YouSaid · the spoken record

Camilleri

lines on the record: 233
first: 1992-11-16
most recent: 2023-12-30
sittings or episodes: 45
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

“At the same time, we remain concerned about the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Sudan, especially the women residing in IDP camps, who remain at high risk of sexual and gender-based violence. Malta welcomes all efforts that seek to support dialogue and mediation, including by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States and the United Nations, as well as by the Sudan’s neighbours and other partner countries. We commend the efforts of the Permanent Ceasefire Committee, chaired by the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS), as well as the civilian signatory parties to the Framework Agreement, who have also been instrumental in defusing tensions and promoting community-level dialogue.”
2023-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9326 (2023) · source
“We also condemn attacks on humanitarian and medical workers or on United Nations premises. We are concerned about the fact that an estimated $14 million worth of food products destined for the most food-insecure sectors of the population, along with more than 1 million polio vaccines intended for children, have been destroyed as a result of looting. It is clear that the conflict in the Sudan is having repercussions on the wider region. An estimated quarter of a million people have fled the country, and the high number of refugees and displaced marks a crisis of regional proportions. As Sudanese and third-country nationals fleeing the Sudan face perilous journeys, we acknowledge the efforts being made by neighbouring countries to host those seeking refuge.”
2023-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9326 (2023) · source
“Women and girls remain at high risk of sexual and gender-based violence, with extensive reports of rapes and sexual assaults. Protection measures must be put in place and strengthened for women and children, the elderly, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind. We want to remind all the parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and call for safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians, at a time when humanitarian needs in the Sudan have risen to record levels. We also call for thorough investigations and for perpetrators to be brought to justice and held accountable for their crimes. Malta condemns all attacks on civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, schools and places of worship.”
2023-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9326 (2023) · source
“I would like to join others in thanking Special Representative Perthes, Commissioner Adeoye and Executive Secretary Gebeyehu for their briefings. In the wake of the outbreak of the clashes in Khartoum on 15 April, we reiterate our call on both the parties to cease hostilities without preconditions and to lead the Sudan back to a political transition. We welcome the latest mediation efforts, including the Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan and the brokering of the upcoming seven-day ceasefire. We believe that is the only path to sustainable peace and stability in the Sudan. Malta firmly deplores the loss of life and is deeply concerned about the fact that since the start of the clashes more than 800 people have been killed, including 200 children, and more than 5,000 injured.”
2023-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9326 (2023) · source
“We also note with concern the challenges that food security poses in Iraq and urge regional and international partners to ensure that the World Food Programme remains equipped to continue its support in the country. In conclusion, we highlight once again our steadfast support for the efforts of the Government of Iraq and UNAMI to promote stability, peace and prosperity for the future of all Iraqis. We look forward to engaging constructively in the coming days to ensure the smooth renewal of the UNAMI mandate.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“While we welcome the improvement of the overall humanitarian situation, we take note of the recent update on the activities of the United Nations humanitarian country team (see S/2023/340), which states that nearly 1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees remain in acute need of humanitarian assistance. The voluntary return of IDPs to their areas of origin remains slow, owing to the lack of basic services, limited livelihood opportunities and safety concerns. Despite that, we continue to see the unilateral closure of IDP camps by the Government, which entails negative humanitarian consequences. We reiterate our call that the return of internally displaced persons must be safe, voluntary, dignified and consensual.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“Nevertheless, we are deeply concerned about the 22 grave violations committed against children, the 61 civilian casualties documented by UNAMI and the high incidence of those casualties that were caused by explosive remnants of war. Malta stresses the importance of addressing climate change and security in Iraq — the country that is the fifth most-affected by climate change. We recognize the Government’s efforts to mitigate its negative effects and echo the Secretary-General’s call for increased international and regional efforts to address water scarcity and its gender dimensions.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“We also stress the need to fight terrorism and recurring Da’esh attacks in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and we express our steadfast support for the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. Malta emphasizes the importance of respecting human rights and democratic principles. We welcome the commencement of the selection process for a new Board of Commissioners for the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights Law. We also welcome the Government’s signing of an action plan to prevent the recruitment and use of children by the Popular Mobilization Forces.