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

“Such climate phenomena, which are occurring with increasing frequency in Central Africa, are negatively affecting agricultural production in particular. It is therefore imperative that the international community honour its commitments to finance adaptation and mitigation policies. We support the efforts of the relevant United Nations bodies, in particular UNOCA, to systematically integrate the dimensions of climate change and natural resource management into conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding and development processes. In conclusion, the A3 reiterates its support for the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa team and looks forward to the timely appointment of a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“We echo the call by the Secretary-General on international partners to continue their efforts to fund the humanitarian response plans of the region. The A3 underscores that climate change is an aggravating factor in the humanitarian crisis faced by the countries of the Central African region and is adding to the erosion of peace and security. We recall that the world critically relies on the Congo basin rainforest as one of the last remaining net sinks of carbon in the world, which is why there is an urgent need to preserve it. We all know that global warming, drought, desertification and natural disasters resulting from weather events, combined with sea-level rise, flooding and other related phenomena, are pushing millions of people into extreme poverty.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“We welcome the decision adopted at the most recent Extraordinary Summit of the African Union to reactivate the Subcommittee on Counter-Terrorism of the Peace and Security Council. The A3 condemns in the strongest terms the continued attacks against civilian populations, United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers. In particular, we condemn the use of explosive devices and attacks against schools and hospitals by armed groups and terrorist groups in the Lake Chad basin and Congo basin regions. Those groups must immediately cease their attacks. We commend the ongoing efforts of humanitarian actors to provide assistance to the most vulnerable persons, in security situations that are sometimes precarious.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“Indeed, despite States’ consolidated security measures, the tenacity of terrorist groups such as Da’esh, Boko Haram and the Allied Democratic Forces continues to have a negative impact on the lives of populations and to undermine the economic development of the countries in the region. We commend the determination of Cameroon, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to combat those terrorist groups and congratulate those countries on the voluntary surrender of 6,000 former combatants in recent months, primarily associated with Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin. The A3 calls for concerted efforts by the international community to address the root causes of that scourge in the countries of the region. It is time to make the fight against terrorism multidimensional.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“The A3 welcomes the reduction in acts of maritime piracy, as well as the decision taken at the ECCAS Summit of Heads of State and Government on 19 January to organize the first Central African maritime conference. In that regard, we congratulate the Council on its successful adoption of the resolution on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea (resolution 2634 (2022)). While the African Union Emergency Summit on Combating Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes in Africa just ended, the terrorist threat continues to affect certain countries in the Central African region.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“With regard to security, the region faces complex and multidimensional challenges that must be addressed, including terrorism and violent extremism; cross-border crime; the persistence of armed groups, such as the Lord’s Resistance Army and Boko Haram; maritime insecurity; the illicit exploitation of natural resources; and intercommunal clashes, all exacerbated by the growing effects of climate change. In view of those challenges, Central African States have proceeded to strengthen the ECCAS peace and security architecture and measures to promote structural conflict prevention. Those efforts are all the more important as they have lowered the risk of crises flaring up in the subregion.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“In view of the challenges facing Africa, we encourage the joint efforts by UNOCA and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel to improve their coordination in addressing cross-cutting issues, including maritime security and the fight against terrorism and organized crime. We also welcome the close cooperation between UNOCA and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). In that connection, ECCAS members hope that the Security Council will reach a consensus on the rapid adoption of a presidential statement, which will ensure the Council’s effective support for the UNOCA mandate.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“We reiterate our call to all those groups to unconditionally lay down their arms and participate in the inter-Congolese consultations. The A3 are concerned about the emergence of tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. We reiterate the African Union’s call for the resolution of disputes through diplomatic means, with the support of regional and subregional mechanisms. We also welcome Angola’s mediation in that regard. The A3 stresses the importance of strengthening cooperation among the Governments of the region and with regional, subregional and international organizations, which is essential to improve coordination and create synergies with international partners.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“The A3 welcomes the strengthening of relations between the Member States of the region and encourages the positive dynamic represented by continuous dialogue, enhanced cooperation and the peaceful settlement of disputes. In that regard, the diplomatic agreements between Burundi and Rwanda aimed at improving their bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation are most welcome. The lifting of the financial and budgetary sanctions imposed by the European Union on Burundi also reflects the significant progress made in the country and the region in recent years. The A3 welcomes the ongoing process in Nairobi to address the insecurity that has been caused by armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo for decades.