The United States reiterates its support for the decision by South Sudan’s leaders to form a new transitional Government. We also recognize that the hard work of implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan is just beginning, and we urge the transitional Government to begin this reform process immediately. As the new transitional Government begins operations, UNMISS will continue to have a critical role to play in maintaining peace and stability in South Sudan.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8744 (2020) · source
“We also recognize that maintaining momentum in the peace process means continuing to demonstrate a willingness to compromise and collaborate on the challenging issues that I have discussed. Progress on these issues is precisely what will allow the people of South Sudan to reap tangible benefits from the recent encouraging developments. The United States continues to stand with the people of South Sudan in their pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.”
2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source
“The Council is aware that the formation of the previous transitional Government triggered years of violence and human rights atrocities. For that reason, regarding the upcoming mandate renewal for UNMISS, we seek to ensure that the Mission maintains the necessary tools to support the peace process and to respond to outbreaks of violence. For UNMISS to do its part to support the peace process, it must be able to conduct its work without restrictions or violations of its status-of-forces agreement. We urge the new Government to support UNMISS in fulfilling its mandate and leveraging the United Nations presence to consolidate peace in South Sudan. South Sudan’s leaders have made important political progress. We fully recognize their efforts.”
2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source
“We are also concerned by reports of sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated by personnel of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the National Salvation Front in Central Equatoria. With the formation of the new Government, we expect safeguards to stop such abuses and to ensure accountability. One of the distinctions between the current peace process and the previous failed attempts at peace in South Sudan is some improvement in inclusivity with respect to civil society, women, youth and faith groups, among others. We encourage continued progress to include South Sudan’s diverse communities in the process of implementing the peace agreement. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is playing a vital role in supporting stability in South Sudan.”
2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source
“As the Security Council heard during its trip to Juba last October, there can be no peace in South Sudan without justice. South Sudan’s leaders must now work together to address issues of transitional justice and accountability, including establishing the African Union hybrid court for South Sudan. The February report from the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan documented alarming violations of human rights, including the use of starvation as a tool of war and ongoing conflict-related sexual violence committed by forces on all sides. We expect the new Government to take these findings seriously. We particularly condemn the abduction of women and girls by commanders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition in Western Equatoria.”
2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source
“We also urge South Sudan’s leaders to take measures to stop persistent intercommunal violence, such as recent clashes in Jonglei state. Humanitarian assistance remains a crucial lifeline for more than half of South Sudan’s population. Access for humanitarians to the most vulnerable populations must continue to improve, especially in the context of increasing food insecurity. We call on the new Government to remove bureaucratic impediments that prevent timely delivery of much-needed assistance. Transparent and accountable management of resources and the Transitional Government’s continued financial support for the peace process have never been more important. To consolidate the gains of peace, South Sudan’s people need to see the country’s resources being used to provide services that can support sustainable development.”
2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source
“We are hopeful that the people of South Sudan can now see a glimmer of hope and progress. For this progress to be sustained, however, South Sudan’s leaders must view recent developments as an important first step on the long path to lasting peace. The hard work of compromise and collaboration must continue. The international community must continue its engagement to encourage progress in areas that address the underlying causes of conflict. Now is a particularly sensitive time for the implementation of security arrangements. The proximity of Government and opposition forces during the cantonment and training process creates a high risk of conflict. South Sudan’s leaders must continue to reinforce the sanctity of the permanent ceasefire and be prepared to defuse tensions in the case of friction between forces.”
2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Shearer for his dedication to South Sudan and for his timely briefing. Ms. Sunday’s continued advocacy for an inclusive peace process in South Sudan is commendable. We thank her for her remarks on behalf of women and civil society in South Sudan. The United States welcomes the decision by the Government and the opposition to form a new Transitional Government of National Unity. We recognize the significant compromises agreed to by all parties in order to take this important step forward in the peace process. We also commend the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, countries in the region and other stakeholders for their direct and ongoing engagement with South Sudan’s leaders in advance of the February deadline.”
