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 appointment of experts and hope that delays to this process will end swiftly. We all saw on the ground in Mali this week that the political transition, on which so much depends, is very fragile. Delayed action will only serve to add to the political and social instability and allow extremist groups to expand their control, exacerbating the suffering of the Malian people. None of us wants to see that.”
2021-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8893 (2021) · source
“We call on the Malian authorities to investigate all the allegations of human rights violations and abuses regardless of perpetrator. We consider the Security Council to have a responsibility for making sure that that happens. Ending impunity will be integral to breaking the cycle of conflict in Mali and strengthening the import social contract between the Malian people and their State. We welcome the work that MINUSMA is doing to establish a mechanism to monitor the implementation of the key recommendations of the International Commission of Inquiry for Mali. Before concluding, I wish to reiterate Ireland’s support for the sanctions regime set up by the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017) and appreciate the essential work being done by the Panel of Experts.”
2021-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8893 (2021) · source
“(spoke in English) As we heard during our recent visit, the humanitarian situation in Mali, worryingly, is deteriorating. We find the persistence of humanitarian access issues in this context inexcusable. We see it as essential that all parties respect international humanitarian law, support much-needed humanitarian action, honour humanitarian principles and facilitate humanitarian access. We join the Secretary-General in calling on the Malian authorities to continue to extend its cooperation with MINUSMA in order to enable the Mission to fully implement its mandate and assist the Malian people. It is clear that, in such trying circumstances, civilians are bearing the brunt of insecurity. As the human rights situation continues to be of real concern, civilians need to be protected.”
2021-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8893 (2021) · source
“It is disappointing that the necessary preparations for the elections have not been made. Good governance creates a secure society, which depends on the political transition, as well as a return to constitutional order. We need to work closely with the African Union and ECOWAS to achieve progress on this matter. Renewed commitment to the Peace Agreement is essential. All actors should respect their responsibilities and obligations. We hope that the appointment of 15 women to the monitoring mechanisms of the Agreement will be completed. Women’s participation creates and strengthens peace — and makes it sustainable. The independent women’s observatory will be an important tool for ensuring that women are fully engaged in the political and peace process.”
2021-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8893 (2021) · source
“Ms. Byrne Nason (Ireland) (spoke in French): I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Wane, for his briefing. The energy that he has brought to his role is commendable. I would like to express our gratitude to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and the United Nations staff for their important work in Mali, which I witnessed first- hand this week. Ireland fully supports the work and leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Mali. The announcement of the expulsion of the ECOWAS special envoy, Mr. Hamidou Boly, from the country is a very worrying development. The completion of the political transition in Mali and a return to constitutional order remains imperative. It is clear that the electoral calendar is in doubt.”
2021-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8893 (2021) · source
“The Committee also received an advance delivery notification invoking paragraph 12 of resolution 2551 (2021) by a supplying State, which it stands ready to consider once some additional information has been received. Furthermore, the Committee received one post-delivery notification from Somalia, pursuant to paragraph 16 of resolution 2551 (2020), and a copy of the biannual report by Somalia requested in paragraph 37 of resolution 2551 (2020). Lastly, the Committee received an arms-embargo query from a Member State — a State of transit — and a notification from a Member State seeking to transfer medical supplies via military cargo flight. The Committee replied to both communications.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8885 (2021) · source
“In addition, the Committee responded to a prior letter from Somalia concerning a former Coordinator of the Panel of Experts. The Committee received a listing proposal from a Member State, consideration of which is ongoing. The Committee also received a proposal from the Secretariat regarding the nomination of a sixth expert to serve on the Panel of Experts. Consideration of that proposal in the Committee has not yet concluded. With regard to arms embargo exemption requests and notifications, the Committee approved two requests, pursuant to paragraph 10 of resolution 2551 (2020) — one from Somalia and the other from a supplying State. The Committee received six advance delivery notifications — two from Somalia and four from supplying States, pursuant to paragraph 11 of the same resolution, and three notifications pursuant to paragraph 17.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8885 (2021) · source
“Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, to brief the Committee at a future date. Since my previous briefing, the Committee also received a first thematic report from the Panel of Experts, focusing on weapons and ammunition management in Somalia. The Committee received a letter from Somalia concerning air strikes and shelling conducted inside Somalia and a letter from a Member State reporting the seizure of a shipment of potassium nitrate destined for Somalia, an item mentioned in Annex C, part II, of resolution 2551 (2020). The Committee wrote to the reporting State, as well as to the reported State of origin of the shipment, seeking additional information. The reported State of origin replied to the Committee.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8885 (2021) · source
“During my previous briefing (see S/PV.8796), I informed the Security Council that the Committee was considering the six recommendations contained in the mid-term update of the Panel of Experts. Follow- up action to all six recommendations was agreed upon and, in that connection, the Committee dispatched two letters to Somalia covering issues related to the updating of the sanctions list, possible adjustments to the arms embargo, combating violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law by various actors, including the commission of sexual and gender-based violence, and countering Al-Shabaab financing. I would also like to note that the Committee agreed to a Chair’s proposal to invite Ms.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8885 (2021) · source
