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

“That is why it is a priority for Ireland to continue to lead consultations to strengthen the protection of civilians from the humanitarian consequences arising from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. We are determined to deliver a political declaration that leads to operational changes in practice and in policy — one that enhances the protection of civilians during armed conflict. The high level of engagement from States, including many present here today, international organizations and civil society is encouraging. We hope to conclude negotiations in the coming months. Thirdly, to protect civilians, the Security Council needs to meet our promises and implement what we have agreed. We heard that message loud and clear yesterday at the Arria Formula meeting that we hosted on the protection of journalists.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“The veil of bureaucracy cannot be used to conceal humanitarian suffering from the international community. In some areas, the denial of access has evolved from a consequence of conflict to a weapon of war. David Miliband made that point eloquently this morning. Secondly, the use of explosive weapons in populated areas continues to have a devastating short-, medium- and long-term impact. Civilians represent almost 90 per cent of casualties when explosive weapons are used in populated areas. That is compounded by the destruction of critical infrastructure, such as roads, hospitals and sanitation facilities. Where we cannot prevent or resolve conflict, we must work to minimize harm.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“Visa denials, the expulsion of United Nations and non-governmental-organization staff and the targeting of humanitarian personnel have been a defining feature of that conflict. All the while, the spectre of insecurity looms large. Our calls have been clear. The recent improved flow of aid must be expanded and accompanied by the restarting of essential services in the region. Bureaucratic impediments to humanitarian access can amount to de-facto denials of humanitarian access. Let us be clear: the arbitrary denial of humanitarian access is also in contravention of international law. In countries such as Myanmar, humanitarians are required to overcome visa blocks, onerous registration requirements and significant restrictions on their operations.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“In 2021, 98 per cent of humanitarians killed, injured or kidnapped in conflict contexts such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo were national staff. As Ms. Boketa clearly and powerfully pointed out earlier, women in conflict situations, civilians and humanitarians face additional challenges and are met with violence on a daily basis. That is starkly evidenced in Haiti, where violence and insecurity, particularly systematic sexual violence, require urgent, survivor- centred responses. In Tigray, as millions face starvation, humanitarians have faced major impediments in transporting relief items, fuel and medicine into the region. We think that it is shameful that only 11 per cent of what was needed from July to December last year reached the civilian population.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“First, in conflict-afflicted countries such as Ethiopia, Somalia, Syria, South Sudan, Mali and Myanmar, hostilities and attacks on humanitarian staff have greatly hindered the civilian population’s access to life-saving assistance. That insecurity is delaying, reducing and, in some cases, preventing aid flows. Put simply, it costs lives. How many times must we repeat in this Chamber the phrase “humanitarian workers must never be targets”? How many more times must we insist that those responsible for attacks against them be held to account? Such attacks also force humanitarian organizations to adjust their practices. They disproportionally transfer risk to local humanitarians. In some cases, humanitarian organizations are forced to withdraw entirely. Mr. Rajasingham elaborated on those challenges earlier.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank the United States presidency for having convened this important meeting. I also want to thank our briefers this morning: Mr. Rajasingham, Director-General Mardini, Mr. Miliband and Ms. Boketa. Their messages — and, importantly, I must say, their recommendations — are just what we need to hear here, but, more important, what we need to heed. Let us be clear: ensuring humanitarian access is a matter of life and death for civilians trapped in conflict. Reaching civilians in their moment of need could not be more central to their protection. It could not be more central to what we believe should be the work of the Security Council. I will focus on three points relating to the access challenges facing humanitarians globally.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“Since the withdrawal of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, the Security Council has too often had to discuss violence, mass killings and widespread displacement in Darfur. There has also been a disturbing rise in sexual and gender-based violence in Darfur that simply must end. We welcome the role that the Permanent Ceasefire Committee has been playing in Darfur, but we need to see the National Plan on the Protection of Civilians and the Juba Peace Agreement fully implemented without delay. In conclusion, I want to reiterate our call for all parties to live up to their commitments to the Sudanese people, and to re-emphasize our support for UNITAMS in continuing its work supporting the Sudan in overcoming its challenges.”
2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source
“As we heard just now, 40 per cent of the Sudan’s population is on track to be food-insecure by September. I want to note that today is the fourth anniversary to the day of the adoption here in this Chamber of resolution 2417 (2018), on conflict and hunger. We should live up to our responsibilities in the Security Council with regard to that resolution. As for the Sudan’s plight, UNITAMS and the Sudan’s partners, including the European Union, stand with the people of the Sudan and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance. I want to emphasize that it is vital, indeed fundamental that humanitarian access not be impeded, so that humanitarian support can get to those who need it most. The political breakdown in Khartoum has also resulted in increased violence in Darfur.”
