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

“Ms. Byrne Nason (Ireland) (spoke in French): We are deeply saddened by the horrible assassination of President Jovenel Moïse of Haiti and the attack against his wife. We convey our sincere condolences to the family and to the people and the Government of Haiti. I would like to thank Ms. Bintou Keita and Ms. Ritha Kibambe for their very relevant and enlightening statements. Ireland is grateful to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for its very important work and for the information provided today on the situation with respect to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We also take note of the recent COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility delivery and hope that vaccine doses will be distributed and administered throughout the country.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“We urge all parties to recognize and to meet their responsibilities, forging a way forward for all Ethiopians. The Council, too, must step up and play its part.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“We also urge the Ethiopian authorities to demonstrate their commitment to the ceasefire by facilitating unimpeded humanitarian access immediately. Secondly, all parties to the conflict must fully respect international humanitarian law and human rights law. Sexual violence and atrocities against civilians and humanitarian workers must end. Humanitarians must be allowed to do their job without interference. Finally, and crucially, we need all Ethiopian stakeholders to commit to a process of national dialogue that promotes reconciliation and the unity of Ethiopia. Ireland stands ready to support in any way that we can. We look forward to seeing today’s announcement in that regard followed through on and delivered quickly and in full. This is a critical moment for Ethiopia. The world is watching.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“We strongly support the work of High Commissioner Bachelet Jeria and her Office and attach great importance to the joint investigation with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. Accountability must be ensured for all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law to counter impunity, prevent further future violations and provide justice for victims and survivors. I began today by saying that we have an opportunity to send a clear message to the parties on the ground. Three months ago, Ireland said the same thing behind closed doors and has repeated it since. Today I believe that message should be threefold. First, the Council should urge all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities, protect civilians and allow for immediate and safe humanitarian access to all parts of Tigray.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“Such outrageous attacks must cease. I pay tribute to the efforts and the courage of humanitarian workers in highly dangerous circumstances. We condemn reports that international non-governmental organizations and United Nations vehicles and their equipment have been destroyed or appropriated in violation of international humanitarian law. Humanitarian actors’ rights under international humanitarian law need to be respected in accordance with the obligations of all parties to the conflict. We remain horrified by the conflict-related sexual violence and atrocities described by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Patten. It is clear that systematic abuses are being perpetrated by armed actors in the conflict. The Council has demanded that those and other violations end immediately.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“We also call on the Government to establish a functioning civil-military coordination mechanism, immediately restore essential services and reopen airspace for humanitarian deliveries. Tigrayan forces must also refrain from any actions that encourage conflict or restrict humanitarian access. Beyond the food security crisis, we are deeply concerned about the wider humanitarian and human rights situation. Reports last week of the air strike on the village market of Togoga in northern Tigray, killing and injuring hundreds of civilians, many of them children, are alarming. We call on the Ethiopian authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the incident. Last week’s brutal murder of three staff of Médecins sans Frontières underlines the dangers faced by humanitarians. Humanitarian workers must never be targets.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“The declaration by the Ethiopian Government of a unilateral ceasefire is a welcome step. However, any ceasefire must include actions that serve to improve the humanitarian situation on the ground, not to create further obstacles to the humanitarian response. Reports that humanitarian access continues to be cut off, including through the destruction of key routes for humanitarian supplies, are deeply worrying and, frankly, shocking. We urge all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities, protect civilians and allow for immediate, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access to all parts of Tigray. We call on the Ethiopian authorities to demonstrate their commitment to the ceasefire that they declared by immediately facilitating humanitarian access. In that regard, the next few days are absolutely critical as the humanitarian response restarts.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“It is clear that the threat of famine looms and that hundreds of thousands of people could already be starving. It is clear that, without further and immediate scaled-up action, many more will die. We all have a responsibility to act immediately to save lives. Indeed, our action is overdue. The prospect of a large-scale famine in Ethiopia today is real. The evidence that we heard today is indisputable. The consequences of inaction are chilling and all too predictable. As the spectre of a large-scale famine again looms for the people of Ethiopia, the international community is ready to mobilize the necessary response. However, the political steps needed to facilitate that response lie with those who are party to this conflict. Leadership to forge a path towards a political solution is needed.