“During the discussion, Committee members expressed support for the work of the Panel of Experts and posed questions in relation to various aspects of the Panel’s reporting. Panel members responded to provide clarifications. During the second meeting, the Committee heard a briefing by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on the report of the Emergency Relief Coordinator (see S/2021/847) on the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Somalia and any impediments thereto. In their interventions, Committee members expressed appreciation for the efforts undertaken by OCHA and its partners in Somalia and supported the continuation of the humanitarian carveout to the assets-freeze measures. The Committee issued a press release following the two meetings (SC/14660).”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8885 (2021) · source
“As mandated by paragraph 11 (g) of resolution 1844 (2008), I have the honour to brief the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992), concerning Somalia. This briefing will cover the period from 15 June to 20 October 2021. I would like to begin by noting that the Committee held back-to-back informal consultations on 1 October. During the first meeting, the Committee heard a briefing by the Panel of Experts on Somalia on its final report. I will not summarize the content of the report, as it was recently issued as document S/2021/849. Eight of the 16 recommendations in the report are addressed to the Council. The remaining eight are currently under consideration by the Committee.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8885 (2021) · source
“As we approach the thirtieth anniversary of the Madrid Conference, it is imperative that the Security Council, partners in the region and the wider international community remain engaged and working for a solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. There can be no doubt that we need to rekindle the hope that took hold in Madrid. We need to work to build confidence to enable a political path for an end to the occupation that began in 1967, so that Palestinians’ rights, as well as those of Israelis, can be guaranteed. Ireland stands ready, both through the Security Council and nationally, to assist in whatever way it can.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“We renew our call on Israel to end the blockade of Gaza. We welcome the announcement by the Palestinian Central Elections Committee that municipal elections will be held in December. Ireland reiterates its belief that Palestinian legislative elections across all of the occupied territory, with the full participation of women, are necessary to give a democratic voice to all Palestinians, to help progress towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation and to renew the legitimacy of national institutions. Finally, Ireland reiterates its call on the Middle East Quartet to enhance its efforts to work towards the resumption of a political process. We welcome ministerial-level contacts between the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority that have taken place in recent weeks.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Ireland commends the vital work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which is of critical importance to millions of Palestine refugees in the occupied territory and across the region. Ireland once again appeals to donors, including its Gulf partners, to enhance support for UNRWA. Despite some recent welcome steps, we remain deeply concerned about access into Gaza and obstacles to reconstruction efforts, five months after the end of the conflict. As noted in the rapid damage and needs assessment, there are significant mental health consequences faced by Gazans from prolonged exposure to violence, the loss of family and loved ones, and the frustrations over the lack of control from worsening poverty, unemployment and insecurity in the Gaza Strip.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Through them, we saw clearly that the occupation has had a disproportionate impact on women and girls. Ireland commends civil society in the occupied Palestinian territories and in Israel for their efforts to develop an approach of community-based women’s empowerment. Through those young women last month, we saw that they have the capacity to shape a more hopeful future for their societies. We believe that it is imperative that the Security Council, the parties to the conflict and the international community listen to their voices. We strongly condemn recent targeting of Palestinian activists and civil society organizations. Ireland calls on all duty-bearers — Israeli and Palestinian alike — to protect and uphold the rights of civil society and human rights defenders.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Israel should provide permits for legal construction and the development of Palestinian communities. Ireland remains firmly committed to a negotiated two-State solution, which provides a viable basis for a resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict. We condemn all acts that threaten to erode that prospect. We call for the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem to be upheld in both word and practice, recognizing the special role of Jordan. Last month, during Ireland’s Security Council presidency, two young women addressed this same debate (see S/PV.8869).Ms. Mai Farsakh underscored the terrible impact of illegal settlements on Palestinian women and girls. Ms. Meredith Rothbart clearly illustrated for us the essential and constructive role of civil society in local peacebuilding.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“We are deeply concerned about the briefing we had by Tor Wennesland this morning and what we know about the rise in violence across the West Bank, particularly the increase in settler violence and the use of live fire by Israeli forces. We call on Israel to hold those responsible accountable, to end the culture of impunity around such incidents of violence and to ensure that any response by security forces is proportional and in compliance with international law. Ireland condemns all acts of violence, including rocket attacks from Gaza, which fuel tensions and put civilian lives at risk. Once again, I repeat Ireland’s call on Israel to halt all illegal settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem and in the E-1 Area, as well as demolitions, evictions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“It is a privilege to see you, Mr. President, in the chair among us again today. As always I sincerely thank Tor Wennesland for his comprehensive briefing this morning. I would like to welcome Ambassadors Mansour and Erdan who are with us today. I want to extend a very special thanks to Hanan Ashrawi, who has for so long been such an eloquent and powerful voice for the Palestinian people. And I want to recognize in particular her work in recent years as a strong advocate for the younger generation of Palestinian women and men. That is much appreciated. I thank Daniel Levy for what was a very valuable and thought-provoking contribution. It was really good to hear from him today, and I thank him for his long-standing contributions to Israeli- Palestinian discussions.