2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source
“The release of some political detainees last month was welcome news, but I again call for the release of all remaining political activists detained since the October coup. I am encouraged by the involvement of women in the political talks. However, as we heard, Sudanese women legitimately fear a return to the oppression, exclusion and injustice of the Omar Al-Bashir era. The right of the women of the Sudan to play a decisive role in the economy, politics and peacebuilding of their wider society must be protected. A dire economic picture has steadily worsened since the coup in October. While the invasion of Ukraine has had a significant impact on the prices of food and basic goods in the Sudan, we call on the Sudanese authorities to avoid actions that exacerbate those problems.”
2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source
“We commend the joint efforts of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS), the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in facilitating political dialogue among all Sudanese stakeholders so far. Mr. Perthes and his team have worked tirelessly in difficult circumstances, and their efforts have our full support. I encourage all Sudanese stakeholders to play their part, show good faith and create an environment conducive to peace talks and inclusive dialogue. In particular, I urge the military and security authorities to immediately end the violence against civilian protesters. The Sudanese authorities must ensure the right to peaceful assembly, lift the state of emergency and take concrete steps to hold the security forces and associated armed groups to account.”
2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Perthes for his briefing. I would also like to welcome our new colleague Ambassador Mohamed to our table this morning. Clearly, the situation in the Sudan is deeply worrying. As we have heard this morning, the country is facing a political, economic, food and humanitarian crisis, with half the population expected to need assistance by September. On its current trajectory, I also fear we may now be seeing the country sliding back into authoritarian control. I echo the Secretary- General’s call, and that of the Special Representative today, for a return to the transitional path and to a civilian-led, democratic Government, which should be through an inclusive, Sudanese-owned political dialogue.”
2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source
“The European Union will remain steadfast in our support for Somalia’s security throughout that next phase. Last but not least, I urge the new Administration to steer the country and its politics on a path of dialogue, inclusivity and consensus that delivers for the Somali people. Strengthening national reconciliation and forging an equitable political settlement are fundamental to progressing State-building measures, including finalizing Somalia’s Constitution and establishing a constitutional court. The time for dispute is over. As the Somali national reconciliation framework describes it, now is the moment to turn attention to repairing the broken Haan, to protecting all citizens equally and to weaving a new future for Somalia out of all its diverse parts.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“I call on the new President to recommit to complying with Somalia’s obligations to prevent violations against its own citizens, to end impunity for perpetrators and to support survivors. Al-Shabaab systematically targeted the elections. And it is to Somalia’s credit that, despite that, in the end the presidential elections went ahead on 15 May as planned. Now that the elections are over, we must look forward. The African Union, the Somali Government and its forces and all partners need to refocus on implementing the ATMIS mandate and addressing the Somali Transition Plan. A key element will be strengthening Somalia’s national security architecture and ensuring genuine security sector reform in order for Somalia to gradually take full responsibility for its own security.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“As we have heard, millions of people are now at risk from climate-induced shocks, including the devastating drought gripping the country and looming famine. There is no time to lose. There will need to be critical political decisions taken in the coming weeks to ensure that Somalia’s most marginalized and affected communities are protected from hunger and death. Of course, we in the international community must also step up our support. Equally, the human rights of all Somalis, in particular those of women and girls, must be prioritized, protected and respected. As the Secretary-General has told us, increasingly, many are the victims of abhorrent sexual violence.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“I want to encourage the incoming Administration to build on its electoral promises and ensure the meaningful participation of women throughout the new Administration, including at senior decision-making levels. I offer our sincere congratulations to the new President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. I was struck by the positive and conciliatory tone of his acceptance speech and his urging of the country to look to the future. That is exactly what Somalia needs now. There is no doubt that a lot rests on his shoulders, but the United Nations and Somalia’s partners will continue to be there to support him in addressing both Somalia’s long- and short-term priorities. Among the most urgent of those priorities will be the dire humanitarian crisis in Somalia.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“It is also important to pay tribute to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the Somali security forces for providing security for the entire election process. That was not without cost. I want to express my deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in recent months, including African Union peacekeepers. I would like to wish the incoming Parliament well in living up to the expectations of the Somali people for peace, prosperity and good governance. We congratulate Sadia Yasin Haji Samatar for being the first woman to ever hold the role of Deputy Speaker, although it is certainly regrettable that the goal of electing 30 per cent women was not met in the elections.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative Swan and Ambassador Madeira for their remarks at the beginning of our meeting. I extend special thanks to Special Representative Swan and his entire team for their commitment and tireless efforts over the past year and a half in supporting Somalia through the election process. We greatly appreciate that. I would like to begin by commending the people of Somalia and their leaders on completing elections. We know that there were some regrettable delays, but the peaceful transition of power that we are now witnessing is welcome and critical to creating the stable political environment needed to tackle Somalia’s long- standing challenges.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source
