YouSaid · the spoken record

Byrne Nason

lines on the record: 1,154
first: 2018-04-16
most recent: 2022-07-29
sittings or episodes: 170
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We call on the Government of South Sudan to hold perpetrators accountable so as to break the recurring cycle of violence, provide services for survivors and ensure justice and support for them. We call again for the swift establishment and operationalization of all the transitional-justice institutions mandated by the peace Agreement. Steps must also be taken to address the increasing subnational violence and on that point I want to commend the prevention and containment efforts of UNMISS. Like others, we look forward to elections being held in accordance with the Revitalized Agreement. However, we strongly urge the incorporation of appropriate constitutional guarantees on a consensual basis in advance of any elections being held.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“We appeal to the South Sudanese authorities to better protect humanitarian personnel and ensure accountability for those killed. The rise in violations of the Status of Forces Agreement is completely unacceptable and must stop. We welcome the meeting of 31 May but we need urgently to see sustained efforts by the Government of South Sudan to prevent and remove impediments to the work of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Ireland remains seriously concerned by the dire human rights and protection environment, which continues to disproportionately affect women and girls. The persistence of grave violations, including conflict-related sexual violence against children, also remains worrisome.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“That cannot be taken for granted. However, the absence of active conflict is not enough and subnational violence continues unabated. It is not enough when the number of civilian killings is doubling year after year, it is not enough when hunger is on the rise and it is certainly not enough when the most vulnerable remain subjected to the most heinous treatment, including from those who are meant to protect them. It is distressing to hear how challenging the humanitarian situation has become, with South Sudan now facing its highest level of food insecurity since independence, exacerbated by conflict, climate and the coronavirus disease pandemic. Ireland is also deeply concerned by the rise in attacks on humanitarian workers.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“Promise and potential need to be translated into action and real change for the people of South Sudan. As the Secretary-General has noted, we have seen some important developments in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, such as the recent reconstitution of Parliament. We hope to see the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the African Union on the long-awaited and much-needed hybrid court. Yet we also have to acknowledge that the pace of progress should be greatly accelerated, particularly as the way forward is clearly signposted. That includes the benchmarks incorporated last month into the sanctions regime, setting out steps for the potential future lifting of the arms embargo. We continually hear that the ceasefire is holding firm.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“I would like to join my colleagues in wishing Nicholas Haysom a very warm welcome and sincere best wishes in his new role — a challenging one, no doubt, but one in which we have every confidence that he will be able to deliver. I also want to express my appreciation for the remarks made earlier by Mr. Rajab Mohandis. I am also very happy to see my friend and colleague, Ambassador Malwal, with us this morning. As many before me have remarked, in a few short weeks we mark the tenth anniversary of the independence of South Sudan. It remains incumbent on all of us to ensure that the aspirations of the people who believed so much in the power and potential of that joyous moment can truly be fulfilled. We must work to deliver above and beyond the promise of peace, which will simply no longer suffice.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“It is shocking to hear that the cost of food has reached record highs. Basic food items are out of reach for millions living with chronic and acute hunger. There should be no better incentive for stopping the war than ending this indefensible suffering. Finally, earlier this month, the Council discussed the decaying FSO SAFER tanker, which poses an undeniable humanitarian and environmental threat. Ireland welcomes renewed efforts to reach agreement on access for a United Nations inspection team. We once again reiterate our call on the Houthis and the United Nations to reach an agreement on that issue as soon as possible.”
2021-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8797 (2021) · source
“Ireland fully supports the work of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen and calls for enabling full and unfettered access for the Group to carry out its work. I also want to thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for his briefing today and for his outstanding and dedicated service at the United Nations. We know that this morning’s meeting is his final appearance before the Council to discuss the situation in Yemen. During his tenure, he has shone a much-needed spotlight on this tragic humanitarian crisis. We all owe him a debt of appreciation for paying attention to this tragedy. Regrettably, as we heard this morning, food insecurity persists at crisis levels throughout the country. The economic impact of the conflict continues to bring about dire humanitarian consequences.”
