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 look forward to the completion of that particular case brief in 2022. Allow me to conclude by reiterating Ireland’s steadfast support for the important work of UNITAD in ensuring accountability and justice for victims and survivors of ISIL crimes.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“As the first prosecution of an ISIL member for international crimes drawing on UNITAD evidence and the first-ever conviction of an ISIL member for genocide against the Yazidi community, this is an important reminder of the Team’s value in delivering justice for the victims and survivors of ISIL crimes. In that connection, Ireland commends Germany and all States that have initiated proceedings in their domestic courts to prosecute atrocity crimes committed by ISIL members. ISIL’s development and use of chemical and biological weapons is abhorrent and unacceptable. We welcome the Special Adviser’s update on the investigation into the use of chemical and biological weapons by ISIL, including progress on inquiries into the impact of the Taza Khurmatu attacks, including gender-related harms.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“In that connection, I also wish to reiterate Ireland’s unequivocal opposition to the death penalty in all cases and circumstances. Separately, the capacity-building assistance provided by UNITAD to the Iraqi authorities is crucial to achieving comprehensive accountability. We strongly urge the continuation of that important work as it relates to evidence digitization, excavations of mass grave sites and the provision of judicial training in international criminal law. Given the scale and nature of crimes committed by ISIL against Iraqi citizens, we have a collective objective to deliver accountability. The deepening support provided by UNITAD to domestic proceedings in different jurisdictions is therefore welcome. In particular, we note the judgment in the case referenced by Special Adviser Ritscher in his briefing.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“While it is crucial that supports and reparations are provided for victims and survivors, it is also essential to hold perpetrators to account for their crimes. In the context of UNITAD, that means moving from evidence-gathering to evidence-based trials. We welcome UNITAD’s intention to prioritize support to the Iraqi authorities in order to ensure the adoption of national legislation enabling the domestic prosecution of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide over the coming six months. Such legislation would mark another important step by Iraq in the journey towards accountability for ISIL atrocity crimes. Ireland encourages concrete action towards that end. Ensuring that criminal proceedings comply with international human rights law is, of course, essential.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“We also commend UNITAD for rising to the challenge posed by huge amounts of digital evidence through the use of creative technological solutions, particularly during the pandemic. Building trust and providing gender- and age-responsive support are crucial in encouraging victims of ISIL crimes who are members of vulnerable and marginalized communities to actually share their stories. We therefore acknowledge the efforts of UNITAD and the Iraqi Government to meaningfully engage survivors and victims in accountability efforts. We were pleased to see the detail in the report on the range of supports that UNITAD is offering to victims and survivors, including the provision of psychosocial support measures to encourage members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community to come forward.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“It is clear that the important work of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD) in ensuring accountability and support for the survivors of crimes perpetrated by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) accelerated over the reporting period. The completion of a third case brief connected to the mass killing of predominantly Shia prisoners at Badush Central Prison, as well as advanced investigations into ISIL financial crimes, are examples of such progress. Ireland wishes to recognize the cooperation afforded by the Iraqi authorities to the Team, without which such headway would not have been possible.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“I extend our warm congratulations to you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month. You can count on our full support. I also wish to congratulate our colleague, Mr. Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez, and his delegation on an excellent presidency. I thank Mr. Ritscher for his report and briefing this morning. We assure him of Ireland’s support as he fulfils his important mandate. I also wish to welcome our colleague Mr. Bahr Aluloom, Permanent Representative of Iraq, to today’s meeting.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“The situation will not be resolved without sustained and substantive attention from the Council and the international community. Finally, Ireland calls for a legitimate political horizon to end the occupation on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions and bilateral agreements. We believe that a two-State solution, if implemented, can deliver peace, security, freedom and justice for Israelis and Palestinians. We must continue to strive for an independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian State, living side by side in peace and security with Israel within secure and recognized borders on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“At the recent international ministerial-level conference, Ireland joined a number of donors in pledging additional support. We call on other donors, particularly in the region, to step up and translate political support into financial commitments. The situation in Gaza remains deeply worrying. While we welcome the easing of some restrictions, more must be done. We renew our call for Israel to end the blockade of Gaza. The support from Qatar and Egypt is positive, however, humanitarian and reconstruction relief remains insufficient to meet the needs of the people of the Gaza Strip. We call on the parties to build on recent positive steps, improve cooperation and reduce tensions. Direct and meaningful negotiations are essential, as is stronger Quartet engagement.