2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source
“Confinement that is imposed on the basis of ethnicity and religion and, moreover, without any credible basis of individual wrongdoing is highly inconsistent with international law. Furthermore, the refoulement of Uyghur defectors under the false pretence of repatriating terrorists is unacceptable. In addition to violating individual rights, such actions can be counterproductive, leaving deep and lasting grievances. Countering terrorism and violent extremism should never be used as a pretext to silence political views those in power find objectionable, violate religious freedom or repress minority groups. The United States is fully prepared to work with our partners to prevent violent extremism and to counter terrorism, while protecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Individual rights must not be made subservient to collective security. As such, the Secretary-General and United Nations counter-terrorism bodies need to work more closely with High Commissioner Bachelet, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the broader community of non-governmental organizations to closely monitor, report on and address violations of human rights in the conduct of counter- terrorism activities, through relevant mechanisms. We continue to be deeply concerned about the situation in Xinjiang, where more than 1 million Uyghurs and other Muslims have been detained in internment camps, under the guise of counter-terrorism.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“As the body dedicated to maintaining international peace and security, it is our moral responsibility to acknowledge the atrocities ISIS committed, document those atrocities, pursue justice and hold those responsible for them to account. That is why the United States is a strong supporter of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. Before concluding, I would like to underscore that the guise of counter-terrorism operations can never be used to justify the arbitrary incarceration of dissidents, journalists or members of religious and ethnic minority groups. Effective counter-terrorism must be rooted firmly in full and complete respect for human rights. In fact, they are mutually reinforcing.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“We share the Secretary-General’s deep concerns about the thousands of foreign terrorist fighters and their families still being held in camps and detention facilities in Iraq and Syria. ISIS foreign terrorist fighters should be repatriated and face prosecution and accountability for their crimes. And we must also rehabilitate and reintegrate their children to prevent the emergence of a new generation of fighters. Where it is appropriate to rehabilitate and reintegrate terrorist offenders back into society, it is essential to continue engaging with offenders after their release to avoid recidivism. That is why the United States intends to bring back every American from Syria and hold them legally accountable for their actions. In Iraq, the world witnessed ISIS target thousands of innocent Iraqis in barbaric attacks.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Recently, the United States nominated ISIS in the Greater Sahara and ISIS West Africa in the 1267 Sanctions Committee. We are grateful to the many countries that have co-sponsored those listings, most recently the Niger, and encourage other Member States to join us in countering those groups and their spread around the world. In addition, we ask all Council members to support those listings without further delay, as well as those we will be proposing soon for additional affiliates. Even though ISIS and its so-called caliphate have been defeated on the battlefield, we must work together to ensure that detention facilities and camps do not become incubators in which ISIS can reconstitute.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Those victories in the battle against ISIS are a testament to the work of the global coalition to defeat ISIS, the Government of Iraq and other key partners on the ground. The coalition continues to pursue four main non-military lines of effort — counter-financing, counter-messaging, detention, repatriation and accountability for crimes and abuses by foreign terrorist fighters and the stabilization of areas liberated from ISIS. It is critical that the coalition continue each of those lines of effort. The Secretary-General’s report confirms that ISIS affiliates still pose a serious threat to the world, from West Africa to South-East Asia. The scale of that threat is vast — a fact we wish to call attention to by identifying, sanctioning and targeting each ISIS affiliate.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Voronkov, Assistant Secretary-General Coninsx and the Monitoring Team of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, for their contributions to the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/95) on the evolving threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Sham (ISIS) and on continuing United Nations efforts to counter that threat. I also thank Ms. Freij for sharing her personal story and for briefing us today on her important work preventing violent extremism and recruitment to ISIS. Last year, our collective efforts resulted in ISIS losing its territory and its leader.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“As I noted at the beginning of my remarks, the preservation of human rights, democracy, the rule of law, peace and stability requires deliberate effort. The United States is committed to that effort, and we will continue to work closely with both the United Nations and the OSCE to strengthen the principles that undergird free nations, both within the OSCE region and around the globe.