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 am surprised by the comments from my Russian colleagues on my earlier statement as Facilitator. My statement was circulated yesterday as a courtesy for the information of all Council members, as I explained at the format meeting on resolution 2231 (2015) last week. The statement reflects my views on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) over the past six months. This is not a negotiated text, nor has it ever been. The 2231 format is expressly not a sanctions body and has its own particular established modalities. The established practice is that the Facilitator’s statement has not been negotiated but is circulated as a courtesy, and we have worked to maintain an inclusive overall approach. I think that practice best suits the role and the responsibilities of the Facilitator.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“At the same time, we call on the United States to meet its commitments on the lifting of sanctions, refrain from imposing new sanctions and take all necessary steps to facilitate the full implementation of the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015). It is important that the Iranian people see tangible benefits from the full implementation of the JCPOA. Finally, the JCPOA is a major achievement in nuclear non-proliferation and an example of how we can work together to resolve protracted and difficult issues through dialogue and diplomacy. It is essential that all of us work to restore and rebuild confidence in the agreement and ensure that it can achieve its goals for the benefit of all.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“I would stress that it is only through the IAEA’s verification and monitoring, including under the JCPOA, that the international community can have confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. It is essential that Iran cooperate fully and without prevarication with the IAEA in all aspects of its safeguards obligations and commitments, including the provisional application of the Additional Protocol. We share the concerns expressed by others regarding Iran’s ongoing ballistic-missile and space launch activity. We urge Iran to reconsider actions that undermine trust, which is essential to the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015). We note that during the reporting period the United States reinstated waivers on civilian nuclear projects, which will facilitate the implementation of those activities.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“Those activities have increased as Iran has suspended the implementation of transparency measures under the JCPOA. Ireland shares the grave concern expressed by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a number of reports regarding those actions, particularly about the consequences of the decision to remove IAEA cameras and other equipment from various sites around Iran. In resolution 2231 (2015), the Council has asked the IAEA Director General to report at any time if he has reasonable grounds to believe that there is an issue of concern directly affecting the fulfilment of JCPOA commitments. It is therefore important for the Council to pay attention when the Director General expresses such concerns.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“We urge all sides to move without further delay to agree on it and move forward with its implementation. We fully support the work of European Union High Representative Borrell Fontelles to facilitate efforts to that end. We welcome the start of talks in Doha this week and urge all parties to work urgently towards concluding an agreement. It is important that all sides return to full compliance with their commitments under the JCPOA. We are deeply concerned about Iran’s actions regarding its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA, in particular its accumulation of considerable stocks of 20 per cent and 60 per cent enriched uranium, its experiments in uranium metal production, its development and increasing use of new and advanced centrifuges and the associated irreversible knowledge gains.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“Ireland welcomes the reports of the Secretary-General (S/2022/490), the Facilitator on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) (see S/2022/510) and the Joint Commission (see S/2022/482) and has taken note of their findings. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Ambassador Skoog for their briefings today. Ireland remains strongly committed to preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and to the full implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). Despite the progress made in the Vienna talks, we are concerned about the fact that a full restoration of the JCPOA, including a return by the United States and a return to compliance by Iran, has not yet taken place. That is despite the fact that extensive negotiations have taken place since spring 2021, with a viable deal now on the table.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“Finally, over the course of my time as Facilitator, I have done my utmost to support the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in an impartial and transparent manner, working closely with all Council members to meet our shared responsibility to ensure the full and effective implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) and the JCPOA, which it underpins. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Secretariat for their invaluable advice and strong support over this period. It has been a great honour to work with everyone on this important file.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“I join the other briefers here today in hoping that all sides can move to accept the agreement on the table and ensure that the JCPOA can achieve its goals for the benefit of all. It is important that all parties to the agreement uphold it in both spirit and letter, avoid actions that undermine the implementation of commitments, and ensure its full and effective implementation. In turn, we in New York must continue to play our part in demonstrating that resolution 2231 (2015), which endorses the JCPOA, is working as it should.