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

“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to start by thanking Ambassador Agyeman, Permanent Representative of Ghana, in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan, for his briefing on the Committee’s activities. It has been 17 years since a drastic sanctions regime was imposed on the Sudan, restricting the capacity of the national security forces at a time when the country has been facing the hordes of armed groups, most of them equipped from the Libyan arsenal, that are plaguing the entire Sahel-Saharan region. I believe it is high time and crucial that the Council’s actions align with the aspirations of the Sudanese people and their desire to live in full security.”
2022-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9070 (2022) · source
“We must urgently curb the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, as well as its wider impact. If we delay further, we could risk seeing more innocent people shot, more civilian infrastructure destroyed, more families shattered and thousands more children orphaned by war. I would like to conclude by reiterating my country’s support for the humanitarian actors who are engaged in the operations on the ground, as well as our deepest sympathy for the people of Ukraine. My country calls for a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors in all localities in order to provide humanitarian aid in the safest possible way.”
2022-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9069 (2022) · source
“Parties to conflicts must respect the international conventions protecting civilians in wartime, especially the Geneva Conventions and their Protocols Additional, as well as the relevant resolutions of the Council. We reiterate that the best way to stop the climate of violence, crimes and atrocities is to prevent or stop all wars from occurring. Having never experienced armed conflict, my country fundamentally opposes war. We are worried about the many signs pointing to a stalemate in the conflict in Ukraine. We remain convinced that the international community has the means to galvanize the war’s major actors to engage in genuine, good-faith discussions to bring about a cessation of hostilities and the prospects for peaceful coexistence.”
2022-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9069 (2022) · source
“The Security Council has on several occasions addressed the increased risk of displaced civilians — women and children — being trafficked into sexual slavery and illicit labour. We must thoroughly investigate, without applying pressure or ideologies, the crimes alleged to have been committed, including the crimes of forced adoption and sexual violence against women, girls and boys. At the same time, the situation of African nationals who are victims of violence, abuse or discrimination should also be taken into account. The extent to which the suffering of its people is recognized will influence the judgement that Africa makes of the sincerity of the paradigm shift in the understanding of war. Being at war does not nullify the rule of law.”
2022-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9069 (2022) · source
“Hate speech, especially via social networks, fuels hostilities, both before conflicts emerge and while they are active. It is clear that those who engage in such rhetoric fuel belligerence, jeopardize the future and undermine the prospects for peace. We welcome the fact that the International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into crimes committed in Ukraine by all parties to the conflict. In addition, a number of investigative teams have been engaged in Ukraine since the early days of the conflict to gather evidence and document allegations of war crimes. Justice must take its course in a transparent, impartial and independent manner. Those responsible for committing crimes must ultimately be held accountable.”
2022-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9069 (2022) · source
“Advancements in technology and social media have given us not only the ability to see images in real time but also a near-limitless platform on which to disseminate a cacophony of ideas and points of view, including every kind of hate speech, as well as propaganda and the rewriting reality. In many ways, the war in Ukraine is a litmus test for new ways in which the international community can assess and deal with armed conflicts. There has undoubtedly been a step forward in that regard, beginning with the Gulf Wars, since which time the general public has had access via television to images of the battlefields and the reality of war — with the fraught challenge of being able to distinguish between information and disinformation.”
2022-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9069 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Special Adviser, Ms. Alice Nderitu, for her informative briefing, as well as Ms. Liubov Tsybulska and Mr. Jared Andrew Cohen for their contributions to today’s debate. I welcome the participation at this meeting of our colleagues the Ambassadors of Ukraine, Lithuania and Slovakia. A defining characteristic of the wars of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries has undoubtedly been the general public’s ability, through the use of media, to follow on-the-ground developments in conflicts on a daily basis.”
