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

“I would like to thank today’s briefers and welcome Mr. Martin Griffiths to the Chamber. It is good to see him here in his new role. I am always very happy to see Ms. Henrietta Fore in the Chamber. I would also like to welcome the appointment earlier this month of Mr. Hans Grundberg as the new Special Envoy for Yemen. We look forward to working with him as he takes forward the crucial work of seeking solutions to this devastating crisis, building, of course, on the valiant and tireless efforts of Mr. Griffiths. Regrettably, as we have heard from other speakers, the summer months in Yemen have seen a further deterioration of the political, security, human rights and humanitarian situations, with devastating consequences for the ordinary people in Yemen — the civilian population.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“Finally, we know that victims and survivors of terrorism continue to struggle to have their voices heard. We believe that they need support, that this support should be reflected in this regard and that their rights are upheld. We firmly believe that a holistic approach to transitional justice is essential to upholding those rights. We will work to that end in our role at the Security Council. Tomorrow, we will mark the fourth International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism, so let everyone of us around this table recommit to supporting their gender-specific needs, to upholding their rights, and most importantly, to hearing and heeding their voices. This is surely the least that we owe to the countless victims and survivors of terrorism.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“We will remain vigilant on that issue right across our agenda in the Security Council. The Council has a responsibility to ensure that measures to counter terrorist funding are applied based on risk and that they fully comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international refugee law. Independent oversight of counter-terrorism legislation has been effective in mitigating some of these risks and challenges. Domestically, Ireland is undertaking an independent review of its main body of counter-terrorism legislation and has recently published proposals for the establishment of an independent examiner of security legislation. Such an entity will ensure that legislation is necessary, fit for purpose and contains appropriate human rights safeguards.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“Just last week, at the Arria Formula meeting organized by Kenya, members of the Security Council heard about the negative impact on humanitarian actors and their provision of humanitarian aid of some regulations designed to counter the financing of terrorism and their resultant de-risking practices. The Secretary-General has also raised concerns that tightening counter-terrorism measures by some Member States during the pandemic could negatively affect non-profit organizations and emergency humanitarian aid. We reiterate once more that such measures must not impede the delivery of principled humanitarian assistance, nor should they infringe upon the legitimate activities of humanitarian and civil society organizations carrying out vital work, often in fragile or conflict-affected contexts.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“Ireland is a small, open economy with a thriving financial services industry. We know that both terrorism and organized crime are fuelled by complex systems of money-laundering and terrorist-financing. We also recognize that countering such financing is a central part of our global counter-terrorism response. At the domestic level, we have a robust, institutional framework for countering terrorist financing. This is kept under review to reflect new and emerging trends, as well as European Union requirements and Financial Action Task Force recommendations. We have also recently introduced legislation that extends the countering of terrorist-financing obligations to virtual-asset service providers.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“Civil society and the private sector play a crucial role in this regard. However, the challenge, as always, is to move from rhetoric to implementation. We were particularly interested to learn of the important work carried out by the United Nations Development Programme, Burkina Faso, Kenya and other partners to address the differential impact of the threat of ISIL and its affiliates on women and girls. Specifically, we welcome the development of a toolkit to generate gender-disaggregated data and inform a gender-sensitive response to those threats. Greater detail in future reports on the outcome of this work would be useful, including on how it could be applied more broadly. Put simply, including gender-sensitive disaggregated data in our analysis will strengthen our capacity to address terrorism.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“The report also highlights the significant threat posed by ISIL-Khorasan to the people of Afghanistan, evidenced by the horrific attack on HALO Trust staff in Baghlan province on 8 June. The Council spoke with one united voice in condemning that heinous attack. While the circumstances in Afghanistan have changed very significantly since then, we cannot forget that aspect of the conflict environment. The pandemic has accelerated the digital transition across so many aspects of our societies. Unfortunately, this is also true for terrorists and for terrorism. Ireland supports the Secretary-General’s call for States Members of the United Nations to rise to the challenge of digitally enabled terrorism through international cooperation and effective government in line with international law.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank the Indian presidency for ensuring a continued focus on the critical issue of counter-terrorism. I also want to thank our three briefers this morning for their excellent briefings. It may sound like a truism, but it is indeed a fact: the scourge of terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to international peace and security despite significant progress made by the Security Council and its Counter- Terrorism Committee. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/682) is clear. In the first half of this year, the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) continued to increase, with ISIL activities expanding in Africa, notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by coronavirus disease.