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“I thank Rosemary DiCarlo and Ramesh Rajasingham for their insightful, yet deeply troubling, briefings today. Ethiopia is a long-standing and important partner for Ireland. For that reason, the deteriorating crisis in the Tigray region and its severe humanitarian consequences are of genuine and deep concern to us. It is a situation that we have consistently raised and sought to have the Security Council address since we joined the Council in January. The Council’s voice matters on this issue. Today, finally, we meet publicly and all Council members have an opportunity to send a clear message to the parties on the ground: this conflict must end. Humanitarian needs must be urgently addressed. We called for today’s meeting because it is clear that a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Tigray.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“We also stress that all parties should refrain from any actions, including missile launches, that undermine trust and stability in the region. Ireland supports the Secretary-General’s call on all States, including those in the region, to support the Plan. It is important that we here in New York demonstrate that resolution 2231 (2015) is working as it should. Ireland will continue to support all efforts to that end. Finally, as I conclude, I wanted to offer sincere congratulations to you and your excellent team on such an effective and efficient presidency during the month of June. As a fellow European Union member State, we are proud of the manner in which Estonia has presided over our business this month, and I wanted to wish you a sincere comhghairdeas leat, which means “congratulations” in my own Irish language.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“In that regard, we call on Iran to return to full cooperation with the IAEA without delay. That is important not only to meet its commitments under the JCPOA, but it is essential for the international community to have confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. We regretted the decision of the previous United States Administration to leave the JCPOA and impose sanctions. We call on the United States to take all steps necessary to facilitate the full and proper implementation of the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015), including the removal of sanctions. It is important that the Iranian people see tangible benefits from the Plan. It was intended that the JCPOA would provide space to build trust and confidence between the parties, which might allow cooperation to address other challenges in the region.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“As the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported, that includes uranium enrichment up to 60 per cent, the installation of new and advanced centrifuges and the production of uranium metal. We are seriously concerned about those activities, particularly around the irreversibility of the knowledge being acquired by such activities. We once again urge Iran to fully implement its commitments under the JCPOA. We are deeply concerned about Iran’s decision to suspend, as of 23 February, the implementation of transparency measures as envisaged in the JCPOA. It is essential that Iran cooperate fully with the IAEA to ensure the full implementation of all monitoring and verification measures, in particular the Additional Protocol to its Safeguards Agreement.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“We welcome positive steps over the past six months, including the United States withdrawal of its claims of snapback. We strongly support the ongoing talks in Vienna under the framework of the Joint Commission. We welcome the commitment of the United States to return to the JCPOA, as well as that of all parties to the talks. We hope that the negotiations, under the European Union chairmanship, will soon reach an agreement on the United States return to the JCPOA and the full and effective implementation of commitments under the JCPOA by all sides, notably a return to compliance by Iran. It is vital that this opportunity be seized. Ireland is deeply concerned about actions taken by Iran with regard to its nuclear commitments under the JCPOA.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Ambassador Skoog for their briefings. We welcome the eleventh report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2021/582), as well as the report of the Joint Commission on the status of the Procurement Working Group’s decisions (see S/2021/578). We have taken due note of both reports, their findings and recommendations. Ireland remains strongly committed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). As the three reports before us today make clear, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is an important achievement in multilateral diplomacy and nuclear non-proliferation, and, fully implemented, it remains the best way to guarantee the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“I hope that the talks in Vienna will soon reach a positive conclusion. We in turn must continue to play our part in demonstrating that resolution 2231 (2015) is working as it should. In conclusion, I underline the call set out in paragraph 2 of resolution 2231 (2015) to all “Member States, regional organizations and international organizations to take such actions as may be appropriate to support the implementation of the JCPOA, including ... by refraining from actions that undermine implementation of commitments under the JCPOA”.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“I note that the channel is operational and effective and join the Secretary-General’s encouragement of all participants in the JCPOA, Member States and the private sector to fully support and utilize that channel. As Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo recalled, the JCPOA is a major achievement in nuclear non-proliferation. It is a successful example of how we can work together to resolve protracted and difficult issues through dialogue and diplomacy. It remains the best way to guarantee the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme. As the Secretary-General states in his report, we are in a new environment as compared to where we were six months ago. Talks in Vienna offer the prospect of a return to the JCPOA by the United States and the full and effective implementation of the agreement by all parties.