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

“We take note of the important work achieved by the Syrian-led, Syrian-owned and United Nations- facilitated Constitutional Committee during its seventh meeting, held in Geneva from 21 to 25 March, and encourage the spirit of compromise so as to achieve substantial and constructive progress in ensuring mutually acceptable constitutional reform proposals. The parties must maintain their political will and momentum if they want to make headway at the eighth meeting of the Constitutional Committee, to be held next month. The need to push ahead with a broader political process is increasingly crucial.”
2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source
“Although there have been few new developments since our last review of the situation in Syria (see S/PV.9003), that situation remains concerning and requires the full attention of the international community. We must continue to extend to Syria the lifeline that it so sorely requires, not only for its humanitarian needs but also, and above all, for a political solution. We believe that a political solution is the most promising path towards peace in Syria. It requires the immediate establishment of a nationwide ceasefire, an inclusive and pluralist dialogue that takes into account the interests of a broad range of Syrians, and the restoration of State authority across all the Syrian territory.”
2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I have the honour to take the floor on behalf of the three African countries members of the Security Council (A3), that is, Ghana, Kenya and my country, Gabon. We thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings. We take note of the important work that they are doing along with their teams in a complex environment, and we thank them for their commitment. We also listened closely to Ms. Nirvana Shawky. In addition, we welcome the participation in this meeting of the Permanent Representative of Syria. Our statement will relate to the political and humanitarian situation in Syria.”
2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source
“We encourage the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to show restraint, to refrain from provocation and to invest in peaceful coexistence, as well as to give peace a greater chance. We reiterate our commitment to the two-State solution, which cannot be achieved without the firm political commitment and the will of the parties, as well as the support of the international community, including regional actors In conclusion, we reaffirm our support for Special Coordinator Wennesland in his efforts towards ensuring calm and maintaining close contact between the parties, as well as among the key regional partners.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“To that end, we hope that the announcement by the Israeli authorities calling on all to support efforts in good faith to restore calm to Jerusalem and ensure freedom of worship on the Temple Mount for both Jews and Muslims will help to ease tensions. It is high time to activate the channels of diplomacy to ensure that restraint, reason and responsibility prevail. Neighbouring countries and key partners in the region have a crucial role to play in that respect towards relaunching a more credible peace process. We welcome the initiative of the meeting held in Negev on 28 March, at the end of which the participants recognized the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation and resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, inter alia.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“The security situation in the occupied Palestinian territories remains precarious and volatile, owing in part to the continuing illegal policy of settlement expansion and the demolition of Palestinian homes and other evictions affecting many Palestinian families. Not only are such actions contributing to the destabilization of the occupied Palestinian territories and exacerbating the territorial fragmentation of the West Bank, but they are also fuelling anger and the desire for revenge. It is essential to implement resolution 2334 (2016), which calls for an immediate and complete cessation of all settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. It is crucial for the parties to build on the momentum for calm.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“It is more important than ever to break the deadlock in which the Council finds itself, as it risks leading to international fatigue with many grave consequences for the future of the peoples of Palestine and Israel. For decades, Palestine has been in the grip of a major political crisis with devastating consequences, particularly in the humanitarian and economic spheres, in the context of the devastating coronavirus disease pandemic. In the course of the conflict, the Palestinian Authority has gradually lost its capacity to provide essential services to its population, including food, education and health.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“We commend the role of the King of Morocco as Chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Al-Quds Committee in preserving the special status of the Holy City as a symbol of the common heritage of humankind and the peaceful coexistence of the three monotheistic religions, as well as a place for dialogue and mutual respect. It is necessary to preserve the particularities of Jerusalem as a city of peaceful coexistence, as underlined in the appeal for Jerusalem launched on 30 March 2019 by the King of Morocco and Pope Francis. We also believe that neighbouring countries have an important role to play and, in that regard, we commend the efforts of Jordan and Egypt in seeking to ease tensions on the ground.