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“Thirdly, no new proposals were submitted to the Security Council through the procurement channel during the reporting period. The procurement channel represents a key transparency and confidence-building mechanism under the JCPOA. It remains operational and stands ready to review proposals. I join the Secretary-General in encouraging all participants to the JCPOA, Member States and the private sector to fully support and utilize the channel. The JCPOA is a major achievement in nuclear non-proliferation, an example of how we can work together to resolve protracted and difficult issues through dialogue and diplomacy. I note that discussions among the parties are ongoing.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“In addition, I sent seven official communications to Member States and the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission. I received a total of 11 communications from Member States and the Coordinator. Among the communications circulated were the two regular quarterly reports issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in March and May 2021, as well as eight updates. I would like to stress the importance of the IAEA’s role in conducting verification and monitoring activities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as requested under resolution 2231 (2015). The IAEA’s work is essential to provide confidence for the international community that the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran is for exclusively peaceful purposes. The reports of the Director General play a key role in that regard.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“First, I would like to report that one meeting of the Council in the 2231 format was held during this reporting period, on 23 June 2022, at which representatives of the Security Council discussed the findings and recommendations contained in the thirteenth report of the Secretary-General (S/2022/490) on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), prior to its public release. Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo already referred to some of those points in her briefing. The 2231 format also had a discussion on the ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, on ballistic missile and space vehicle launches by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and on issues related to implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). Secondly, a total of 13 notes were circulated within the 2231 format during the reporting period.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“Ms. Byrne Nason: The thirteenth six-month report (see S/2022/510) of the Facilitator on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) was approved by Council members on 23 June. I would like to thank all Council members for their constructive engagement in that process and for the spirit of compromise and flexibility. The report provides a factual account of the activities that took place in the 2231 format of the Security Council, covering the period from 8 December 2021 to 23 June 2022. It includes relevant communications, summarized in my report, as well as key aspects of the workings of the procurement channel. Council members may refer to the report for details, but I wish to mention three points in particular.”
2022-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9085 (2022) · source
“Finally, as preparations for the 2023 general elections continue, we look forward to the recommendations of the United Nations needs-assessment mission on possible electoral assistance and stress the importance of protecting the democratic space. We recognize that this will be a challenging period for Ms. Keita and her team, who are all making sincere and dedicated efforts on the ground. We want to assure them of Ireland’s full support. We continue to urge for greater transparency and guarantees, including safety, for the full participation of women and the inclusion of young people in electoral processes. We also commend the efforts of MONUSCO and Special Representative Keita to engage them through radio broadcasts, workshops and other innovative forms of support.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“Ireland commends the coordination between the Government and the United Nations system to ensure MONUSCO’s responsible drawdown from Tanganyika province. We welcome the development of a joint programmatic transition plan in line with the triple-nexus approach, and note the importance of mobilizing and allocating resources to help preserve stabilization gains. The continued engagement between MONUSCO, the United Nations country team, the Government and civil-society organizations to assess the progress in implementing the transition plan remains vital. We welcome the updated benchmark reporting, with the inclusion of more robust analysis of progress against many of the indicators.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“The Democratic Republic of the Congo has one of the most protracted and complex humanitarian crises in the world, with more than 27 million people in dire need of assistance. Worryingly, humanitarian organizations and actors are now operating in an increasingly dangerous environment, while the humanitarian response plan remains vastly underfunded. Insecurity breeds impunity, and we are appalled by the persistent human rights violations and sexual and gender-based violence, including by State actors. Ms. Lusenge’s remarks this morning were eye-opening and distressing in that regard. We condemn such acts and call on all actors to end all violence, violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process is fundamental to lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and requires the adequate and timely support of partners. We stress the importance of reinforcing and reforming the security and justice sectors as well as ensuring the protection of civilians, and we recognize the work of the Government and MONUSCO in that regard. The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to face multiple overlapping complex crises that are affecting the wider Great Lakes region. The conflict is resulting in forced migration and displacement and alarming levels of hunger and malnutrition. Food insecurity is increasing, exacerbated by Russia’s war in Ukraine and the consequent global rise in food prices.