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“It is essential to ensure that the Independent High Electoral Commission retains its independence and is provided with an adequate budget and time frame to organize the elections. We commend the positive role played by Iraq in the region. In particular, we welcome its diplomatic efforts to advance stability, including through its engagement and facilitation of dialogue with regional partners. We call on all States, particularly neighbouring countries, to respect and support Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic political process. Respect for those principles is essential to enhancing regional stability.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“The efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to promote the full, equal and meaningful participation of women at all levels of the judiciary, as well as in provincial council elections, are critical. In addition, while we commend the first payments made to Yazidi female survivors, we urge that the additional requirements imposed on survivors to submit criminal complaints be revoked. On the political front, we welcome the recent steps taken by the federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to address several outstanding issues, including the Kurdistan Regional Government’s commitment to holding regional parliamentary elections in November. We also welcome the federal Government’s plans to hold provincial council elections before the end of 2023.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative Hennis-Plasschaert for her detailed briefing and Ms. Latif for bringing her important perspectives and valuable insights to the table. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Iraq to this meeting. Malta is encouraged by the Government of Iraq’s commitment to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous country. We strongly support the Government’s reform agenda, which seeks to tackle corruption, improve public services, diversify the economy and address the needs of vulnerable groups. In that regard, we reiterate our call for the expeditious adoption of the federal budget to ensure that the Government can implement its ambitious programme. Inclusive political oversight and electoral processes are vital elements for a peaceful and stable democratic environment.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“We must uphold our own decisions, uphold the norm against chemical weapons and hold Syria to its obligations under resolution 2118 (2013) and the Chemical Weapons Convention.”
2023-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9317 (2023) · source
“Malta strongly encourages the renewed extension of the tripartite agreement between the OPCW, the United Nations Office for Project Services and Syria. The agreement is due to expire soon, on 30 June. It is only through Syria’s meaningful cooperation with the OPCW that we can ensure that Syria’s chemical-weapons programme has been completely and verifiably eliminated. Syria must provide the necessary assurances on its chemical weapons programme, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. We reiterate and stress that can be no justification for the use of these abhorrent weapons. Those who used them must be held accountable. We once again underline our full support for the universalization of the prohibition of chemical weapons.”
2023-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9317 (2023) · source
“The pending declarations and other documents requested by the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) since 2019 have not yet been provided by the Syrian Arab Republic, and the declaration submitted is still considered inaccurate and incomplete. Malta regrets that Syria continues to impose limitations on the composition of the DAT team to be deployed, which has prevented the twenty-fifth round of consultations. The full DAT team should be able to deploy as soon as possible for that purpose. In the meantime, Malta looks forward to the outcome of the DAT’s limited in-country activities conducted in April. We hope that an agenda for the proposed meeting between the Director-General and Foreign Minister Mekdad can be agreed as soon as possible.”
2023-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9317 (2023) · source
“It has been made clear that the methodology used in the findings of the report was drafted in keeping with the best practices of international fact-finding bodies and commissions of investigation, as well as applicable OPCW procedures. We reiterate our full confidence and support for the independent, unbiased and expert work of the OPCW and its Technical Secretariat. They play a vital role in the global prohibition of chemical weapons and in the complete elimination of all chemical weapons in Syria. Time and time again, we see an unfortunate pattern of Syria’s continued failure to fully cooperate with the OPCW. Syrian authorities failed to grant access to the sites of the Douma incident, despite the country’s obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and resolution 2118 (2013).”
2023-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9317 (2023) · source
“I also thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her informative briefing today. On nine occasions, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) or joint United Nations-OPCW investigations have concluded that Syria has used chemical weapons against its own people — nine instances in which the armed forces of a State attacked Syrian civilians with weapons of mass destruction. Such acts are completely indefensible. Perpetrators cannot and must not go unpunished. Most recently, the third report of the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Syrian Arab Air Force were the perpetrators of the Douma chemical-weapons attack, which killed 43 people and injured dozens more.”
