YouSaid · the spoken record

Biang

lines on the record: 1,385
first: 2021-12-09
most recent: 2023-12-21
sittings or episodes: 203
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

“First, we must make the United Nations more effective in the peaceful settlement of disputes; secondly, ensure States’ implementation of arms control and disarmament treaties; thirdly, take concerted measures against international terrorism; fourthly, reduce the adverse effects of economic sanctions on innocent populations; and, lastly, promote democracy and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development. Humankind has too often suffered from the adverse effects of the lawless exercise of power. We must become more committed to international law. We must do so without double standards, while bearing in mind that the rule of law is not an à la carte menu by which we can pick and choose.”
2023-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9241 (2023) · source
“We are convinced that it is incumbent upon all of us to maintain and renew our commitment to upholding international law through a multilateral system based on respect for the universally established rules to save humankind from re-experiencing the pain of its past. Ensuring the predictability, stability and legal certainty of the rule of law is impossible without a streamlined and effective multilateral system. The shared interests of humankind depend on multilateral instruments. As long as certain nations remain poised to take unilateral measures for their own prosperity and security, our collective security system will remain a pipe dream. Let me highlight several fundamental principles that the Organization has established as a template for the development of the rule of law among nations.”
2023-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9241 (2023) · source
“When it happens, it often leads to criticism of the Government concerned at both the domestic and international levels. That is certainly also the reason that the international community is making multidimensional efforts to set up an appropriate legal framework for a new international society. The United Nations is playing a central role in the process. The declaration of the United Nations Decade of International Law for the years 1990 to 1999 in General Assembly resolution 44/23, of 17 November 1989, has contributed significantly to strengthening the rule of law at the international level. My country is particularly committed to upholding the rule of law.”
2023-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9241 (2023) · source
“In addition, Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Charter states that one of the four purposes of the United Nations is, “to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace”. In that context, it is undoubtedly fair to say that one of the goals of the United Nations is to contribute to the establishment of the rule of law in international relations. That is certainly the reason that States show their utmost concern when they are alleged to be violating international law. Consequently, States take measures to defend themselves in every forum. Being suspected or accused of a violation of international law has become a source of disgrace.”
2023-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9241 (2023) · source
“The rule of law implies that, within a State, the exercise of power in the public domain must be carried out in full compliance with the applicable laws. That means that everyone, without exception, must act within the limits set by the law. In international relations, the rule of law rests on the Charter as its legal foundation. The Preamble clearly states that the peoples of the United Nations are determined, “to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained”.”
2023-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9241 (2023) · source
“Since then, respect for the rule of law internationally and respect for the principles of equality of the rights of peoples, the prohibition on the use of force between States under the Charter of the United Nations, the prohibition of genocide and the protection of human rights have been synonymous with freedom, independence, shared prosperity and peace among nations. In his Millennium Report (A/54/2000), former Secretary-General Kofi Annan emphasized that, from a long-term perspective, the expansion of the rule of law had been the foundation for much of the economic, social and political progress achieved in the past millennium, while recalling that that vision remained incomplete, especially at the international level, and that our efforts to deepen and consolidate it must continue.”
2023-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9241 (2023) · source
“Today we are clearly fortunate not to live at a time when the African people were reduced to slavery and placed beyond any legal order and when African empires, kingdoms and States were considered not as subjects of international law, but as territories without a master to be conquered and occupied at will. That was an era when the laws and policies of the greatest Powers prevailed in the international order and when the law was of no avail in defending the humanity of chained, deported and enslaved peoples. Since 1945, States that emerged from the Second World War made a fundamental choice in adopting the Charter of the United Nations. They chose to make respect for the primacy of international law the rule governing international relations.”
2023-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9241 (2023) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to congratulate Japan on the initiative of this important debate on the need to ensure that the rule of law prevails in relations among nations. I thank the Secretary-General for having so clearly outlined our debate. I would also like to thank the President of the International Court of Justice, Judge Joan E. Donoghue, and Professor Dapo Akande for their enlightening briefings. Ensuring the rule of law in society has always been a haven and a rallying cry of those who are oppressed, dispossessed and aggrieved.”