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“We encourage all parties to cease hostilities, engage constructively in the Nairobi process and begin a dialogue with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The proposed operationalization of a regional force must be advanced carefully. It also requires clear objectives and close cooperation with MONUSCO. We reiterate that a solution to the problem does not lie in military action alone. We also welcome the intensified efforts of regional organizations in recent months. (spoke in English) We welcome the validation of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization programme as a national strategy and the appointment of its provincial coordinators.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“It is now clearer than ever that peace cannot be secured by military means alone. Regional cooperation is essential to reconciliation and lasting peace. We continue to stress the importance of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. We commend the countries of the region, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the African Union and the East African Community for their efforts to ease tensions, support dialogue and build confidence. We also welcome MONUSCO’s role in combating hate speech. The meetings and the most recent communiqué of the regional Heads of State Conclave on the Democratic Republic of the Congo have demonstrated the concerted commitment of the countries of the region to promoting peace, stability and development.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“The increase in levels of hate speech, as well as attacks by armed groups targeting civilians, internally displaced persons, health and humanitarian personnel, the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) are alarming. We are very worried by the resurgence of the Mouvement du 23 mars group and the continued activities of the Allied Democratic Forces and the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo, including attacks on civilians that have led to mass displacement and ongoing violence and insecurity. That is taking place in the context of the prolonged state of siege, as well as increased military cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“Ms. Byrne Nason (Ireland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Bintou Keita, for her briefing to the Council this morning. I would also like to thank Ms. Lusenge for her pertinent and disturbing testimony. The information she shared with us was truly shocking. I will focus today on the rising regional tensions, the Nairobi process and the transition plan. Ireland is extremely concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the rising regional tensions, particularly between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“There must be full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for humanitarian personnel to reach civilians, including those who choose to remain in Ukraine and those who are unable to depart, including the elderly — they are not combatants and must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. The Russian Federation must allow those seeking to leave their towns and cities in Ukraine to do so safely, to destinations of their own choosing. Russia can end its aggression if it chooses to do so, but even while it chooses to execute an illegal war it still has obligations under international law and must comply with them. We call again on the Russian Federation to end its war and withdraw all forces unconditionally from the entirety of the sovereign territory of Ukraine.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source
“The United Nations human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine has recorded more than 10,000 civilian casualties, most of which have been caused by the use of explosive weapons. We condemn indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks in all circumstances. We are committed to ensuring accountability for the atrocious crimes taking place in Ukraine and recognize the important role of the ongoing investigation of the International Criminal Court in helping to pursue that. We must not accept impunity for those inflicting such horrors — not in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world. We once again call on the Russian Federation to comply with its obligations under international law.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source
“We have heard today about how civilians continue to bear the brunt of Russia’s unconscionable war. All allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be investigated and those responsible must be held to account. Parties to conflict must comply with international humanitarian law, including the obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants and to attack only military objectives; the prohibitions against indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks; and the obligation to take all feasible precautions in attack. Compliance is not optional. We know that yesterday’s Russian strike on Kremenchuk is not the first on Ukraine’s towns and cities. We deplore Russia’s use of explosive weapons, including prohibited cluster munitions, in populated areas without regard for civilians.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source
“I would also like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for her briefing, which highlighted the brutality of this unlawful war yet again. For four months, we have called for an end to the unjustified and unjustifiable war being waged against Ukraine. Yet as each day passes, reports of Russia’s violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue to grow. Civilians in Ukraine continue to pay the highest price. On Monday, Russian forces attacked a shopping mall in Kremenchuk full of civilians going about their ordinary lives. It appears to have been a clear attack against civilians and civilian infrastructure, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. Credible media sources have reported that the attack resulted in civilian deaths.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source