2022-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9069 (2022) · source
“The A3 would also like to echo the statement made on Monday by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, recommending that the human rights component of the BINUH team be strengthened by the addition of personnel specialized in sexual violence. Impunity must be met with an implacable response. In conclusion, the current situation offers the Council a unique opportunity to prevent Haiti from descending into a deeper crisis by coming up with practical solutions. We need to unite and act in a manner that is supportive of Haiti and all Haitians. The situation in Haiti must concern all of us, because Haiti is less than 2,500 kilometres from where we are now and the extreme poverty that prevails there cannot, and must not, leave us indifferent.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“We urge the country team to adopt an approach that focuses on employment and women’s empowerment in order to support economic recovery. We welcome the work of the United Nations Development Programme in that regard, including action to operationalize national food sovereignty, as well as food security and nutrition policy, and the development of a road map for food processing. (spoke in English) Fifthly, as the BINUH mandate comes up for renewal next month, the A3 reaffirms its support for the work of the Mission and welcomes the recommendations in Mr. Mourad Wahba’s independent assessment. We encourage the Council to consider them carefully in the light of the current situation and to come up with an appropriate mandate to comprehensively address Haiti’s growing challenges.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“There is an urgent need to strengthen Haiti’s fiscal systems in order to enable it to mobilize domestic resources for its development. We encourage the international community to come together and provide additional support for food security, infrastructure development, justice and security-sector reform, education and disaster risk management. We are closely following the ongoing discussions between the Government and international donors to find structural solutions to the economic crisis. In a country where 31 per cent of the population is between the ages of 10 and 24 and where the youth unemployment rate is high, there is an urgent need to provide job opportunities. The future prospects for Haiti’s youth cannot be reduced to a choice between exile and gangs.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“We commend the positive role of BINUH and the United Nations specialized agencies in that regard, particularly through the appointment of 113 judges, which is intended to help restore the functioning of the courts, as well as their efforts to implement the new criminal and criminal procedure codes. Fourthly, the lack of economic opportunities and insufficient access to basic services have prompted many Haitians to leave the country, which for many means risking their lives and those of their loved ones. The country continues to lose the valuable labour force that is vital to ensuring its reconstruction and investment. The challenges that Haitian migrants are facing are a clear reminder of the dire economic situation.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“Breaking the link between politics, gangs and illicit financial flows is still crucial. We urge the Council and other international partners to help the Haitian Government combat corruption and illicit financial flows into and out of the country in order to disrupt the supply chains supporting armed gangs. Thirdly, to restore the rule of law, the Haitian authorities must enact comprehensive reform of the justice sector in order to address prolonged pretrial detentions, expedite court cases and establish functional court registries. That will also ensure that the perpetrators of various heinous crimes and violence are held accountable. They cannot go unpunished.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“We also urge the donor community to contribute generously to the basket fund established to strengthen the HNP’s capacity to combat the illicit cross-border trade, as well as to promote the professionalization of the police and improve its effectiveness in terms of intelligence gathering, governance and accountability. We know what the international community is capable of when it is truly mobilized around a cause. We need to mobilize massively around the situation in Haiti before it is too late for the entire region. We welcome the prospect of the presence of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Haiti and the promising opportunities it can offer in terms of controlling the flow of arms and illicit substances, strengthening customs controls and increasing Government revenue.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“While we recognize the various efforts to strengthen the Haitian National Police (HNP) and reinforce the State security apparatus, the rise in gang violence, sexual and gender-based violence and kidnappings has laid bare the inadequacies of existing security measures. The Haitian National Police’s capacity must be strengthened by providing it with human resources and equipment to combat cross-border crime and community violence. We welcome the ongoing efforts of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and other partners to strengthen the capacity of the HNP, with a particular focus on anti-gang operations. Only when we are able to adequately support the HNP in that endeavour can we hope to reduce gang control and achieve the minimum security conditions necessary for Haiti to begin its return to stability.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“We call on regional and international stakeholders to support the facilitation of a Haitian-led and -owned initiative to address the current political situation. Secondly, the A3 is deeply concerned about the horrific atrocities, including heinous murders and mutilations, that armed gangs are committing against innocent civilians. The reports of people being burned alive and houses set on fire are deeply shocking. We strongly condemn the terror that has been inflicted on vulnerable populations, including women and children, in Haiti. The recruitment of minors by armed gangs is deeply worrying, and we reaffirm that the perpetrators of such revolting crimes must be held accountable.