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Now more than ever, peace must be pursued with determination by all parties to create the future deserved and sought out by the citizens of the Central African Republic.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“The United Nations must ensure that all victims and survivors are given the assistance, protection and justice that are their right. Sanctions are an important tool utilized by the Security Council to support the restoration of peace and security in the Central African Republic. I reiterate Ireland’s support for the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013), which visited the Central African Republic last week. We offer our appreciation for the essential work of the Panel of Experts, and we look forward to the appointment of experts to this important panel with the hope that delays to this process will end swiftly. As we seek to end conflict, hope and opportunity are precious commodities. This ceasefire offers both, but hope and opportunity are not inexhaustible resources.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“We welcome the action that the authorities of the Central African Republic have taken in establishing the commission of inquiry and the release of the resulting summary report. We urge the Government to ensure that the perpetrators of all such abuses and violations are held fully accountable, regardless of their nationality or affiliation. If insecurity is to be seriously tackled, there simply can be no place for impunity. Ireland is deeply troubled by reports and allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in the Central African Republic. We welcome the action taken by the United Nations in response to serious allegations last month. We encourage further examination and strengthening of prevention and accountability measures at the Mission.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“The civilian population has borne the burden of insecurity and violence in the Central African Republic. Humanitarian needs in the country remain significant. With nearly two thirds of the population depending on humanitarian assistance, it is imperative that during this cessation of hostilities the Government and all armed actors in the country ensure unimpeded humanitarian access. There is no doubt that grave violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, including conflict-related sexual violence, have been committed during this most recent period of insecurity. We are deeply concerned by continuing allegations of violations and abuses perpetrated by national and bilaterally deployed and other security personnel.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“At this critical juncture, I encourage the authorities to recognize the invaluable contribution made by women — a contribution that, I would say, women have always made — to society in the Central African Republic. I underscore the importance of doing everything possible to seize this opportunity to encourage and support the full and significant participation of women as voters, candidates and elected officials. (spoke in English) I want to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ndiaye and the staff of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for their work in the country in a significantly challenged environment. I also call for an immediate and definitive end to violations of the status-of-forces agreement.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“All stakeholders in the country must commit to the implementation of the agreement in an inclusive fashion and in such a way that guarantees the full participation of women, ethnic and religious minorities and young people. The work done at the regional level, which has made a significant contribution to the ceasefire, has been and will continue to be vital in that process. The Council must continue to support such work. We also welcome the adoption of a timetable for local elections. The people of the Central African Republic have time and again expressed their desire to exercise their democratic right to vote. All citizens must exercise their right to vote in a climate of absolute security, and I call upon all stakeholders in the Central African Republic to respect that right.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“I echo the Secretary- General in calling upon all stakeholders to immediately respect that ceasefire. Such a letting up in the conflict could provide the people of the Central African Republic with the opportunity to have a society that lives in security, which is the society that they deserve. That would also enable armed groups and the Government to take additional measures to move towards a future of peace. We cannot let this opportunity slip through our fingers. The 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic remains vital to achieving a just and lasting peace in the Central African Republic.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“Ms. Byrne Nason (Ireland) (spoke in French): I, too, wish to thank the briefers for their important contributions this morning. I wish to extend particular recognition to Ms. Derom, whose presence here today demonstrates the continued desire of the people of the Central African Republic to see the advent of peace and security in the country. I also wish to thank President Touadera for his presence here this morning. We are meeting here today at a time of hope that represents a unique opportunity for the people of the Central African Republic. We welcome the adoption of the joint road map for peace during the recent mini- summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. The announcement made by President Touadera of an immediate ceasefire on 15 October has created a space for dialogue.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“Of particular note is UNMIK’s work on missing persons. Progress on the issue can provide much-needed comfort and solace to families of the missing and is an indispensable step in the process of reconciliation in Kosovo. It is important to building confidence between Kosovo and Serbia. We greatly value that and other aspects of UNMIK’s work. We wish Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tanin and his team all the best in the next phase of their mission.