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“My country strongly condemns all such violence, which is not conducive to building lasting peace and stability between Israel and Palestine. On the contrary, it only fuels frustration, deepens wounds and damages efforts to build trust between Israel and Palestine, which is an indispensable prelude to dialogue and a political settlement to the conflict. It is clear that such a complex situation with intractable issues cannot be resolved by the protagonists’ unilateral initiatives, but by constructive dialogue in good faith between the parties. We endorse the Secretary-General’s call on leaders on all sides to calm the situation and immediately cease provocations along the Esplanade of Mosques to prevent any further escalation and to maintain and respect the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“That serious incident is just one of the violent events that have occurred since the beginning of this delicate period of religious celebrations for the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities. We cannot help but be fearful that an easing of the situation is not on the cards as, after days of violence, particularly at the holy sites, there have also been rocket attacks against Israel from a Palestinian enclave and air strikes on the Gaza Strip. That increase in local tensions is all the more notable because it has not happened for months. Many of those acts of violence, characterized by brutality and the disproportionate use of force against civilians, are claiming increasing numbers of victims, including women and children.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Coordinator, Mr. Tor Wennesland, for his enlightening briefing, to which we paid close attention. I also welcome the participation of our colleagues the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine in this meeting. We are holding this debate in a particularly tense context due to the violence witnessed in recent weeks, particularly in the occupied Palestinian territories and in the Old City of Jerusalem, which raises fears of a deadly new escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. Tensions recently escalated on 15 April as a result of clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli police, culminating in an intervention by Israeli police inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque, leaving many people injured, particularly on the Palestinian side.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“We remain convinced that achieving the final status of Abyei is the key to a concerted and coordinated withdrawal from UNISFA. In this regard, we call on the authorities to intensify their consultations to make progress on the seven indicators. In conclusion, we reiterate our full support for the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, UNISFA, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and all stakeholders for their efforts on the ground aimed at finding a political solution to Abyei’s status.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“We further urge both countries to comply fully with the status-of-forces agreement and expeditiously facilitate the administrative steps required for the implementation of UNISFA’s mandate, including the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism and its redeployment, as appropriate. We pay high tribute to the UNISFA personnel that are carrying out their mandate despite the difficult conditions. The Ethiopian contingent, whose mandate recently ended, is to be commended for its commitment in Abyei. We welcome the arrival of new contingents from other troop-contributing countries. International partners, in particular the African Union and the United Nations, must be resolutely engaged diplomatically and politically and support dialogue efforts between the Sudan and South Sudan.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“The completion of projects aimed at restoring service delivery, including access to water, health, education, communication and basic infrastructure, is crucial to improving the lives of the people. The A3 also stresses the need to strengthen humanitarian assistance. We condemn in the strongest terms the armed attacks against UNISFA staff and humanitarian workers. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased aid workers in Abyei and call for urgent investigations to ensure accountability. All measures must be taken to ensure the protection of humanitarian workers and unhindered humanitarian access.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“These attacks, as well as those that took place in Kolom, Mabok and Dungop, must be investigated and those responsible brought to justice. The A3 calls on all parties to refrain from taking any action that could exacerbate tensions. We urge them to exercise the utmost restraint and cease all hostile activities that could have an adverse impact on the local population. On the humanitarian situation, we are concerned about the difficulties faced by the people of Abyei, including limited access to basic services. In this regard, the joint programme for Abyei sponsored by the United Nations country teams for the Sudan and South Sudan is to be commended.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“We commend the efforts of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in organizing the intercommunal peace dialogue and encouraging the participation of women and youth in both the institutional administrative spheres and the political process. More than 10 years after the creation of UNISFA, it seems to us to be an imperative that the final status of Abyei be defined, taking into account the expectations of the populations. The facilitation role of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel and the support of the international community remain essential to this end. On the security front, the A3 is deeply concerned about the resurgence of armed violence and intercommunal clashes in Abyei. We strongly condemn the violence, particularly in the north-east between the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka communities.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“Indeed, the absence of strong administrative institutions, particularly in terms of security and justice, is keeping the territory in a state of permanently fragility. The A3 urges the resumption of dialogue between the Sudan and South Sudan with a view to accelerating the implementation of the agreement on temporary arrangements for the administration and security of the Abyei Area, putting the interests of the people first. We call on the parties to implement the recommendations and conclusions of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) and the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee meetings. The A3 further reiterates the need for the Sudan and South Sudan to meet regularly and actively participate in the JPSM, which is essential to easing tensions and promoting dialogue.