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“In particular, we need technology that is gender-transformative, not gender-blind. The correct use of technology to support peacekeepers can be an enabling factor in support of improving the proportion of women peacekeepers — an aim I know we all, around the table, share. As a country with a long-standing record of contributing to peacekeeping missions, Ireland is committed to continuing to share its experience and help build capacity with others to develop and use critical technology to ensure the safety and security of our peacekeepers.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“In response, we must share valuable insights and we need to be equally innovative in how we mitigate the threat. That includes examining how armed groups exploit the accessibility of information and technology. Here, effective export controls are crucial. Recognizing the growing importance of technologies and their risks to international peace and security means that we must stay ahead of the curve through innovations in multilateral diplomacy and digital development to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. To do that, we need greater cooperation and engagement with regional organizations, the private sector and civil society in order to responsibly develop and use technologies. We need to ensure, literally, that no one is left behind as technology advances.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“While gaps can arise in the levels of equipment and training available to peacekeepers, it is imperative that, at a minimum, all troop-contributing countries have equal access to self-protection technologies that support their critical safety and security. That includes through improving situational awareness and early warning, including through artificial intelligence. We recognize the particular importance of unarmed, unmanned aerial vehicles, while emphasizing that their use must always be in compliance with international law and respect the core principles and values of the United Nations. It is clear that our much valued peacekeepers should not be playing catch-up when it comes to new technologies. Armed groups are becoming ever more innovative in their use of emerging technology.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“That is also true particularly with regard to the protection of civilians. The United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant is a good example of how innovative technologies can be used effectively. We therefore welcome the Strategy for the Digital Transformation of United Nations Peacekeeping, which supports the use of technology across the Action for Peacekeeping themes, including performance, safety and security, politics, protection and peacebuilding. In order to maximize the opportunities of technology, peacekeeping missions need to be adequately resourced. Training must also be designed to leverage the capabilities of technology.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“We have learned through bitter experience that technologies can be used to destabilize or exacerbate conflict. However, we also know that technologies can also offer valuable assistance in equipping and resourcing peacekeepers in peacekeeping operations and in fulfilling mission mandates. How we harness and manage new technologies is crucial. As pointed out, enhancing situational awareness and early-warning mechanisms in missions, which can improve decision-making for the protection of United Nations personnel and the protection of civilians, is essential. Technology can also play an important role as a force multiplier. It has the potential to offer United Nations peacekeepers greater situational awareness and improved data analysis, thereby improving the safety and security of missions, while also increasing their effectiveness.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“As others have said today, the risks our peacekeepers face are wide-ranging and constantly evolving — from improvised explosive devices to complex attacks to drone technology. Effectively addressing those threats requires the consideration of the safety and security of peacekeepers throughout the mission cycle, from inception to transition. Indeed, we now know that the period of reconfiguration and transition of peacekeeping missions heightens the risk of threats to both peacekeepers and civilians. Ensuring that transitions are properly managed, coordinated and organized helps to significantly reduce those risks. That is a priority for Ireland on the Security Council and we look forward to hosting a ministerial-level meeting on that subject during our upcoming presidency in September.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“I am delighted to welcome you among us in the Chamber, Mr. Minister. I want to thank India most sincerely for organizing this important discussion and welcome the adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/2021/17 on this issue. Ireland shares with India a deep and long-standing commitment to peacekeeping. Indeed, Irish and Indian troops today proudly serve side by side in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the noble service of humankind. For all peacekeeping nations, the safety and security of our peacekeepers are paramount. When lives are lost, there can be no impunity for those responsible. For that reason, we also very much welcome the adoption today of resolution 2589 (2021), on addressing impunity for crimes against peacekeepers, which we are pleased to co-sponsor.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“Afghan Minister for Education Rangina Hamidi spoke in recent hours of her fear, shared by many Afghan women, that she will be forced to pay the price for trying to make Afghanistan a better place and for being active in her society, simply realizing her rights. Ireland calls for a clear message today from the Council. While much, including the political future of Afghanistan, is currently uncertain, what is clear is that the failure to fully respect and uphold the rights of all the people of Afghanistan, in particular the rights and safety of women and girls, cannot and will not be accepted. We owe that to the women of Afghanistan and to all the people of Afghanistan who have kept faith with the promises of the international community for a brighter future. Our obligation is to act in solidarity with them all now in this time of crisis.