2023-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9317 (2023) · source
“Challenges that lead to marginalized communities acquiring weapons, such as poverty and unemployment, should be addressed simultaneously to ensure a holistic approach to tackling the conflict cycle in a sustainable manner. We have consistently supported the International Tracing Instrument, which requires States to ensure that weapons are properly marked and that records are kept, and advocated for the Instrument’s adaption to new technological developments in order to remain effective. I conclude by expressing Malta’s concern regarding the many different conflicts with which countries around the world are having to deal. We firmly believe that any provision of arms to State or non-State actors that violates Security Council resolutions is an affront to the authority and integrity of the Security Council itself.”
2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source
“Malta’s Sanctions Monitoring Board adopts a rigorous approach to implementing arms embargoes, and their circumvention directly undermines regional and international peace, security and stability. Malta fully supports the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. We welcome the consensus outcome reached by all Member States during the eighth Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action last summer. Malta is also a firm supporter of the African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative. That is underpinned by our determination to break the cycle of violence and conflict in Africa through the effective implementation of agreements on landmines and the non-proliferation of small arms and light weapons on the continent.”
2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source
“The Treaty has a wide membership of 112 States parties, and we encourage all States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the Treaty without further delay. The European Union (EU) has some of the highest standards of export controls in the world. It has adopted a uniform approach to the export of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition, and it established a set of common features that end-user certificates will have to respect to diminish the risk of diversion to illicit or unintended users. EU member States committed to preventing and curbing the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition through the 2018 EU strategy.”
2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source
“These export-control groups are voluntary arrangements comprising States from all regions that seek to prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of certain dangerous weapons, materials and technologies, including to non-State actors and terrorists. Malta signed the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) as soon as it was opened for signature in 2013 and has been a State party since 2014. The Treaty regulates the international trade in conventional arms and seeks to prevent and eradicate illicit trade and diversion of conventional arms by establishing the highest possible common international standards governing arms transfers. Malta places a high priority on the universalization and full implementation of the ATT.”
2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source
“I too begin by thanking High Representative Nakamitsu for her informative briefing. Malta strongly supports export-control mechanisms and agreements, which are crucial tools in preventing sensitive. materials technology and equipment from falling into the wrong hands, contributing to the implementation of treaty obligations on non-proliferation and facilitating peaceful uses by enabling the secure transfer of dual-use technology. Malta is a committed member of the Australia Group, the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, and it strictly implements the European dual-use export- control regulations and the relevant annexes.”
2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source
“Our discussion today is yet another direct and dreadful consequence of Russia’s illegal, unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine. Once again, Malta reiterates its call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease its war of aggression and withdraw all its forces from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. At this juncture, the last thing we should do is raise the stakes even higher.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“At the start of 2022, the five permanent members of the Council, including the Russian Federation, reiterated their important declaration that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. Russia’s reckless nuclear rhetoric contradicts that declaration. We urge Belarus to fully understand the consequences and repercussions of its actions should it choose to accommodate Russia’s plans. We stress the fact that the storage or deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus would raise nuclear tensions, gravely compromise international peace and security, increase the risk of a nuclear accident or miscommunication and drastically increase the possibility of an escalation to nuclear war. Such risks are unacceptable. They should never be considered, let alone taken.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“Needless to say, the devastating humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons would not be confined within national borders or to the European continent. The war is already having ramifications for global food security, which we are trying to contain by means of a fragile mechanism. We can only begin to imagine the multiplier effect and catastrophic consequences if nuclear weapons were added to the equation. Moreover, let us not forget that the vast majority of States, including many developing countries, have fought hard to make progress on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Instead, we have been plunged back into a situation in which a nuclear disaster is within the realm of possibility.