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“We therefore commend the Caribbean Community for its commitment and initiatives, particularly in the context of the post-earthquake recovery. The best solution to the current political situation is through a genuine process of inclusive, broadly Haitian-led and -owned national dialogue, which must include the full participation of women and young people. The A3 therefore calls on all Haitian stakeholders to set aside their differences, build trust, unite in the common interests of the Haitian people and move towards a democratic electoral process. We reaffirm the importance of creating the conditions essential to holding transparent, inclusive, secure and credible elections. To that end, we welcome the establishment of the tripartite committee and urge all stakeholders to support its activities in order to ensure a political consensus.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“The Council has always been united in the view that Haiti faces serious political, security, economic and humanitarian challenges. The situation in Haiti today demands greater attention from the international community and it is imperative to ensure that the Council takes more decisive and urgent measures. In that regard, the A3 would like to make the following comments. First, with regard to the political situation, while recognizing the initiatives that are under way, the A3 also notes the challenges that the various stakeholders have encountered in engaging in a comprehensive national dialogue process. As Africans, we are very interested in the role that the region can play in resolving the crisis.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“People have been forced to flee their homes, children have dropped out of school and the overwhelmed Haitian National Police has been forced to focus on combating armed gangs and protecting internally displaced persons. Those who have studied Haiti’s history understand that the revolution resulted in a heavy burden for it, as it was made to pay reparations for its freedom. Haiti’s legacy of underdevelopment and insecurity cannot be separated from the historical injustices it has suffered for rising up against slavery. In a country that has for decades remained resilient in the face of every form of adversity, it is disheartening to see such high levels of unrest, with thousands of young people fleeing their homes in search of safety and a better life.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3), namely, Ghana, Kenya and my country, Gabon. We thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General Helen La Lime for her enlightening briefing, and Mr. Arnoux Descardes for his contribution. We also welcome the participation of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti and the representative of the Dominican Republic at this meeting. Since our previous meeting in February (see S/PV.8969), the situation in Haiti has rapidly deteriorated, raising serious concerns. Gang violence has continued to cause unprecedented suffering among civilians and a worsening of the humanitarian situation.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9066 (2022) · source
“One of the main benefits to those partnerships is providing support to the United Nations in one of its key missions, that of maintaining international peace and security. Today the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations must create synergy in their actions, which would be a decisive step towards delivering on our international commitments and demonstrating our shared desire to considerably improve our collective security, especially through conflict prevention and peacebuilding and peacekeeping efforts.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9065 (2022) · source
“Terrorism, transnational crime, humanitarian crises and natural disasters are all complex and interdependent challenges that require the involvement of several stakeholders and therefore the regular and rapid exchange of information. Thirdly, it is vital to establish coherent crisis- management and conflict-resolution mechanisms, and the tasks and responsibilities of the various stakeholders must be clearly defined. That will enable the United Nations and regional organizations to develop policies that can provide an effective response to crisis situations. In conclusion, I would once again like to call for strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, including interregional partnerships.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9065 (2022) · source
“I would like to make some comments on developing a more productive partnership between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. First, partnerships should be based on complementarity and competitive advantage. Regional and subregional organizations, above and beyond the advantage of an in-depth knowledge of their regions, are able to mobilize and deploy rapidly on the ground through regional mechanisms. That requires stable and predictable financial, logistical and technical support, along with strengthened capacity-building. Secondly, to be effective, cooperation must be supported by the best possible systems of coordination and communication.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9065 (2022) · source
“That form of cooperation is all the more imperative because, in a security environment characterized by multidimensional crises and exacerbated by the unprecedented pandemic, the scope of requests the United Nations receives and the increasingly regional nature of crises demand that the United Nations deal with the realities on the ground more effectively so that its actions are more effective. It goes without saying that the involvement of regional actors alongside the United Nations makes stabilization processes more effective and enables a better understanding of persistent threats. While it is true that in recent years the United Nations has worked hard to get involved in regional and subregional partnerships, the myriad of crises, including those that are emerging, as well as their increasingly complex nature, compel us to do more.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9065 (2022) · source
“We therefore support the need to call for strengthening not only bilateral cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union but also between the European Union and the African Union, as well as broader trilateral cooperation among the United Nations, the European Union and the African Union, with a view to increasing their coordination on cross- cutting peace and security concerns. We also call for strengthening dialogue between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the European Union Political and Security Committee. Although we advocate an Africa capable of finding African solutions to African challenges, we recognize that, for our work to be more effective, the support of our international partners is required.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9065 (2022) · source
