YouSaid · the spoken record

Byrne Nason

lines on the record: 1,154
first: 2018-04-16
most recent: 2022-07-29
sittings or episodes: 170
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 categorically condemn the killing of 10 more former combatants, including indigenous woman leader Maria Muñoz, who had already endured the killing of her husband just last June, and the killing of a further 34 human rights defenders. The shocking killing last Friday of a teenage indigenous environmental activist, Breiner David Cucuñame, a 14-year-old boy, is really a travesty. The continued targeting and killing of human rights defenders and former combatants simply cannot be countenanced. Such brutality must be addressed, and impunity ended. It may sound cliché to say that the comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement will not provide all the solutions required to end insecurity. However, it does have the power to address many of the contributory challenges.”
2022-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8951 (2022) · source
“We also encourage the Government and all relevant stakeholders to intensify their efforts to ensure the smooth functioning of the elections and the safety of all participants. We further recommend that the Government convene the high-level mechanism to that end. Thirdly, we continue to be concerned at the unacceptable levels of insecurity in too many areas of Colombia. Threats and intimidation by those who profit from insecurity and crisis cannot be allowed to undermine democracy and imperil the hard-won building of long-lasting peace. We condemn in the strongest terms the recent attacks on Colombian security forces by illegal armed groups.”
2022-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8951 (2022) · source
“Secondly, ahead of the upcoming elections and forthcoming transition, we cannot overstate the importance of the ongoing implementation of the peace accord being recognized as a non-negotiable, non-partisan common value. We urge the continued prioritization of the comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement, including through the adoption of urgent legislation in its support. There is no time to lose. The creation of the transitional electoral districts for peace is an important moment as well as, we believe, a truly powerful expression of self-determination for victims and survivors. We are pleased to see 202 women stepping forward in those districts. That is encouraging. Recognizing just how complex the process can be, we welcome the Government’s support for those new districts.”
2022-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8951 (2022) · source
“Today I will focus my intervention on three important and interconnected aspects of Colombia’s ongoing journey to sustainable peace. First, the year ahead will see important advances in transitional justice. We stand with the institutions as they deepen their work on truth, justice and reconciliation in a manner that is centred on victims and survivors. In particular, we acknowledge the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and look forward to the final report of the Truth Commission. The healing engendered by truth and reconciliation is essential to, and will offer a foundation for, an inclusive, stable and lasting peace for all Colombians.”
2022-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8951 (2022) · source
“I want to start by warmly welcoming Presidential Adviser Archila to the Council. It is good that he is joining us here today; he is very welcome. I express my renewed appreciation also to Special Representative Ruiz Massieu and his team. In addition, the powerful words of Ms. Giraldo to us today will not be forgotten, and, in response to her last point, neither will she, and I thank her very much indeed. I also wish to congratulate the parties to the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace for standing together in November to commemorate peace and the impressive results of five years of communal effort. Above all, I want to congratulate the Colombian people for their continued commitment to peace, justice and reconciliation.”
2022-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8951 (2022) · source
“We reiterate our concern at the recent Israeli decision to designate certain Palestinian civil society organizations as terrorist entities. Ireland’s commitment to civil society remains undimmed. We call for continued support for UNRWA and the resumption of the United States-Palestine economic dialogue, as well as assistance from States in the region for the Palestinian Authority. Support for both the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA is critical for regional stability.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Ireland welcomes the meeting between President Abbas and Minister Gantz and looks forward to the implementation of the outcomes of that cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. We call for progress on prisoner issues, the return of human remains and further measures that will improve the lives of Palestinians, which could assist in building much-needed confidence for a political process. Ireland looks forward to the second phase of local elections to be held in March, which could help contribute to a renewal of Palestinian institutions. Ireland will continue to support the Palestinian people, including through its support for Palestinian institutions, civil society and United Nations agencies, especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Ireland reiterates our long-standing position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. This week’s decision regarding the construction of 1,465 units as part of the Lower Aqueduct plan, as well as planned construction in the sensitive parts of Area E-1, in Atarot and Givat Hamatos, threaten the contiguity of a future Palestinian State and must not proceed. We reiterate our call for an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip, which continues to hamper reconstruction. Ireland condemns the recent attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip, as well as the increased inflammatory rhetoric. The long-suffering civilian population of Gaza urgently needs a political horizon and an economic path forward to a sustainable future.