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“Strong, enduring peace can be built only by inclusive and representative negotiations. Let us be clear here today — the future governance of Afghanistan can have the support and endorsement of the international community only if it guarantees the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, includes minority groups and young people, upholds human rights and fundamental freedoms and ensures adherence to the rule of law and accountability, as set out in resolution 2513 (2020). In our view, the Council needs to be prepared to consider further measures from the toolbox at its disposal as this crisis unfolds.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“We condemn, in the strongest terms, the deliberate targeting of women and girls by the Taliban. Girls must be free to attend school; women must be able to participate fully in society; and those who speak up for human rights must be free to do so. In focusing on the needs of women, I, of course, also want to condemn the reported reprisals and attacks against and summary executions of Afghan men. That also must stop. It is high time to learn from the past, or we will be doomed to see the worst of history repeating itself in Afghanistan. Two decades of progress are disintegrating on our watch. The Afghan people have worked too hard and lost too much to see their futures repeat the past of their mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers — generations lost to conflict.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“The fear, indignation and sense of betrayal that they feel is understood and is righteous. I call on the Council to stand with the women of Afghanistan. Their rights and their future participation in Afghan society cannot be sacrificed. That is our shared responsibility at this table; it must also be our shared priority. All of us around the table can, and should, agree that, as a non-negotiable principle in all discussions, the rights of women in Afghanistan must be protected. That is the future of Afghanistan. The Taliban have reportedly said that women have nothing to fear from them, yet we hear multiple and credible reports of summary executions, forced marriages and sexual and gender-based violence. Telling the international community what it wants to hear will fool no one. We will not turn a blind eye to the truth.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“Those who have worked for peace, human rights defenders, who have tirelessly endeavoured to promote and protect the rights of their fellow citizens, must not now be abandoned. I wish to address the women of Afghanistan directly — women who have the most at stake as the democratic Government dissolves and an uncertain future awaits. Lest there be any doubt as to the gravity of the situation, I am speaking to the women at the airport with their children and families, trying to find a way out; the women hiding in their homes; the women sleeping in the streets; and the women still fighting for peace and human rights although that may well now risk their lives. To the women of Afghanistan, I say that we hear their pleas to the international community at this dark time.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“We call now for the utmost restraint to protect lives and to ensure that the dire humanitarian needs be addressed. Given the urgency of the situation and the desperate plight facing the Afghan people, it is vital that we act to address the crisis facing Afghanistan. Lives are at imminent risk through the worsening violence, displacement and food insecurity. The international community has a responsibility to respond, to act to protect civilians and to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people. Safe and reliable humanitarian access must be guaranteed and protected and the work of all the relevant United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners must be facilitated without exception.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“In the face of an unfolding crisis of tragic proportions, the Council will now have to assume its responsibilities and act. This is a calamitous situation for all the people of Afghanistan. As we have consistently done in the Chamber, we condemn the appalling violence and the indiscriminate attacks perpetrated against civilians in Afghanistan. The violence and the intimidation must end. It is clear that we have entered a new phase in Afghanistan. Peace will be achieved only through an agreed, inclusive and negotiated solution. Violence does not provide legitimacy, nor does it deliver durable peace. Respect for the rule of law and compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, is imperative.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“I want to thank the Secretary-General for his presence here today and for his very powerful words at the beginning of our meeting. We supported the convening of this urgent meeting to discuss the unfolding tragic developments in Afghanistan. Over the past weeks, as we heard, we have witnessed in real time the Taliban seizing control of Afghan cities by force, culminating in the loss of Government control in Kabul. We have all seen the scenes of chaos at the airport. We cannot say that we were not warned of this possible outcome. In the Chamber, we heard many worrying alerts, not least in the courageous testimonies of members of Afghan civil society. Sadly, and tragically for so many, we failed to heed those warnings. We will now have to address the consequences.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“Finding consensus among all of Somalia’s partners and Somali leaders on how best to achieve that is now critical and urgent.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“I sincerely commend the bravery and sacrifices made by both AMISOM and the Somali security forces to promote peace in Somalia. As a member of the European Union, which has proudly contributed to AMISOM and Somali security over decades, I want to encourage the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations and the African Union to work to follow the timeline set out in resolution 2568 (2021). For the future security of the people of Somalia, it is absolutely vital to continue to work together towards the progressive transfer of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces. That must happen as soon the security and political situation allows and in a manner that prioritizes the safety and security of all Somali citizens.