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“For more than a year, international peace and security has been threatened as the world has been subjected to unacceptable Russian nuclear threats against its neighbour — an independent, sovereign, non-nuclear- weapon State that voluntarily gave up the nuclear arsenal that was left on its territory almost 30 years ago. Ukraine did that in good faith and in exchange for security assurances from Russia — assurances that were betrayed. Furthermore, just a few weeks ago, Russia declared that it would suspend its participation in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, its last remaining nuclear arms control agreement with the United States. Such actions threaten millions of civilians in Ukraine, the region and beyond.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“Such acts undermine the vital role of the global non-proliferation regime and disregard the tragic consequences that would result from a nuclear detonation. As members of the international community, we have a responsibility to make sure that a nuclear war is never fought. Since the beginning of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine just over one year ago, the world has held its breath as Russia conducts reckless military activity within and around the civilian nuclear facilities in Ukraine and continues to occupy Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya, creating a significant risk of a radiological incident.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“I thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her clear and sobering briefing today on this important issue. At the outset, I want to insist on Malta’s unwavering commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament and to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which remains the cornerstone of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. We are convinced that is the only path to follow if we want to secure peace and prosperity and a safer future for all. There are no winners in a nuclear war. We would all be losers in such a confrontation, and the devastating humanitarian consequences and environmental fallout would be felt for generations to come. Malta strongly condemns any nuclear threats or dangerous nuclear rhetoric.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“In view of the future Mission reconfiguration and in order to ensure its success, troops must be appropriately equipped and ready to engage with a proactive and mobile posture. We also emphasize the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. I conclude by highlighting the fact that the elections scheduled to be held later this year are crucial and that process should lead us all to invest in breaking the cycle of violence. The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo deserve an environment conducive to the realization of their aspirations.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“Through the extensive efforts of the European Union (EU), air bridges are now able to assist in alleviating the situation, while additional EU funds amounting to €47 million cover immediate needs, such as nutrition, health, water, sanitation, shelter and protection. Malta commends the critical work of MONUSCO as it operates in a increasingly challenging environment. At the same time, the Mission continues to protect civilians and assist the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on multiple fronts. Gender must remain a cross-cutting consideration among the Mission’s priority benchmarks. We also underline the need to redouble efforts to combat disinformation against MONUSCO.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, their safe participation as voters, candidates, observers and civil educators requires monitoring and reporting of violations and reprisals. Malta strongly condemns sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, including abductions and forced marriages. We urge the Government to develop, operationalize and resource the reparations fund for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. Meanwhile, 30 per cent of the population requires humanitarian assistance and protection. We are concerned that M-23 offensives have caused the displacement of up to 800,000 people to Goma and its surroundings since March 2022.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“It is crucial that efforts are made to tackle the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We urge authorities to continue tackling corruption, engaging in holistic security sector reform and doing their utmost to protect civilians. We commend the Congolese armed forces for supporting age-verification assessments of more than 7,000 candidates for the armed forces. Vetting the codes of conduct is crucial for a professional and accountable security sector. We commend the extensive regional initiatives aimed at peace and stability in the country. Coordination with regional players remains key to ensure that all efforts to that end are mutually reinforcing. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women must also be supported at all levels.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“We echo the Secretary-General’s condemnation of the violence perpetrated by armed groups against civilians and his call for them to lay down their arms unconditionally. We call on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. We also condemn all attacks against MONUSCO peacekeepers and express our condolences to the families of the victims. In the same vein, we urge all State actors to stop backing armed groups. We also underline the fact that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be respected. The Movement du 23 mars (M-23), the Allied Democratic Forces, the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo and other armed groups keep ravaging a land rich in resources that should be a source of wealth for its people.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“I too thank Special Representative Keita for her detailed briefing today. I also welcome the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi to today’s meeting. The recent visit of the Security Council to the Democratic Republic of the Congo was a tangible sign of our collective commitment to peace and stability in the eastern part of the country. The draft presidential statement that we agreed to is a step in the right direction. As the Council listened to the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and regional partners, it is clear that challenges continue. Entire generations have experienced only conflict and violence.