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

“Make no mistake, history will judge each of us by the way we treat those whom Gisèle Halimi referred to as the other half of humankind, in particular by the principles, positions and attitudes that we adopt here in the Security Council. It is time for the nations of the world to protect the voice of all peacebuilders, who even in extreme conditions and in regions affected by extreme violence demonstrate superhuman courage and extraordinary boldness and resilience. Those issues will be the focus of our presidency of the Security Council in October. The qualities demonstrated by women should inspire collective action for a safer and more peaceful world, in line with the expectations and legitimate aspirations of the peoples of the world.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“That should bring about a radical breakthrough that ensures that the role of women is taken into account and guarantees their full participation in all stages of conflict prevention and conflict resolution for greater lasting peace. Such advocacy is based on the spirit of resolution 1325 (2000) and reinforced by subsequent resolutions. We call for continued efforts at the global, national and local levels for the comprehensive, inclusive and substantive implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and its related resolutions, including resolution 2493 (2019). We also call for enhanced integration of the gender dimension in peace issues. In a world that faces new security challenges that have been exacerbated by an unprecedented health crisis, our response must involve everyone, including women.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“That vision is demonstrated by the notable presence of women at the head of three of the four most important institutions in Gabon — the Office of the Prime Minister, the Senate and the Constitutional Court, as well as at the head of several Government departments. Furthermore, since its independence Gabon has been a pioneer in Africa in the recruitment of women into its armed forces, and several women have risen to the rank of General. We have therefore ushered in a new era that enables women to raise their country’s flag, make history and inspire generations of young women and girls. More than ever before, we must uphold the standard of inclusion and safeguard the participation of women, while ensuring that their voices are heard.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“It is a disturbing situation to which the international community, in particular the Security Council, should respond, especially with regard to the need to ensure women’s full participation, not only in the public sphere but also in the area of security. Gabon has adopted a human-centred approach. Our approach is holistic and inclusive and promotes women leaders as change agents and peacebuilders who have full control over their future, by enabling them, in times of peace, to take their key and rightful place in the socioeconomic and political landscape of Gabon. They can then fully and naturally participate in the various stages of mediation and political negotiations when crises arise.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“There are encouraging signs of progress, especially with regard to gender parity within the United Nations system and peacekeeping missions, as mentioned in the most recent report of the Secretary- General on women and peace and security (S/2021/827). However, we are deeply concerned about the fact that women continue to pay a high price, in particular in countries in conflict. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2021/827) outlines the continuing violence against women and the violation of their rights, in particular in conflict-ridden regions of the world, along with their marginalization and exclusion from forums in which decisions on their future are taken, including disarmament bodies.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank you, Madam President, for the opportunity that Norway has provided in this open debate for us to follow the lead of those States that have insisted that the path towards sustainable peace is possible only if women’s voices are protected, heard and taken into account in all international peace and security processes. I also thank High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet, Ms. Zarqa Yaftali and Ms. Kaavya Asoka for their informative briefings. The topic that brings us together today is of particular interest to my country, Gabon, especially as President Ali Bongo Ondimba has acknowledged the fundamental role of women in forging our Government’s projects. We note that international advocacy for the inclusion of women as key actors in peace and security processes is gaining momentum.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“We urge the international community to be more engaged in responding to the humanitarian challenges in Yemen, including through funding that is commensurate with the needs and distress of the people. We note that the 2021 humanitarian response plan was funded at 58 per cent, a shortfall of $1.6 billion. In conclusion, we express our support for the approach undertaken by Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and call for respect for the protection of humanitarian personnel, while urging the parties to remove all impediments to humanitarian assistance in order to preserve hope for the Yemeni people. Of course, we salute the courage and bravery of all those who, at the risk of their lives and often in very difficult conditions, are engaged in humanitarian operations.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“In this regard, there must be more committed action by the international community in order to meet the needs of the civilian population, including the tens of millions of people in distress, particularly children and displaced persons. Women are paying a particularly heavy price in the crisis ravaging Yemen. They face abuse and violence and multiple violations of their rights. We find the abuse and violence against women unacceptable and call on the international community to show solidarity with Yemeni women. We condemn the seizure of a United Arab Emirates- flagged vessel in the Red Sea and call for its immediate release and respect for the freedom of navigation. Furthermore, we are concerned about the ongoing situation around the vessel FSO SAFER and fear the possible consequences for the environment.