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“We welcome the recent meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians and are pleased that both parties came to the meeting with a practical attitude in addressing the Palestinian economic situation, which is of serious concern. We echo the calls for the parties to translate that attitude into real change and to address structural constraints to economic development. The dire financial situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is also a matter of urgent concern. We must ensure that UNRWA has sufficient, predictable and sustainable funding so that it can continue to support the needs of Palestine refugees.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“We will continue to support human rights defenders who promote respect for international law, peace and accountability. Other negative trends also give rise to serious concern. The number of Palestinians injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition in 2021 is five times higher than in 2020. We strongly condemn all acts of violence and terrorism, including in the Old City of Jerusalem, and remind all parties of their obligations under international law to ensure the protection of civilians. In addition, settler violence is reprehensible. All perpetrators must be held accountable, and the culture of impunity around such incidents of violence must end. The threat of demolitions and evictions of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan continues to be troubling. The status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem must be observed.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“During his recent visit, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, saw first-hand the damaging impact of settlements. Ireland is gravely concerned about Israel’s designation of six Palestinian non-governmental organizations, including organizations supported by Ireland and the European Union (EU), as terrorist entities. Ireland and its EU partners take allegations of terrorism extremely seriously. However, in the absence of evidence to substantiate those allegations, Ireland will continue to support those organizations. We are also concerned about the impact of those designations for civil society, which plays a critical role in open democracies. From our own experience in Ireland, we know the positive contribution that civil society can make to a peace process.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Tor Wennesland for his briefing and Ms. Comfort Ero for her great insights from the perspective of the International Crisis Group. The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory remains alarming. Ireland strongly opposes Israel’s illegal policy of settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territory. The continual construction of settlements undermines the viability and territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian State, violates international law and damages trust. That is particularly true in sensitive areas, such as E-1, Givat Hamatos and Atarot, as well as deep in the West Bank. We urge Israel to halt all settlement progression and construction and to comply fully with resolution 2334 (2016).”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“It is also key that the authorities work to ensure accountability by holding all those responsible for violations of international law to account, including through fulfilling their obligations to cooperate with the International Criminal Court.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“The most recent report of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya was deeply concerning. The ill treatment of vulnerable individuals, such as migrants in detention, is quite simply abhorrent. In that regard, we welcome the addition of an individual to the sanctions list in October. National peace and reconciliation in Libya will require that the human rights and dignity of all the Libyan people — men, women and children — be upheld and respected. We call on the authorities and all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“The continued presence of foreign fighters, mercenaries and forces poses a grave threat to Libya’s fragile peace and stability and risks furthering insecurity in the region. Everyone at this table knows that is true. I therefore welcome the adoption last month of an action plan by the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and the subsequent announcement that will see the plan operationalized through departures under a United Nations-supervised disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process in the coming weeks. We want to see all efforts made to sustain this momentum and to ensure the full implementation of the action plan, while also taking into account the needs and concerns of Libya’s neighbours. Finally, with all eyes now on Libya’s political and military transition, we must not lose sight of the human rights situation.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“I want to emphasize how critical it is that women in Libya — all women — be spared the gender-based violence they have faced. It can end, and it must be prevented. Ireland welcomes progress made to date in implementing the provisions of the October ceasefire agreement, and we reiterate our call for fulfilling all remaining provisions. The Libyan ceasefire monitoring mechanism is vital to ensuring that the hard-won gains of the agreement are preserved. Ireland was encouraged by the deployment of the first United Nations ceasefire monitors in October, a positive if long-awaited step. It is now critical that a gender perspective also be streamlined into the work of the monitoring mechanism and that it inform the important work going forward.