“We, the 10 elected members of the Security Council, speak with one voice to reaffirm our commitment today to live up to the responsibility bestowed upon us through our election by the States Members of the United Nations to do just that: to work together towards a more effective, transparent, inclusive and representative Council for all.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, earlier this month five new members of the Council were elected. The continued process of renewal, embodied by the 10 elected members of the Council, should provide the opportunity to reflect and improve the way in which we operate. The Charter of the United Nations is binding upon us all. Every State, including permanent members, must comply with its obligations. Our position is simple: if we are to live up the ideals of the Charter, even a Charter that does not change, the working methods of the Security Council need to evolve. In order to achieve that, and with the inputs of the broader membership, we need a renewed sense of urgency and shared purpose, individually and collectively, around this table.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“We call for the full implementation of presidential note S/2017/507 and subsequently adopted notes on the selection of the chairs of subsidiary bodies. The process should begin as soon as possible after the election of incoming Council members. The views of the incoming members concerning that allocation should not only be taken into account; they should be the determining and decisive factors. The expertise of elected members in certain areas should also be considered. Importantly, any consensus proposal by elected members should be respected. It is vital that the process be completed in a timely manner. That allows incoming members to better understand and closely monitor the work of the subsidiary bodies during the observation period beginning on 1 October. We regret that timeline has not been met in the past two years.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“Since the last working methods debate (see S/PV.8798), the Council has failed to adopt three draft resolutions owing to the use of the veto. The use or threat of use of the veto may prevent the Council from acting on vital topics. The E10 calls for restraint on the use of the veto, especially on actions aimed at preventing the most serious crimes of international concern — the very heart of the Council’s mandate. The E10 represents two thirds of the membership of the Council, and our united view is clear: the ideals of transparency, accountability, inclusivity and effectiveness would be better realized if the Council’s workload were more equally shared among all its members. That goes for the penholdership and co-penholdership arrangements, as well as the selection and chairing of subsidiary bodies.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“They should be accompanied with the necessary justification by the requesting member of the Committee concerned in order to promote transparency and accountability and ensure efficient record-keeping. That would help ensure the credibility of the work of the Committees and, in turn, the Council. In addition, listing and delisting individuals and entities under United Nations sanctions regimes should be objective and evidence-based. The E10 members underscore the critical and urgent need for comprehensive Security Council reform so that the Council reflects contemporary realities. While the Council needs to be more efficient, representative, transparent, accountable and democratic, it continues to lack a truly representative composition.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“In doing so, it should also ensure that sanctions do not have adverse humanitarian consequences for civilian populations or adversely affect humanitarian activities carried out by humanitarian organizations. We also believe that the chairs of sanctions committees should be more involved in the initial consultations on sanctions renewals led by the penholders. With respect to the working methods of subsidiary bodies, including sanctions committees, a transparent, open and evidence-based methodology needs to be followed. Any agenda item being introduced for consideration and any holds placed on listing requests or other matters of the Committees’ business need to be supported in writing.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“We strongly believe in the need to increase the effectiveness of United Nations sanctions by strengthening fair and clear procedures in United Nations sanctions regimes, including by creating review mechanisms similar to that of the Ombudsperson for the sanctions regime of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities. The Council should strive to ensure that its resolutions are clear and focused. As conflicts evolve, so too should our collective responses. The Council should take into account the efficacy of sanctions through the evolving phases of conflicts.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“Thirdly, targeted sanctions by the Security Council are an important tool to address threats to international peace and security. They are therefore critical to the execution of its mandate. The E10 underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the work of sanctions committees. Their working methods should be aligned with international due process standards.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“We are happy to note that we have seen important progress over the past year, including, but not limited to, the shared women and peace and security commitments adopted by some Council members. Together, we have ensured a continuous and necessary focus on gender equality throughout the work of the Council. We cannot compromise on the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the work of the Council. In that regard, we encourage all presidencies to strive for gender balance and diversity when selecting briefers. We must ensure that women are at the table and their voices are heard and heeded. The E10 is also actively engaging in discussions in the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, under the leadership of Albania, on a draft presidential note on the issue.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“We also believe that the transparency and accountability of the Council can be enhanced with regard to the documentation addressed to it by Member States. Related to that is the need for the improved provision of information and Council documentation, both past and current, to E10 members. An effective Council is an agile Council that learns from past experiences and prepares for future disruptions. We underline the importance of recording the best practices and lessons learned from the working methods instituted by the Council during the coronavirus disease pandemic. Secondly, we believe that it is critical that a gender lens be integrated across the working methods of the Security Council.