2021-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8797 (2021) · source
“We cannot escape the simple reality that what is needed now is decisive political will among the parties to the conflict and that they once and for all put the Yemeni people first and bring a conclusive end to the unconscionable violence on the basis of an inclusive political dialogue for the future of the country. We reiterate our call for a nationwide ceasefire, and in particular we call on the Houthis to immediately halt the deadly offensive on Ma’rib, which continues to cause, as we have heard, widespread suffering, especially for those in informal camp settings. We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks earlier this month on Ma’rib city, whose victims included children. We call on all parties to adhere to their responsibilities under international humanitarian and human rights law in terms of protecting civilians.”
2021-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8797 (2021) · source
“I want to sincerely thank Martin Griffiths, who, as he told us, is concluding his service as Special Envoy after three challenging years. We very much look forward to working with him in his new role as Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs. We know that he will bring to that role and its new responsibilities the same energy and dedication he brought to the post he is leaving. Despite the overall rather “bleak picture” that Mr. Griffiths painted for us this morning, we were nonetheless encouraged by his visit to Sana’a for the first time in a year and by the sustained diplomatic momentum generated by efforts of regional and international actors to bring an end to this conflict. However difficult the decisions may be, moving from war to peace remains the only option, as Mr. Griffiths put it.”
2021-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8797 (2021) · source
“Al Naggar and civil society organizations can have a powerful impact in sustaining ceasefire implementation and building lasting peace. Here is a striking figure: young people represent 70 per cent of the population. They also deserve their place in this discussion; they should be at the table when it comes to issues that critically affect their futures. We are relying on them, of course, to carry forward today’s peacebuilding work into their future. I want to salute Ms. Al Naggar’s courage and the honesty of the message she brought to us. We know that much clearly remains to be done, but her very forward and concrete ideas this morning can one day become a reality. All of us at this table today must finish that work so that the Yemeni people can have an opportunity for real peace.”
2021-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8797 (2021) · source
“The full, equal and meaningful participation of women can unlock inclusive paths to building peace for ordinary Yemenis and for their children, rebuilding infrastructure and institutions, and, as Ms. Al Naggar said this morning, working at the community level to defuse tensions and, against the odds, build the peace that we keep talking about. Evidence shows us that women at the peace table can at least help to produce a more sustainable peace. That has been our experience on the island of Ireland in the last 20 years. To the parties in Yemen, I would like to say that women’s direct representation is not optional; it is actually their right. The Security Council has been united in calling for this. Grass-roots peacebuilders like Ms.”
2021-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8797 (2021) · source
“First, I would like to thank Ms. Najiba Al Naggar for her frank and very inspiring words this morning. Listening to her reminds us clearly why a solution is urgently needed to the conflict in Yemen. After six years of war, the people of her country deserve a peaceful and prosperous future. That is what we keep saying when we meet here. All Yemenis, regardless of gender or age, must be afforded every opportunity to play a substantial role in shaping that future. I would like to tell Ms. Al Naggar that Yemen needs women like her at the table, both in the peace talks and in the Government. We truly regret the exclusion of women from the current Government.”