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“The people of Kosovo voted for change earlier this year and for an agenda of rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms, which the new Government has set about tackling. We hope that the coming months will see a reinvigoration of, and delivery on, the EU reform agenda, particularly rule-of-law reforms. In that context, I also wish to underline Ireland’s support for the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. It is Ireland’s view that countering impunity for past crimes is essential in preventing future violations. It is vital that the authorities in Kosovo adhere to their commitments to the Specialist Chambers. UNMIK continues to play an important role through its trust-building projects, bringing together members of different communities, in particular young people. UNMIK supports the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in Kosovo.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“Although steps have been taken to prevent and combat violence against women and girls, more must be done. Ireland welcomes the record intake of women members elected to Parliament earlier this year and the level of women’s representation in the Government overall. However, the gains made by women at the national level have yet to trickle down to the local level. Less than 8 per cent of candidates running for mayoral posts in the upcoming municipal elections are women. Women do not yet have the support of, or access to, the resources that they need to run for office at the local level. The barriers preventing their participation in political life and in the vital work of building peace must be dismantled without delay.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“A comprehensive, final and legally binding normalization agreement is essential to the European perspective of both Serbia and Kosovo and for wider stability in the Western Balkans region. Kosovo, like many others, continues to be impacted by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We greatly appreciate UNMIK’s role in supporting Kosovo’s COVID-19 response, particularly through the assistance that the Mission gives to the most vulnerable in Kosovo. We value UNMIK’s work on the promotion of gender equality, including by progressing the women and peace and security and youth and peace and security agendas. UNMIK’s work on gender-based violence within all communities is especially significant. Gender-based violence in Kosovo has risen year on year since 2016.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“We continue to see the value of dialogue, including at the end of September when an arrangement was reached to resolve the tensions in the north of Kosovo. We urge both sides to commit to a concerted and sincere effort to progress the EU-facilitated dialogue. We call on leaders in both Serbia and Kosovo to refrain from further divisive rhetoric and actions. All agreements reached under the dialogue since its beginning 10 years ago need to be implemented without delay. There have been concrete gains that have improved the daily lives of people in Kosovo, and those must not be squandered; there cannot be a reset. Both sides have a responsibility to respect and implement the obligations that they have assumed under the dialogue.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“I want to begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary- General Tanin for his briefing and all his team for their valuable work. I would like to underline at the outset Ireland’s strong support for the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). I also want to thank President Osmani-Sadriu and Minister Selaković for being here today. As we know from experience, building peace takes time and ongoing and open channels of communication. Ireland supports the Secretary-General’s call on both sides to engage constructively in the renewed dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. That European Union (EU)-facilitated dialogue, mandated by the United Nations, is the channel through which issues and tensions between Kosovo and Serbia can, and should, be resolved.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“All parties must redouble their efforts to protect this hard-won peace by ensuring full implementation of the Agreement. Ireland and the Council will continue to support Colombia and its people as they continue on this journey.”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source
“We also reiterate our support for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. Its investigations of conflict- related sexual violence and the forced recruitment and use of children in conflict are particularly important. These heinous crimes have caused some of the deepest wounds. Justice for survivors, even after decades, will facilitate healing. In conclusion, on this landmark anniversary, it is important to celebrate the progress we have made. At a time when so many conflicts around the world appear intractable, the Colombian accord stands as an example of what we can achieve. Like any peace process, it has required courage, patience and trust. There have been challenges and setbacks, and there is still a long path ahead. But looking forward, today we should be emboldened by the gains of the process.”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source
“Continued and committed dialogue in Colombia is essential. We welcome the engagement by all parties with the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement, and we appreciate the Mission’s work to help overcome difficulties and operationalize this valuable platform. As Colombia approaches elections, spaces for dialogue about implementing the Agreement are more important than ever and need to be preserved. Truth and reconciliation processes have the power to unlock grievances and help put all citizens on a shared path to progress. Colombia’s peace accord has been truly innovative, including in putting victims of the conflict at the centre. In that regard, Ireland welcomes the extension of the Truth Commission’s mandate.”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source
“We remain deeply concerned about the continued targeting of ex-combatants. We encourage the Government to reinforce protection guarantees for ex- combatants and to adopt a gender-sensitive approach to ensure the provision of equal and adequate protections to women, within the scheme. We are also concerned about reports of violence against human rights defenders, who deserve to work in all communities without fear. I wish to reiterate again our concern about the heavy toll of violence, forced displacements and confinements on indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations, as well as on other community and social leaders, particularly women and youth leaders. We encourage all efforts to support these communities, expand State presence in these municipalities, dismantle armed groups and bring perpetrators to justice.”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source