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“It is also incumbent upon all Libyan stakeholders to foster mutual trust and build consensus at this particularly sensitive juncture, including through an inclusive legal framework. The role of regional and international observers will, of course, be crucial. A Libyan-owned process must also mean one owned by Libyan women. I echo the remarks of Ms. Bensaad earlier on that critical issue. The meaningful participation of women as well as young people in these elections is fundamentally important to the goal of achieving an inclusive and sustainable peace in Libya. As elections draw near, we also call on the Libyan authorities to guarantee a free, safe and independent civic space for all. Ms. Bensaad reminded us that today we are on the eve of Orange the World, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“The outcome was clear: the Libyan authorities and the international community are committed to the holding of free and fair elections on 24 December. We know that the electoral process must be Libyan- led and Libyan-owned. We commend the work of the High National Elections Commission, and we welcome the progress achieved to date. Ensuring that presidential and parliamentary elections take place simultaneously will be key to preserving the integrity of the process. We believe that it is incumbent upon the authorities in Libya to meet the challenge of ensuring an inclusive and consultative electoral process with the wide acceptance of all Libyan stakeholders in a spirit of cooperation, inclusivity and national unity.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“We meet today precisely one month from Libya’s scheduled presidential and parliamentary elections, as stipulated by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum road map and Council resolutions. The elections mark a crucial stage in the work of securing a peaceful, stable and prosperous future for all Libyans. We say to the people of Libya that the future of the country is in their hands — as it should be — and we assure them that the international community continues to support them on the path to peace. For our part, Ireland will certainly keep faith with that. We welcome the recent successful International Conference for Libya, convened in Paris and co-hosted by France and Libya, with Germany, Italy and the United Nations.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Special Envoy Kubiš for his briefing, as well as Ambassador Tirumurti for his update regarding the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. I also want to thank Ms. Bensaad for her heartfelt messages. Her appetite to participate in free and fair democratic elections was well understood in this Chamber, and I want to say that we have an obligation to help Libya to deliver on that aspiration, as she has asked us to do. As this will be the final briefing by Mr. Kubiš to the Security Council in his capacity as Special Envoy for Libya, I would like to thank him sincerely for his dedicated service. I also want to welcome our friend and colleague Ambassador Taher Elsonni to our meeting today.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the trilateral partnership among Iraq, Jordan and Egypt and Iraq’s successful hosting of the regional conference held in Baghdad on 28 August.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Turning briefly to the humanitarian situation, Ireland was encouraged by the second round of voluntary returns from the Al-Hol camp in Syria in September, combined with the first returns of families from the Jeddah 1 camp to their areas of origin. We reiterate that all returns must be safe, voluntary, and dignified. Finally, I would like to acknowledge recent progress made in the identification of Kuwaiti and third-country nationals, as well as on reparations. These are vital steps towards full reconciliation, and we commend the spirit of cooperation demonstrated between the two countries. Indeed, Iraq’s exemplary commitment to enhanced engagement with its neighbours more generally has, in our view, the potential to greatly improve the region’s stability.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“While their determination has borne fruit in the holding of early elections, hundreds of Iraqis tragically paid the ultimate price for this progress. Regrettably, violence and threats against political and civic activists and human rights defenders continue, in particular against women candidates. We know this happened during the recent electoral campaign period. We can and must do more to break down the barriers to women’s full participation in political life and to foster a political and civic space that welcomes and protects all members of Iraqi society. We call on the Iraqi authorities to urgently deliver accountability and redress for the crimes committed and to implement much-needed and urgent reforms.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“We strongly condemn this and all other incidents or threats of violence, including those targeting members of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, IHEC and those who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the electoral process was free and fair. Iraq’s stability is already being threatened by what Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert described this morning as a precarious situation at best. We remain concerned at ongoing attacks across the country, including by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, that have claimed lives in recent months. We reject all attempts to destabilize Iraq, as well as, of course, all forms of terrorism. The Iraqi people gathered in a popular protest movement just over two years ago to call for system- wide reform.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“We look forward to the European Union electoral observer mission publishing its own comprehensive report early next year. Most important, we salute the courage and determination the people of Iraq showed in exercising their democratic right in a very challenging environment. I want to pay particular tribute to women, minorities and the internally displaced for their participation. The predicted record number of parliamentary seats won by women, as we heard, is very encouraging. Ireland looks forward to the peaceful formation of an inclusive Government that responds to the needs and aspirations of all Iraqis. Against the backdrop of these positive developments, Ireland deeply regrets the recent shocking assassination attempt on Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi and hopes that those who were injured make swift recoveries.