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (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, namely, Ghana, Kenya, and my own country, Gabon (A3). I thank Ms. Hanna Tetteh, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, and Mr. Jean- Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, for their inspiring briefings. On behalf of the A3, I congratulate Ms. Tetteh on her promotion to the position of Special Envoy and reiterate our support for her. Our statement will focus on the political, security and humanitarian situation. The A3 notes with interest the continued strengthening of relations between the Sudan and South Sudan, which should help resolve outstanding issues, including the Abyei issue.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, my country reaffirms its support for UNMIK, and we reiterate our encouragement in its mission to rebuild peace and cohesion in Kosovo.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“We also commend the work of the Kosovo Government commission responsible for the verification and recognition of the status of survivors of conflict- related sexual violence, which was able to grant survivor status to 1,149 applicants of the 1,656 applications received. Granting survivor status to victims of sexual crimes is an important step in their recovery. It is also a significant contribution to peacebuilding. We encourage UNMIK’s support for the commission granting survivor status to 12 victims before the end of the commission’s mandate in 2023. More generally, we encourage the increased participation of women in the process, as well as all actions and policies aimed at better taking women into account in public life.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“Progress on the return and reintegration of internally displaced persons was also very slow, with only 118 returns registered by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees during the reporting period. A durable solution to the situation of these people is urgently needed so that they can return to their homes in favourable conditions. The issue of missing persons is of crucial interest for the construction of Kosovo. The fact that the Belgrade-Pristina Working Group on Missing Persons held no meetings during the reporting period further postpones the administration of the cases of 1,620 persons still missing as a result of the events of 1998 and 1999. We encourage UNMIK to continue its efforts in this regard.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“It is in that context that we deplore the decision of the Kosovo Parliament to no longer allow the participation of Kosovo Serbs in Kosovo Serbian electoral processes. We urge the authorities of Kosovo and Serbia to find a mutually satisfactory agreement in this area. Currently, the Quint has a role to play in this regard. The security situation in Kosovo is still very fragile. Violence is particularly affecting minority communities, especially the Serbian community. These violations also affect places of worship and religious cemeteries and undermine living together and interaction between communities. Discrimination against minority communities must be addressed more vigorously, and the law on protection against discrimination must be implemented.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“Delaying its implementation can only take Kosovo further away from the stability it needs. I would nevertheless like to commend the actions of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) aimed at promoting living together and increasing inter-ethnic relations and social cohesion. We also welcome President Vučić’s stated willingness to continue negotiations with Pristina on the establishment of an association of Serb-majority municipalities, as provided for in the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations of April 2013. A stronger commitment is indeed needed to give new momentum in this direction. The people of Kosovo need this normalization for their well-being and for their economic development.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“Despite a few meetings at the technical level, the dialogue is struggling to rise to a high level, with only one high-level meeting having taken place during the reporting period. Normalization is central to Kosovo’s regional and international integration process and is the driving force that will enable it to enter a virtuous cycle in terms of development. The issue of free movement remains a major challenge. It is nevertheless crucial for Kosovo’s cohesion that all citizens enjoy their full right to circulate without fear for their safety. To this end, a sustainable solution must be found for license plates in the Serb-majority northern region. The implementation of the Brussels Agreement is an important pillar in the normalization process and a vital element for the autonomy of the Serb communities.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Caroline Ziadeh for her briefing on the latest developments on the ground and for her intense activity since taking office. I welcome the participation at this meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, His Excellency Nikola Selaković, and I thank Ms. Gërvalla- Schwarz for her statement. More than two decades after the establishment of the international presence pursuant to resolution 1244 (1999), the situation in Kosovo remains worrying on several counts. The normalization process between Kosovo and Serbia has fallen short of expectations. It is regrettable that diplomatic moves and various initiatives aimed at resuming a dialogue in good faith, on the basis of existing agreements, have not brought results.