“Ireland will continue to keep faith and to stand by Colombia’s side. In Ireland, we know that the delivery of the provisions of a negotiated agreement comes with challenges, but we also know that peace cannot be secured by turning back. All parties must remain committed and look ahead. I wish to highlight three areas where sustained efforts are particularly necessary. We warmly welcome the Government’s enactment of the transitional electoral districts for peace. The inclusion of victims’ voices from conflict-affected regions in Parliament is a powerful moment for political reintegration efforts. However, threats and intimidation of candidates across the political spectrum are worrying, and efforts must continue to ensure the safe and meaningful participation of women and youth in the political process.”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source
“Five years of peace, reconciliation and progress have served as an example of what can be achieved when peace is prioritized and protected — in other words, when peace is given a chance. Ireland extends our warm congratulations to the people of Colombia on this anniversary. While it was the signatories who put pen to paper, this accord and its peace dividends belong to every Colombian. We welcome and encourage the continued commitment of the Government and signatories to its comprehensive implementation. Today’s milestone marks only one-third of the time frame projected to implement the accord. Much remains to be done. It is more important than ever that the international community support Colombia in fully realizing the promise of peace in the face of multifaceted challenges.”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source
“I would like to start by warmly welcoming Ms. Marta Lucía Ramírez, Vice-President and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia. It is good to have her with us today, and we welcome her to today’s meeting. I would also like to thank Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing and for the continued work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, which we appreciate. I also thank Ms. Soto and Ms. Peñaranda for their powerful briefings on the distinct experiences of indigenous and Afro-Colombian women. I truly appreciated hearing from them today. Today, we are all reflecting on five years since the signing of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace.”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source
“Finally, I want to express our profound disappointment at the outcome at the Human Rights Council last week, whereby the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen was not renewed. That Group was the only independent, international and impartial mechanism monitoring the dire human rights situation in Yemen. In our view, in failing to renew its mandate, we have collectively failed the Yemeni people. Ireland has always emphatically supported the Group, and we thank it for its exemplary work in challenging circumstances. To the people of Yemen, who have suffered immensely, I assure them that Ireland will not cease in its efforts to ensure accountability and justice for victims. They deserve nothing less.”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8878 (2021) · source
“The dire humanitarian situation has also been greatly exacerbated by the economic realities, which we heard about earlier from Ms. Al-Deen. We know that unblocking restrictions on fuel and food imports and the payment of civil-servant salaries would greatly increase the purchasing power and well-being of many in Yemen. We fully support action on such measures. We all know that the FSO SAFER oil tanker continues to pose an immediate humanitarian and environmental threat to the people of Yemen and the region. Ireland renews its calls for all parties to engage constructively in discussions so that the United Nations teams can access the tanker as soon as possible to carry out the necessary repairs.”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8878 (2021) · source
“As Henrietta Fore recently told the Security Council (see S/PV.8840), being a child in Yemen is the stuff of nightmares. The recent Houthi execution of nine Yemenis, reportedly including one who was a minor at the time of his detention, is deplorable. It is in stark violation of Yemeni legislation and human rights norms. Ireland unequivocally opposes the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances. We once again stress the need for all parties to fulfil their obligations under international law. We also unreservedly condemn the most recent attacks by the Houthis on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Such attacks must cease. Humanitarian assistance remains a desperately needed lifeline for millions of Yemenis. Ireland calls for full, unfettered and safe access for humanitarian workers to all parts of Yemen.”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8878 (2021) · source
“We welcome the return of several members of the Government, including the Prime Minister, to Aden. We deplore the continuation of hostilities and call once again for a nationwide ceasefire and, in particular, for an end to the Houthi offensive on Ma’rib, including its civilian neighbourhoods. The ongoing violence across the country continues to cause deaths and threaten lives all across Yemen. It is driving the displacement of thousands of people, especially women and children. The violence is also curtailing the crucial work of local and international peacebuilders, who must be supported in their continued efforts to pursue peace. We are deeply disturbed by countless accounts of grave violations against children in the country in the most recent report on children in armed conflict in Yemen (S/2021/761).”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8878 (2021) · source
“My thanks go to our briefers — Special Envoy Grundberg, Acting Assistant Secretary-General Rajasingham and Ms, Al-Deen, whom I especially thank for her briefing. Today I want to begin by strongly condemning the heinous attack carried out in Aden last Sunday, allegedly targeting a Government Minister and the Governor of Aden. I express my deepest condolences to all those affected by that cowardly act. The political and security situation in the south of Yemen remains a cause for growing concern. A full resumption of dialogue between the internationally recognized Government and the Southern Transitional Council, within the framework of the Riyadh agreement, is urgently needed to avoid further deterioration of what is already a fragile and clearly volatile situation.”