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“In that regard, we welcome Chad’s organization of the pre-dialogue held in Doha and hope that platform for discussion will pave the way for an inclusive peace agreement. The envisaged agreement should include a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme for the armed groups present in Chad, as well as for combatants returning from neighbouring countries, in particular from Libya. We call for the full implementation of all recommendations emanating from those forums for dialogue. In that connection, we note with satisfaction the actions of the Government of Cameroon, which have led to the adoption of measures to consolidate the decentralization process and strengthen the capacities of local institutions.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“We welcome the smooth conduct of those preparations and encourage the authorities to continue taking all necessary measures to organize free, credible, transparent and inclusive elections. We recognize the active participation of women and young people in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts and call for their greater involvement in the ongoing electoral processes. Similarly, in countries experiencing crises and tensions, the A3 encourages the organization of inclusive national dialogues involving all stakeholders. A successful national dialogue can make a significant contribution to reducing social and political tensions and providing solutions that align with the expectations of the people.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“We thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, Ms. Martha Pobee, and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States, Mr. Gilberto Da Piedade Veríssimo, for their briefings. We also welcome the Peacebuilding Commission’s advisory on this meeting. (spoke in French) Our statement will focus on the political, security and humanitarian situation in the region. At the political level, the A3 welcomes the measures taken by several States in the subregion to prepare for the elections to be held in 2022 and 2023. Those elections represent an opportunity for the Central African region to consolidate its democratic gains.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, namely, Ghana, Kenya and my own country, Gabon (A3). We pay a warm tribute to Mr. François Louncény Fall, who has reached the end of his mandate as Special Representative of the Secretary-General. We commend him for the work he has accomplished over the past five years as the Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). We thank him for his dedication and commitment in working with all the countries of the region, political actors, civil society and other partners to strengthen cooperation among the countries of Central Africa and with the United Nations for a peaceful region.”
2022-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9058 (2022) · source
“We owe a response to all the separated families who have been stripped of their dignity. And our response must transcend our differences in order to meet the needs of all the victims. My country calls for a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors in every area in order to provide humanitarian aid in optimal security conditions. In conclusion, on behalf of my country, I reiterate our call for good-faith negotiations to end the war. It goes without saying that the most effective way to eliminate the risk of sexual and gender-based violence and exploitation is to end the conflict.”
2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source
“As we take stock of the current situation, the ordeal faced by young Africans fleeing the war in Ukraine, who are being discriminated against, humiliated and incomprehensibly and inhumanely treated, must not be forgotten. We must remember the deafening silence of some and the selective pleas of all who know how to make their voices heard and could take action, but who have remained unresponsive to the cries of distress of young Africans who have found themselves marginalized by protection mechanisms and at greater risk of exploitation. As we have just heard from Ms. Patten, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine is extremely worrying and requires urgent action to meet the major needs of the civilian population. We owe a response to the women and children trapped amid the fighting. We owe a response to those who are abused and exploited.”
2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source
“We continue to receive shocking testimony from many who have been mistreated because of their origin as they try to leave. Since the war in Ukraine began, we have repeatedly brought up the stigmatization of many African nationals. It is not merely a question of skin colour but of humanity — of the universal nature of suffering and the respect we have for the noble values of the United Nations and the peoples of the world, or rather, all peoples of the world. It is obvious that in a situation of war, all suffering should be taken equally seriously, because suffering has no face. Every tear caused by suffering should elicit our emotions and our condemnation without any prior consideration of the colour of the eyes from which it flows. Indifference before such human misery is as indecent and unacceptable as such hateful discrimination.”
2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source
“Mafia-style networks involved in trafficking and sexual exploitation and operating along exit corridors or host centres must be neutralized and the perpetrators held accountable for their crimes. To that end, we must strengthen the coordination among the various organizations involved. Information-sharing must be ramped up in order to prevent criminal networks as far as possible from taking advantage of distressed populations fleeing war zones. The threat of exploitation posed by illegal labour, recruitment into paedophile networks and illegal adoption would undoubtedly be substantially reduced if their communication networks and means of operationalization and financing were undermined. I would like to once again echo what has been said about the situation of those fleeing the war, especially the many African nationals.”