2023-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9241 (2023) · source
“We urge the leaders of the ELN and other armed groups that are not yet signatories to the Final Agreement to renounce violence and to demonstrate flexibility and a commitment to ending years of deadly guerrilla warfare in Colombia. Finally, the A3 reiterates its support for the mission of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and expresses its continued support for the Colombian Government.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“The A3 reiterates its position that a peaceful Colombian society cannot be envisioned for the long term without correcting the historical injustices done to Afro-Colombians and indigenous peoples. The efforts already undertaken by Colombia require the continued support of its regional as well as international partners. In that regard, the A3 welcomes the reopening of the border and the warming of diplomatic relations between Colombia and Venezuela, which began with the visit of President Petro Urrego to Caracas on 1 November 2022. We also welcome Venezuela’s commitment as a guarantor of the negotiations between the Colombian Government and the ELN guerrillas. We hope that an agreement can be reached with the ELN on a ceasefire and a bilateral truce.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“We are also pleased with the measures introduced to care for child survivors and the families of former combatants. Action in the interests of children contributes to the prevention of conflicts and the construction of a sustainable peace. However, we remain concerned about the persistence of violence against reintegrated ex-combatants outside former training and reintegration territorial areas. That violence continues to undermine the implementation of the peace agreement in conflict-affected localities. The total number of ex-combatants assassinated, including the 50 killed in 2022, now stands at 355, with a majority of the victims from Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities. Attacks on social leaders, human rights promoters and members of political parties are particularly worrisome.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“With respect to the Comprehensive System for Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition, the A3 is pleased to note that significant progress has been made, especially in Case 01, which concerns hostage-taking, other severe deprivations of liberty and concomitant crimes committed by the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo, and Case 03, which concerns murders and forced disappearances presented as combat casualties by State agents. The A3 welcomes the establishment of a mechanism for dialogue and a system for monitoring the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth Commission. That system of restorative justice based on the active participation of victims is an essential pillar of the peace process in Colombia and an exemplary model.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“We hope that the discussions under way in Congress to enact legislation on the creation of an agrarian jurisdiction and to constitutionalize the rights of peasants will be successful. The rehabilitation of ex-combatants must, of course, incorporate their economic reintegration. We deplore the resurgence of illicit crops in conflict- affected areas, which thrives on a bedrock of poverty combined with a weak State presence. We encourage the authorities to redouble their efforts to approve new projects, and we urge the Colombian Government to strengthen measures aimed at empowering women to lead development projects. In that regard, the inclusion in the national development plan of a national reintegration system and a comprehensive reintegration programme aimed at building the capacity of former combatants is most welcome.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“We welcome the housing construction projects that are under way in several of those areas. Those efforts should be strengthened so as to improve the reintegration of all 13,000 accredited former combatants. In that regard, the A3 is pleased with the reactivation of the National Reintegration Council in order to improve the implementation of that crucial component of the agreement. We welcome the Colombian Government’s commitment to continuing to implement its territorial development programmes — again, on a basis of inclusiveness and with a view to creating greater synergy at the regional and national levels. It is essential that peace efforts be supported by concrete actions aimed at combating the root causes of poverty.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“The Government’s commitment in that regard, via the adoption of a road map for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), is a decisive step in the right direction. The sustainable reintegration of ex-combatants depends on effective land reform. To that end, the A3 welcomed the adoption of relevant measures, whose implementation is crucial to the establishment of lasting peace in Colombia. We are also observing with interest the implementation of the 16 national rural reform plans. The A3 welcomes the signing of an agreement between the Colombian Federation of Cattle Ranchers and the Government for the purchase of 3 million hectares of land to be distributed to landless peasants. The situation in the communities of Cauca, Putumayo and Antioquia, which are plagued by insecurity, is in urgent need of resolution.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“We also welcome the developments recorded in the promotion and participation of women in the implementation of the agreement, whether through their participation in designing the national development plan; the creation of the Ministry of Equality; the adoption of laws on gender parity on electoral lists; awareness-raising activities aimed at strengthening consideration of the specific needs of women ex-combatants; and the appointment of several women to positions of responsibility. We also welcome the Government’s announcement that it will increase funding for initiatives and programmes that combat sexual and gender-based violence. Such crimes must be fought and punished with the utmost firmness.