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“If such reports are found to be true, they will represent serious violations of international humanitarian law, other relevant conventions and Council resolutions on conflict- related sexual violence, in particular resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 2106 (2013), which reinforce resolution 1325 (2000). My country condemns any attack on women, children or civilians not involved in the hostilities. Likewise, my country reiterates its appeal for the launching of an independent, impartial investigation in order to establish the facts and determine the perpetrators. We also reiterate Gabon’s appeal for a cessation of hostilities. It is time for the fighting to stop. It is time for the weapons to be silent. It is time for diplomacy to speak out and to put an end to the suffering and death of innocent people.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“A few days ago, the Security Council met to address the allegations of sexual crimes, the exploitation of women and children and the risk of human trafficking (see S/PV.9016). It has become common that trafficking networks, like vultures at the scene of a massacre, seek to benefit from the plight of the defenceless and those in need of protection. We all recall such dark stories in previous conflicts, which should heighten our vigilance so as to ensure an end to organized criminal networks preying on our turmoil, be it in Ukraine or in host countries. There are many accounts of rape victims and cases of the exploitation of children, alone and without defence, picked up on the roads as they flee.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“The humanitarian workers in both Ukraine and the host countries are also on-site and trying to bring vital assistance to those in need through basic and specialized care services, including mental and psychological health care, as well as various kinds of assistance geared to facilitating registration, schooling for children and employment for refugees. We express our support for the humanitarian workers and our sincere appreciation for their efforts and those of host countries. I commend the work of UNHCR and the IOM. Without that valuable assistance, the daily lives of many refugees would no doubt be even worse. We therefore reiterate our appeal to host countries to assist all those fleeing the fighting without distinction regarding country of origin. All those people are living in fear and distress, which does not allow for any bias.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“Among those refugees, there are more than 210,000 third-country nationals, including Africans, for whom the exodus is often more difficult owing to absurd discrimination. We have not stopped calling on bordering countries to consider the situation of those people, who, like the other victims of the war, are no less deserving of the compassion and relief granted to other civilians fleeing the war. The humanitarian situation is one of the most worrisome. The attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are particularly devastating and impact the supply of basic public services, such as water, electricity and gas, leading to health risks. At the same time, the hosting capacities of the United Nations specialized bodies and agencies can barely cover the constantly increasing needs due to the ongoing fighting and movement of people.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank Ms. Kelly Clements, from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Mr. António Vitorino, from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), for their informative briefings. I welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of Ireland. Day by day, there is a heavier toll from the war. The scourge of those fleeing the war is estimated to have affected some 12 million people since the beginning of the hostilities. The number of refugees currently stands at approximately 5 million, the majority of whom, comprising women and children, have found refuge in Poland and other neighbouring countries.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“Such a moratorium would send a strong message regarding our ability to meet the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate threats to international security. In conclusion, I would like to once again call for increased international cooperation and a greater commitment by the international community to overcoming this terrible pandemic and its impact on our collective security.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“In order to reach populations in remote rural areas or those afraid of the unknown, it may be helpful to draw on community networks to build the necessary trust in such situations. The issue of vaccine equity cannot be resolved in a sustainable way without recourse to local production, making it possible to deal with logistical constraints, avoid stock-outs and prevent distribution problems. In that regard, we welcome the recent announcement by the Director-General of the World Health Organization regarding the establishment of a vaccine production programme on the African continent. The implementation of such a programme should clearly be supported by robust international measures, such as a moratorium on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights within the World Trade Organization.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“First, multilateral mechanisms must be deployed in areas of armed conflict in a cooperative approach that builds on regional and subregional mechanisms. In the case of Africa, for example, the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team of the African Union (AU), the AU Special Envoys for COVID-19 and the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention must be engaged in effective partnerships. Secondly, in terms of deployment on the ground, it is essential to consider and prioritize a community- based approach in order to overcome certain constraints, particularly social ones. We know that the low coverage in countries of the South is due to various factors, including reluctance and vaccine scepticism.