2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source
“We also welcome the mechanisms put in place by the United Nations Population Fund and the International Organization for Migration to provide appropriate short-, medium- and long-term responses in terms of medical care and legal support. It is vital to stress that the international conventions protecting civilians in conflict and the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1325 (2000), which condemn sexual violence against women and the use of rape as a weapon of war and recognize sexual violence as a major security risk, are binding on all warring parties. The international community must ensure that sexual violence, human trafficking and all other human rights abuses during armed conflict can be independently and impartially investigated in order to establish the facts and attribute responsibility.”
2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source
“We are very concerned about the allegations of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly against women and children, as well as the continuing reports of emerging human trafficking networks. In that regard, we welcome the initiatives taken by the United Nations bodies and specialized agencies to prevent and counter threats to human rights and actual violations of them. We welcome the work of monitoring and awareness- raising being done by Ms. Patten’s Office to that end, and we hope that the Framework for Cooperation signed with the Ukrainian Government will improve the prevention of those crimes and strengthen the operational response.”
2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source
“On behalf of my country I pay tribute to the women and men who are working determinedly within the framework of humanitarian missions to mitigate the daily suffering of the war’s survivors. We reiterate that humanitarian aid, which is so vital in such situations, must be provided unhindered to the populations in need, without politicization and in the safe and dignified conditions guaranteed by international humanitarian law. The statistics in the most recent situation report of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on the war in Ukraine are disturbing. They confirm the projections for an increasing toll as the fighting on the ground intensifies. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the hostilities, with more than 7 million people internally displaced and approximately 6.8 million refugees.”
2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): As I am taking the floor for the first time since your term began, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your presidency of the Security Council and on taking the initiative to convene this important debate on sexual violence and human trafficking in connection with the situation in Ukraine. I thank Special Representative Pramila Patten for her informative briefing and Ms. Natalia Karbowska and Ms. Sherrie Rollins Westin for their first-hand accounts. As we take the floor before the Council this morning, our thoughts are with the people in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries who have fallen prey to the ravages of the war that has been under way there for the past 100 days. We want to convey our solidarity with them in this time of trouble.”
2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source
“The establishment of the State of Palestine is an essential step to bringing the peace process to a successful conclusion, which will have an overarching impact on the entire region. We reaffirm our full support for the two-State solution. Gabon hopes that the rapid resumption of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations will achieve a real and lasting peace, based on respect for the principles agreed by the parties and in keeping with the provisions of international law. In conclusion, we reiterate our full support for Special Coordinator Wennesland and his tireless efforts to bring the conflict to a peaceful conclusion and reaffirm our vision of a two-State solution that requires the firm political will and commitment of the parties, as well as the engagement of the international community, including regional actors.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“Gabon calls on the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to show restraint and commit to taking confidence-building measures to give peace a better chance. Today more than ever, there is a need to strengthen regional and multilateral cooperation with a view to resolving the conflict, which has caused untold suffering to the civilian populations for too long. In that regard, we welcome the recent visit by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey to Israel and Palestine. We call on the Middle East Quartet to step up its efforts to encourage the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to resume, in good faith, an inclusive dialogue, in which all segments of society, including women, should participate.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“Pursuing the policy of expanding illegal settlements, demolishing homes and evicting families is increasing the volatility of the security situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. Approximately 1,200 people, including 580 children, are currently at risk of forced eviction and the loss of their property, livelihoods and access to water and sanitation and education facilities. The situation is all the more worrisome in the light of the current humanitarian crisis observed on the ground. We note with interest the visit to the region of the delegation led by the Acting Humanitarian Coordinator, Samer Abdel Jaber, to meet with Palestinian residents who are at risk of forcible transfer.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“It goes without saying that the return of bodies is a major point of disagreement between the two communities, given that the remains of victims killed in various security incidents are being withheld by the belligerents in violation of international humanitarian law. That issue is especially sensitive as it concerns respect for funeral rites, which are an integral part of the culture and identity of both parties. The continuing human suffering of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples is the responsibility of everyone — the parties to the conflict and the international community. The flagrant violations with impunity of Security Council resolutions do not contribute to calming the situation.