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“Nevertheless, the established contacts should be maintained, and the commitment of all parties should be renewed, in order to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion as soon as possible. Without all the parties on board, there can be no lasting peace. In that connection, we welcome the commitment of the guarantor countries to ensuring the continuation and outcomes of those talks. With regard to the participation of women, the A3 emphasizes the importance of ensuring that women have the platform they deserve as agents of peace.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“The enactment of the law allowing for the continuation of dialogue with the Ejército de Liberación (ELN) and the other armed groups in order to put an end to the violence is an encouraging signal for the future. The layered structure of that process, which includes citizen participation in the design of the national development plan for the period 2022–2026, is a guarantee of inclusiveness. The ELN’s decision to analyse the Government’s proposals and to accept the talks on the ceasefire are positive signs for the conclusion of a peace agreement. We hope that the second round of negotiations, scheduled for February, will be a step forward in that direction.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“This attempt on her life underlines once again the urgency of strengthening the implementation of the ethnic chapter of the Final Agreement. The first steps taken by President Petro Urrego and the new Government in the framework of his vision for the concept of “total peace” are very encouraging and a source of hope for the further implementation of the Final Agreement. After six years of implementation, and taking into account the gains made thus far, we are encouraged by the strong commitment to correcting historical inequalities, with particular emphasis on rural reforms, the ethnic chapter and the protection of women’s interests and rights.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“Francia Márquez Mina, and thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, and Mr. Armando Wouriyu Valbuena for their informative briefings. The A3 is horrified by the attempted assassination via explosive device of Vice-President Francia Márquez Mina. Yesterday’s attack was the second such attack, following one in 2019. We condemn in the strongest possible terms this cowardly and despicable attack on Vice-President Márquez Mina — no doubt because of her political commitment and certainly because of her origins and the historic symbolism she embodies. The Colombia that we support is one in which all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin or skin colour, participate equally in the political and social life of the country, without fearing for their lives.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3), namely, Ghana, Mozambique and my country, Gabon. The A3 wishes to congratulate the members of the Council for unanimously adopting resolution 2673 (2023), which mandates the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia to monitor the implementation of the comprehensive rural reform and the ethnic chapter of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace in Colombia. The resolution’s swift and unified adoption underscores the Council’s commitment to supporting the Colombian people in their search for a lasting peace. We also welcome the participation in this meeting of the Vice-President of Colombia, Her Excellency Ms.”
2023-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9240 (2023) · source
“My country calls for restraint and respect for international law by all parties, in order to avoid a new escalation of violence and a conflagration with even more destabilizing consequences for the entire region, and undoubtedly well beyond. The year 2022 was particularly deadly in the occupied territories, and we must prevent this tragic scenario — a scenario where women and children are often the first victims — from being repeated in 2023. We reaffirm the need for dialogue, and we call on all parties to resume negotiations in good faith, with a view to restoring confidence. In this regard, the role of the countries of the region and those with influence on the parties is crucial to helping the resumption of the peace talks and to removing the obstacles that stand in the way of the two-State solution.”
2023-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9236 (2023) · source
“Those intrusions are unilateral steps that rekindle tensions and diminish the prospects for appeasement between Palestinians and Israelis in a particularly volatile security context, and they are unacceptable. In the same vein, we condemn the recent desecration of tombs in the historical Christian cemetery in Jerusalem, which are part of this dangerous dynamic of violations of the sites and religious identity of various communities. The parties must refrain from all unilateral steps and provocations that could trigger an escalation of violence. It is essential that the international community ensure that the Israeli-Palestinian crisis does not carry the seeds of antagonism between the three monotheistic religions.”
2023-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9236 (2023) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for his briefing, and I welcome the participation in this meeting of the Permanent Observer of Palestine and the Permanent Representatives of Israel and Jordan. Respect for the historical and legal status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem is fundamental to the peaceful coexistence of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. It is an essential consensus that neither side should challenge, at the risk of jeopardizing the prospects of dialogue in the Middle East peace process. In that connection, the 3 January visit of an Israeli official to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a real cause for concern, especially as it follows the assault on the same mosque on 22 December 2022 by more than 200 Israeli settlers, under police protection.”