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“I cannot emphasize enough the central, impartial and professional role played by the Agency as it continues to carry out its verification and monitoring activities in the Islamic Republic of Iran as requested under resolution 2231 (2015). Also, on 18 February, the United States notified the Security Council (see S/2021/158) that it had withdrawn its letters of 20 August 2020 (see S/2020/815), 21 August 2020 (S/2020/822) and 21 September 2020 (S/2020/927). That made clear the understanding of all Council members that resolution 2231 (2015) remains in effect in all its parts. Thirdly, only one new proposal was submitted to, and approved by, the Security Council during the reporting period through the procurement channel. That channel represents a key transparency and confidence-building mechanism under the JCPOA.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“The 2231 format held an open discussion on the ongoing talks in Vienna in and around the Joint Commission, on ballistic missile launches by Iran and broader developments related to resolution 2231 (2015). Secondly, during the reporting period a total of 35 notes were circulated in the 2231 format. In addition, I sent 26 official communications to Member States and the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission. I received a total of 26 communications from Member States and the Coordinator. Among the communications circulated were the two regular quarterly reports issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency in February and May 2021, as well as 19 updates across the whole reporting period.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“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. First, I would like to report that one meeting of the Security Council in the 2231 format was held during this reporting period, on 24 June, at which representatives of the Security Council for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) discussed the findings and recommendations contained in the eleventh report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/582) on resolution 2231 (2015), prior to its public release. Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo has already referred to some of those points in her briefing.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank my predecessor, His Excellency Phillippe Kridelka of Belgium, and his team for their outstanding contribution over the previous two years. His efforts and those of previous Facilitators provide a strong foundation for our work and decisions going forward. I would also like to thank the staff of the Secretariat for their invaluable advice and support. I now come to the eleventh report of the Facilitator (see S/2021/578), which was approved by all the members of the Council. I would like to thank each of them for their constructive engagement in that process in a spirit of compromise and flexibility. The report provides a factual account of the activities that took place in the 2231 format, covering the period from 17 December 2020 to 24 June 2021.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“Ms. Byrne Nason: I speak in my capacity as Security Council Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). As this is my first briefing as Facilitator, I wish to express my appreciation to the members of the Council for their trust in appointing me to that role. I will do my utmost to support the implementation of the agreement in an impartial and transparent manner. I will continue to listen to, and work closely with, all Council members as we meet our shared responsibility to ensure the full and effective implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which it underpins. I will continue to maintain an active dialogue with Member States, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, on issues related to the implementation of that resolution.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“We urge the Syrian authorities to comply with their obligations under international law and to put an end to their brutal policies. Only when that comes to pass will the Syrian people be able to begin rebuilding their lives and look forward to a hopeful and peaceful future. As we have often said, that is the very least that the long-suffering people of Syria deserve.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“The violations of international humanitarian and human rights law by the Syrian regime are extremely well documented. Ireland has consistently called for full accountability for the crimes and violations committed. Ireland commends the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic for their work. The Commission of Inquiry’s reports testify to horrific crimes, including the bombing of hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure. Ireland strongly condemns those acts as well as attacks against civil-society actors and human rights defenders. To conclude, we call on the Syrian authorities to engage urgently and meaningfully with the Constitutional Committee, and with the wider political process, as outlined in resolution 2254 (2015).”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“All must fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including those relating to the protection of civilians and civilian objects. The Syrian authorities, through their repressive security apparatus, continue to arbitrarily arrest and detain their own citizens, with flagrant disregard for due process. We must never forget that tens of thousands of Syrian citizens have been subjected to arbitrary detention, in addition to those who are missing. We think of their families left cruelly in limbo, without knowing the fate of their loved ones. It is unconscionable to us that the Syrian authorities have such callous disregard for their own citizens. We welcome Mr. Pedersen’s continued efforts to make progress on detainees, abductees and missing persons, and he has our full support in that work.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“We heard her appeal to see women play a decisive and effective role as a pressing force in the political process on a full, equal and meaningful basis. That, I understand, is their right and not their request. While a ceasefire continues to largely hold in the north-west, the attack on Al-Shifa hospital in Afrin was an appalling attack. It resulted in the killing and injury of civilians, including medical personnel and children, and the destruction of parts of the hospital. Ireland strongly condemns that disgraceful attack and calls for an end to all such attacks. This latest appalling incident and the continuing violence underline the importance once again of a nationwide ceasefire in Syria. Ireland strongly condemns those parties in Syria that continue to disregard international human rights and humanitarian law.