2021-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8797 (2021) · source
“The Committee also received one advance delivery notification from a supplying State pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 14 of the same resolution and five notifications pursuant to paragraph 17 of the same resolution. The Committee received one advance approval request pursuant to paragraph 10 of resolution 2551 (2020), which is currently under its consideration. We look forward to continuing our work in the coming months.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8796 (2021) · source
“It was noted that effective weapons and ammunition management procedures instituted by the Federal Government of Somalia were key to preventing the military equipment provided to the Government from falling into the hands of Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant faction in Somalia. The Committee is currently considering the six recommendations contained in the Panel’s mid-term update, including the idea of initiating a consultative process with the Federal Government of Somalia on the requirements of the arms embargo regime. With regard to arms embargo exemption requests and notifications, the Committee received four post- delivery notifications from Somalia pursuant to paragraph 16 of resolution 2551 (2020).”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8796 (2021) · source
“In his statement prepared for the discussion of 4 June, the Acting Coordinator highlighted four key areas of the Panel’s mid-term update — the continued threat posed by Al-Shabaab, including from attacks of improvised explosive devices; the violations of international humanitarian and international human rights law; the ongoing investigations into Al-Shabaab’s finances; and the management of weapons and ammunition by the Federal Government of Somalia and the ban on the export of charcoal from Somalia. The Panel also looks forward to resuming travel shortly in the region. Committee members welcomed the Panel’s work on Al-Shabaab’s finances. They expressed concern over the reported violations of international humanitarian and international human rights law.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8796 (2021) · source
“On 14 May, the Committee received the comprehensive mid-term update prepared by the Panel of Experts on Somalia, pursuant to paragraph 34 of resolution 2551 (2020). The Committee discussed the update at its second informal meeting of the year, held virtually on 4 June. During his presentation to the Committee, the Acting Coordinator of the Panel, who was appointed following the resignation of the Coordinator on 27 April, recalled the political developments in Somalia in April and May.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8796 (2021) · source
“Ms. Byrne Nason: As mandated by paragraph 11 (g) of resolution 1844 (2008), I have the honour to brief the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Somalia. This briefing will cover the period from 26 February to 14 June 2021. At the outset, I would like to note that on 26 February, the Committee included three individuals on its sanctions list who hold various positions in the armed group Al-Shabaab. While it is too early to see the impact of those listings, an updated sanctions list can be a significant tool in supporting the Federal Government of Somalia in its fight against Al-Shabaab.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8796 (2021) · source
“Persistent violations against children are of great concern and the Malian Government must ensure that child protection measures are put in place. In conclusion, we commend MINUSMA for its important role in extremely difficult conditions. Its work is crucial, and Ireland fully supports the renewal of its mandate at the end of the month. However, the challenges facing Mali cannot be resolved by security efforts alone. We must address the root causes of the instability. The upcoming elections present an opportunity to usher in a new era of democratic and inclusive governance. I would like to reiterate the firm commitment of my country, Ireland, to accompany Mali in these efforts.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“(spoke in French) Impunity for conflict-related sexual violence and for ongoing human rights violations committed by several actors in Mali, including the armed forces, must end. As a troop-contributing country to MINUSMA, Ireland welcomes the progress made by the Malian authorities with the first direct conviction for the murder of a peacekeeper. This is an important milestone and we encourage further progress in this regard. In addition to the insurrection and the humanitarian needs, insecurity continues to exacerbate the suffering of Malians. We are concerned about the increase in attacks on civilians. That increase underscores the need to prioritize the protection of civilians within MINUSMA’s mandate. It also demonstrates the urgent need for the Malian authorities to take measures to prevent and reduce violence against civilians.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“On that point, I want to underline that women’s political participation is a right, not a request, and we regret that not enough progress has been made, as we heard this morning. We cannot, as Ms. Maiga has said, wait and see. We are deeply concerned by the lack of justice afforded to victims and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Mali. The documentation of conflict- related sexual violence cases remains disturbingly low, as we heard earlier. We call on MINUSMA to support the Malian authorities in urgently prosecuting perpetrators, and we urge the Malian authorities to adopt legislation on sexual and gender-based violence, in compliance with international and regional conventions, and to establish specialized prosecutors and police units dedicated to tackling this issue.