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“The negative impact of climate change and the coronavirus disease pandemic are further exacerbating the serious humanitarian situation and having a disproportionate impact on the vulnerable — as always, women and girls. While international partners need to step up funding and support in Somalia — and in that context it is regrettable to see contributions to the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia at the lowest level in six years — the Government must also refocus on addressing humanitarian access constraints and the fundamental challenges facing the people of Somalia. In concluding, I wish to touch on the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). As we heard in great detail today in a comprehensive update from Mr. Madeira, the African Union, through AMISOM, plays a major role in promoting peace and security in Somalia.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“The Secretary General’s report (S/2021/723) highlights the alarming scale of ongoing grave violations against the children of Somalia by all parties, including Al-Shabaab, clan militias and Federal Government and federal member state armed forces. I call on all parties to prevent and end all grave violations against children and to hold perpetrators accountable. The recent political impasse has diverted attention from tackling the serious threat of Al-Shabaab, but we have not looked away. The reality is that Al-Shabaab are the only ones to have gained from this electoral impasse. I condemn in the strongest possible terms their continued attacks on civilians, government officials and security forces. The distraction of the political impasse has also aggravated the effects of a dire humanitarian crisis in Somalia.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“These acts are utterly unacceptable and must cease immediately, whomever the perpetrators. I echo the call by Special Representatives Patten and Gamba for swift adoption of a new national action plan on ending sexual violence in conflict. I welcome the adoption in May of the human rights policy for the Somali National Armed Forces. Even so, I call on all Somali authorities to take immediate steps to protect women and girls from all forms of sexual and gender-based violence including enacting the original 2018 Sexual Offences Bill. It is also shocking that vulnerable children continue to be killed, abducted and recruited with apparent impunity.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“Gaballe today, when speaking of the mechanism, characterize the situation as elusive and challenging. I reiterate her urgent call for a concrete mechanism to be put in place without further delays. We need to see this commitment translated into practice. I am also alarmed by the reports of increased conflict-related sexual violence, especially against women and girls, as outlined recently by Special Representatives Patten and Gamba. I have read and listened to those reports in detail and — to put it frankly — they are horrifying. During his recent visit to Mogadishu, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney heard direct searing testimony from women activists in that regard. The tragic impact of conflict-related sexual violence on these women simply must be addressed. Ms. Gaballe reminded us of that in detail today.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“It is therefore imperative that we all work to ensure the safety and security of women running for office and that we plan for the protection of women during the upcoming elections. I am very concerned that there is still no established concrete mechanism to ensure the minimum 30 per cent quota for women in the electoral process. I have spoken many times with Foreign Minister Mohamud about this quota; it is not rhetorical. I very much appreciate the Somalian Ambassador’s personal commitment in that regard, and I know that it was discussed between our Foreign Minister and Minister Mohamud at their recent meeting in Mogadishu. The appointment of goodwill ambassadors, of course, is very welcome, but more is needed to see this commitment translated into practice. It is very disappointing to hear Ms.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“This is the cooperation that we wanted to see, and it is essential for long-term stability in Somalia. It is now critical that Somalia’s leaders maintain this positive momentum, resolve outstanding issues in a spirit of consensus and compromise, and move to hold inclusive elections without further delay. This is vital to delivering the demands of the people of Somalia for democracy and to tackle the major challenges the country faces. Time is of the essence. At this crucial moment for Somalia’s political future, it is all the more critical that we see the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the electoral process. As we heard in the briefings this morning, there are reports that women candidates have been intimidated, harassed, abducted and killed in the past.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“I want to thank this morning’s briefers for their invaluable insights. It is great to see the Special Representative Madeira in the Chamber this morning, and I thank him for his insights. I was particularly struck by the heartfelt and sincere presentation of Ms. Batula Sheikh Axmed Gaballe. It is also a pleasure, as always, to see our colleague, Ambassador Swan, here today. Since our last meeting, I have been encouraged by the step-by-step progress we are seeing now in Somalia towards the implementation of an agreed electoral model. I want to commend the leadership of the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states in setting aside their past differences and working to put the country and the Somali people’s interests first.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“We hope that the remaining differences can be overcome with the necessary political will and a spirit of compromise that will benefit all the people of the region. Once again, we urge the parties to return to the negotiating table. We also understand that, to achieve that, political support is required. We see our meeting here today as part of the international community’s response to that. We will continue to support a negotiated resolution on the matter. We fully support the European Union’s role as an observer to the AU- led process, and we, as Ireland, stand ready to assist as needed.