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“Such progress is unattainable, in our view, without a new constitution that sets out a peaceful and inclusive vision for all Syrians. Sadly, last month’s elections brought us no nearer to that goal. In particular, I want to welcome this morning the participation in this meeting of Ms. Abeer Hussain. We listened with great interest to her and about her work focused on empowering women. I see that work as absolutely critical, and I happen to believe in her final words to us: “No women, no legitimacy”. We join in her desire to see what she aptly describes as the strong women of Syria take their rightful place in the peace process in working for equal and full citizenship and in working for justice to reach a democracy.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“We know from experience and best practice that peace efforts produce more sustainable outcomes when civil society is adequately and, more importantly, meaningfully included in political and mediation processes. I thank him for that initiative. Despite the Special Envoy’s commendable efforts, I know that the Syrian authorities have yet to engage meaningfully in the work of the Constitutional Committee. Ireland reiterates its call on the Syrian authorities to end their unacceptable stalling tactics, which leave the prospects for substantive progress in the Constitutional Committee as far away as ever. Regrettably, we are no closer to meeting the expectations of the Syrian people for substantive progress on the political solution and national reconciliation that were foreseen in resolution 2254 (2015).”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“It is good to see Special Envoy Geir Pedersen in the Chamber with us. I thank him for his briefing and, of course, for his ongoing efforts on the Constitutional Committee. We sincerely welcome those efforts to focus the Security Council’s attention on the crisis in Syria and to press all parties to work together on concrete steps towards the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). We also very much welcome the Special Envoy’s initiative to launch virtual thematic working groups, which will allow civil society actors to engage with each other and the United Nations, regardless of their geographic location or ability to travel.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“Wennesland has, that humanitarian or economic support alone will not address the challenges in Gaza or in the occupied Palestinian territory as a whole; only progress towards a lasting political solution can do that. Ireland welcomes the new Israeli Government and looks forward to constructive engagement. We urge Israel to take steps to address the root causes of conflict by ending the expansion of illegal settlements, demolitions and the threat of forced evictions and allowing for legal construction for Palestinians. As resolution 2334 (2016) makes clear, such steps are essential for salvaging the two-State solution and reversing the negative trends that imperil the vision of a viable, contiguous Palestinian State on the 1967 lines, alongside a secure state of Israel, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“Israel must also facilitate the passage of essential humanitarian and reconstruction personnel, including Palestinian nationals. Ireland echoes the Secretary-General’s call for an integrated and robust package of support for swift and sustainable reconstruction and recovery that supports the Palestinian people and strengthens their institutions. We reiterate our strong support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and other United Nations agencies and commend its staff for their continued unstinting service. The de facto authorities in Gaza must allow them to do that work — not least for the well- being of the civilian population. We must acknowledge, however, as Mr.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“Ireland also strongly condemns rocket and other attacks by Hamas and others from the Gaza Strip into Israel. Ireland calls on Hamas to provide full information on the fate of two Israeli civilians and on the remains of two Israeli soldiers, in accordance with international humanitarian law. We acknowledge Israel’s legitimate security concerns but recall that self-defence must be exercised in a proportionate way and in accordance with international humanitarian law. In the wake of the recent conflict, Ireland calls on Israel to work with others to ensure the unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. Failing that, the humanitarian situation will continue to deteriorate and the needs of the people of Gaza will continue to grow.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing, which, together with the Secretary-General’s report (S/2021/584), painted a grim picture of developments in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Illegal settlement activity further entrenches the illegal Israeli occupation, undermining the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, encroaching on Palestinian land and natural resources, hampering free movement and increasing the risks of violent confrontation. And it undermines the prospects for achieving a two-State solution. Ireland condemns violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including damage to property and farmland, and recalls Israel’s obligation to ensure the safety and security of the Palestinian population and to investigate.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“In the coming days, Ireland and Norway, as co-penholders, will be circulating to Council members a draft resolution that will renew and expand the humanitarian aid delivery mechanism in response to the pressing humanitarian needs. Asco- penholders, our approach will continue to be informed by the words of the Secretary-General, that a large-scale cross-border response for an additional 12 months remains essential to saving lives. We will remain in close contact with all members of the Council in the weeks to come in ensuring that the humanitarian needs of the people of Syria are met.