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“For that reason, in Mali it is imperative that civil society space for women be protected and, indeed, increased and that women not be restricted in the public sphere. I recently met with Malian women and, like the Special Representative, I found them engaged and action-oriented. Above all they are courageous. We believe that Malian women must be encouraged, supported and empowered to participate fully in the upcoming elections, both as voters and as candidates on the ballot paper. Their representation is also a critical consideration in the filling of Cabinet positions. Supporting Malian women to assume those responsibilities is in all our interests, and above all in the interests of the people of Mali as a whole.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“As the Special Representative said earlier, now is the time to rise above the political challenges in the interests of ordinary Malians and Malian society. We encourage MINUSMA to continue outreach in support of the peace agreement, not just at the political level, but also at the local level. Increasing understanding of and support for the agreement will lead to greater buy-in and commitment at all levels. On this point, my country, Ireland, speaks from experience. I want to thank Ms. Maiga again for her powerful call to action. As I see it, gender equality is not about idealism, and neither should it be seen as a luxury to be enjoyed only after peace is achieved; it is fundamentally a peace and security issue in itself. Gender equality is about the distribution of power in the interests of society as a whole.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“As set out in the Charter, the transitional President and transitional Vice President are not eligible for election in the presidential and legislative elections. We want to see that respected. Delaying elections will not help stability in Mali. We are concerned that, as of yet, no decision has been taken on the establishment of a single electoral management body. We call for such a body to be appointed as soon as possible, and it must be independent and inclusive. We have said it before, but it bears repeating again today — the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali is vital to a just and durable peace in Mali. There can be no doubt in the minds of Malians that this is the case, and no wavering from this path by the leadership of the country.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“We wish especially to welcome the constructive leadership of the region in resolving this crisis. We believe that parties should strictly adhere to the conditions set out by the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, which call for compliance with the Transition Charter. The transition is intended to be inclusive and lead to a return to constitutional order and democratic elections within the established 18-month timeline. We also commend the good offices support provided by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) over recent weeks under difficult circumstances. The Transition Charter guarantees an inclusive and democratically elected civilian Government for the citizens of Mali. These guarantees must be upheld.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“I too want to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Wane, for his briefing this morning. I wish to welcome the presence of Ms. Maiga as a strong voice and advocate for women in Mali. Her message, which was thoughtful and forward-looking, has really resonated with us this morning. She has Ireland’s support. I also want to welcome our friend and colleague, Ambassador Issa Konfourou, among us. The events unfolding in Mali are deeply concerning — we have heard that from several speakers. Two weeks ago, this Council collectively called for the release of all detained officials (see SC/14532). The fact that today Bah N’Daw and Moctar Ouane remain under house arrest is completely unacceptable. We reiterate our call for their immediate, unconditional and safe release.”
2021-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8794 (2021) · source
“That almost sounds like a cliché. What it means is debt relief. It means equitable access to vaccines. It means access to sustainable financing. It must include green recovery to meet the existential challenge of climate change. On that we are very clear. The EU has a pivotal role to play on all those issues and more. I know that it will continue to show its trademark dedication, generosity and focus in delivering on such critical goals.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“We are committed to ensuring that we address climate-related security risks, where relevant, in our prevention and peacebuilding work across the EU and the United Nations. Another area in which we see scope for greater cooperation is in improving mission transitions. Peacekeeping must be linked to peacebuilding in order to disrupt cycles of violence, prevent conflict and sustain the peace we are trying to instil. Cooperating closely, we can ensure that mission transitions take place in a responsible, coordinated and graduated manner, responsive to the specific needs on the ground. We certainly believe that there is scope for enhanced EU-United Nations coordination on peacebuilding and the valuable Peacebuilding Fund. Finally, the multilateral system must deliver in response to COVID-19 by building back better.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“The partnerships also play a role in seeking peaceful solutions to the crises in Myanmar and Ethiopia. They play roles in support of peaceful, inclusive, democratic and time-bound transitions in Mali and Chad. Despite that good work, many challenges remain. We need to continue to make real progress on delivering on the women and peace and security agenda. We strongly support the really valuable United Nations-EU Spotlight Initiative on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. We urge that women and peace and security remain at the core and one of the EU-United Nations priorities on peace operations and crisis management as we move forward. We see that as fundamental.