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“This is part of an ongoing pattern of demolitions, evictions and settlement expansion across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which continues apace. Those actions have severe humanitarian consequences, and this incident in particular threatens the fragile status quo in East Jerusalem and risks increasing violence. International humanitarian law, and in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention, prohibits the unnecessary destruction of private property. Demolitions contribute to a coercive living environment for affected Palestinian communities. Once again, we call on Israel, as the occupying Power, to fulfil its obligations towards this community and to cease its harmful practice of evictions and demolitions of Palestinian property.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“That is the path to progress for all the people of Israel and Palestine. Ireland is gravely concerned about the recent high levels of violence, including settler-related violence, as well as a ratcheting-up of rhetoric. We condemn all acts of violence and call for the de-escalation of tensions. Ireland calls on Israel to ensure that its security operations, including in Areas A and B of the West Bank, are proportionate and take full account of the obligation to protect civilians, particularly children. Over the past few days, Israel carried out a demolition in Sheikh Jarrah, in occupied East Jerusalem, for the first time since 2017. That operation culminated in the destruction this morning of two family homes and their source of livelihood.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“We have no illusions about the scale of the challenge. However, that does not absolve the Council of its responsibility to reinvigorate its efforts, not least for the sake of young people and their future. More than 40 per cent of Israel’s population is under the age of 25, and more than 70 per cent of the population of the occupied Palestinian territory is under the age of 30. We have a collective duty to help ensure that those young people are given the prospect of a renewed political horizon that will allow them to live in peace and ensure their role in preserving peace. Ireland remains steadfast in our commitment to a resolution of the conflict, ending the occupation and achieving a two-State solution, in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank you, Minister Huitfeldt, for being with us and presiding over today’s debate. I also welcome all visiting Ministers. I would like to thank Mr. Tor Wennesland for his comprehensive and sobering briefing. I also thank Mr. Bromberg and Ms. Majdalani for their valuable insights on cooperation to deal with the challenges posed by the region’s climate crisis. The grim events of May reminded us all that the Security Council can ill afford to be complacent on the situation in the Middle East. Ireland reiterates that a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains both essential and urgent. It is incumbent on the Council and the wider international community to instil fresh momentum for the resumption of direct negotiations between the parties.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Finally, Ireland’s embassies worldwide stand ready, every day, to support human rights defenders at serious risk, acknowledging the heightened risk for women, as we did in the case of Afghanistan, when we prioritized women human rights defenders for humanitarian visa exemptions as they were needed. It is the least we can do.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“We will support and speak out about the work of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor. We stand by organizations such as Frontline Defenders, which protect defenders at risk. We will do everything we can as a champion of civil- society participation, including in-person participation, at the Security Council and across the United Nations. Women’s voices need to be heard in these rooms, and we need to heed those women as we shape outcomes. We will not turn away from our calls on the United Nations itself to insist on the safe participation of women in the peace processes it leads. Building on the Arria Formula meeting we hosted with Mexico last year, we will be vigilant and active on that matter.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“There is no substitute for women, I say it again, being in the room and at the table: that applies here and to every peace and political process, wherever that may be. I will conclude by highlighting not what we say as Ireland but rather what we do to protect women’s right to participate safely in peace and security processes. We will continue to work with conviction to push recommendations to the Council on protecting women’s participation, no holds barred. We will work to maximize the impact and political import of the Council’s main instrument in that regard: the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security. We will work to ensure that OHCHR activity on reprisals is resourced and funded. As a member of that core group, we will lead the Human Rights Council resolution on reprisals.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“I want to pay tribute to the 16 women who bravely accepted our invitation and to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and others who helped to mitigate the risks to the greatest extent possible. However, some women declined to speak because of the risk it posed. One briefer we invited faced serious threats to her safety. Simply put, it is not acceptable that women are silenced by the threat of reprisal. Neither should we, as Council members, collaborate in their silencing by not inviting them to speak. As Kaavya said earlier, we have a choice. The Council must reject any and all reprisals against briefers and ensure that it provides a safe platform in the Chamber. We welcome Kaavya briefing us here in person today. We need to ensure that civil society returns in person to this horseshoe table.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“Some have never come home. Afghanistan illustrates in the starkest way the intimate link between women’s participation and their protection. But let there be no doubt: those issues are universal. The world over, politically active women are targeted for threats and violence, online and offline. Full, equal and meaningful participation is simply not possible unless women can participate safely. That also applies to the Security Council itself. During Ireland’s Security Council presidency in September, when we made a priority of giving a platform to women civil-society briefers, we became acutely aware of the grave risks that they face when seeking to engage with the United Nations and its Member States.