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“We encourage the parties to redouble their efforts to explore confidence-building measures, to decrease tensions and build trust. As envisaged in the Declaration of Principles on the GERD, this could include establishing a reciprocal information-sharing arrangement, with the support of observers, to facilitate mutual sharing of data. Predictability and transparency, we know, are critical to achieving a settlement. After a decade of negotiations, we believe that an agreement on the filling of the GERD should be within the reach of Ethiopia, the Sudan and Egypt. In the 2015 Declaration of Principles on the GERD, the three countries committed to cooperation, equitable and reasonable utilization, security and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“We are encouraged by the leadership of the African Union and the chairmanship of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, working to facilitate negotiations to find an equitable and peaceful solution that is acceptable to all parties. We believe that the African Union-led negotiations remain the best forum for finding a comprehensive agreement on the GERD. We encourage the African Union to continue to draw on the necessary technical expertise and political support to carry out this highly complex facilitation role. Ireland fully supports the efforts of the African Union and the observers to the process to bring the parties together and find a negotiated solution, and we encourage the swift resumption of the talks. We urge the parties to avoid any actions that might call into question or damage the prospects of an accord.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“Clearly, cooperation between the Blue Nile States has never been more important. Transboundary water cooperation is a key element in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan are experiencing first- hand the impacts of climate change, population growth and rapid urbanization, which will only increase water-management challenges. Sustained cooperation over water resources can only strengthen and support mutually beneficial relationships among neighbours. We believe that the parties are right to be looking ahead for their own people’s future, but they need to do this in relative harmony and together. We recognize the African Union’s efforts in leading negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“I thank our briefers for their insights. I also want to recognize the presence of our guests today, the Ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan and the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking on behalf of the Chair of the African Union (AU). It is our shared conviction that only a negotiated settlement can offer a solution to this critical issue. A negotiated agreement stands to benefit millions of people living in the Blue Nile basin. Ireland recognizes how fundamental this issue is for all parties, who see the Nile as a vital natural resource, critical to the livelihoods and development of the people across Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan. A lasting agreement on how the dam is managed is absolutely critical to the long-term stability and development of the entire region.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“In particular, we commend the ongoing partnership with the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Group of Five for the Sahel and the United Nations Special Coordinator for development in the Sahel. West Africa and the Sahel holds vast potential for inclusive transformative growth due to its geographical, economic and demographic prospects. We call on all our regional partners to focus on their political commitment to democratic governance, human rights and regional cooperation in seeking lasting peace, security and prosperity in the region.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“We are alarmed by credible reports of human rights violations and attacks against humanitarian workers. Accountability must be ensured for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. It is also clear that the humanitarian and socioeconomic consequences of the coronavirus disease pandemic continue to exacerbate the already challenging situation in the region. Finally, we are convinced that a coordinated regional response is critical to addressing regional peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel. Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is another key challenge that shows no respect for national borders and requires a regional institutional response. UNOWAS continues to play a vital role in promoting regional and subregional cooperation.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“Increased insecurity, the exploitation by armed groups of intercommunal tensions, and, particularly, an increase in attacks in West African coastal States, notably northern Côte d’Ivoire, are particularly worrisome. It is clear that climate change is one of the drivers of conflict across the region. The Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security has learned much from the work of UNOWAS on climate-risk assessments, and I commend efforts to deepen the mission’s integration of climate-related security risks into its actions. The deteriorating humanitarian situation, particularly rising food insecurity in the Central Sahel and the Lake Chad basin, is of deep concern. There is an urgent need for a scaled-up response and assistance to address this issue.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“We condemn the persistent attacks on schools, in particular continued abductions in Nigeria, as we disturbingly witnessed yet again this week. Schools must be safeguarded throughout the region. Without women’s participation, long-term stability cannot be achieved. It is simple: women must be supported, encouraged and protected in all political processes. We welcome the increased political representation of women in the region, but their absence from Cabinet tables must be addressed. It is particularly promising to see UNOWAS support for women and peace and security. National action plans have been adopted by all but one country in the region, which is truly impressive at a regional level. Ireland condemns the shocking violence we have witnessed in attacks against civilians, particularly in the Niger and Burkina Faso.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“At the same time, we are concerned about the current trend of reversal of democratic values in the region, in particular the recent events in Mali. Reports of widespread impunity for human rights violations in relation to electoral processes are extremely worrying. More than ever, the “good offices” function of UNOWAS is crucial. Strengthening the essential social contract between the State and its citizens is key to restoring confidence in democratic governance. This can be achieved through the promotion of inclusive policies, the encouragement of a vibrant civil society, and, of course, through freedom of expression. (spoke in English) Engaging youth and providing access to quality education, particularly for girls, are both critical.