2023-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9236 (2023) · source
“We would like to encourage all regional and international initiatives aimed at providing the response and solidarity the Haitian people expect as they strive to get back on their feet. We stand ready to work within the Security Council and beyond with all those driven by their readiness to bring Haiti out of the cycle of violence.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“Grassroots initiatives, spearheaded by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and the Haitian National Police, along with the customs department, should also work well to stem the loss of approximately $600 million in customs revenue every year, according to United Nations estimates. Fourthly, and lastly, the political stalemate will not end without a return to social peace and security. We would like to encourage Haitian political actors to continue their dialogue, with a view to reaching an agreement that would allow for the right conditions for the holding of elections that will be accepted by everyone. That means that everyone must put the interests of the country ahead of their own personal interests. In that regard, we commend civil society for its commitment.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“According to the most recent report of the International Organization for Migration, the number of displaced persons tripled over the past few months. Between June and August this year, the number of displaced persons rose to 113,000. Thirdly, I would like talk about the economic situation. The end of the blockade of the Varreux terminal is a step in the right direction. It is to be hoped that all logistical obstacles will be removed to enable the resumption of efficient fuel distribution in order to revive the Haitian economy.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“We call on all countries to work together to implement the sanctions regime, in particular by sharing relevant information. We must take action. Every day that we do not take action here is another day of distress and trauma in Haiti. Secondly, a catastrophic humanitarian situation is unfolding. The re-emergence of cholera, exacerbated by deteriorating health conditions, the effects of natural disasters and insecurity, leave many Haitians by the wayside every day. As there is no immediate response or better prospects, nearly 5 million Haitians face a food crisis that is already under way, and thousands more are at risk of famine. There are recent reports about the displacement of nearly 10,000 people who were forced to flee Petite Rivière because of a turf war among armed gangs.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“When fire engulfs a neighbour’s house, although our own doors and windows are closed, the overpowering and haunting stench of the smoke from the ruins of the neighbour’s house remains. Solidarity in such a situation is a moral duty. That duty falls under the mandate and functions of the Security Council. Haiti urgently needs security. Without security, the Haitian economy will struggle to recover from the combined effects of manifold crises and epidemics. It will be even less able to retain the talent and labour it needs for its own development. It is a fact that the majority of young Haitians opt to leave their country as soon as they have the opportunity to do so. My country, Gabon, welcomes the adoption of resolution 2653 (2022) and the initial benefits of sanctions targeting individuals with links to organized crime.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“Heavily armed groups wreak havoc daily and sow fear. They operate by raping women, kidnapping for ransom and carrying out atrocities against civilians. The police force is overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task, either due to a lack of human resources, inadequate equipment or simply because it is infiltrated by gangs. Regrettably, the only option for the millions of men, women, children, older persons and, in particular, young people is to escape by sea and head to neighbouring countries or join gangs. The Council must act swiftly to address the situation and respond to the distress calls from the towns and villages, from men, women and children of a population that has been traumatized. The Haitian people need international solidarity now more than ever before.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): In my capacity as the Permanent Representative of Gabon, I thank the Deputy Secretary-General and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, Ms. Helen La Lime, for their respective briefings. I also listened closely to the briefing made by Mr. Kim Ives. I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic and the representative of Canada to today’s meeting. I would like to make four points. The first point relates to the security situation. Haiti is located less than 2,500 kilometres away from the place in which we are meeting right now. The country faces a complex multidimensional crisis. Several observers are quick to describe the country as being in chaos or in a state of collapse.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“As mandated by paragraph 19 (e) of resolution 2653 (2022), I will report to the Security Council on an annual basis on ways to strengthen the effectiveness of the measures imposed by the resolution.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“The same paragraph also urges all Member States to ensure the safety of the members of the Panel of Experts and to grant them unrestricted access, in particular to persons, documents and sites in order for the Panel to execute its mandate. The Panel of Experts must provide to the Security Council an interim report in its progress no later than 15 March 2023, in accordance with 2653 (2022). That report will be reviewed by the Committee before being submitted to the Council. The Panel of Experts has also been tasked with assisting the Committee in fulfilling its mandate, including through providing timely information that that may be used to subsequently identify individuals and entities engaged in the activities described in the resolution. I have had a number of initial contacts regarding the implementation of resolution 2653 (2022).”