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“Throughout the spring and early summer of last year, Afghan women leaders warned of surging violence and harassment against women and girls. In May, when a girls’ school was attacked by the Taliban, they warned us that this was not collateral damage, that this was not incidental, that this violence was deliberate, targeted and symbolic, aimed at frightening women and girls away from participation in public life, and was a precursor to a terrible onslaught. And so it has proved. Today in Afghanistan, women human rights defenders pay the price for our failure to heed their warnings. Women whom the international community once championed are hiding in their homes or have been forced to flee. Women who have the courage to take to the streets to demand their human rights risk intimidation, violence, detention and worse.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“It is great to see you, Madam President, with us in the Chamber today. Ireland and Norway have a proud history of working together to support human rights defenders. And I am so pleased that our shared priority is finding expression in this Chamber and at this table today. I want to pay tribute to our briefers — High Commissioner Bachelet, Kaavya Asoka and Zarqa Yaftali. Their messages really inspire us. We hear what they say. We just also heard the testimony of a remarkable Afghan woman. Foremost in my mind today, as we address violence targeting women peacebuilders and human rights defenders, are the women of Afghanistan. The women peacebuilders and human rights defenders of Afghanistan were sounding the alarm of imminent catastrophe long before the world was willing to heed them.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“Such a commitment to inclusion could offer new hope that this might just be the year when the long nightmare of conflict finally ends for the Yemeni people and Yemeni women and young people will find their place in that longed for transformation of their country.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“We reiterate our call for the removal of all restrictions on the import of fuel and food and support the United Nations proposals to tackle the economic collapse in Yemen. We also strongly condemn any harassment of humanitarian actors and obstruction of their essential, life-saving work. We call for the immediate release of the three detained United Nations workers. The women of Yemen, such as Ms. Al-Aghbary, who is with us today, have shown inspiring courage and perseverance in their pursuit of sustainable peace. They deserve the clear commitment of the parties and the solidarity and support of the international community, including the Security Council. Their full, equal and meaningful participation at all levels in the political process — a process that will shape the future of their country — is the minimum they should expect.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“The dire humanitarian situation in Yemen not only presents a further obstacle to women’s full participation in political and public life but also jeopardizes women’s ability to access essential medical care and exercise their fundamental rights as active members of their own communities. The destruction of the Yemeni public health system and economy, as well as the shifting front lines of conflict, mean that pregnant Yemeni women, mothers and their children are often unable to access life-saving health care when they need it most. I have to say that it was one of the most shocking things to hear today from Mr. Rajasingham — the maternal deaths in childbirth reaching such devastating levels. That is a shameful realization for everyone in this Chamber.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“We call on parties to commit to ending this violence, lift restrictions on women’s safe and unhindered freedom of movement and implement measures to protect women. Ireland welcomed the designation by the Security Council last February of an individual responsible for the violent repression of women, including through sexual violence and rape. We should stand ready to list additional individuals responsible for such heinous acts. Regrettably, there remains a dearth of accountability, which we fear will be exacerbated by the non-renewal of the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts. As we heard today in very stark terms from Mr. Rajasingham, the grim reality is that Yemeni women and girls are often the last to eat, the last to see a doctor and the last to get out the door to go to school.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“We strongly encourage the Special Envoy and all parties to work to that end. That goal will remain elusive as long as significant barriers to women’s participation remain entrenched. As we know, civil society plays a crucial role in training women mediators in Yemen, and their efforts need ongoing support. Ireland reiterates that an immediate nationwide ceasefire is urgently needed to protect civilians, particularly those in vulnerable situations, including women and girls and internally displaced persons. We deplore all incidents of violence in Yemen, including conflict-related sexual violence and violence against politically active women, women peacebuilders, journalists and human rights defenders.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“In a dedicated Arria Formula meeting that Ireland and Mexico co-hosted in March last year, which was co-sponsored by 12 Council members and in which 50 delegations non-members of the Council participated, we called on the United Nations to step up and insist on the participation of women in United Nations-facilitated talks. It is now past time to deliver; in the case of Yemen, the cost of not delivering is clear. We very much welcome Special Envoy Grundberg’s commitment to consult with a diverse range of women’s groups. We have heard from women before in this Chamber that consultation should not be a substitute for meaningful participation. Yemeni women peacebuilders have rightly made clear that their vital local contribution must be translated into places at the negotiating table.