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“We work as a member of the Middle East Quartet, as a facilitator of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and as a coordinator of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Ireland, as facilitator for resolution 2231 (2015), will assist the Security Council in upholding that important key agreement. I believe that the Security Council should encourage and welcome such cooperation and utilize the EU’s support for the United Nations where it can. We welcome the trilateral cooperation between the United Nations, the EU and the African Union, as well as United Nations cooperation with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Those partnerships play important roles in addressing issues that concern all of us, encouraging dialogue, respect for human rights and humanitarian assistance.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“Irish experts are seconded to EU missions in Europe, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Africa, while members of the Irish Defence Forces participate in missions and operations in Mali, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Mediterranean. We are proud to have supported, together with our EU partners, mediation and peace processes in Colombia, Afghanistan, Georgia, the Philippines and Mozambique. As EU Special Envoy for the Peace Process in Colombia, our former Deputy Prime Minister, Eamon Gilmore, has represented the EU, while bringing the lessons learned from Ireland’s own peace process to the table. The EU works closely with many partners around this table in the Security Council in support of international peace and security.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“Two new instruments will deliver on that: the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument and the European Peace Facility. The strategic partnership with the United Nations is a key element for the future orientation of the EU’s action in security and defence. From Kosovo to the Middle East and throughout Africa, EU missions are deployed alongside United Nations peacekeeping operations or special political missions. Some of those EU missions, such as the European Union Naval Force Operation Atalanta, combating piracy off the coast of Somalia, play a central role in responding to threats to peace. Others, such as the training mission in Mali, which complements the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, support security sector reform.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“As a proud member of the EU, Ireland understands the power of cooperation among nations in meeting our common challenges. We believe in it. The harrowing experience of the pandemic has surely taught us one thing — that the power of coordinated action at the international and regional levels greatly eclipses that of any unilateral response. The EU is the world’s leading development donor and a key partner of the United Nations in crisis management. In those roles, the EU demonstrates just how complementary it is to the United Nations in the way that it works and, I would say more importantly, how it acts. That makes the EU and the United Nations strong and influential natural partners. The EU has enhanced its capacity to prevent conflict, preserve peace and strengthen international stability and security in support of the United Nations.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“I would like to warmly welcome High Representative Borrell Fontelles today and to thank him for his thought-provoking intervention. We are very delighted to have him with us. The steadfast belief of the European Union (EU) in multilateralism and its strong commitment to the United Nations are borne of its lived experience of conflict and peacebuilding on the continent of Europe. That is why respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations is actually written into the Treaty on European Union. Today the United Nations and the EU work in lockstep as natural partners all around the world to eradicate poverty, protect human rights and overcome the global health crisis that we have all seen in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“I could not conclude without taking a moment to join others in paying a most sincere tribute to her work and to the legacy she leaves behind. Her commitment to justice has been steadfast as she has guided the Office of the Prosecutor from its first successful prosecution through numerous challenges in recent years. We have real respect for all she has achieved and for her personal and professional dedication during her term. We wish her well in her future endeavours and can assure her that Ireland will continue to support the Court that she has so diligently worked to strengthen, bringing us ever closer to the common goal of peace based on international justice.”
2021-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8791 (2021) · source
“In calling for an end to violence, we know that impunity for the most serious crimes and a perceived tolerance for serious human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law serve only to perpetuate the cycle of violence. We therefore encourage the transitional Government to prioritize the establishment and implementation of the transitional justice mechanisms and processes agreed in the Juba Peace Agreement as part of the Sudan’s own broader democratic transition, including the full implementation of the national plan for protecting civilians in Darfur and the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission and a special court for Darfur. The Prosecutor has told us that this is her final time addressing the Council in her current role.”