“Clearly, the resulting security threat substantially erodes the foundations of the shared values of freedom, dignity and democracy on the continent by imperilling its people, who continue to suffer from the impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic. The magnitude of those threats and challenges has led the African Union to adopt its peace and development strategy as set out in Agenda 2063 and underpinned by the African Peace and Security Architecture, the African Governance Architecture and the Silencing the Guns initiative. Those bold initiatives combine robust funding efforts with logistics and synergistic actions that prioritize trilateral cooperation among the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations, based on their common respective interests.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9065 (2022) · source
“The partnership between the United Nations and the European Union is perfectly illustrated in Africa, including in the Sahel, the Lake Chad region and the Horn of Africa, where the two entities work side by side to contribute to the development of a network of multilateral organizations in several countries and regions that work together for peace and sustainable development in countries that are in precarious and crisis situations. On the African continent, repeated violations by extremist groups, such as Boko Haram, the Allied Democratic Forces and Al-Shabaab, which claim an affiliation with Da’esh, give reason to fear a contagion effect throughout the entire continent.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9065 (2022) · source
“Over the years, cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union has continued to grow, encompassing a wide range of areas such as conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, disarmament, the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, the protection of human rights, the coordination of humanitarian assistance and the promotion of economic and sociopolitical development. The issue of cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and European regional security organizations is taking on new relevance today, owing to the establishment and development of the European Union’s capacity for civilian and military action, which leads us to meaningfully reflect above all on the sharing of tasks at the international level and their importance with regard to crisis management.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9065 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank you, Madam President, for taking the initiative to convene this debate to enable us to reaffirm our firm conviction that regional and subregional organizations are integral to our ability to respond to international crises and conflicts. The scope and relevance of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations are reflected in the importance of the regional narrative. I also thank the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for his briefing. Cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union is a recurring item on the agenda of the Security Council.”
2022-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9065 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, it is up to us as members of the Security Council, regardless of the sociopolitical situation, to promote, through regional and subregional organizations, the strengthening of resilience, leadership and participation of women in peace- and decision-making processes, not only to keep our promises and respect our commitments but also, above all, to provide an effective, comprehensive and inclusive response to the challenges facing international peace and security today.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“It is important that those valuable initiatives, which include networks of women peacebuilding leaders, receive financial, logistical and technical support that is stable and predictable, as well as regular capacity- building support. We call for increased national, regional and global efforts for the inclusive and efficient implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). That will inevitably require strengthening the partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations, particularly in terms of coordinating their actions on the women and peace and security agenda.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“My country is once again pleased to see that the African Union has fully recognized its role as a regional matrix for the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda, as evidenced by the increased actions of the African Union Commission aimed at promoting women’s participation in conflict prevention, mediation and resolution. In that regard, the joint efforts of the African Union Commission and the United Nations, through UN-Women and the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security of the African Union, led to the establishment of a network of African women leaders, whose role was recognized in resolution 2457 (2019).”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“Based on our experience, it is obvious that acknowledging the key role that women play in peace activities is a catalyst not only for their empowerment but for invigorating our socioeconomic and political landscapes, while ensuring women’s facility in the area of the peaceful settlement of potential disputes. Gabon remains consistent in its international advocacy for women’s inclusion, participation and resilience-building in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, while recognizing the leading role that women are called on to play at every level of peace processes, regardless of their sociopolitical backgrounds, from conflict prevention to post-conflict recovery, mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“Executive Director Bahous laid out several regional response plans regarding women’s resilience in situations of unrest, including in Afghanistan, the Sahel and the Great Lakes region. This stark reality is a sufficient reminder of what we expect from the international community in terms of action to strengthen the leadership roles, participation and inclusion of women in all peace and decision-making processes. Under the leadership of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, Gabon, which is one of the few African countries that have never undergone an unconstitutional change of power, is pursuing a policy that places women at the heart of shaping its society’s destiny. Women are the major assets of the stability that results from lasting peace, which accounts for the allure of Gabon.