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“Peace in Yemen undeniably requires a comprehensive political solution, the prerequisite of which is a ceasefire, followed by an inclusive dialogue in which all the scattered fragments of the country would take part in good faith. It is clear that the Yemeni people aspire to the restoration of the authority of the State over the whole of the country’s territory and to regaining stability and its major role at the heart of the subregion. The reopening of the Sana’a airport on 27 December is an act that leads in the right direction, in that it will undoubtedly allow for better access for delivery of humanitarian aid. Speaking of acts, many more are needed to get the Yemeni people out of their vicious cycle of violence.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I welcome the presence among us of Mr. Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy, Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Emergency Relief Coordinator of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and Ms. Ola Al-Aghbary. I also thank them for the excellence of their respective briefings. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in today’s meeting. Yemen is in the midst of one of the worst crises in the world, a multidimensional crisis, with political, security, economic, and humanitarian components, all of which are interconnected. The briefings we received from the three briefers confirm the extent of the escalating violence and the opacity of the horizon in the search for peace.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“I would like to conclude by calling on the transitional authorities to cooperate with the international community to ensure a speedy transition that delivers transparent, credible and inclusive elections and the re-establishment of constitutional order. We further call on the Security Council to return to the drawing board to consider the mandates and resources that will meet the actual needs on the ground.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“The humanitarian situation could worsen owing to intercommunal conflicts, climate-change-induced food insecurity and destruction of civilian-owned property by terrorists. The A3 takes note that the 9 January ECOWAS decision suspending commercial transactions between ECOWAS member States and Mali exempts essential consumer goods, pharmaceutical products, petroleum products, electricity, and medical supplies and equipment, including materials for controlling the coronavirus disease. These are key items for sustaining the provision of humanitarian aid. We urge ECOWAS countries to ensure that the implementation of all measures announced in the communiqué is undertaken with maximum regard for the livelihoods of the Malian people because such measures are key to meeting basic daily needs.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“We pay tribute to the MINUSMA soldiers who have worked tirelessly to restore peace and stability in Mali, often in very trying security conditions. As we are concerned about the safety of peacekeepers, we take note of the lack of sufficient and adequate airlift capability, in particular with regard to medium utility and armed helicopters, which continue to hamper Mission performance. The A3 therefore urges the Council to source the Mission with outstanding air assets, which are critical enablers for MINUSMA to continue implementing its mandates across its area of operation. Fourthly, the A3 expresses its concern at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation resulting from the growing insecurity, given the hundreds of thousands of Malians in refugee camps in neighbouring countries or in camps for internally displaced persons.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“It is time that members consider additional measures that are clear on the difference between the national need to undertake political stabilization and the regional need to combat transnational terrorist groups affiliated with Al-Qaida and the Islamic State. Thirdly, the A3 welcomes MINUSMA’s ongoing adaptation plan and the Secretary-General’s call for the scaling up uniformed personnel to enhance the Mission’s ability to support national authorities in protecting civilians, as set forth in his report contained in document S/2021/657. We commend MINUSMA peacekeepers for their ability to robustly repel hostile attacks, particularly in Aguelhok, where there were 26 attacks between July and December alone. We welcome MINUSMA’s ongoing efforts to enhance its casualty evacuation procedures, including through a Headquarters review in July.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“While noting that the Secretary-General recommended enhancing the troop strength of MINUSMA, we encourage him to enhance his engagement with the Malian authorities in this regard. We are encouraged by the regional dynamic marked by joint operations to fight terrorism as well as the signing of an agreement between Mali and Chad allowing for the deployment of a thousand additional Chadian soldiers within MINUSMA. We also welcome the decision by the authorities to immediately activate the ECOWAS Standby Force in preparation for any eventuality that might occur on account of its decision on the Malian situation. We urge the Council to use the coming weeks to come to grips with the growing continent-wide challenge of terrorism.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“We are deeply convinced that only a United Nations support office can provide more direct, predictable, reliable and adequate financial support for the Joint Force. The A3 is convinced that this is the correct approach, and we strongly encourage the Council to change the paradigm and examine the question of financing in a more favourable light. We propose the deployment of a rapid intervention brigade capable of conducting combat operations against extremist groups, as has been done in the framework of such other missions as the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We further welcome the request by ECOWAS to have a more robust and offensive mandate that will enhance the operational capacity of MINUSMA to deal with terrorism challenges in the region.