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“However, even if deployed regularly, we know that cross-line convoys in the north-west could not come close to replicating the size and scope of the cross-border operations. It is worth noting here the critical role of the United Nations Monitoring Mechanism in ensuring the cross-border operation in the north-west is one of the most heavily scrutinized and monitored aid operations in the world, ensuring the humanitarian nature of all shipments in the north-west. That brings us to the role and responsibility of the members of the Security Council to ensure that all channels for delivering life-saving aid to people in need in Syria should be made and kept available.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“A failure to renew the cross-border resolution would halt the delivery of life-saving aid to millions of people in desperate need, increasing civilian suffering in north-west Syria to levels unprecedented in a decade of conflict. Without a renewal, the COVID-19 vaccine roll- out in the north-west would be severely disrupted. A closure would have a detrimental effect on health, food security, water, sanitation, protection and other services provided by non-governmental organizations that rely on United Nations support in logistics, financing and procurement. Put simply, a failure to renew would cause a humanitarian catastrophe in the north-west of Syria. Humanitarian access must be facilitated to reach all civilians in need, using all possible means, including through cross-line operations.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“As the Secretary- General’s most recent report (S/2021/583) emphasizes, humanitarian organizations in the north-east continue to report limited capacity of health-care facilities and imminent stockouts of medical supplies, including critical medicines, such as insulin and cardiovascular and antibacterial medicines. With more crossings and more funds, the United Nations could do more to help the increasing number of people in need. We have consulted broadly with Security Council members and civil society, and indeed listened carefully to the United Nations, including the Secretary-General, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the United Nations agencies delivering the humanitarian response in Syria. The message has been very clear.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“As we have made clear over the past six months, the approach of Ireland and Norway as co-penholders for this resolution is guided solely by the humanitarian need and the suffering of the people of Syria. Their needs are our overwhelming concern. In the north-west, the number of people in need increased by over 20 percent in 2021. Each winter, freezing temperatures and flooding cause further hardships for the 1.6 million people living in camps and informal settlements. In the north-east, humanitarian needs also remain high, and the situation has worsened since the closure of the Al-Yarubiyah crossing. While cross-line deliveries to that area have been scaled up, they have not been adequate to meet growing needs.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“After 10 years of conflict and rising humanitarian needs in 2021, cross-border access is as essential today as it has ever been. In fact, the situation on the ground has worsened since last July, when the Security Council adopted resolution 2553 (2020). An additional 2.4 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity has risen by 50 per cent — let me repeat, 50 per cent. In addition, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has put enormous pressure on what was already a very fragile health system. When it comes to delivering life-saving aid to people in need across Syria, we need to use all channels, both cross-line and cross-border modalities.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“We condemn the attacks on 12 June on Al-Shifa hospital in the city of Afrin, which killed and injured civilians, including health-care workers. We underline once again the obligation on all parties to conflict to respect international humanitarian law. The impact of the reduced water levels in the Euphrates River further underlines the ongoing vulnerability in the north-east, where critical irrigation of crops and essential power supply to hospitals has been interrupted. On 10 July, the humanitarian aid delivery mechanism renewed by resolution 2533 (2020) will expire. In the coming two weeks, Ireland and Norway, as co-penholders, will work with all members of the Security Council for the renewal of that humanitarian resolution. We must show our strong and united support for Syria’s most vulnerable people. Let me be clear.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“I make this statement on behalf of the co-penholders on the Syrian humanitarian file, namely, Norway and Ireland. We would like to thank the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres; Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham; and the Country Director of CARE, Turkey, Ms. Sherine Ibrahim, for the briefings we just heard. This year, we marked 10 years of conflict in Syria — one that has caused enormous suffering for the Syrian people and created a deeply embedded humanitarian crisis that continues to worsen. The facts are stark and shocking. At present, 13.4 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance — a 20 per cent increase from last year. The Syrian people continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“Finding the right path to meet the needs of all Central Africans requires the strong and continuous commitment of the national authorities, the countries of the region and, of course, the Security Council. Only by working together can we ensure that the hard-won gains achieved since 2013 are not lost.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“We also condemn the continued attacks against humanitarian workers in the strongest possible terms. With the humanitarian situation now at its worst level in five years, the deliberate targeting of those working to bring assistance to people in need is totally unacceptable. It is absolutely vital that unhindered humanitarian access be ensured by the Government and all armed actors operating in the country. A total of 2.3 million people are now food insecure in the Central African Republic. There is no doubt that conflict and insecurity have played a key role in exacerbating those needs. (spoke in French) In conclusion, it is clear that the Central African Republic finds itself yet again at a critical juncture in its history.