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, who was kidnapped only hours after the declaration in August 2014 of the ceasefire negotiated by the United Nations and the parties concerned, represents another dimension of the same human suffering and indiscriminate violence that characterizes the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Almost eight years later, neither his remains nor any sign of life has been sent to his family, which is losing hope of even giving him a proper burial. The issues relating to the identification and return to families of human remains are critical for both sides, as they contribute to establishing an environment of trust between the parties, which is essential to building peace.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“We call for an independent investigation to shed light on the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy and to establish responsibility. That crime must not go unpunished. Human suffering does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, religion, culture, skin colour, geography or ideology. The heartfelt appeals just made by Ms. Robi Damelin and Mr. Daniel Munayer call on our humanity and for the need to shed our preconceived ideas and act without delay, with hope as our guide. The suffering that has become the daily lot of the Palestinian population does not spare Israeli families. In the face of such suffering, our humanity cannot remain indifferent.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Tor Wennesland, for his informative briefing. I also wish to thank Mr. Daniel Munayer and Ms. Robi Damelin for their moving testimonies. I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine. The death of American-Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on 11 May was truly a tragedy, which was exacerbated by the indecent acts of violence at her funeral, when the procession was interrupted by incidents that represented an attack on dignity and respect for the dead. We were deeply shocked and saddened by that series of events and wish to condemn them.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source
“Gabon will continue to support South Sudan and give it constructive encouragement in its efforts to deal with the reasons that led to the imposition of the sanctions on it.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9045 (2022) · source
“It was placed under sanctions just four years after its birth, and for seven years the people of South Sudan have been living under a sanctions regime whose effectiveness falls far short of our expectations. We believe firmly that at this stage, sanctions are counterproductive with regard to the efforts made in the past few years by the Government and the people of South Sudan. While we note the progress made with regard to the sanctions regime, we also believe that the efforts of the international community must be more firmly directed towards capacity-building, post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding. It is also crucial to give the South Sudanese armed forces the tools they need to more effectively fulfil their mandate under the Constitution to defend the territorial integrity of their country.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9045 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): We would like to thank the United States delegation for its work during the negotiations. Gabon abstained in the voting on resolution 2633 (2022), renewing the mandate of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan. Our abstention reflects the position of the African Union in the communiqué of the tenth meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council held on 25 January on the situation in South Sudan. The position was reiterated by Heads of State and Government at the thirty-fifth African Union Summit, which took place in February. South Sudan is the world’s youngest State.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9045 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to express my country’s rejection of all forms of war, as well as to underscore our commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts. We must redouble our efforts to exorcise the logic of war and reconnect the Council with the goal of protecting civilians from war.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“Urgent, coordinated and targeted actions must be taken to strengthen the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilian populations, all within a framework of new funding schemes that can accommodate both short-term and long-term actions, as well as individual and systemic approaches. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work here, and humanitarian preparedness must therefore be adapted to respond to specific situations. It is crucial to ensure that impunity for attacks on civilians is stamped out. The perpetrators of war crimes and other violations of the laws of war must be brought to account and held responsible for their actions. And independent, impartial and free investigations must of course be conducted in order to establish the facts and attribute responsibilities.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“In this regard, again, we have an obligation to fulfil our commitments and ensure compliance with international conventions and Security Council resolutions. We must be uncompromising in the context of armed conflict in order to prevent the use of civilians and civilian infrastructures for military purposes. Our mobilization must be unwavering in the face of increasingly recurrent attacks against humanitarian personnel and journalists, as well as violations of the right to information. Similarly, the international community must also ensure that civilians’ digital data is protected and that their rights continue to be respected in situations of armed conflict. This is particularly relevant for displaced civilians who, in some cases, may be exposed to retaliation because of their ethnicity or religion or for any other reason.