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“I was also struck by her determined message with respect to Iraqi women’s aspiration to help shape and participate in the new Government. Her messages were very clear, and we thank her for them. Ireland welcomes the holding of early legislative elections in Iraq on 10 October. Through its enhanced role in monitoring these elections, the United Nations has found that the electoral process was largely peaceful, as we heard this morning, and orderly. We commend the extensive efforts of the Government of Iraq and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) in preparing and conducting the elections. The importance of the contributions of all who provided support towards strengthening Iraq’s democracy, including regional and international observers, cannot be understated.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“I should like to thank our briefers this morning, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and Amal Kabashi, for their critical and very frank assessments of the recent legislative elections. I am also delighted to see our colleague Mr. Mohammed Bahr Aluloom, Permanent Representative of Iraq, among us in the Chamber this morning. In particular, I would like to take this opportunity to applaud Ms. Hennis- Plasschaert and her team for the vital role they have played in assisting and monitoring the elections. We are fully aware of the considerable challenges they have faced over time, and they can be sure of our recognition and continued support. Ms. Kabashi’s remarks this morning with regard to what she called the daily challenges facing Iraqi women and what she described as discrimination and exclusion were not lost on us.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“The Court’s pursuit of justice and accountability in Libya will serve to build trust in the State, especially among communities disproportionately affected by violent conflict. Accountability for atrocity crimes can assist with the important reconciliation processes in Libya and the consolidation of peace. We know that accountability for atrocity crimes also acts as a strong deterrent and contributes to conflict and atrocity prevention efforts. Allow me to conclude by reiterating Ireland’s steadfast support for the work of the ICC in Libya. We remain convinced that accountability is key to peace, stability and justice for the future of Libya.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“In particular, we once again urge Libya to arrest and surrender Mr. Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi as a matter of urgency. We note the Prosecutor’s statement that he will extend particular prioritization to referrals by the Council to the ICC. We reiterate our view that cases referred to the ICC must be accompanied by consistent follow-up support from the Council. That includes budgetary support. Findings of non-cooperation by States in relation to situations already referred by the Council, including the situation in Libya, also require a substantive response. Ireland strongly supports ICC efforts to hold to account those responsible for the most serious international crimes in Libya in order to ensure true accountability for victims.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“We welcome continued engagement between the Office of the Prosecutor and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, as well as steps that the Office has taken to foster coordination between stakeholders, including the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, and all efforts aimed at accountability for violent crimes against migrants and refugees in Libya. The work of the ICC is, of course, complementary to domestic initiatives, and we continue to urge all States to cooperate with the Court as it investigates allegations of serious international crimes in Libya. The continued lack of cooperation with the Court in the execution of arrest warrants is worrisome. We urge all Member States, whether or not they are States parties to the Rome Statute, to execute outstanding arrest warrants.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“We echo the Prosecutor’s point that granting amnesties and pardons for serious crimes, including murder constituting crimes against humanity, is incompatible with internationally recognized human rights. In the report under consideration, as well as in previous reports, the Prosecutor has voiced concerns about credible and substantive information regarding past and ongoing crimes allegedly committed in official and unofficial detention facilities in Libya. That was echoed in the conclusions of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya in its October report (A/HRC/48/83), which refers to systemic and widespread violence against anyone opposing the interests of those running prisons. Reports of sexual and gender-based violence, primarily targeting women, remain of deep concern to us.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“Ireland further encourages the Government of National Unity’s efforts, working with the African Union in particular, to create a national reconciliation process, as well as its work with the Libyan authorities to strengthen transitional justice institutions. Those are important steps for the future of the Libyan people. At the same time, we cannot ignore concerning developments. In September, the Secretary-General outlined reports of serious violations in relation to the situation of migrants in Libya. That included reports that certain State officials affiliated with the Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration had allegedly committed serious human rights violations. We welcome the fact that the Office of the Prosecutor has reviewed those findings.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“I want to thank Prosecutor Khan for his report and briefing this afternoon during his first visit to the Security Council as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). I also want to welcome our friend and colleague, Ambassador Elsonni of Libya. We have seen a number of hard-won achievements in Libya since the October 2020 ceasefire agreement, including the inauguration of the interim Government of National Unity in March. We continue to view these developments as an opportunity to renew the Court’s relationship with Libya and its relevant national authorities and stakeholders. The Prosecutor’s intention to prioritize engagement with the Libyan authorities is therefore welcome.