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“The women of Yemen have more than demonstrated the crucial role they can play in fostering peace, including in negotiating local ceasefires and prisoner releases, opening up humanitarian access and mediating conflicts over water and land resources. The women of Yemen can be — and are — critical actors in building peace in their own country. Yet, as Ms. Al-Aghbary pointed out to us this morning, they remain the unsung heroines of the day-to-day struggles on the ground in really challenging circumstances. Despite all of that, not a single woman was included in any delegation in the five rounds of negotiations on prisoner exchange facilitated by the United Nations over the past years. That is a rather telling observation, to put it mildly.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“I have the utmost confidence that, when we meet him next month, we will see him assume his role with decades of deep experience behind him as a distinguished Irish peacekeeper and Force Commander. We look forward to seeing him here with us for the relevant Council discussions. We are very grateful to the Norwegian presidency for placing such an important theme as women and peace and security at the heart of our discussion today, thereby building on our shared commitment to translate that agenda into action at the Council. I will focus my remarks today on women and peace and security in relation to Yemen. The persistent exclusion of Yemeni women from the political landscape and peace talks is, in our view, unjustifiable. We believe that it has proven detrimental to the realization of peace of Yemen.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“I would like to start by thanking our briefers for their contributions today. It is always good to see and hear from Special Envoy Grundberg, whom I thank for his update. I have to say that Acting Assistant Secretary-General Rajasingham’s message was deeply worrisome. We needed to hear it, but it is very discouraging and concerning. I wanted to give a special thanks to Ms. Al-Aghbary, who joined us this morning, for her impactful words. Her clear message to us and her daily courage, as illustrated in her remarks, shows exactly why the Council needs to not only hear but listen to and heed her words. I would like to echo the welcome that others have expressed for the appointment of the new Head of the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement and Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, Major General Michael Beary.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“Ireland encourages the transitional authorities to work with established, recognized international partners to restore peace and security. We call on all parties to redouble their efforts for the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Finally, I would like to reiterate Ireland’s support and gratitude for MINUSMA, including the members of the Irish Defence Forces who are serving in that mission. I would also like to assure Mr. Wane of my country’s full support. We stand with him and his team in advancing towards peace and security in Mali.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“They need to be in the room where discussions are being had and at the table for decision-making. We heard today, in graphic terms from the Special Representative, about the worsening humanitarian conditions and of a significant and worrisome decline in humanitarian access. Rising insecurity, increased displacement and an alarming food crisis, coupled with the adverse effects of climate change, all require our urgent attention in the Security Council. We call on all parties to support humanitarian action and to facilitate the basic delivery of essential assistance to those in need. (spoke in French) The current crises that Mali is facing are serious. An inclusive, democratic, civilian-led Government is the best way to achieve security and prosperity in Mali.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“The documented increase in grave violations against children, who are the most vulnerable — including the recruitment and use of sexual violence, killing and maiming — is deeply concerning. Sexual and gender- based violence remains a particular worry, and Ireland welcomes the signing by the transitional authorities of an action plan to address conflict-related sexual violence. Ireland’s views on the participation of women in the building of peace and sustainable peace are well known. We welcome recent advancements made, but we emphasize the absolute importance of the appointment of women to the Agreement Monitoring Committee and the operationalization of the independent women’s observatory. We need to see concrete and meaningful progress. The women of Mali are part of the solution to the challenges being faced today.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“The Mission needs to be accompanied by a long-term nationally owned and politically led stabilization plan for security and the provision of essential State services. We call on the authorities to take the decisive action needed to enable the State to fulfil its own responsibility in providing basic social services, access to justice and protection for its people. That matters to the Malian people in their daily lives. Ireland is deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation. We call for full accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses and for justice measures to be strengthened and to be used effectively. We reiterate our position that all counter-terrorism efforts, military or other, must abide by international law, including international human rights and international humanitarian law.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“The worsening security situation contributes to the significant challenges facing the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). We commend the work of the Mission in implementing its mandate in such difficult circumstances. The threat to Malian civilians and peacekeepers serves to underscore the need to ensure that the Mission is adequately and appropriately resourced. We support the Secretary-General’s call to increase the capacity of MINUSMA personnel to support the national authorities in protecting civilians, particularly in the centre of the country. (spoke in English) We strongly welcome the work of the Mission in supporting communities at the local level in security, stabilization and protection efforts.