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“Although Russia participates in the OSCE’s 5+2 Transnistrian settlement negotiations, it has failed to honour its 1999 Istanbul OSCE summit commitments to withdraw its forces from Moldova. Instead, Russia has used protracted conflicts to obstruct the development of a rules-based order and slow the region’s gravitation towards European and transatlantic institutions. We look forward to working with the OSCE to resolve those conflicts, including the Geneva international discussions and the 5+2 talks. We thank the OSCE Chairperson and participating States for their support of the Minsk Group process, in which the United States, Russia and France are working productively as co-Chairs to help the sides find a peaceful negotiated settlement to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“The United States fully supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters. We do not, or will we ever, recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea. We join our European and other partners in affirming that our Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia will remain in place until Russia fully implements its Minsk commitments. Our Crimea-focused sanctions will also remain in place until Russia returns full control of the peninsula to Ukraine. The United States also opposes Russia’s continued occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which are part of Georgia. Russia’s actions contravene its international commitments and violate Georgia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“However, we need to see much more from Russia, which still ignores calls for a comprehensive ceasefire. Russia instigated that conflict and continues to arm, train, lead, fund and fight alongside its proxies in eastern Ukraine. It must immediately follow through on its Minsk commitments, withdraw its forces, support further disengagement, expand crossing points and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, both in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. Under such difficult circumstances, we are proud of the work that the OSCE has done in Ukraine, including the Special Monitoring Mission’s essential assessments of the situation on the ground. We call on Russia and its proxies to stop interfering with the work of the Mission’s monitors and assets and give them full access and freedom to fulfil the OSCE’s mandate.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“Some OSCE States have not kept their commitments, or have selectively implemented arms control arrangements. To address those failures, creative and courageous leadership is needed for structured dialogue and security issues. Nowhere is the OSCE’s presence more important than in Ukraine. Russia’s ongoing aggression has led to the deaths of more than 13,000 people, displaced 1.4 million people and left 3.4 million in need of humanitarian assistance. That poses the greatest threat to European security since the Cold War. We are encouraged by recent progress, including the recent detainee exchanges between Ukraine and Russia and work to improve humanitarian conditions. That progress has been achieved thanks to President Zelenskyy’s extraordinary commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“Authoritarian States and leaders who disregard the human rights and dignity of their own people, including the freedoms of expression, association, religion and belief and peaceful assembly, also disregard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring States. We appreciate the OSCE commitment to combat those attacks on freedom and related challenges during the Prime Minister’s chairmanship. As a member and the largest provider of financial support and personnel to the OSCE, the United States is advancing all dimensions of the OSCE’s work. We encourage progress towards a comprehensive update of the Vienna Document to enhance military transparency and rebuild confidence among the 57 OSCE participating States. We also welcome greater OSCE focus on corruption and accountable governance.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“It is an honour to have Prime Minister Rama with us today in the Chamber, and we thank him for his briefing. Human rights, democracy, peace and the maintenance of regional stability are vitally important to all of us, but they cannot be preserved without deliberate effort. That makes the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) a crucial partner in promoting those values, as it also complements the Security Council’s efforts to address global security concerns. We face a range of challenges today that threaten democratic institutions. Cyberwarfare and disinformation campaigns, including meddling in the elections of other States, tear at the fabric of free and open societies.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“We urge the Secretary- General to carefully differentiate between lawful ownership of small arms and the illegal use of small arms in non-conflict settings and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, which fuels conflict and instability. Despite those concerns, the United States welcomes today’s discussion and will continue to lead efforts to reduce the threat that illicit small arms and light weapons pose. We will continue to take concrete steps at the national, regional and global levels to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and urge all countries to join us in strengthening implementation of our existing commitments and obligations to combat the illicit transfer, accumulation and misuse of such weapons.