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“For example, the joint working methods commitments of the three African members of the Security Council — Kenya, the Niger and Tunisia — as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2021 provided a useful blueprint and paved the way for subsequent joint working methods commitments, such as those adopted by the European Union Council members last year. We will continue to innovate, and we call on all members, both current and incoming, to do the same. A transparent Council should not come at the expense of an efficient and effective Council. This is not a zero-sum game. The Council needs to strike a healthy balance between public and private meetings in order to enhance the transparency and visibility of its work and encourage more interactivity of discussions and consensus-building.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“We see that growing practice as a step in the right direction — a step towards the implementation of the note by the President of the Security Council S/2017/507 and the 13 presidential notes adopted since the latest iteration of presidential note S/2017/507 and a step towards greater transparency and accountability. We call on all future Council presidencies to formulate, circulate and implement monthly working methods commitments. Elected members bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the work of the Council. In recent years, the E10 has actively sought to innovate and improve the Council’s working methods.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“The organization of briefings on the programme of work to Member States, the media and civil society are useful tools. We also encourage the holding of interactive monthly wrap-up sessions, and we welcome that that has become standard practice across Council presidencies. Monthly assessments, prepared under the authority of each presidency, constitute useful records of the Council’s action and sometimes, regrettably, inaction. Those assessments should be timely, and they should be frank. They should analyse and assess our work. Member States, civil society and academia should be able to consult such documents and find accurate reflections of the realities of the Security Council, rather than lists of meetings. Monthly working methods commitments have been published by 10 members of the Council in the past year.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“That means more transparency in how we operate. It also means more opportunities for the members of the General Assembly, on behalf of whom the Security Council acts, to interact with the work of the Council, while preserving the various tools at the command of the Security Council to ensure its effectiveness. We believe that the coordination, cooperation and interaction between the Security Council and the principal organs of the United Nations can be improved. That is especially true for the Peacebuilding Commission, which can offer valuable advice and cross-cutting perspectives in support of the Security Council’s work. Its Chairs should be invited to brief the Council whenever possible. The monthly presidency also has an important role to play in that engagement.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“As elected members, we understand and respect our responsibilities and obligations, entrusted to us through our election by the General Assembly. We therefore want the Council to operate in a way that maximizes its legitimacy. That means making it as representative, inclusive, transparent, effective and accountable as possible, in accordance with its mandate. Let us be clear: a more accountable and transparent Council would be better placed to meet its core tasks of preventing and resolving conflicts. It is with that in mind that we, the 10 elected members of the Security Council, approach the issue of working methods. To achieve that goal, the E10 would like to make several points and suggestions. First, we believe that the Council should strengthen its engagement with the wider United Nations membership.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“Ireland is pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the 10 elected members of the Security Council (E10). I want to begin by thanking Albania, as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, for organizing this important debate. I also want to thank our briefers, Ms. Loraine Sievers and Ms. Karin Landgren, for their valuable and important insights and recommendations. Working methods are not an end in themselves. As elected members, we seek to improve the way in which the Council operates because we share a common goal — a more effective Security Council. We want the Council to be more efficient in tackling the complex and interconnected threats to peace and security that we collectively face.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source
“Ireland would welcome more regular reporting by him to the Council on the engagement and participation of women in peace and security in the region, and we would like to have a systematic analysis of the implications of the conflict, particularly the occupation, for women and girls. In conclusion, the Council has an obligation to ensure the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). We are clearly failing in our duty to do that.”
2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9077 (2022) · source
“In a context of flagrant violations of international law and a lack of accountability, the role of civil society becomes all the more important. Ireland’s support for civil society is steadfast, and we reiterate our concern at Israel’s designation of six Palestinian non-governmental organizations as terrorist organizations. The freedom of the media is also essential. We echo the comments of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. It is deeply disturbing that the Israeli authorities have not conducted a criminal investigation into the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh. I thank Tor Wennesland for his briefing to the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security.”