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“I conclude by highlighting our full support for the work of Special Envoy Pedersen and his step-for- step initiative. Now is the time to break the deadlock, pursue accountability, and move towards a just and lasting peace.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“Violence against women and girls remains pervasive. Malta calls on the Syrian Arab Republic and all parties to the conflict to strengthen the national child protection framework and to end the recruitment and use of children and prevent its recurrence. We once again reiterate our call on all parties, in particular the Syrian delegation, to engage constructively in the process. Malta therefore remains supportive of a genuine Syrian-led and -owned political process facilitated by the United Nations, with all key stakeholders working constructively and coherently for the people of Syria. In addition, we emphasize that any and all returns of Syrian refugees and those internally displaced must be safe, legal and voluntary, in line with the criteria set forth by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“For example, the transparent and verifiable release of those detained arbitrarily in Syria, as well as the provision of information on the whereabouts and the fate of the missing and those forcibly disappeared, are within the power of the parties. Such steps would result in a true political breakthrough. We urge the Syrian authorities to allow the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit the Syrian Arab Republic and establish a field presence there. The reconvening and resumption of the work of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva would also send a positive signal, as would the development of policies and legislation on eliminating discrimination against women and girls in all spheres of life and achieving gender equality, including through quotas and special measures.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“Malta was concerned to see reports of air strikes targeting the Aleppo airport on 6 March. We share the concerns of the Resident Coordinator for Syria on the potential implications of such attacks for the humanitarian aid operation. The Syrian conflict entered its thirteenth year this month. The reality is that no remaining actor or group can resolve this conflict alone. As years of destruction have demonstrated so vividly, there is no military solution to the conflict, but there are many areas in which progress can be made in line with resolution 2254 (2015), which remains the only viable path forward out of the current status quo.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“We take note of the concerns highlighted by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. Enormous needs remain. Without a major scaling- up and greater support for the United Nations and humanitarian agencies in Syria, the levels of avoidable mortality are bound to rise. In that regard, Malta takes positive note of the increase in the number of trucks sent through the Bab Al-Salam crossing in recent days. The Bab Al-Hawa crossing is where the overwhelming majority of trucks have crossed to date, which further underscores the continued importance of keeping the cross-border mechanism open and operational. We also call on all parties to support and facilitate the flow of cross-line aid from Damascus to the north-west and north-east.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“I begin by thanking Special Envoy Pedersen and Mr. Talahma for their sobering remarks. On this special day, we also wish all Muslims communities around the world Ramadan Kareem and Ramadan Mubarak. The devastating consequences of the earthquake continue to reverberate in Syria. Six weeks later, we are still grappling with the tremendous loss of life, the destruction of thousands of homes and the deadly consequences for the already frail and crumbling civilian infrastructure across the country. While we commend the work of the United Nations and its agencies, we also recognize the need to increase the amount of aid that is provided to north-west Syria and ensure that it arrives where it is needed as quickly as possible.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, let me reiterate Malta’s full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its recognized international borders, its lawful right to determine its own foreign and security policy and its diplomatic efforts in international forums, as well as its right to self-defence. We call on the Russian Federation to stop the war, withdraw its military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and turn to dialogue and diplomacy as the only tools that can restore peace in the region.”
2023-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9280 (2023) · source
“That must include justice for the victims of atrocity crimes and sexual violence, as well as the abductions and forceable deportation of children. Perpetrators must be brought to justice and be held to account without delay. The aggressor must bear the legal consequences of its internationally wrongful acts, including making reparation for the injury and damage caused. As a first step, Malta supports the idea of establishing a register of damages as a record of evidence and information regarding claims for damages, losses or injury caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”
2023-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9280 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, we urge the full implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and other pertinent human rights treaties. We also call on Russia to respect the order of the International Court of Justice on provisional measures, dated April 2017, in the case concerning the application of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Returning to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, we are deeply concerned about the persistent violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We must redouble our efforts to ensure accountability for all violations.”