“We will not tire of making this call; we must meet our responsibilities. The children of Ukraine deserve nothing less from us.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“The evacuations from Mariupol negotiated by the Secretary-General and the United Nations have shown that it is possible to do the right thing for civilians and that the humanitarian notification system can function. We must continue all our efforts to help the people of Ukraine. The reverberations of the war, as we know, reach far beyond Ukraine’s borders; we also know that they will reach beyond this generation. We all have a responsibility to support the people of Ukraine long after this war has ended. At this table, we have repeatedly called for the war to end — for the Russian Federation to withdraw its forces and engage in true dialogue and diplomacy. However, as long as armed conflict continues, Russia must comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“The most innocent of victims, millions of Ukrainian children, are being robbed of their childhoods and of their futures by this war. Denying children their right to education has profound impacts not only on their individual development but also on the future of Ukrainian society as a whole. We continue to see the devastating impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, including on schools. Now and long after the conflict, contamination by explosive remnants of war will have a disproportionate impact on the children of Ukraine, carrying risks of death or injury and further blighting their futures. Equally, robbing children of the possibility of routine vaccinations exposes them to critical outbreaks of communicable diseases, which can also have long-term, debilitating consequences.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“Ireland calls on the Secretary-General and Special Representative Gamba de Potgieter to consider adding Ukraine as a situation of concern in the upcoming annual report on children and armed conflict in order to further assist the extremely important monitoring work carried out by United Nations staff. Grave violations and abuses have been committed against children in eastern Ukraine since 2014. Now, with the alarming increase in violations since the further Russian invasion two months ago, we would fully expect to see that reflected in upcoming reports. We also call on the Secretary- General and Special Representative Gamba to use all tools and mechanisms to address any violations related to children and armed conflict taking place in Ukraine and to deliver on accountability.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“The Council recognized the right of children to education in conflict with the unanimous adoption of resolution 2601 (2021) just a few months ago. Are our memories really that short? Our words should be followed by actions. Collectively, we need to take action to address the disruption of education through the provision of education in emergency settings, psychosocial services, mental health support and health care. It is clear that child protection capacities in Ukraine need to be urgently resourced. As far as possible, the Council should support United Nations monitors and child protection staff.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“We simply cannot accept such violations of international law causing such suffering and trauma, whether in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world. Those horrific violations must end and those responsible must and will be held to account. As civilian infrastructure across Ukraine continues to be demolished by Russian forces, we must respond to the destruction of hundreds of schools, including kindergartens. Attacks on schools in violation of international law have profound impacts on the children affected. Let us remember that, as in the case of killing, maiming and sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals are listable under the children and armed conflict agenda. If the Council is to protect children in armed conflict and seriously tackle impunity, we must support the integrity and the impartiality of listing on those grounds.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“My thanks go to our briefers this morning — Assistant Secretary-General Msuya and Deputy Executive Director Abdi — for all the work that they and their colleagues have done to help alleviate the suffering inflicted upon the Ukrainian people by the Russian Federation’s senseless and illegal war. Shockingly, two thirds of all children in Ukraine have had to flee their homes — many leaving behind parents and grandparents, all leaving behind the lives they knew. Those children face the horrendous risks of abuse, trafficking and exploitation. That is unconscionable. We have heard reports of children killed and maimed by indiscriminate attacks. We are also hearing chilling reports of sexual violence perpetrated by Russian soldiers, with children reportedly among those violated. That is abhorrent.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“That is essential to restoring citizens’ trust in the judicial system. Bosnia and Herzegovina will move forward on its EU path only once it delivers on that critical mass of reforms. Ireland believes that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s place is in the European Union. While it has much challenging work ahead of it, we hope that its leaders will resume the dialogue needed to tackle the issues facing the country step by step in a pragmatic way. We will certainly continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in overcoming the dismal legacy of the past and realizing its full potential as a sovereign State within the European family of nations.