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“Political and institutional reforms are undoubtedly necessary to address the considerable challenges in Mali. However, a prolonged political transition will serve only to aggravate instability. Meaningful and sustainable reform could be pursued legitimately by an inclusive and democratically elected civilian Government. We encourage the transitional Government to engage constructively with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as international partners, in order to establish a timetable for the return to constitutional order and the holding of elections. As our three African Security Council colleagues have said this morning, we support the conclusions of the ECOWAS Summit held last weekend.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“Ms. Byrne Nason (Ireland) (spoke in French): I would like to start by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Wane, whom it is a pleasure to see again, for his insightful briefing this morning. I also wish to thank Ms. Dicko for her remarks, which were extremely pertinent and, frankly, rather startling. Furthermore, it is a pleasure to have here with us this morning our colleague and brother Ambassador Konfourou of Mali, for whom we are always available. Ireland shares concerns regarding the deteriorating situation in Mali. We join others in condemning, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks targeting civilians and peacekeepers, as well as national and international security forces. We express our sincere condolences to all those who have been affected.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“We hope that, once again, the Council will unite not only in its vision for the region but also in its unwavering support for the continued work of the mission, which remains of immense importance.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“A complex situation does not necessarily require a complex solution. The pathways forward are clear and I wish to once again express Ireland’s belief that only an integrated and holistic approach to tackling the root causes of insecurity can lead to durable solutions. Joint cooperation across the region, intercommunal dialogue and human rights- centred approaches are key in addressing long-term security issues, conflict prevention and reconciliation. We strongly support the continued efforts of UNOWAS in that regard, as well as the leadership role that regional organizations such as ECOWAS are playing. Finally, Ireland looks forward to the important negotiations on a presidential statement that will commence shortly and which we are delighted to co-chair alongside our Ghanaian colleagues.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“Women should be fully integrated into democratic decision-making at all levels. We are concerned with ensuring that women find their place in the room and at the table. I was very encouraged by the Special Representative’s determination and message in that regard, too. We also wish to emphasize the importance of upholding the human rights of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. A resurgent region requires an educated, secure and enabled citizenry. We call again for the protection of the most vulnerable and for their empowerment through full engagement in peacebuilding, political processes and civic engagement, including the right to peaceful assembly. We know all too well the complex nature of the region’s challenges. They are unique and fraught, though not insurmountable.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“I want to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for articulating the links between climate and security just now, which we know are critical in that regard. It is vital that the Council’s efforts and the work of the Mission not be constrained by ignoring that reality. The passage to a more prosperous future for the people of West Africa and the Sahel, and for women and young people in particular, can be achieved only when we acknowledge the impact of climate change and infuse that knowledge throughout our efforts. Those who are most vulnerable are relying on us to do so, and we welcome what Mr. Annadif said in that regard this morning. We also know that we need to prioritize and harness the power and potential of women and young people in the region.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“Ongoing challenges around humanitarian access are hampering the delivery of much-needed assistance to the most vulnerable at a really critical time. We therefore call for unimpeded humanitarian access for all who need it. We heard Mr. Annadif’s very strong message just now on the scale of humanitarian need right across the region. We are also concerned by the continued incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, as Ms. Waly has highlighted this morning. We encourage progress on the operationalization of the interregional maritime security architecture. We know that the humanitarian situation and, indeed, the security threats that we observe cannot be addressed properly without an understanding of their causes.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“Ireland unequivocally supports ECOWAS actions and welcomes its leadership related to recent events, which places citizens at the heart of its decisions. Ireland condemns the litany of horrific attacks against civilians and peacekeepers that have typified this reporting period, and we remain concerned about the continued pattern of violence in the region. The consequences of such violence are manifold and, as we know, impact disproportionately those who are vulnerable — often, women and girls. We are also concerned about the increasing socioeconomic inequality compounded by the coronavirus disease pandemic and the severe humanitarian situation, particularly in relation to rising levels of food insecurity, displacement and reduced access to essential health services.