2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9077 (2022) · source
“The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East plays a vital role and must get sufficient support. Ireland and its EU partners will continue to play our part. The Palestinian Authority has an important role to play. Ireland therefore calls on the Palestinian Authority to do more to intensify the process towards elections, as Special Coordinator Wennesland has already said, to strive towards Palestinian reconciliation and reduce levels of tension and violence in whatever ways it can. Ireland shares Tor Wennesland’s concerns at the tensions in Jerusalem and the unacceptable challenges to the status quo at the Temple Mount/Haram Al-Sharif. The custodian role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is essential and must be fully respected.”
2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9077 (2022) · source
“Those responsible must be held accountable, and the Council must do more to address the issue. Ireland condemns recent attacks from the Gaza Strip. It is imperative that all parties strive to maintain the calm. More needs to be done to alleviate the humanitarian situation, facilitate economic development and lift the blockade, in line with resolution 1860 (2009). Ireland is also gravely concerned by the situation in the West Bank. Economic hardship is increasing for the Palestinian people in the context of rising fuel and food prices, while the Palestinian Authority’s fiscal position remains very difficult. The increased encroachment of settlements on land and natural resources, especially on water, also undermines Palestinian economic potential.”
2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9077 (2022) · source
“That increases the risk of the forcible transfer of some 1,150 Palestinians and the demolition of their homes. The establishment of a firing zone is not an imperative military reason to transfer a population under occupation. We are also concerned by reports of increased movement restrictions for the communities and those providing humanitarian assistance. In resolution 2334 (2016), the Security Council calls for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror. Ireland condemns all acts of violence. There has been a horrible series of attacks against civilians in Israel. In addition, the killings of Palestinians, including children, in Jenin and elsewhere is becoming all too frequent. During the reporting period, the Israeli security forces killed nine children.”
2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9077 (2022) · source
“Yet again, the reports of Special Coordinator Wennesland and the Secretary-General have highlighted the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, with the highest number of settlement units advanced since October 2020. In 2021, only 10 building permits were granted for Palestinians, as compared to 2,526 housing starts in settlements. Israel’s cessation of further settlement- building could preserve the possibility of an eventual negotiated solution between the parties. Israel must also cease evictions and demolitions, including of donor-funded structures, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law. I reiterate Ireland’s position on the decision last month on the Masafer Yatta eviction case in the South Hebron Hills in the occupied West Bank.”
2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9077 (2022) · source
“I wish to thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing today. In resolution 2334 (2016), the Security Council reiterated its demand that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and that it fully respect all of its legal obligations in that regard. The assessment in the Secretary-General’s report in relation to the Security Council’s demand is clear and stark: no such steps were taken during the reporting period, as settlement activities continued. That is simply unacceptable. I reiterate the long-standing position of Ireland and the European Union (EU) that settlements are illegal under international law; that they constitute a major obstacle to peace; and that they gravely undermine the prospects of a two-State solution.”
2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9077 (2022) · source
“The international community and the Council have a responsibility to respond on the basis of respect for human rights, humanitarian principles and inclusive and representative participation, with women in the room and at the table, rather than accepting the status quo. We just need to find the political will to do that.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source
“Human rights have been eroded, women have been erased, minorities are under attack and journalists are being targeted, with an economy in free fall, humanitarian aid diverted and commitments broken. That is the Taliban’s Afghanistan. Here in the Chamber, it is not good enough to tell ourselves that things are better than they might have been, that we need to give the Taliban time. Already this week, the Council recognized that we cannot pretend it is business as usual. By amending the 1988 travel ban exemptions, we showed that business as usual will not stand. As Ms. Royan asked, if women cannot travel freely, why should the Taliban be able to? The people of Afghanistan are suffering now. Lives are being lost and futures destroyed.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source
“The humanitarian assistance being provided by the United Nations country team and international non-governmental organizations should not and cannot be subject to political interference and diversion. Taking food from the mouths of those in need is reprehensible. It is an abuse. For almost one year, we have sat here and heard that this is a different Taliban, only an interim Taliban Cabinet, that inclusive governance will happen, that education for girls will come at a future time, that decrees against women’s rights should not be of concern. We said in August (see S/PV.8831 and S/PV.8848) that we would judge the Taliban by their actions, not by their words. Well, their words have been proven hollow time and time again, and their actions speak volumes.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source