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“We welcome progress made towards the full operationalization of the Special Criminal Court and hope that it will help to contribute to the fight against impunity in the Central African Republic. Conflict-related sexual violence, which is already at unacceptable levels, is increasing significantly in the Central African Republic. As they committed to in the 2019 Central African Republic-United Nations joint communiqué, the authorities have a responsibility to protect victims and survivors and ensure the provision of holistic and survivor-centred support services, including psychosocial, sexual and reproductive health services. Impunity must not be tolerated and perpetrators, regardless of nationality or affiliation, must be brought to justice.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“Violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law are widespread and escalating in the Central African Republic. Allegations of violations and abuses perpetrated by national and bilaterally deployed and other security personnel are of particular concern. MINUSCA documented a staggering 278 per cent increase in such incidents. We urge the Government of the Central African Republic to systematically investigate all allegations of human rights and international humanitarian law violations and to prosecute the perpetrators of all such violations. Those investigations must be independent, impartial and conducted in line with international standards.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“We welcome the recent joint African Union-European Union-United Nations-Economic Community of Central African States visit to the Central African Republic, along with the assurances provided during that visit. Commitments made by the authorities, including President Touadera, must now be followed by concrete action. We are gravely concerned about continuing serious status-of-forces agreement violations, which endanger United Nations personnel and place the protection of civilians in jeopardy. Ireland calls on the Government and all parties on the ground to facilitate unhindered access for all United Nations operations. That is essential to MINUSCA’s ability to fulfil its mandate. Attacks against MINUSCA, including those perpetrated in the media or online, are simply unacceptable and must end immediately.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“Local elections provide another opportunity to encourage and facilitate the participation of women as voters, candidates and elected officials. Every effort must be made to protect those who exercise their right to vote. (spoke in English) We appreciate the continued engagement of neighbouring States and regional organizations to promote peace and dialogue. That commitment is evidenced by the presence today of the representatives of Angola and the Republic of the Congo. It is vital that those regional efforts continue and that the Council work to support them. We call on the authorities of the Central African Republic to engage constructively in those efforts.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“The 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic set the stage for a peaceful solution for the political parties in the country. It must be implemented with urgency and determination. Preparations for a “republican dialogue” offer a unique opportunity for the authorities to undertake a truly inclusive process. It must include all stakeholders, including women, young people and opposition parties. The holding of presidential elections, as well as the first round of the legislative elections, before the constitutional deadline, was a success and demonstrated the determination of the citizens of the Central African Republic. The small number of women elected to office is disappointing. We encourage the authorities to ensure that women are meaningfully represented in the Council of Ministers.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“Ms. Byrne Nason (Ireland) (spoke in French): I would also like to thank the briefers for their very clear and relevant briefings today. I would like to acknowledge, in particular, the presence of His Excellency President Lourenço. The work of the Central African and Great Lakes region has been and will remain crucial for the Central African Republic. I also acknowledge the presence of the representatives of the Congo, Chad and the Central African Republic. I would like to sincerely thank Mankeur Ndiaye and the entire team of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for the continued implementation of their mandate, despite the considerable challenges they face. The situation in the Central African Republic remains extremely worrisome.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“While we are cognizant of the issues that the country is grappling with and the conscious effort required to alleviate them, let me state here today, without agenda or judgment, that Ireland believes in South Sudan as it did in 2011 — it believes in the potential of its people, in particular of its women and young people, as well as in the pathways to peace that have been identified. Furthermore, Ireland believes that further gains can and must be achieved. It is now up to South Sudan to lead the way.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“Ireland sees the full, equal and meaningful participation of women as a barometer of how a peace process is advancing. We know from experience that women’s involvement is critical to peace. Ireland deeply regrets that the 35 per cent quota and the associated opportunity for women to be involved in peacebuilding has not been met. We look forward to the development of a new national action plan on women and peace and security to enable South Sudan to drive forward progress in that area. We recognize that a vibrant civil society is also essential for sustaining peace and we call for the expansion and security of civil society space wherever its diverse membership can thrive.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source