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“Indeed, the perseverance of the citizens and civil society organizations of West Africa in such challenging circumstances is a clear sign of their overall commitment to progress. However, such progress can be achieved only through strong and inclusive democratic governance, effective State institutions, the promotion and protection of human rights and adherence to the principles of transparency and accountability. Political will is fundamental to progress. In that regard, I want to say that Ireland fully supports the conclusions concerning Mali that were reached at yesterday’s Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit. As we meet, we know that the situation in Mali is frankly at a critical juncture, and we also know that Mali itself and its situation are critical to security and progress more broadly in the region.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary- General Annadif for his truly comprehensive and frank assessment of developments over the past six months and for stewarding the vital work of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) in what are clearly very challenging times. I also want to thank both Ms. Waly and Ms. Thiombiano Yougbaré for their powerful accounts of what are the considerable challenges faced regionally on the ground at present. Despite the recent progress and welcome developments in Cabo Verde and the Gambia in particular, the fact is that the security and stability situation in the region remains out of reach for too many. It is not hard to come by inspirational actions and examples.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“It is important that this be a frank and meaningful discussion aimed at resolving the impasse and ensuring that real progress can be made on all outstanding issues. We hope to see this take place as soon as possible. Ireland will continue to support all efforts by the OPCW and the Security Council to resolve outstanding issues on this file.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“We note that Syria is yet to adequately explain the Schedule 2 chemical found at the Barzah site in November 2018. We also welcome the ongoing work of the Fact- Finding Mission and its inspections in December of four sites connected with possible chemical weapons use in 2017. We await the results of that work in due course. The Investigation and Identification Team’s work will also continue in 2022. It is only through Syria’s serious and meaningful cooperation with the OPCW that we can be assured that its entire stocks of chemical weapons are declared and verifiably destroyed, in line with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and resolution 2118 (2013). We support, therefore, the proposed bilateral meeting between Director-General Arias and Minister Mekdad.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“Syrian efforts to interfere in the selection of experts by the OPCW, thereby preventing their deployment, are unacceptable. The Council must maintain a strong and clear message upholding the requirements it set out in resolution 2118 (2013). Syria must cooperate fully with the OPCW, accept personnel designated by the OPCW in the course of their work and provide them with immediate and unfettered access. Syria cannot pick and choose which of its legal obligations it is willing to accept. Equally, the OPCW must have our full backing in its professional and impartial work to resolve the many outstanding issues. We welcome the eighth round of inspections of the Barzah and Jamrayah facilities of the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Centre and await the results.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“As the report makes clear, the work of the Declaration Assessment Team to assess the completeness and accuracy of Syria’s declarations is essential. That work has been central to the 17 amendments and numerous supplements made to the declaration. Those are substantial issues relating to the undeclared research, production and weaponization of unknown quantities of chemical weapons and significant quantities of chemical warfare agents or precursors and chemical munitions. They go to the very heart of the serious concerns that Syria continues to retain a chemical weapons capacity. That is what makes the seven-month delay to the twenty-fifth round of consultations between the Declaration Assessment Team and the Syrian authorities such a serious matter.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“We are delighted to see you in the Chair, Madam, and I want to wish you and your team an excellent month ahead. I also wish to echo your remarks regarding your predecessor, Ambassador Abarry, and his excellent presidency of the Council for the month of December. I would like to welcome our new colleagues and congratulate those who are outgoing. I wish to thank Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, for her contribution and her informative briefing today, as always. The ninety-ninth report of the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (see S/2021/1103) shows us once again that, despite the best efforts of the OPCW’s Technical Secretariat, there has been no progress on the Syrian file. That is a matter of serious concern.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“I want to be clear that, in our view, the one-year timeline for the review of the humanitarian exemption is not intended in any way as one year of license to the Taliban, and neither is this one year when we will not insist that they be held to account. Their actions to date have shown open disregard for the norms and values we uphold, in particular in relation to human rights and gender equality. This exemption is to immediately provide support to the people of Afghanistan, who are in dire need — nothing more. We will continue to consider our next steps in the light of the ongoing needs of the Afghan people. And we will remain vigilant in relation to the actions, not the words, of the Taliban.”
2021-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8941 (2021) · source
“In welcoming the adoption of this text this morning, Ireland remains clear-eyed as to what must yet be done. We recognize that this text could — and should — be stronger in acknowledging and addressing the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan. We know, from the first-hand testimonies of Afghan women, that they have been disproportionately affected by the economic and humanitarian crises and face greater barriers to obtaining food and accessing health-care services. Their burdens and the risks they take to raise their voices will remain Ireland’s focus as the Council continues to respond to the situation in Afghanistan.”
2021-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8941 (2021) · source