2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8878 (2021) · source
“The overall dividend of such efforts will be a more sustainable peace, which expels intolerance and helps all people in their infinite diversity to belong with dignity.”
2021-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8877 (2021) · source
“That is a critical inflection point, particularly when it comes to ensuring that divisions recently healed, including those based on identity, are not reopened. The Council’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2594 (2021) is a recognition of that and a sign that we agree that transitions should be nationally owned and inclusive. Where transitions occur, the views of local communities, of women, of youth and of marginalized groups should be taken into account. The protection of civilians is also a key barometer of the success of any transition. In the Council’s quest for peace, sometimes in the depths of seemingly unending conflict, let us not forget what we are trying to achieve. A sine qua non is that we invest in human rights. We need to invest in inclusion. And we should learn how to invest in critical moments of transition.”
2021-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8877 (2021) · source
“It brings together not only United Nations actors but also local peacebuilders in the field. In the aftermath of conflict, building good governance cannot be a top- down exercise from a conference room here in New York. It has to have its roots on the ground, in local communities and in inclusive decision-making. My third point is that inclusive peacekeeping transitions are a litmus test for the durability of peace. The moment the Blue Helmets of United Nations peacekeepers leave, a reconfigured United Nations, in cooperation with international actors such as the international financial institutions and regional and subregional organizations, needs to be ready to step up and step in to support and to protect the peace left behind.”
2021-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8877 (2021) · source
“Often it is brave women, women like Fawzia Koofi in Afghanistan, Hala Al-Karib in Sudan and Shukria Dini in Somalia, who reach across community divides to seek peace, as the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition did during our own peace process. The lesson I take from the courage of their example is that the peace we build must be inclusive and based on partnerships. It is critical that we hear from grass-roots women peacebuilders who actually get down and do this work. Those civil-society voices were a golden thread running through Ireland’s presidency of the Council last month. They also bear witness to how in places like Somalia and Myanmar, climate change and extreme weather events are placing pressure on already fragile communities. The Peacebuilding Commission is an important partner in the Council’s quest for sustainable peace.”
2021-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8877 (2021) · source
“The very worst episodes of human history bear testament to the danger of marginalization and to the dangers of persecution on the basis of group identity. One thing is clear: difference alone does not cause conflict, nor does homogeneity prevent it. As a Council we must take care to recognize that human rights violations, including on grounds of identity, can be a prelude to and even a driver of conflict. Secondly, the Council should think about peace not as an event but a process. The Irish poet W.B. Yeats wrote of how “peace comes dropping slow”. In Northern Ireland, as elsewhere, the peace we cherish took decades to achieve.”
2021-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8877 (2021) · source
“But, as our briefers have pointed out, too often group identity can become the basis for marginalization, for discrimination and even for abuse. Every woman knows this. The LGBTQI+ community knows this. Ethnic groups, religious groups, racial groups — they know this. That should not be the case. The late Irish peacemaker John Hume said: “Difference is the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth, and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict”. In situations on the Council’s agenda, people are persecuted because they happen to be members of a certain group. We should strive to resist the creation of the “other” — resist creating hierarchies of humankind.”
2021-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8877 (2021) · source