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“The lack of effective State presence in parts of the country has emboldened these terrorist groups, leading to a climate of fear, increased school closure and the absence of basic services and humanitarian activities. It is crucial to keep foremost in our minds that the instability of the security situation in Mali has significant impacts not only on the rest of the continent but also beyond Africa’s borders. We must tirelessly continue to work so that this country does not become a temple of jihadism and terrorism that ultimately threatens our peace and common security. We therefore urgently call for a more adequate response to the growing insecurity. This must include commensurate logistical, material and financial support for the Joint Force of the G-5 for the Sahel, pursuant to Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“We encourage the region to ensure that the sanctions are implemented with careful and supportive regard being given to the operational needs of MINUSMA and the ongoing efforts against terrorism in Mali and the Sahel. We also express our support for the implementation of the Peace Agreement, in particular the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and decentralization and development processes, particularly in the north of the country. We invite the Malian transitional authorities to continue their efforts in this direction. Secondly, the ongoing deterioration of the security situation in Mali marked by increasing numbers of attacks targeting civilians and peacekeepers in central, northern and southern Mali, coupled with the increasing use of improvised explosive devices, are of major concern.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“We therefore call on the Council to extend its full support to the decision and enforce the further measures set forth in the communiqué. These measures includes closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS member States and Mali; suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member States and Mali, with the exception of essential listed products; the freezing of assets of the Republic of Mali in ECOWAS Central Banks; the freezing of Malian State enterprise and parastatal assets in commercial banks across the region; and the suspension of Mali from all financial assistance and transactions with all ECOWAS financial institutions.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“First, we urge the welcoming of the 9 January communiqué of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emerging from an extraordinary session in Accra under the chairmanship of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. We call on the Security Council to respect and embrace the determination of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS that the proposal by the authorities to extend the transition to five years is unacceptable and that an expedited transition to constitutional rule in Mali should be undertaken without delay. Inclusive democratic and competent government are the foundation of a secure Mali, which, if established, will reverse the insecurity that is such a threat to regional and international peace.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“The commitments resulting from those meetings, which were accepted by the military authorities, are essential to the objectives of security and development that we have set out above. As the A3 has previously observed, that will require adapted and tailored military means and resources, democratic legitimacy, inclusive diversity management, the fight against transnational crime and improved livelihoods at the local level to bring peace and security to the region. In the light of these priorities, we again encourage the transitional authorities in Mali to honour their commitments and values that bind them to the collective ideals of the African Union. (spoke in English) On how to improve the security situation, we want to make the following proposals to the Council, the region and the broader international community.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“There are also clear limits to the capabilities of the Group of Five for the Sahel, which while promising in its design and ambition, lacks adequate funding and predictable training capacity. In that regard, we note the urgency of bridging the security gap caused by the closure of French bases in Kidal and Tessalit in northern Mali and Timbuktu as part of the reconfiguration of its military presence in the Sahel. As the security situation deteriorates, it is becoming more fragile by the lack of progress in the transition. We take note of the holding of the National Refoundation Conference in Mali, which allowed a part of the Malian population to voice its views on the actions necessary for rebuilding Mali and the strategic paths for the Malian transition.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“Moreover, despite growing military means, efforts by terrorist groups to regain de facto control of the territory have not been effective overall, in spite of the military takeover of power: The A3 commends the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for its technical assistance to the transitional authorities, namely, in the development of a national security policy and the integration of former combatants into the Malian Defence and Security Forces and the future redeployment of reconstituted units towards northern Mali. However, there are clear limits to the Mission’s mandate and capabilities to provide more effective security for Mali.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“Those are the objectives behind our joint statement. We recognize the urgent need for the Malian people to live in security and to have a Government that is able to meet the challenges and aspirations of its people. We further recognize that the growing threat of terrorism is destroying lives through violence and its negative impact on the economy. The rapid increase in military spending to address this threat at a time when the economy is under pressure for the same reasons, owing to the taking up of weapons, has led to setbacks in development and livelihoods. Insecurity is also fuelled by growing transnational crime, which attracts terrorist groups while eroding the State’s ability to maintain order.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf the three African members of the Security Council (A3) — Gabon, Ghana and Kenya — and I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. El-Ghassim Wane, and Ms. Adam Dicko for their briefings on the current situation in Mali. The situation in Mali is complicated because it combines a transition to a peaceful and democratic Government, the presence of transnational terrorist groups that have become more entrenched, regional dynamics and the resurgence of great Power rivalries. The shared interest of the A3, as representatives of the will of the African Union, is a peaceful and secure Mali whose Government reflects the will of its people and has full control over its territory.