2021-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8791 (2021) · source
“While the positive developments of the past six months are very welcome, we must also acknowledge that the Sudan’s transition remains fragile and that those steps towards accountability are taking place against a background of ongoing violence in Darfur and mass displacement. We remain deeply concerned by the killing of civilians and reports of incidences of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in Darfur. The pattern of violence and perpetration indicates that the power and impunity dynamics that underlay the war in Darfur and that underlie the current situation investigation have not yet been effectively addressed. Though we are alive to the wider pressures faced by the Sudan, including the ongoing economic crisis, justice and accountability need to remain a priority as the peace process moves forward.”
2021-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8791 (2021) · source
“We acknowledge the importance of complementarity and encourage further dialogue between the Court and the Sudanese Government. At the same time, we recall the Sudan’s ongoing obligation under resolution 1593 (2005) to execute the four outstanding arrest warrants and surrender the remaining suspects. In relation to Mr. Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain, we urge him to surrender himself to the Court. As regards Mr. Ahmad Harun specifically, given the interest of victims and witnesses in hearing Mr. Harun and Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman’s cases together and Mr. Harun’s own request to be transferred to The Hague to stand trial, we urge the Sudanese authorities to lose no further time in carrying out his surrender.”
2021-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8791 (2021) · source
“The fact that investigators have been able to conduct investigative activities in the territory of the Sudan for the first time in over a decade is particularly important. The provision of requested materials to the Office by the Sudan is another positive step towards justice. We note Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman’s surrender to the Court last June and the confirmation of charges hearing in his case in May. We welcome the memorandum on modalities and the agreement reached with the Sudan to facilitate cooperation and enable the Court’s work on the case. Our sincere hope is that the positive engagement of the past six months marks the beginning of a strong relationship between the Court and the transitional Government. We look forward to continued cooperation and the development of further arrangements dealing with the Court’s broader investigations.”
2021-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8791 (2021) · source
“I would like to give special thanks to Prosecutor Bensouda for her report as well as for her briefing. The Sudan has continued to make significant headway in its political transition and reform efforts, which I am pleased to see is being matched by tangible steps by the transitional Government to work with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the fight against impunity. A number of those steps are particularly noteworthy, including the fact that the Office of the Prosecutor and the Prosecutor herself travelled to the Sudan three times during the reporting period. In that regard, we also acknowledge the important support provided to the Court by United Nations entities and encourage its continuation.”
2021-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8791 (2021) · source
“In closing, as part of our steadfast commitment to international criminal justice, Ireland will continue to support the work of the Mechanism in ensuring that perpetrators of atrocity crimes are held to account. This accountability is a crucial step in achieving and sustaining reconciliation and in preventing the recurrence of these atrocities. We are grateful to be able to meet today in person here in New York, and we also look forward to the day when we can welcome you Judge Agius and Prosecutor Brammertz back to the Chamber in person.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“When the Council established the ICTY and the ICTR, it sought to ensure not only that the perpetrators of these crimes would face justice, but also that the Tribunals would act as a preventive tool against future acts of violence. Ireland recognizes the importance of the Mechanism’s efforts, in conjunction with the European Union, to raise awareness of the former ICTY and the Mechanism’s work among affected communities and younger generations in the region of the former Yugoslavia. In that light, we find concerning the Prosecutor’s reports of ongoing attempts to minimize or deny genocide that took place within living memory. Denials of genocide and the glorification of convicted war criminals are unacceptable, undermine reconciliation and must be challenged and condemned.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“Nevertheless, we note with serious concern that the Mechanism continues to encounter obstacles from a number of member States in connection with the arrest and surrender of fugitives. In particular, Ireland was deeply concerned about the 11 May notification from the President of the Mechanism detailing Serbia’s non-compliance with the Mechanism in relation to the surrender and arrest of Mr. Jojić and Ms. Radeta. We strongly urge Serbia to cooperate fully with the court and comply with its obligations in this matter. We also call on all States to assist the Mechanism in relation to efforts to arrest and surrender the remaining fugitives of the ICTR. Ireland looks forward to working with Council members with the aim of promoting cooperation with the Mechanism.