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“Through the African Union, Africa has taken the appropriate measures and shouldered its responsibilities in addressing the issue of the seizure of power by force in its adoption of a bold legal instrument, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The most recent Extraordinary Summit of the African Union, held in Malabo, devoted its agenda to the issue, as we are concerned about the resurgence of the problem and its impact on regional governance. Today in some conflict-ridden regions of the world, women of all ages are showing that they have a critical role to play in conflict prevention and the promotion of lasting peace. However, in formal negotiations and transitional processes, those heroic peacemakers are often sidelined. What they have to say is not given its due, and their contributions are undervalued.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“In such situations where there is a break with the constitutional order, which many countries have experienced at some point in their history, women have unfortunately often paid an extremely heavy price. Let us be clear. Women must no longer be systematically left to become the victims of violence and basic rights violations during political unrest. On the contrary, they must be enabled to participate fully in all peace and decision-making processes, especially given the well-known fact, as we have seen from experience, that women’s participation at all stages of conflict prevention and resolution processes contributes to a more sustainable peace.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“Despite the momentum of the efforts of the international community in acknowledging women as key actors in peace processes, it must be noted that almost 22 years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), women and children continue to be the primary victims of States’ fragility, crisis situations and upheavals. That disheartening state of affairs is exacerbated during periods of unrest in the aftermath of unconstitutional transitions of power, which embody instability and the negation of the rule of law. Special Envoy Diop underscored the breadth of the damage that coups d’état, extreme violence and other such transitions have done to the peace and security agenda in Africa.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“In Beijing in 1995, the women of the world were promised that concrete action would be taken in 12 critical areas, including decision-making, violence, human rights, health and armed conflict. Those promises were reaffirmed on 31 October 2000 by the unanimous adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), which was a historic milestone in the efforts to ensure that women and girls are systematically and sustainably included in peace and security processes and mechanisms. Despite progress in the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls in many parts of the world, there continue to be gaps and delays with regard to political, social and economic inclusion, and deep concerns persist in terms of equal economic opportunities and their inclusion in decision-making.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I commend your leadership, Madam President, and I thank the Albanian presidency for taking the initiative of convening this important debate, which reminds us of the persistent shared challenge resoundingly felt within the Security Council — promoting the women and peace and security agenda in situations that hardly lend themselves to its effective implementation. It is a challenge that demands a renewed approach and calls on us to unite our efforts at the national, regional and international levels in order to expedite the fulfilment of our commitments. I thank Executive Director Bahous, Special Envoy Diop, Ambassador Ronner-Grubačić, Secretary-General Schmid and Ms. Abu Ghazaleh for their contribution to this debate.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“With regard to the FSO SAFER tanker, we note with regret that the emergency transfer operation to remove the ship’s oil has yet to begin, owing to insufficient funding. We call for a greater effort on the part of the international community to prevent a large-scale environmental and humanitarian disaster. To that end, we welcome the announcement by Saudi Arabia to provide $10 million for the rescue plan involving the tanker. In conclusion, we reaffirm our support for Special Envoy Grunberg, his tireless efforts to promote dialogue between the parties and his firm commitment to finding a lasting political solution in Yemen, including the establishment of a nationwide ceasefire.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9063 (2022) · source
“Given those differences, we support the efforts of Special Envoy Grunberg to hold a second round of talks to improve the flow of goods and people in Taiz. The continued threat posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, which has resulted in many civilian casualties, is also a matter of concern. We are further concerned about the increasing number of attacks against the personnel of non-governmental organizations and humanitarian workers operating in various parts of the country, as well as attempts to kidnap them. We call for respect for international humanitarian law. Concerning the humanitarian situation, we call on the international community to ensure the availability of food stocks and the maintenance of supply chains for Yemen in order to prevent a food crisis that could affect the precarious gains that have been made.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9063 (2022) · source