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“Finally, we welcome the Tripartite Agreement signed between the OPCW, the United Nations Office for Project Services and the Syrian Government, allowing the extension for a period of six more months of a more constructive collaboration, we hope, and we reiterate our support for the OPCW.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“Nonetheless, we remain concerned that, eight years after the establishment of the Fact-Finding Mission, only a small fraction of the numerous pending issues related to Syria’s initial declaration have been resolved. It is also worrying to see the difficulties encountered by the experts to gain access on the ground, not only because of the coronavirus disease pandemic, but also the difficulties related to the issuance of entry visas by the Syrian authorities. We believe that it is crucial to support the OPCW’s efforts and to encourage continued cooperation between the OPCW Technical Secretariat and the Syrian National Authority in order to find solutions to the outstanding issues.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“The consideration of the ninety-ninth monthly report of the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (see S/2021/1103), submitted pursuant to resolution 2118 (2013), provides a timely opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the fight against chemical weapons and our commitment to disarmament. My country is clear on the fact that the use of chemical weapons, regardless of the context, represents a serious threat to international peace and security. We take note of the declarations made by the Syrian Arab Republic on the destruction of 27 chemical-weapons production facilities and of the chemical weapons declared by the country that were removed from its territory in 2014.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I should like to congratulate you, Madam, on your presidency of the Council and on the way in which you have been leading our work. I assure you of my delegation’s support throughout your presidency. I thank you, as well as those colleagues who already spoke, for the warm words of welcome to my country and to the other new members of the Security Council. I also welcome among us the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mrs. Nakamitsu, and I thank her for her briefing.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“Gabon reiterates its firm commitment and ongoing advocacy to that end, so as to respond to the suffering of the countless victims of the negative effects of climate change.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923 (2021) · source
“Subregional initiatives aimed at establishing and maintaining peace and combating terrorism, such as those by the Group of Five for the Sahel, merit being supported by the international community and receiving the logistical and financial support commensurate with the commitments and responsibilities undertaken. It is clear that climate change has a compounding effect on violent conflicts, with the capacity to assail communities that are poorer, less resilient and less able to face up to the consequences of climate change. In conclusion, I should like to reiterate our appreciation to you, Mr. President, for organizing this important debate. I would like to underscore our firm belief that terrorism and climate change entail a collective responsibility that should be embraced by everyone and be at the centre of our priorities.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923 (2021) · source
“I take this opportunity to reaffirm, on behalf of my country, our firm determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In the same vein, we support the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, as well as the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1373 (2001) and 2560 (2020). The direct link between security and climate change must be addressed by the international community. The regions of the world most affected by climate change, such as the Sahel, should be the focus of our collective action.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923 (2021) · source
“Food insecurity undermines the very basis of continuing to live in some areas where living conditions become critical. Large-scale migration carries a high risk of conflict because of the fearful reactions that it often provokes and the humanitarian crises that ensue. Many of the world’s poorest countries and communities therefore face the double-edged problem of climate change and violent conflict. There is a real risk that climate change will increase the likelihood of violent conflict, which, in turn, will leave communities poorer, less resilient and less able to cope with the consequences of climate change. That devastating observation is one of the drivers of Gabon’s ongoing advocacy for the recognition of the climate-security nexus.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923 (2021) · source
“On 9 March this year, the African Union highlighted the negative effects of climate change, in particular the growing threat that it poses to socioeconomic development, as well as sustainable peace, security and stability in Africa. The effects of climate change are known to be linked to socioeconomic and political problems in the poorest countries. The climate change cycle highlights four risk factors: political instability, economic weakness, food insecurity and large-scale uncontrolled migration. Political instability makes it difficult to adapt to the physical effects of climate change, as conflicts that occur without violence become difficult to manage. Economic weakness reduces the range of income opportunities for people and deprives States of resources to meet people’s needs.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923 (2021) · source
“Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): Allow me first of all to extend to you, Mr. President, the fraternal congratulations of President Ali Bongo Ondimba to his brother, President Mohamed Bazoum, and to thank you for your leadership in steering the work of the Security Council. I would also like to express Gabon’s solidarity with the brotherly people of the Niger following the recent barbaric terrorist attacks. Once again, we are highlighting in this forum the close link between the daunting challenges of terrorism and the adverse effects of climate change faced by many regions in the world, particularly in Africa. Your assessment, Mr. President, shows the significance and scale of the challenge. Indeed, there is a relentless increase in tensions, crises, armed conflicts and terrorist acts in areas where climate change is evident.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923 (2021) · source