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“Despite the joint efforts of the mechanisms set up for equitable access to vaccines, in particular the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility, the evidence is overwhelming. A small percentage of people in developing countries have been vaccinated, and even fewer in areas of armed conflict, as compared to a little over 70 per cent in developed countries. It is clear that the implementation of the envisioned mechanisms is particularly complex in conflict situations, especially where there is no humanitarian ceasefire. In order to fulfil their mandate, humanitarian personnel must be able to depend on the guarantees provided for in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols. Similarly, the safety of civilians must be ensured. Let me turn to two concerns regarding the response to challenges posed by the pandemic.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“The humanitarian ceasefire called for by the Security Council has not been observed. In several areas of conflict, the weapons have not been silenced. The situation has even deteriorated due to new hostilities, in addition to chronic conflicts, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. All that is compounded by ongoing terrorist acts. On the humanitarian front, the needs remain as great as the obstacles to humanitarian aid. Famine and disease, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and internal and cross-border population displacements, resulting in increasing numbers of displaced persons and refugees, increase and, at the same time, complicate humanitarian needs and the conditions and means of response of humanitarian personnel.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“They call for an immediate cessation of hostilities by parties to conflict and for the strengthening of national and multilateral efforts and cooperation to ensure equitable access to vaccines in situations of armed conflict, post-conflict situations and complex humanitarian emergencies. Two years after the emergence of COVID-19, it is important to take stock of the implementation of those resolutions and to assess how to improve their effectiveness. In terms of health, the results remains mixed. The moral principle of vaccines as a global common, underpinning the multilateral drive for equitable access for all, is struggling to stand up to the test of reality, nationalism and the good practices of multinationals. As for the security situation, it is hardly more encouraging.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Ted Chaiban, Ms. Martinez and Mr. Ojwang for their briefings. Since its emergence in 2019, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has proven to be a formidable enemy that has challenged many of our certainties, our resilience to many challenges and our ability to predict and combat them effectively. At the height of the crisis, recognizing the extent of the threat, two years ago the Secretary-General launched a global call for an immediate ceasefire around the world in order to focus together on the real fight: defeating COVID-19. Resolutions 2532 (2020) and 2565 (2021) give concrete expression to and amplify that appeal.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9014 (2022) · source
“My country calls for a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors in all places in order to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. Until humanitarian workers have access to those in need of urgent assistance, people will continue to die, not only from bullets but also hunger and disease. I would like to reiterate my country’s appreciation to Ukraine’s neighbours, which continue to mobilize for the urgent reception of refugees. We encourage them to extend the same welcome to all those in need without distinction. We urge respect for their dignity and call for the fair treatment of all those in need. I would also like to reiterate the call to the parties to engage in good faith in dialogue for a cessation of hostilities. We call on the warring parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9013 (2022) · source
“We note with interest UNICEF’s strengthening of its mobile teams and its increasing supplies of essential goods and services to alleviate the suffering and increase the protection of children in conflict areas. There is an urgent need to strengthen assistance to women and children, including psychological and emotional care and psychosocial support. Specific protection mechanisms for women and children must also be put in place to prevent the risk of human trafficking. I would like to reiterate my country’s appreciation for the work of humanitarian workers on the front lines in areas of fighting, sometimes risking their lives to rescue and protect civilians. We call on the parties to facilitate their access to all locations where humanitarian assistance has become vital.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9013 (2022) · source
“Sexual violence against women and trafficking in persons are unacceptable. It is essential that independent and impartial investigations be carried out to establish the facts and ensure accountability. As the war drags on, attacks on civilian infrastructure, including health facilities and schools, are significantly affecting people’s access to clean water and primary and specialist health care. The decline in routine immunization coverage raises fears of the resurgence of some childhood diseases. Similarly, massive population movements, the shortage of supplies and the worsening sanitary conditions, as well as a lack of space, represent conditions conducive to the outbreak of epidemics. This war must come to an end. Urgent action is needed to address the critical needs of the civilian population, especially women and children.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9013 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership in the conduct of our work. I thank Ms. Sima Bahous and Mr. Manuel Fontaine for their briefings. I also thank Ms. Kateryna Cherepakha. The devastating escalation of violence in Ukraine threatens the safety of women and children, who now represent the largest proportion of civilians fleeing the war zones en masse or hiding in makeshift shelters, often in inhumane conditions. The number of displaced persons is increasing as the fighting intensifies. It has now reached some 10 million, including countless children who crossed the borders of Ukraine unaccompanied. There are continuing reports of violence and rape against women and girls. The testimony of Mr. Fontaine, of UNICEF, regarding the human trafficking networks is alarming.”