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“Full implementation of United Nations sanctions regimes, in particular arms embargoes, would help to improve record-keeping of government stockpiles, which have long been a source of weapons for armed groups operating in fragile States, particularly in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Simply keeping records of weapons is not enough, however. We called for greater efforts to implement existing commitments at the last briefing on this matter in 2017 (see S/PV.8140) and we reiterate that call today. Unfortunately, we do have several concerns about the Secretary-General’s report, including with regard to civilian ownership of firearms.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“In addition, we commend the report’s focus on regional and subregional efforts to enhance coordination in small arms and light weapons control, making particular note of the focus on silencing the guns in Africa by 2020 and on the road map 2024 initiative in the western Balkans region. We would like to see future reports address regional issues more comprehensively, such as the ongoing efforts in the western hemisphere. The report also rightly indicates that the international community is struggling to fulfil existing commitments on small arms. For example, it notes that the success rate for tracing seized weapons was less than 13 per cent between 2016 and 2017.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“We agree with the conclusion that the international community must focus on the root causes of illicit arms flows, including poor stockpile management of State-owned stockpiles and cross- border trafficking. Additionally, we must remember that, in many of those cross-cutting areas, work is already being done, including by the Secretary- General and the Security Council. We must ensure that there is coordination between those efforts rather than redundancy. That includes items on the Security Council’s agenda, such as women, peace and security and the protection of civilians. The Secretary-General’s report gives some cause for optimism regarding that important issue. Notably, in 2018 States explicitly acknowledged for the first time the relationship between the implementation of the Programme of Action and combating gender- based violence.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“We have worked and continue to work side by side with other countries and international and regional organizations to combat the illicit small arms trade. For example, our conventional weapons destruction programme has provided more than $3.6 billion in assistance to more than 100 countries since 1993. The programme includes assistance to countries to destroy their excess weapons and munitions and enhance their stockpile security through the provision of technical expertise and physical security upgrades. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2019/1011) rightly indicates the cross-cutting nature of issues associated with illicit small arms, which span numerous lines of effort, including conflict prevention, crime and human rights.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“I congratulate Belgium on its assumption of the presidency. I would also extend congratulations to Viet Nam for a very successful presidency last month. I also thank High Representative Nakamitsu and Mr. Spleeters for their briefings. In 2001, the General Assembly adopted by consensus the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. In this landmark achievement of the international community, we committed to concrete actions to reduce the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons. The United States remains fully committed to implementing the Programme of Action, as well as the 2005 International Tracing Instrument.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“Finally, I must reiterate our long-standing and principled objection to any assertion of ICC jurisdiction over nationals of States that are not party to the Rome Statute, absent a Security Council referral or the consent of such States. Our concerns regarding the ICC and the situation in Afghanistan are well known. However, our position on the ICC in no way diminishes the United States commitment to supporting accountability for atrocity crimes, violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations of human rights. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I give the floor to the representative of the Sudan.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“Fighting between security forces and the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid in the northern Jebel Marra area has displaced more than 2,000 people and sexual violence remains a grim reality for many. The violence and abuses are symptoms of unresolved challenges facing the Sudan, including weak political and judicial systems that have failed to ensure accountability on all levels, as well as the absence of a durable peace agreement in Darfur. We are committed to supporting the Sudan in those endeavours. The United States has historically been and will continue to be a strong supporter of meaningful accountability and justice for victims of atrocities through appropriate mechanisms. Perpetrators of atrocity crimes must face justice, but we must also be careful to recognize the right tool for each situation.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“To date, no one has been held accountable for the deaths of almost 300,000 people in Darfur, the rampant sexual violence or the looting and burning of homes. Those most responsible for the crimes suffered in the conflicts in Darfur and the two areas should be held accountable for their actions, including by ensuring that they have no power to hijack the Sudan's future. The United States is deeply committed to supporting Sudanese efforts to ensure justice and encourage open inclusive national dialogues about how transitional justice mechanisms can facilitate truth, justice, reconciliation and healing. While we support justice for past abuses, we are concerned by reports of ongoing violence.