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“However, it has become very common for heavy artillery, shelling and such indiscriminate weapons as cluster munitions and other explosives to be targeted directly at civilians or civilian infrastructure. The effects of such weapons are disproportionate and can extend beyond the period of conflict and beyond the protocols of specialized United Nations agencies and entities. The ban on the use of weapons of mass destruction must be respected by all. Another area where civilians must be protected is in the area of human rights abuses. From rape, sexual and gender-based violence, to trafficking of all kinds, networks of traffickers find civilians fleeing the battlefields, especially women and children, to be the easiest prey because they are exposed and fragile, without resources or protection.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“Not only do these attacks undermine the capacity of States to protect civilian populations, but they also have a significant and lasting impact on the State’s ability to recover and rebuild, resulting in the need to ensure unhindered humanitarian access, the protection of humanitarian personnel and the securing of refugee camps. We deplore and condemn in the strongest terms the recent attacks on humanitarian workers in Yemen, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, and reiterate our commitment to respect for international humanitarian law, which is essential to ensure safe access for humanitarian assistance to populations in distress. People who are not taking part in the fighting or who, because of their condition, can no longer take part in it, should not be the targets of armed attacks.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“We must do so boldly, to the extent prescribed by the normative instruments at our disposal — among them resolution 1674 (2006) on the responsibility to protect, resolution 1738 (2006) on the protection of civilians in times of conflict, which condemns attacks against journalists, and resolutions 2467 (2019), 2427 (2018) and 1325 (2000), which guarantee the protection of specific groups, children and women — in order to ensure their implementation in times of war. The conflicts of our time are essentially internal and urban and therefore constitute factors of fragility in civilian populations, which suffer both from the direct effects of the conflicts and from their indirect effects resulting from the destruction of civilian infrastructure used for production or transformation or distribution of public services.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“To be lax in the application of international humanitarian law is to inflict double punishment on civilian populations. The moving testimony that Ms. Boketa has just shared with us certainly reminds us of our humanity. But above all, it must activate our thirst for action. Protecting civilians is the responsibility of every member of the international community and a requirement for every member of the Security Council.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“In each case, women and children pay the highest price in blood, fear and indignity. Africa remains the region of the world most affected by armed conflict. In the trenches and refugee camps of a dozen countries of the African continent, Africa Day, which we celebrate today, will be marked by the same distress and terror as any other day. If we cannot contain or prevent wars, we must be able to limit their effects on those who do not take part in the hostilities and prevent attacks, bombings and the targeting of populations. This, of course, requires strict adherence by belligerent parties to the five fundamental principles of international humanitarian law: humanity, distinction, precaution, proportionality, and the prohibition of unnecessary suffering and harm.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“It is obvious that the Council will be judged faithful to its mandate if it effectively protects civilian populations everywhere in the world from the scourge of war. In contrast, the Council will have failed in its mission as long as civilian populations are victims of hostilities. The Council falls short when its response to civilian casualties is rhetoric or fragmentation tied to geopolitical or geostrategic interests and influence. There are too many wars in the world. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, there are about 50 wars involving States and more than a hundred involving armed groups. Each of these wars results in the death of civilians and leaves the survivors maimed, tortured, raped, forcibly displaced or suffering serious violations of their fundamental rights.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank Director Ramesh Rajasingham, Director-General Robert Mardini, President David Miliband and Director Rachel Boketa for their inspiring briefings. There is only one effective way to protect civilians in armed conflict, and that is not to engage in or incite armed conflict. And if armed conflict does occur, we must mobilize to stop it immediately. And, as long as a war has not been started, it must be prevented by attacking the well-known roots that could lead to its outbreak. This effective means of sparing civilians from the scourge of war, of saving them from fear or indignity, is engraved in indelible ink in every provision of the United Nations Charter. It is the matrix vocation of the United Nations and the raison d’être of the Security Council.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“The people of Somalia are counting on us, the international community, and the Somali Government to provide lasting solutions to the problems that affect their daily lives. Our inaction will increase the vulnerability of those populations, increasing displacement and intensifying conflict. In that regard, the A3 commends the outstanding work of humanitarian organizations, which, at the risk of their lives, are providing continual support to the people of Somalia. In conclusion, Ghana, Kenya and Gabon reiterate our support for the Federal Government of Somalia and our full support for UNSOM. We look forward to the report of the Secretary-General, who, in consultation with the Federal Government of Somalia, will issue recommendations on the future of UNSOM later this year.