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“No legislative or political steps that would make the implementation of the Sejdić-Finci and related ECHR rulings more challenging or further deepen divisions should be taken. We must be clear in calling for an inclusive process of constitutional and electoral reform through genuine dialogue and in line with international standards. Such a process would eliminate all forms of inequality and discrimination in the electoral process. At the same time, we stress the importance of the State elections proceeding as scheduled next October. An agreement on such issues would undoubtedly bring Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to EU candidate status. Progress is required on the 13 other key reform priorities set out in the European Commission opinion, in particular on the rule of law.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“We yet again call on the High Representative to focus on the issue of gender equality and for reporting on the issue to be included in future reports of the Office of the High Representative. That is a fundamental issue for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We know that there are frustrations on all sides regarding the functionality of the country. We understand them, but those issues must be addressed through a constructive dialogue on constitutional and electoral reform. Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to undertake further constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure equality and non-discrimination of all citizens, notably by implementing the Sejdić-Finci case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Ireland fully supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European Union (EU) perspective. This is why we call on all parties to work towards common goals, address the challenges facing the country and step up the pace on implementing the reforms needed for EU accession. That means addressing the needs of all citizens. We call on all parties to uphold and respect equality and inclusion as key principles that will underpin a stable, prosperous future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Such an approach should enable women to rightfully participate in decision-making in all its dimensions. We know that, regrettably, the participation of women in politics remains low. We urge the authorities to ensure the development of effective mechanisms for the implementation of quotas to enhance women’s political representation.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“As we know, elections have been called for next October, but the political deadlock and paralysis of State institutions are already compounding the frustration of the country’s citizens. It is a factor driving so many young people who, rather than waiting for the ballot box, sadly seem to be voting with their feet and leaving the country. Despite the challenges, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been able to make significant achievements over the past quarter-century in building up its institutions of Government and developing its economy and society. It has shown that the political path can work for all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This could continue if elected representatives, working together with the national leaderships, demonstrate the political will required.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“It is high time that the State institutions begin to function fully again and that efforts taken to dismantle State competences cease. The country needs to focus on a positive agenda. All sides have a responsibility to do so. Like all of us, Bosnia and Herzegovina was not spared the serious problems resulting from the coronavirus disease pandemic. Now, again, like all of us, the population is feeling the consequences of the war in Ukraine in higher food and energy costs. It is therefore more important than ever that responsible politicians now return to State institutions and address these challenges together, for the benefit of the entire population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“We would particularly encourage greater progress in fulfilling the 5+2 agenda. Delivery on this agenda remains the agreed prerequisite for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. We remain greatly concerned by the deeply divisive negative rhetoric from political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which only serves to diminish the prospects for reconciliation. We call on all parties to renounce such rhetoric and to refrain from unilateral actions that seek to undermine Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are convinced that the deadlock can be overcome through dialogue. Genuine dialogue in the country has been missing for a long time. We are concerned, in particular, at the glorification of war criminals. There is no place in any twenty-first century society for the glorification of war criminals and the denial of genocide.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“I would like to warmly welcome High Representative Schmidt to the Security Council table for the first time and to also welcome the Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Šefik Džaferović. I wanted to thank High Representative Schmidt for his briefing just now and to emphasize Ireland’s strong support for a single, sovereign, united and multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the Office of the High Representative. The High Representative has just provided a clear and detailed assessment of the deeply concerning continuing political deadlock and blockages in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ireland remains fully supportive of the Office of the High Representative, and we encourage all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to both fully respect and engage with the High Representative and his Office.