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“The Prime Minister's visit on 4 November to Darfur, including to an internally displaced persons camp, sent a powerful signal to both victims and perpetrators of past violence. We urge the Government to make good on its promises and address the root causes of conflict in order to create the conditions that will allow people to return home. There are few in the Sudan more deserving of facing justice than Omar Al-Bashir. While we are encouraged by his conviction on 14 December, we note that the charges were narrowly focused on corruption and money-laundering. As we have said for over a decade, there will be no lasting peace in the Sudan unless there is genuine accountability for all of the crimes that have been committed against the Sudanese people.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“Secretary Pompeo explained the decision by stating that the Prime Minister's Government had "demonstrated a commitment to peace negotiations with armed opposition groups, established a commission of inquiry to investigate violence against protesters and committed to holding democratic elections". The constitutional declaration makes justice a centrepiece of the transition, committing to accountability for crimes against the Sudanese people since the start of the Al-Bashir regime, developing the justice system and promoting legal reform to ensure equality for all regardless of gender, religion or ethnicity. We have seen positive signals that the Prime Minister and his Government will not overlook Darfur's victims.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“The ouster of Omar Al-Bashir - a symbol of genocide, crimes against humanity and other atrocities-hasbothtangible and symbolic implications. It means that he can no longer engineer horrific crimes against his own people, but it also signals to the Sudan's victims that power cannot be secured indefinitely through violence. The United States was honoured to host Prime Minister Hamdok in Washington, DC, in early December - the first Sudanese Head of State to visit Washington in over three decades. During the visit, the United States announced the decision to elevate our diplomatic representation in Khartoum and pursue an exchange of ambassadors with the Sudan.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“We have been encouraged by concrete steps parties in the Sudan have taken to build a more stable, secure and human rights-respecting future. The formation of the civilian-led transitional Government this summer, the signing of the Juba Declaration for Confidence-building Procedures and the Preparation for Negotiation in September and ongoing negotiations between the Government and armed opposition forces have increased the prospects for an enduring peace across the Sudan. We have also been pleased to see the appointment of women to key leadership positions, including the first female Chief Justice of the Sudan. Ensuring the inclusion and participation of women in all branches of Government is vital for the Sudan's future.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States. I thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for her briefing. Today's briefing provides an important opportunity to recognize the positive developments in the Sudan over the past months, including efforts to begin to forge a just and comprehensive peace and address long-standing human rights concerns in the Sudan. When we met with the Prosecutor on this item in June (see S/PV.8554), we were concerned about security force excesses against peaceful protesters and were unsure what path the Sudan's transition would take. We are pleased to gather today, eight months after the ouster of Omar Al-Bashir, for the first briefing since the establishment of a civilian-led transitional Government.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“I thank Prosecutor Bensouda for her briefing. I would like to draw the attention of speakers to paragraph 22 of presidential note S/2017/507, which encourages all participants in Council meetings to deliver their statements in five minutes or less, in line with the Security Council's commitment to making more effective use of open meetings. I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Sudan to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Ms. Bensouda.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“We caution that limiting electoral processes or delaying legislation will only damage the country's goals of peace, stability and economic growth.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“We are troubled by the recent events in Jubaland and the state presidential elections in August. We urge the Federal Government and Jubaland's Ahmed Mohamed Islam "Madobe" to engage in direct dialogue to address outstanding issues, and we encourage neighbouring federal states and international partners to support efforts to reach a resolution. Finally, looking to the 2021 elections, the United States urges the Federal Government and the state Governments to be transparent in their preparations and respect the rights of independent journalists to freely inform the public about electoral issues and developments. We also stress the importance of completing the outstanding elections-related laws that will serve as the foundation for the elections and deepen the trust between the Federal and state Governments.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“With that in mind, the United States underscores the important role that sanctions have played in limiting Al-Shabaab's operational capabilities, and we look forward to working with our partners to use the Somali sanctions regime to choke off funding and other sources of support to Al-Shabaab and to further degrade its ability to carry out attacks against Somalia, and its neighbours and partners. We are, however, concerned about ongoing political divisions and the lack of positive engagement between the Federal Government in Mogadishu and the federal member states. We acknowledge the recent confidence-building efforts of the Federal Government and state Governments of Galmudug and South-West state with regard to political, security and development challenges in their communities, but more needs to be done.