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“In other words, it is the smart thing to do. Now is the time for action. The Council must step up its efforts to address that threat and to prevent its terrible impact on civilians, including women and children, refugees and other vulnerable groups. Ireland will work with you, Sir, and continue to champion the issue with all of our partners here at the Council and across the General Assembly to accomplish that.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“We simply must ensure that women are fully involved in the design and implementation of efforts to stop the illicit transfer and misuse of small arms. As you said yourself, Sir, all evidence points to the fact that gender- and youth-sensitive responses are the most sustainable and effective responses for all. They allow a better understanding of the factors driving the demand for and misuse of small arms and light weapons, as well as their impact on the human rights, development and security interests of all. We believe that involving women upstream encourages responses that address the welfare, security, education and economic opportunity of the communities impacted by the misuse of small arms and light weapons. Importantly, it will strengthen the political legitimacy of peacebuilding processes to involve women at every stage.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“We need to look at how to ensure that our work on those issues at the United Nations, in the Council, in the General Assembly and under the Arms Trade Treaty is mutually supportive in pursuit of common goals while, of course, respecting the different mandates. United Nations peace operations mandated by the Council can play a crucial role. However, those mandates require clear objectives and, importantly, specialized resources to implement them. Regional approaches also play an instrumental role, including the African Union’s Silencing the Guns by 2020 initiative and regional road maps such as those implemented in the Caribbean, East Africa and the Western Balkans. My third and final point is in relation to gender.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“Equally, we should apply lessons learned from the various United Nations arms embargoes, as appropriate, to ensure they effectively reduce illicit flows and diversion of small arms. Implementing the recommendations from the Secretary-General’s report, as well as those of the expert panels supporting sanctions committees, is an important step to deliver on that. My second point may seem obvious, but it is critical: we simply have to work together. We share a collective responsibility to stem illicit conventional arms and to enforce United Nations arms embargoes. International cooperation, capacity-building and information-sharing are critical, including to ensure effective weapons tracing. Coordination of efforts at the United Nations level and in working with relevant international and regional partners is essential.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“I would like to make three important points on the issue of small arms and light weapons. First, understanding the problem is essential to treating it. That holds true for illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons. As the Secretary- General sets out in his Agenda for Disarmament, addressing the availability, accumulation and management of arms should be at the core of conflict prevention and management, crisis response and peacebuilding services. The Council must deal consistently with the impact of illicit small arms and light weapons as a driver of conflict. It is important to identify and eliminate illicit trafficking routes and points of diversion. By doing so, we can hope to prevent illicit transfers and better protect our civilians.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“Those arms fuel and prolong conflict; they cause the majority of violent deaths in conflict and non-conflict settings; they facilitate more human rights abuses than any other weapon; and they perpetuate insecurity while impeding humanitarian and economic development. It is crystal clear that it is the responsibility of those of us around this table to address that complex threat. It is for that reason that we support the ongoing work here in the Council, led by the Mexican presidency, to prevent and reduce illicit flows of those weapons, including through more efficient implementation of United Nations embargoes. The truth is, we need to do more. That will be a valuable contribution to the Council’s work in addressing the problem. I would like to commend you, Sir, and the Mexican team for the important initiative that you have taken here.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“I want to begin by thanking Mexico for convening today’s important meeting and to thank you, Mr. Minister, for personally being here with us today. I also welcome Minister Bhattacharyya from India, my neighbour here at the table. I would also like to thank Director Geiss and Ms. María Pía Devoto for their insightful briefings to us this morning. Their tireless advocacy and valuable research on these important issues is really critical and deeply appreciated by us. We all know that the illicit transfer and misuse of small arms and light weapons poses a significant threat to international peace and security right across the Council’s agenda and so is rightly the focus of our discussions here today.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“Since August, the Council has been clear about what we expect from engagement with the Taliban. We said that we would judge them by their actions, not their words. The Council and the international community must reaffirm publicly, without ambiguity, that the rights of all Afghans, especially women and girls, children and minorities, must be protected. That message surely stands alone in its own right.