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Russia must end its aggression, comply with its obligations under international law and withdraw all forces unconditionally from the entirety of the sovereign territory of Ukraine. We call again on the Russia Federation to end its war. It is never too late to do the right thing.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“That is a fact, pure and simple. They must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. The international community and the Council must not become numb to the devastation and tragedy that continues in Ukraine. I am marked by the horror of the death of a 91-year-old Holocaust survivor who froze to death in a basement in Mariupol — her life ending, under our watch, in a shameful reflection of how, as a child, she had hidden to save her life during the war she called the Great Patriotic War. Stopping this war today could not undo what has been done. It could not bring back those lost, or erase the horrors that those who have been forced to flee have endured. It could not undo the human suffering already caused around the world. But it would stop the slaughter; it would save lives.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“We are resolved to ensure 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 and cannot accept impunity for those inflicting such horrors — not in Ukraine, not anywhere in the world. As the High Commissioner said last week, “accountability is a cornerstone of upholding human rights.” We will never shirk our responsibility in upholding human rights. We once again call on the Russian Federation to comply with its obligations under international law to allow full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for humanitarian personnel, to allow all those seeking to leave Ukraine to do so safely and to destinations of their choosing. Civilians who choose to remain in Ukraine are not combatants.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“All allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must continue to be investigated and those responsible held to account. The people of Ukraine deserve nothing less. Let us be clear. Daily, we see the devastating impact of the use of explosive weapons, including prohibited cluster munitions, by Russian forces in populated areas, without regard for civilians. We see the toll of destruction of homes, hospitals and schools. We know what we are dealing with: it cannot be dismissed as fake news. The sheer scale of destruction in itself belies the Russian Federation’s attempt to dissemble and distort reality. We condemn indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks in all circumstances. We reject all efforts to question reality.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“Parties to the conflict must comply with international humanitarian law, including the obligation to limit attacks to military objects. That also includes the prohibitions against indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks and the obligation to take all feasible precautions in attack. Compliance is not optional. We have heard today from High Commissioner Bachelet of how civilians continue to bear the brunt of this unconscionable war. We condemn the horrific violations documented by the United Nations human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine — unlawful killings, including summary executions; conflict-related sexual violence; arbitrary detentions and deportations, including of journalists, human rights defenders and civil society activists; enforced disappearances and torture of prisoners of war.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“What the Secretary-General witnessed in Bucha, Irpin and Borodyanka follows the devastation wrought on Kharkiv, Kherson and Mariupol, as well as elsewhere. Civilians, as he said, are paying the highest price for this conflict. We commend the work of the United Nations agencies in Ukraine and the organizations with whom they are working to alleviate the suffering there. They have our support. They have our appreciation. We welcome the Secretary-General’s work to put in place arrangements for the evacuation of civilians from Mariupol. We welcome the ongoing life-saving work of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross there. We believe that thousands still remain trapped and under siege. We encourage all parties to ensure that those safe passage operations continue and that humanitarian aid reach all those in need.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“We salute the courageous decision by the Secretary-General to visit Moscow and Kyiv last week. The founders of the United Nations were clear on their primary objective — to prevent the human suffering wrought from war. The Secretary-General speaks for all of us in deploring this war and calling for its end. The cynical timing of further attacks on civilian infrastructure during his time in Kyiv and following his visit to Moscow is further evidence of the disdain that has been shown towards the United Nations. It is more than regrettable that we should have to recall that the Secretary-General of the United Nations is appointed by all Members of the United Nations. He is mandated by all Members of the United Nations. We have a responsibility towards our Secretary-General.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“I would like to welcome back the Secretary-General and thank him for his briefing this afternoon. I also want to extend a particularly warm welcome to High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet. I also thank Under-Secretary- General Griffiths and Ms. Tetiana Luzan for updating us today on the humanitarian disaster in Ukraine. Their briefings highlight yet again the utter senselessness of this unlawful war. Eleven weeks into this unjustified and unjustifiable war, we continue to witness widespread destruction, indiscriminate attacks and unconscionable human suffering. As each day passes, reports of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by Russia grow. And, as we have heard from colleagues around this table, the consequences are being felt far beyond Ukraine and Europe. Russia must end its war now.”