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“It is crucial that we ensure collaboration and coherence in this overall effort. We are also encouraged by the fact that tensions between Somalia and Kenya appear to be easing and we remain prepared to facilitate future dialogue and reconciliation efforts. Additionally, we congratulate Somalia on its progress on fiscal reforms, as it seeks eventual debt relief next year through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, and we encourage the Somali authorities to continue their efforts.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“We are encouraged by United Nations reports of fewer incidents of armed conflict during the past three months compared to the same period last year, as well as by the fact that Somali security forces are successfully reclaiming and holding territory from Al-Shabaab in the face of repeated counterattacks. We further support the ongoing efforts of AMISOM's leadership and look to the Somali security forces and institutions to undertake the reforms and development efforts that will enable them to take on greater responsibilities from AMISOM. in accordance with the transition plan. In that regard, the United States is pleased to help build capacity within Somalia's security forces, and we appreciate Somalia's partners on the Council, who are also contributing to capacity- building for the country's security.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“At the outset, we would like to thank our briefers for joining us today. We would like to join others in expressing our condolences for the tragic death of Ms. Almaas Elman and urge justice and security for all of Somalia's civil society. Since the Council's most recent meeting on Somalia in August (see S/PV.8601), we have seen varying degrees of progress towards long-term security and stability in Somalia. The United States applauds the recent successes of the Somali national security forces against Al-Shabaab with the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), particularly in Lower Shabelle.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“Finally, we continue to hear calls to provide additional United Nations direct assistance to the Joint Force. We need to move past these requests and focus on calling on the Joint Force to fully leverage already existing mechanisms and to ask partners to honour the pledges that they have made to the Joint Force, as well as to support to the individual G-5-member militaries that supply forces to the Joint Force. The G-5 Sahel States must make progress towards effective governance, respect for human rights, accountability and inclusiveness, including the meaningful participation of women, young people and marginalized groups. Our collective efforts to stabilize the region depend on this progress, and our combined endeavours can achieve durable peace and stability and unleash the potential of this vital region and its people.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“United States Government assistance efforts may be significantly restricted by legislation if these critical human rights concerns are not addressed. Turning to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), we thank President Kabore for having convened the members of ECOWAS last September to discuss terrorism. The summit united the region and international partners, and ECOWAS's $1 billion pledge to fight terrorism and address violent extremism is an important step towards applying regional solutions to the Sahel's security challenges. We also welcome the joint French and German initiative 4 the partnership for security and stability in the Sahel - and the ongoing efforts by the European Union to fill the gaps in its bilateral assistance. We look forward to partnering together as the initiative develops.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“We call for the signatories and the Governments in the region to breathe new life into the Algiers Agreement and to put the needs of the people first. Respect for human rights and international humanitarian law are also critical components in building the foundations for a stable Sahel. To this end, the Joint Force must continue to strictly adhere to the compliance framework to prevent, investigate, address and report allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Government forces, too, must abide by international humanitarian law. We call on the Governments of Mali and Burkina Faso to fully investigate reports that their security forces committed human rights violations, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, and to hold those responsible accountable.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“The United States Agency for International Development provided a total of $249 million in bilateral and regional development funding as well as nearly $235 million in humanitarian assistance. But local and regional Governments of the Sahel must also do their part to support efforts by the international community. The Governments of the G-5 member States should be leading this process. Regrettably, that has not been the case in Mali, which is the epicentre of instability in the region. We are disappointed at the nearly total lack of progress by the Government of Mali and the signatory armed groups in implementing the substantive provisions of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali emanating from the Algiers process. More must be done.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source