2023-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9280 (2023) · source
“Today we heard more narratives aimed at portraying the victim as the aggressor and the aggressor as the victim. However, the facts are clear for all to see. On 24 February 2022, the Russian Federation invaded its neighbour, violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity and reigniting war in Europe. Malta deplores the dissemination of disinformation and misinformation by Russian media and Russian leaders in an attempt to justify the war against Ukraine. Let us be clear: any ideologies that encourage racism, discrimination, xenophobia and all other forms of intolerance all received our sternest condemnation on several occasions. We stress that our position stems solely from our strong and principled belief that there is no alternative to multilateralism and the rules-based international order in the contemporary world.”
2023-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9280 (2023) · source
“I thank today’s briefers. Today’s meeting is yet another attempt by the Russian Federation to divert the focus from the appalling events occurring in Ukraine and cynically try to justify the unjustifiable. Malta reiterates its condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine. That brutal, unprovoked and unjustified war is a blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations. It has brought immense suffering, destruction and misery on Ukraine and its population for more than a year. Even more disturbing is the fact that the aggression was initiated with complete disdain and disregard for international law and the rules-based order, not to mention the principles that a permanent member of the Council should uphold.”
2023-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9280 (2023) · source
“The only way to assure the world that Syria’s chemical-weapon programme has been completely and verifiably eliminated is through Syria’s meaningful cooperation with the OPCW and provision of the necessary assurances on its programme, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Council must uphold its decisions and the norm against chemical weapons and hold Syria to its obligations under resolution 2118 (2013) and the CWC.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9275 (2023) · source
“We strongly encourage the renewed extension of the tripartite agreement between the OPCW, the United Nations Office for Project Services and Syria, which is due to expire on 30 June this year. Malta underlines its full support for the universalization of the global norm on the prohibition on chemical weapons, underpinned by the Chemical Weapons Convention. There can be no justification for the use of those abhorrent weapons. In 2013, the Council unanimously decided that those responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria must be held accountable. The use of chemical weapons must not go unpunished.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9275 (2023) · source
“Resolution 2118 (2013) is clear in its decision that Syria should fully cooperate with the United Nations and the OPCW. It is regrettable that the Syrian Arab Republic has not yet provided various pending declarations and other documents that the Declaration Assessment Team has been requesting since 2019, and that the declaration submitted is still considered inaccurate and incomplete. Malta looks forward to the publication of the report of the Declaration Assessment Team in the coming weeks, following the Technical Secretariat’s initiative to send a reduced Declaration Assessment Team to Syria to conduct limited in-country activities. We hope for progress between focal points so that the meeting proposed between the Director- General and Foreign Minister Mekdad can finally take place.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9275 (2023) · source
“Malta has full confidence that the report was drafted in accordance with the best practices of international fact-finding bodies and commissions of investigation, as well as the applicable OPCW procedures. We fully support the independent, unbiased and expert work of the OPCW and its Technical Secretariat, which play a vital role in the global prohibition on chemical weapons and in ensuring the complete elimination of all chemical weapons in Syria. Any unfounded claims aimed at undermining its credibility or questioning its findings must not go unchallenged. Malta regrets that the Syrian authorities failed to grant access to the site of the Douma incident despite Syria’s obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and resolution 2118 (2013). That follows an unfortunate pattern of behaviour by Syria on the file.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9275 (2023) · source
“I thank High Representative Nakamitsu for yet another insightful briefing. Last month, the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the Coordinator of its Investigation and Identification Team briefed us on the third report of the Team, which concluded in disturbing detail that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the Syrian Arab Air Force was responsible for the chemical weapons attack in Douma that killed 43 people and injured dozens more. That represents the ninth occasion so far that the OPCW and joint United Nations-OPCW investigations have concluded that Syria has used chemical weapons against its own people. Such acts are a violation of international law and are completely unacceptable.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9275 (2023) · source
“Let us not be distracted today from the sheer extent of the damage that Russia’s war of aggression has caused in Ukraine, particularly to civilians. Attacks directed against civilians and objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population are prohibited under international humanitarian law. Malta condemns such attacks in the strongest possible terms. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting rose at 4.30 p.m.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9266 (2023) · source