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“We recall that Somalia is facing one of the worst droughts in decades, and, with the erosion of people’s survival mechanisms, most continue to flee the arid areas. Those devastating weather conditions are leading to the displacement of thousands of people. We note that in the first week of March, more than 17,000 people were internally displaced owing to drought in the southern Bay region of central Somalia. With the worsening drought, nearly 6 million people in Somalia, or about 40 per cent of the country’s population, are facing food insecurity and are effectively at risk of famine. We urge international and regional donors and all partners of Somalia to increase their support for humanitarian assistance and for the Somali authorities to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“Schools and hospitals are places of life that should not be attacked. We call on international partners and Somalia to take all measures necessary to fight against the use of mines and explosive devices against children and refrain from making their future even darker. It is essential to build a robust legal basis founded on the rule of law and respect for human dignity in order to protect and bring justice to all victims of abuse, in particular children who are the victims of atrocities committed by terrorist groups. (spoke in English) We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Somalia. Besides the security challenges, the dire situation is being constrained by the adverse effects of climate change, whose harmful consequences are already being felt by the most vulnerable groups in society.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“Furthermore, we express our support for adequate funding for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, which is a crucial stage in the process of moving towards a Somali State free from any security threats. We call on all international partners to support Somalia at this critical time in the country’s history. We are appalled by the continued suffering of children, women and elderly persons, who very often are, sadly, confronted with every possible form of violence. We condemn in particular the recruitment of children to become terrorists or carry out acts of violent extremism. We also condemn the other heinous practices carried out against those people, including abuse, murder, mutilation and sexual abuse. That treatment is intolerable, and we call for respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“We pay sincere tribute to the African Union Mission in Somalia — now ATMIS — whose soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice, paying a heavy price in the fight against Al-Shabaab. Foreign terrorist fighters integrated into Al-Shabaab and their affiliates from the Islamic State operating on Somali territory also represent a serious and immediate threat to the region owing to their ability to carry out complex attacks. Those foreign fighters, allied with the various clan militias that exist in Somalia, make for an explosive security cocktail and an enormous challenge for the new leaders. We therefore call for capacity- building for the Somali forces in terms of equipment and training so as to enable them to discharge their urgent duty of securing the territory against those groups.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“The A3 roundly condemns all the attacks perpetrated by those terrorist groups. The A3 members echo the appeal made by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council to invite Somalia’s international partners to make a further commitment to ensure sustainable and predictable financing for ATMIS, so as to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively over the next 30 months, until responsibilities are handed over to the Somali security forces. Such adequate financing is vital in order to preserve the security gains made so far in Somalia and to bring about peace and stability in the face of the threat of the spread of terrorism throughout the countries of the region.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“The momentum generated by the new President and his incoming Government will result in tangible progress in stabilizing the security situation, implementing the necessary economic, judicial and constitutional reforms and finding adequate solutions to the humanitarian disaster fuelled by the devastating effects of drought and famine. The terrorist activities perpetrated by the Al-Qaida- affiliated terrorist group Al-Shabaab and its Islamic State affiliates are of great concern to Somalia, the region and our continent as a whole. Al-Shabaab continues to carry out deadly attacks in Somalia. The recent cross- border events in the region reflect its ability to adapt and its considerable capacity to inflict damage on security and civilian infrastructure, thus exacerbating human suffering.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“We also recognize the particular commitment of the electoral team in preserving the integrity of the process, as well as the Somali people for their continued commitment to a credible and successful democratic process. The A3 also welcomes the commitment of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to Somalia, including through support for efforts aimed at democratic governance, the promotion of national reconciliation and the restoration of peace and security and stability in the country. We are convinced that the success of the elections will mark a real turning point for Somalia and its people.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“The A3 congratulates President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his victory in the 15 May presidential election and on his official inauguration on 23 May after a peaceful transfer of power following a 15-month electoral process. We very much look forward to the swift establishment of a new Government that can focus on resolving the many complex challenges the country continues to face after decades of political instability and insecurity. The decisive role and commitment of the Somali security forces and ATMIS in securing the elections deserves to be commended. We also commend the role played by UNSOM and other regional and international partners in providing strategic advice and good offices.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source