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“Ms. Byrne Nason (Ireland) (spoke in French): I would also like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Annadif for his briefing. We are grateful for the essential role played by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) in conflict prevention in the region. I would like to welcome Ms. Chantal Ayemou, President of the Ivorian Network for the Protection of Children’s and Women’s Rights, to the Security Council. It is crucial that the voice of civil society, especially women-led civil society in the region, be heard. I thank her very much. Democratic governance is crucial for long-term peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel. We welcome the recent democratic transitions in the Niger and the sustained reconciliation efforts in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“We will continue, for our part, to support MONUSCO’s important work. (spoke in French) In conclusion, it is clear that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is at a critical moment in its history. It requires the continued and deep engagement of the international community and the Council in particular. I wish to reaffirm the strong support of my country, Ireland, for MONUSCO and for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“The operationalization and implementation of the transition should take place with the participation of all stakeholders, including United Nations agencies, the Peacebuilding Commission, non-governmental organizations and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is absolutely fundamental that women and civil society groups be meaningfully included in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the transition. That offers by far the best prospect for sustainability. We know that MONUSCO is doing much to address increases in attacks on civilians, which is at the core of its mandate. Ireland is concerned, however, by the growth in anti-MONUSCO sentiment in the form of protests and attacks. Delivering on MONUSCO’s mandate can succeed only with the support of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“We condemn all attacks against humanitarian workers in the strongest possible terms. Looking forward, it is crucial that MONUSCO’s gradual withdrawal be conditions-based and undertaken in step with the security situation on the ground. The implementation of the drawdown must also include critical reforms in the justice and security sectors, drawing on tools and actors right across the fields of humanitarian assistance, conflict resolution and sustainable development. Ireland welcomes the establishment of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme. We believe that it must be effective and inclusive if we are to achieve lasting peace. Recent events in Goma highlight once again the importance of the links between peacebuilding, humanitarian action and sustainable development.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“All victims and survivors deserve and must have access to appropriate supports and to justice. The Congolese Government has a clear responsibility to ensure that this is provided. In our briefings today we heard that the humanitarian situation remains bleak, with a shocking 20 million people now in need of assistance. The rates of acute food insecurity, severe malnutrition and displacement are deeply worrying. The combination of conflict, natural disasters and a resurgent COVID-19 pandemic clearly contribute to that worsening situation. Ireland is continuing to provide support to the people and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has provided more than €4.5 million in humanitarian assistance so far this year. It is vital that humanitarian workers can operate freely and that humanitarian space be respected.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“President Tshisekedi’s declaration of a state of siege demonstrates the scale of the violence in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. We believe that it is important that all actors respect human rights during this period. Grave human rights violations and abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including by State actors, remain of deep concern. Ireland welcomes efforts to end impunity for such violations. However, the continuing reports of widespread sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, highlight the fact that the authorities must urgently redouble their efforts to hold perpetrators to account. The precarious situation of the most vulnerable of all, children, affected by the armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo simply must remain our focus.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“Ireland commends the priority attached by President Tshisekedi, in his role as Chair of the African Union, to the participation of women in the peace process and negotiations. We also commend his efforts to increase the number of women in the Government. That trend must continue to make true strides in terms of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (spoke in English) Ireland is deeply concerned by the rising insecurity, the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the alarming levels of human rights violations and abuses, including by State actors, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The recent volcanic eruption added to and indeed illustrated the multiple and overlapping fragilities facing the people of the country and the Great Lakes region.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“The adoption of the programme of action of the Union sacrée de la nation is a significant step forward for change and reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the region. That could benefit the Congolese people in various ways, including by improving stability, strengthening governance systems, empowering women, and combating impunity and corruption. We welcome the efforts of President Tshisekedi, as Chair of the African Union, to deepen the engagement of the African Union in the region. It is vital to facilitate cooperation with other regional organizations as well as neighbouring States to respond to common threats, in particular the ongoing threat posed by armed groups in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source