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“The Security Council has tasked the Committee with seeking and reviewing information on individuals and entities that are alleged to have engaged in the activities described in paragraphs 15 and 16 of resolution 2653 (2022) and pose a threat to the peace, security or stability of Haiti, as well as designating individuals and entities to be subject to the measures imposed by the Council. In that regard, I would like to echo the call in paragraph 23 of the resolution, in which the Security Council urges all Member States, as well as international, regional and subregional organizations, to ensure cooperation with the Panel of Experts.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“With regard to the appointment of the Panel of Experts, I would like to point out that, on 12 December, I circulated to the Committee a letter from the Under- Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, which included a list of four candidates with expertise on arms, armed groups and criminal networks, financial matters and humanitarian affairs. We expect that in January, after the Panel of Experts has been appointed, that those on it will travel to New York to assume their duties, consult with the relevant stakeholders and meet with the Committee, before travelling to the region to begin to collect, examine and analyse information in accordance with their mandate.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“On the same day that resolution 2653 (2022) was adopted, the Secretariat launched the 2653 Committee website, where information on sanctions measures and the work and mandates of the Committee can be found and will be updated regularly. In paragraph 19 (d) of resolution 2653 (2022), the Security Council decided that the Committee would establish and promulgate such guidelines as may be necessary to facilitate the implementation of the measures imposed by the provisions of the resolution, namely, the travel ban, the assets freeze and the targeted arms embargo. Following consultations with its members, a set of draft guidelines was forwarded to the Committee and its under consideration.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“Those measures include a travel ban on individuals designated by the Committee; an assets freeze on persons or entities designated by the Committee, as well as or any individuals and entities acting on their behalf or at their direction, or any entities owned or controlled by them; and a targeted arms embargo to prevent the direct or indirect provision of any arms and related materiel to, or for the benefit of, the individuals and entities designated by the Committee. I was appointed Chair of the Committee on 2 December. I would like to thank the members of the Security Council for the confidence they have placed in me and my delegation to lead this important subsidiary body of the Council.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“In resolution 2653 (2022), the Council demanded an immediate cessation of the violent criminal activities and human rights abuses that are undermining the peace, stability and security of Haiti and the region, including kidnappings, sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants, killings, extrajudicial executions and the recruitment of children by armed groups and criminal networks. Consequently, the Committee imposed measures on individuals and entities it designated as being complicit in or having participated, directly or indirectly, in activities that threaten peace, security or stability in Haiti.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I have the honour to brief the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022), concerning Haiti, as mandated by paragraph 19 (e) of resolution 2653 (2022), in which the Committee undertakes to report to the Security Council on its work within 60 days. I would like to give the Council a brief overview of the work carried out by the Committee since the adoption of resolution 2653 (2022), on 21 October.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9233 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): Gabon voted in favour of resolution 2669 (2022), adopted today. We thank the United Kingdom for facilitating it. Above all, our vote reflects a message of solidarity with the people of Myanmar and against violence on the civilian population. It is also a call for a resolution of the Rohingya crisis, which has lasted far too long. And it is a message calling for an unhindered humanitarian response commensurate with the suffering of the people of Myanmar, as well as for the implementation of the five-point consensus of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). We will continue to support the quest for a solution based on dialogue, all the while encouraging the prioritization of the regional dynamic and the guiding role of ASEAN.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9231 (2022) · source
“We therefore call on all parties to prioritize the needs of the Syrian people, to exercise restraint and to engage in meaningful negotiations. The issue of the fate of detainees remains a major concern for the A3. We call for those responsible to be held to account for their actions. We reiterate our commitment to respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. Finally, the A3 reiterates its solidarity with the Syrian people in their quest for lasting peace and stability. The resolute commitment in good faith of Syria’s neighbouring countries is fundamental in order to achieve that.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“On the political front, the A3 welcomes the ongoing efforts of Special Envoy Geir Pedersen to advance his step- for-step confidence-building process in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015) and to convene a ninth session of the United Nations-facilitated, Syrian- led Constitutional Committee. We note in particular his bilateral engagement with the Syrian Government, the Syrian opposition and other key stakeholders. We hope that the ninth session of the Constitutional Committee will allow for the fundamental challenges facing the Committee to be addressed. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need to achieve a nationally facilitated ceasefire in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). Calm on the ground is essential to create an environment conducive to moving the political process forward.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“Cognizant of the absolute importance of saving lives and fully responding to the humanitarian needs of the ever-increasing number of Syrians in distress, the A3 supports the United Nations-supported cross-border operations, which continue to play a key role in reaching many people in need and for which there is no substitute in terms of scale. In that regard, the renewal of the cross-border mechanism for the delivery of humanitarian aid is not just necessary but appropriate and urgent. We therefore welcomed the passage of a total of 29 convoys, or 1,377 trucks, as part of the cross-border operations through the Bab Al-Hawa crossing.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“In Al-Hol and other camps in north-eastern Syria, children are constantly exposed to violence and deprived of basic rights, including access to education and health services. With regard to the plight of women in Syria, the A3 echoes the Secretary-General and urges the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic to develop legislative and policy measures to eliminate discrimination against women and girls in every area of life and to achieve the goal of gender equality, including by using quotas and special measures.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“The detainees’ treatment and living conditions should be improved immediately. We reiterate our call to States to repatriate their citizens, especially women and children, in a safe and dignified manner in line with the applicable norms of international humanitarian law. After a decade of conflict, Syria is now experiencing a considerable increase in humanitarian needs, and the number of people in need of international assistance to survive continues to rise every year. The ongoing violence, a protracted economic crisis, difficult weather conditions and a lack of access to basic services in the context of a cholera epidemic that is now affecting every governorate are all challenges for the Syrian people. Food insecurity is worsening and is especially affecting children at risk of malnutrition.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“The A3 strongly condemns such indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian objects in violation of international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. Terrorist acts have also continued. Da’esh, which is listed as a terrorist group by the Security Council, continues its attacks, including on civilians, in Dara’a, Deir ez-Zor, Al-Hasakah and eastern rural Homs and Hama. Any additions to the list of terrorist groups will only worsen the dire security situation and continue to endanger the lives of innocent civilians. We therefore call for concerted efforts to combat terrorist groups listed by the Council. We are very concerned about the squalid conditions for detainees in Syria, especially in the Al-Hol camp.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“Once again, it is civilians who are paying a heavy price for the conflict. Hostilities and military operations affecting civilians have intensified in various parts of the country. During the reporting period, civilians were killed or injured as a result of air strikes, ground strikes and attacks with various kinds of improvised explosive devices and gunfire. The hostilities have also had an impact on civilian objects, further eroding access to basic services and livelihoods. Based on incidents reported across the country, as documented by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, from 1 to 13 October this year a total of 42 civilians, including seven women and 13 children, were killed as a result of the hostilities, and at least 60 civilians, including 14 women and 13 children, were injured.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council — Ghana, Kenya and my own country, Gabon (A3). We thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Syria, Geir Pedersen, and Under-Secretary- General Martin Griffiths for their briefings on the most recent political and humanitarian developments in Syria. We also welcome the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Republic of Türkiye to today’s meeting. The escalation of hostilities in northern Syria, especially in Idlib, is particularly alarming. The use of force on demonstrators in the south continues, as well as air strikes, mutual bombing and clashes, with the potential for escalation.”
2022-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9230 (2022) · source
“Threats and acts of intimidation by local authorities against humanitarian workers, such as restrictions on their freedom of movement, are not likely to calm the situation on the ground. We condemn the multiple obstacles to access to aid and the harassment of humanitarian personnel. In conclusion, we reiterate the need for dialogue among the Afghan forces. A stable and prosperous Afghanistan cannot be built without women, as well as all other segments of society. The international community must maintain its commitment in Afghanistan in support of the legitimate aspirations of the Afghan people for security and dignity.”
2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9227 (2022) · source
“We call on donors to pursue their multidimensional work to support the recovery of the Afghan economy. The Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan, managed by the United Nations Development Programme, remains a critical funding platform for the 2022 United Nations Transitional Engagement Framework for Afghanistan. The worrisome humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is a result of social, political, economic and security crises, as well as climate change, which is exacerbating other vulnerabilities. The lack of basic supplies, medicines and regular salaries for health- care workers makes the task of humanitarian workers difficult. At the same time, drought, food insecurity and malnutrition persist.”
2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9227 (2022) · source