“The series of measures taken in tandem with the truce, such as the movement of essential goods and people, the resumption of commercial flights at Sana’a airport, the freedom of movement and the facilitation of humanitarian access, are helping to improve the socioeconomic situation and contributing to the stabilization of Yemen. However, the security situation in Yemen remains fragile. The lack of progress on the issue of lifting the siege of the large city of Taiz remains a matter of concern. The Government and the rebels appear to be unwilling to give up their respective positions, despite international pressure. For example, while the Government demands the reopening of main roads, the Houthis demand arrangements for the payment of civil servants’ salaries and basic services in the areas under their control.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9063 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg for his briefing on the most recent developments in Yemen. I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representatives of Yemen. The extension of the truce in Yemen for another two months provides hope for the Yemeni people and the international community as a whole. It offers hope of a lasting peace for the estimated 30 million Yemenis, who have been exhausted by fighting, displacement, hunger, disease, water scarcity and the collapse of the economy.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9063 (2022) · source
“The International Residual Mechanism must complete its mandate because many challenges remain, including the active search for indicted fugitives, finding and arresting them so that they can be held accountable for their actions, the closure of pending proceedings and appeals, the resettlement of those acquitted or convicted who have served their sentences, and raising awareness of the fight against glorifying perpetrators of atrocities and of the denial of serious crimes. Clearly, the work is far from over. I would like to conclude by reiterating to President Carmel Agius, who is stepping down, our appreciation for his remarkable commitment and dedication throughout his tenure as head of the Mechanism, where he displayed tireless zeal for justice and accountability. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“In this regard, it is important to strengthen the capacities of national judicial systems and the training of national judicial personnel, particularly magistrates. The Mechanism was established to fight impunity for those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law and to ensure that all persons indicted by the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and for the former Yugoslavia, including those who are still at large, can be tried.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“It is fundamental that the Council fully ensure the smooth functioning of the Tribunals’ work until all the assigned objectives are achieved, both at the level of the Office of the Prosecutor and at the level of the Trial and Appeals Chambers. Beyond the support of the Council, cooperation with national courts is also crucial in view of the recurrent referrals of cases to national jurisdictions. The importance of cooperation between States and the criminal courts is crucial in order to maximize the collection of evidence that is indispensable for the opening of judicial investigations, which are laborious, in order to establish the facts of alleged crimes, particularly in Rwanda.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“The arrest of Félicien Kabuga, the tracking down of fugitives, the recent confirmation, after lengthy investigations, of the deaths of Protais Mpiranya and Phénéas Munyarugarama, in addition to the convictions of Ratko Mladić, Jovica Stanišić and the four accused in Nzabonimpa et al., are all facts that clearly reflect a mobilization of criminal justice against impunity and the affirmation of the rule of law under the impetus of the Security Council. This meticulous work must be completed without prejudice, of course, to taking into account specific data vis-à-vis personnel, tasks, costs and forecasts relating to the duration of residual functions. The constant support of the Security Council is essential for the timely completion of the Residual Mechanism’s mandate.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“The vocation of the Mechanism is to render justice and leave no room for impunity in the face of the most serious crimes against humanity, knowing that the volume and complexity of these crimes requires human, financial and logistical resources commensurate with the objectives to be achieved and the responsibilities to be assumed. We must recognize and acknowledge that the Mechanism has taken on its task in a convincing manner.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“The status update given earlier by President Carmel Agius and Prosecutor Serge Brammertz’s report attempt to show that the Council was right to trust and invest in the Mechanism to bring justice to victims of international crimes in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. It is clear that the considerable progress made by the Mechanism during the biennium, despite the many challenges it faced from the health crisis caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, is a testament to its genuine commitment to fulfilling all aspects of its mandate, while taking into account the imperatives of the time frame.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“The Council has been consistent in its attention and support for the activities of the International Residual Mechanism. On 31 March this year, in its presidential statement S/PRST/2022/2, the Security Council requested the Mechanism to report on the completion of the tasks entrusted to it, together with a detailed timetable of ongoing cases and elements that could have an impact on the expected date of closure of those cases and other matters within its competence. In the same vein, the Council instructed the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals to thoroughly review the Mechanism’s report and the report on the evaluation of the Mechanism’s methods and work.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank you , Mr. President, for holding this debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. I would like to thank President Carmel Agius and Prosecutor Serge Brammertz for their respective briefings on the fourth report on the progress of the work of the Mechanism, pursuant to Security Council resolution 1966 (2010). I welcome the presence among us of our colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Rwanda and Serbia. As Chair of the Informal Working Group on the International Tribunals, I would like to acknowledge the work done by my predecessor and thank all the members of the Informal Working Group for their commitment to the role assigned to us by paragraph 9 of resolution 2529 (2020).”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source