2022-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9013 (2022) · source
“My country is paying close attention to the negotiations currently being held between the parties, in particular in Istanbul. We hope that those negotiations will lead in the short term to a ceasefire in order to create a climate of confidence to bring about the necessary calm in which diplomacy may prevail. We call on the warring parties and all stakeholders to resolutely engage in constructive dialogue to find a way out of the crisis.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9008 (2022) · source
“We ask that their dignity be respected and call for the equitable treatment of all persons in distress. We once again call on the warring parties to respect the provisions of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Protocols Additional thereto, and to guarantee respect for, and the protection of, all medical and humanitarian personnel. We call on the parties to commit to opening secure humanitarian corridors and urge an immediate cessation of hostilities. The conflict should not end because, as the French writer Pierre Corneille put it, there are no fighters left. It should end because we have mobilized to reach an agreement in line with the humanitarian, political and security interests of the protagonists.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9008 (2022) · source
“Politicizing the situation in Ukraine will only distance the Security Council from its objective of ensuring respect for the relevant international conventions and creating conditions that are conducive to the protection of civilians in war zones while providing safe, secure and unimpeded access to humanitarian workers and humanitarian corridors. That is the purpose of international humanitarian law, and that is how we currently address the other issues on the Council’s agenda. I wish to reiterate my country’s appreciation for Ukraine’s neighbours, which continue to mobilize to host refugees during this emergency. We encourage them to accord the same welcome to all those in distress, regardless of their origin or race, including African residents and students.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9008 (2022) · source
“Beyond our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, which we wish to reaffirm, as well as with all people placed in distressing circumstances due to the war; beyond the momentum of international solidarity, which has not wavered since 24 February and has translated into greater mobilization to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine; and beyond our words of condemnation that we have spoken before the world, it is urgent that we respond to the needs of the Ukrainian people and all those suffering alongside them in this crisis with actions that truly reflect what is at stake. My country is of the view that the humanitarian situation in Ukraine must be addressed in isolation, without any politicization of the issue whatsoever.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9008 (2022) · source
“We are concerned by persistent reports that there is a risk of disease resulting from difficulties in accessing drinking water and sanitation infrastructure and related hygiene problems. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is also a source of concern, as it predicts food shortages in the next three months, with 40 per cent of monitored zones impacted, in particular due to unpredictable harvests. The risk of food insecurity has global repercussions, especially in the light of diminishing cereal stockpiles. We fear the worst in those regions of the world that are already fragile, such as the Sahel.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9008 (2022) · source
“The latest data provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross indicates that some 18 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, of whom only 900,000 have been rescued and received by the United Nations and its specialized agencies. The deteriorating living conditions, which go hand in hand with increasing health-care needs, including for psychosocial care and support, no doubt complicate matters when it comes to the modality and nature of the distribution of aid. Such aid is required urgently by thousands of people, whether they decide to remain in their country or flee the combat zones in order to seek refuge. We know that the majority of those fleeing are women and children.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9008 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Msuya and Executive Director Beasley for their respective briefings. The war in Ukraine is now entering its second month. Hostilities continue on the ground, as does the flow of civilians. including African residents and students, who are attempting to flee the combat zones. We are carefully following the evolution of the situation on the ground and are alarmed by the attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the attacks that directly impact the provision of vital public services.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9008 (2022) · source
“We call on the Congolese authorities to continue their efforts to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers so that they can carry out their mandates without hindrance. In conclusion, the A3 reiterates its unwavering support for the Congolese Government and MONUSCO. We also reaffirm our commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“The security environment is an aggravating factor in the humanitarian situation. With 5.5 million displaced and 27 million people facing food insecurity, the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is very alarming. We urge international and regional donors, as well as all Democratic Republic of the Congo partners, to support the 2022 humanitarian response plan, launched by the Congolese Government and the United Nations. We commend the remarkable work of humanitarian workers who, at the risk of their lives, provide continued support to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We pay well-deserved tribute to all the peacekeepers, humanitarian workers and members of the FARDC who lost their lives working for peace in that country.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source