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“Last year, the Council reiterated its call on States to intensify cooperation with the Mechanism and provide all necessary assistance to achieve the arrest and surrender of all remaining fugitives indicted by the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Cooperation is sine qua non for the Mechanism to carry out its work, whether in relation to the arrest and surrender of fugitives, the enforcement of sentences or the resettlement of acquitted and released persons. Ireland was therefore pleased to note the many instances of positive cooperation by member States and regional organizations with the Mechanism, as well as the provision of assistance by the Mechanism to national jurisdictions.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“It is evident in the considerable progress that has been made over the past year in spite of very trying circumstances, with the efficient conclusion of outstanding cases, including the three cases reaching their final stages in this month alone. I must also mark the issue of today’s landmark judgment by the Mechanism’s Appeals Chamber, which dismissed the appeal of Mr. Ratko Mladić and reaffirmed his life sentence for genocide, crimes against humanity and violations of the laws and customs of war. It is our sincere hope that this judgment can bring some closure to the survivors and victims of his crimes.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“I thank President Carmel Agius and Prosecutor Serge Brammertz for their comprehensive briefings today. I would also like to offer my sincere condolences on the passing of Judge Gustave Kam. Judge Kam’s death is a loss for international criminal justice. I would like to acknowledge his dedicated service to both the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. Although it is more than a quarter of a century since the genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica, victims, survivors and their families deserve nothing less than justice. We see the continued relevance of the Mechanism’s mandate as clear. It is equally clear that the leadership and staff of the Mechanism share a dedication to that work.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“The Security Council should be united and firm in its response to any use of these terrible weapons. We must effectively uphold the international prohibition against them. This is what the Conference of State Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention has done in April through their action on Syrian non-compliance. It is regrettable that we on the Council have been unable to provide a similarly clear response.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“I would ask for the Director-General’s assessment of the materials supplied by Syria as well as the country’s cooperation in efforts to follow up on this information. We must separate the facts from the noise. In the end, what is evident is that Syria must fulfil its legal obligations. It must cooperate fully with the OPCW. It must resolve the serious issues with its declaration. It must ensure that its entire stocks of chemical weapons are declared and verifiably destroyed. Those responsible for the attacks at Ltamenah and Saraqib, as well as the multiple other documented chemical-weapons attacks conducted by Syrian forces, must be held to account. Impunity cannot be an option. The use of chemical weapons anywhere and at any time is abhorrent and unacceptable.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“It is asserted by some in this Chamber that these issues are not significant, that there are similar issues with other States’ initial declarations and that Syria is being treated differently. Like others before me, I would like to ask Director-General Arias for his reflections on this aspect and how we should assess Syria’s efforts to address these issues in the seven years since the Declaration Assessment Team was formed, in particular given the very serious nature of many of these outstanding issues. It would also be interesting to hear how the Director-General would assess the level of cooperation provided by Syria and the nature of its responses to issues raised by the OPCW. Equally, Syria has placed great emphasis on the material it has circulated on the possible possession of chemical weapons by non-State actors in Syria.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Director-General Arias for his briefing today. Ireland has full confidence in his leadership in guiding the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). I also want to thank Under-Secretary General Nakamitsu for her briefing. The OPCW plays an essential role as the impartial and technical body mandated by the international community to address chemical weapons. The professionalism and integrity of the staff of the OPCW is clear, and we deeply regret that some Council members continue once again today to challenge and undermine their work without any factual basis. We remain deeply worried by the lack of progress by Syria in addressing the serious and growing list of issues to be resolved under its initial declaration.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“We believe that the Council, acting in concert with the Quartet, key Arab States and other major stakeholders, should now urge the parties to make serious and sustained efforts towards credible negotiations. The establishment of a genuine political horizon towards a negotiated two-State solution, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and the agreed parameters, is essential to the delivery of a peaceful future where equal rights and equal opportunities can be enjoyed by Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source