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“We have been warned, including today by Special Representative Lyons, of the gravity of this situation. The international community and the Council must listen. The international community and the Council must act. The Taliban now bear primary responsibility for the conditions facing the people of Afghanistan, but the international community also needs to move beyond pledges and rhetoric and take action in order to prevent widespread suffering and death. Humanitarians must be allowed to deliver in all parts of the country. At this critical time, the United Nations and partner non-governmental organizations on the ground cannot and should not be impeded in their life-saving operations. The Security Council has a role to play in facilitating the humanitarian response. We need to deliver on this; it is our duty and our obligation.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“Every child has an equal right to education regardless of gender. It is also reported that the rights of children in Afghanistan have significantly deteriorated since August, with increased child labour, recruitment and use, trafficking and marriage. The erosion of rights for women and children in Afghanistan under Taliban control has been both stark and swift. Their protection and the upholding of their rights must be central as a focus of all our deliberations on the future of Afghanistan. We also strongly condemn recent terrorist attacks, violence, intimidation and forced displacement targeting minorities. We condemn the repression of Afghan civil society and Afghan journalists. Words almost fail to capture the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis now under way in Afghanistan, as winter approaches and millions face starvation.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“A call received was thought to be about an evacuation flight. Instead of safe passage, those women found only hatred and, in the end, horrific and fatal violence. I have said it before, and I will say it again today: we cannot look the other way while the women of Afghanistan are being targeted and attacked. The courage and fortitude of countless Afghan women such as our briefer today, Ms. Karim, Ms. Safi and her colleagues, should be recognized, but the international community also needs to be clear with the Taliban that their actions are not without consequences. Today marks 61 days of the Taliban’s restrictions on girls attending secondary school, each day marking an unconscionable loss to Afghanistan’s own future. A generation of girls are being deprived of an education because of the fear and suspicion of some men.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“They are being targeted by the Taliban for their education, for their work, for their activism, for demanding their fundamental rights. Put simply, they are being targeted for their gender. This is deliberate and driven by a desire to repress and control— totakeawaywomen’sautonomy, theirchoiceand their freedom. Many Afghan women have come to the difficult conclusion that their lives and futures are only possible outside of Afghanistan. Despite assurances regarding safe passage that the Council stipulated in resolution 2593 (2021), the Taliban has not respected that choice either. Reports regarding the killing earlier this month of women human rights defender and economist Frozan Safi demonstrate all too clearly the dangers that women face. Ms. Safi and three colleagues intended to leave Afghanistan.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Lyons for her briefing; we deeply appreciate it. I am really grateful to Ms. Karim for her briefing, especially when we know that her sharing her testimony at this time is not without risk. She has left her mark in this Chamber; I want to assure her of that. Since we last met on 9 September (see S/PV.8853), little of what we hoped for has come to pass, while much of what we feared has come to be. The much-promised inclusive Government is nowhere in evidence. There is no credible dialogue, representative of all Afghans, towards future governance. There is no stability. Instead, what we are seeing and what the Afghan people are living with is violence, fear and repression at the hands of the Taliban. Women and girls in Afghanistan remain under attack.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“It is therefore vital, in that context, that Somalia’s leaders keep the interests of the Somali people at the fore now, moving as rapidly as possible to end this period of political uncertainty and create the space to fully focus on tackling the fundamental issues facing the Somali people.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“But there must be agreement reached on the way forward. It is clear that the already dire humanitarian situation is being exacerbated by climate change. In that context, the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia on climate and security is more important than ever. We look forward to further tangible outcomes of that work, which we are following with interest and expectation. Meanwhile, as we have heard in others’ remarks this morning, extended drought conditions are causing displacement and raising the spectre of worsening food insecurity. The fact that 7.7 million people are expected to be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2022 is simply shocking, yet it is the grave reality we face today.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“The Government should also ensure that those who commit violations are held to account. We look forward, in that regard, to the outcome of the impartial investigations into the killing of Ms. Ikran Tahlil. Ireland reiterates its condemnation of Al-Shabaab’s heinous attacks, which are exerting a considerable human toll. Their threat extends beyond Somalia’s borders and throughout the region and is only heightened by recent instability. It makes it all the more urgent that the Government of Somalia, the African Union and the United Nations find a path forward together on the future configuration of the African Union Mission to Somalia and the eventual handover to Somali security forces. The European Union stands ready to assist. It has long been a strong and committed partner of Somalia.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source