2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source
“The Technical Secretariat and the Conference of the States Parties have made clear the concrete actions necessary to resolve the outstanding issues with Syria’s declarations. It is for Syria to implement those actions and provide the necessary clarity on all outstanding matters. It is unacceptable that Syria has prevented the deployment of the Declaration Assessment Team for the past year, despite the efforts demonstrated by the Technical Secretariat to facilitate a meeting. The arrangements for the proposed meeting between Director-General Arias and Foreign Minister Mekdad, also outstanding for a year, must be settled quickly, and the meeting should focus on achieving concrete outcomes. It is time for Syria to move on from empty words and delays. Ireland will continue to support all efforts to resolve the outstanding issues on this file.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“Thousands of Syrian civilians have experienced the devastating effects of chemical weapons at the hands of the Syrian armed forces and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, as evidenced in reports of the United Nations and OPCW. At the same time, we see continued efforts by Syria and Russia to undermine and politicize the work of OPCW in order to deflect attention from serious culpability. It is essential that we, as the Council, uphold our responsibilities in resolving this file. We must be clear in our full support for the OPCW and its ongoing work in Syria and in rejecting efforts to undermine the OPCW. We must continue to hold Syria to its obligations under the CWC and Council resolutions. Equally, Syria must stop its policy of equivocation and delay and engage in serious and meaningful cooperation with the OPCW.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“That the Convention has been such a success is in large part thanks to the continued integrity, professionalism and impartiality of the OPCW. The Security Council has a crucial role to play in supporting the ongoing work of the Convention and upholding the legal norm against chemical weapons. The use of those weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances is an affront to international law, on which we all depend for our security and well-being. Unfortunately, however, 25 years after the Convention’s entry into force the recent marked increase in the use of chemical weapons presents a serious threat to international peace and security. The ongoing case of Syria remains a significant challenge, and the failure to resolve that case represents a serious risk to the effective operation of the Convention.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“I, too, would like to thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing today. As others have noted, today we mark 25 years since the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The Convention’s aim to make the world safe from the threat of chemical weapons, through a comprehensive and verifiable ban, is as important today as ever. On this important anniversary, Ireland takes the opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), its Director-General and the staff of the Technical Secretariat. A key element of the Convention is the establishment of the OPCW to ensure a credible, transparent verification regime to verify the destruction of chemical weapons and prevent their re-emergence.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9026 (2022) · source
“We firmly believe that a longer renewal would provide much-needed stability and predictability to the Mission at a critical and sensitive juncture in Libya’s transition. Furthermore, there are many crucial elements now absent from this text, including on human rights, the role of women and the humanitarian situation, to name but a few. We wish to reiterate that the most recent substantive resolution renewing UNSMIL’s mandate, resolution 2542 (2020), of September 2020, remains the guiding framework when it comes to the Mission’s role on the ground.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9025 (2022) · source
“The sustained support from the United Nations and the Security Council is also essential to overcome the current political impasse and to help Libyan stakeholders forge agreement on the way forward and on the holding of elections as soon as possible. The importance of free, fair and inclusive elections is emphasised in this text, as is the need for adherence to the October 2020 ceasefire agreement. Despite our positive vote today, we sincerely regret that, owing to the objection and intransigence of one Council member, we were not to secure consensus on a substantive one-year mandate renewal, as originally proposed by the penholder. Instead, we have unfortunately defaulted to another short, three-month renewal. This is the fourth time we have resorted to a brief and essentially technical rollover on UNSMIL since we joined the Council.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9025 (2022) · source
“First, I would like to express our appreciation to the United Kingdom for its determined efforts as penholder on this mandate renewal. Ireland voted in favour of resolution 2629 (2022) today because we believe that an effective United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is vital to support the Libyan people and their legitimate expectations of a democratic and peaceful future. With the adoption of this resolution, the Security Council has finally come to agreement on the long-overdue implementation of the recommendations of the Mission’s strategic review. We believe that will equip UNSMIL to achieve optimum impact on the ground, including through the reform of the Mission’s leadership structure. We look forward to the swift appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General.”
2022-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9025 (2022) · source
“Renewed efforts are needed to put an end to the suffering of vulnerable populations. Ireland welcomes efforts to develop a regional strategy on durable solutions for displaced people. We remain concerned about the significant increase in documented human rights violations and abuses and call on all countries in the Great Lakes region to pursue accountability for the perpetrators of such acts. Finally, Ireland appreciates the progress being made on the implementation of the United Nations regional strategy and its action plan, which has an important complementary role to play in supporting implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework. We therefore echo the Secretary-General’s call for sustained support to its implementation.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“We all know that the illegal exploitation of minerals and natural resources remains a significant driver of instability, and we commend the ICGLR for its continued work in this area and the approval by ministers of ICGLR member States of recommendations from the high-level regional workshop on natural resources in the Great Lakes region. We heard during last week’s Arria Formula meeting, hosted by Ireland, that — tragically — 2022 is forecast to be the most food-insecure year on record, with conflict being a major driver. The link between conflict and hunger is evident in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is projected to see the highest number of people face acute food insecurity globally. We urge all parties to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“It is also important that there be effective communication and coordination with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The challenges facing the region cannot be addressed solely by military means. A coherent approach in addressing root causes and drivers of conflict is vital. We believe that the meaningful participation of women across peacebuilding efforts is essential, and it is positive to see commitment to the women and peace and security agenda. The adoption of a regional plan of action on resolution 1325 (2000) is an important development. Now we must ensure that this is resourced and implemented.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source