YouSaid · the spoken record

Christoph Heusgen

lines on the record: 300
first: 2020-04-16
most recent: 2021-02-11
sittings or episodes: 63
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 owe it to the people of Syria that we keep that on the agenda, including the chemical track — and we heard again last week how Russia is undermining the Chemical Weapons Convention — the political track and the humanitarian track. To Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, I wish good luck. I encourage him not to give in, to be loud and clear and to call a spade a spade. It is very good that he includes civil society and women. I would ask that he also include the impunity aspect in his work. Germany will leave the Security Council. I would like to thank Belgium very much for its cooperation on the humanitarian file, as well as Kuwait, with whom we shared the file in the first year. Germany will remain engaged. We continue to be a major donor of humanitarian aid, and we remain politically engaged. We owe it to the Syrian people.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“In mid-November, just a couple of weeks ago, the Syrian Arab News Agency based in Damascus informed the world about the opening of the Bassel Al-Assad Museum, a lavish shrine for Bashar Al-Assad’s elder brother in the city of Latakia —350 square metres of marble and fine woods and a splendid garden of 8,000 square metres. At the opening ceremony, the local Baath Party Secretary explained that, “This museum is a message of love to the world that Syria is a country of love and peace”. How cynical can one get? While the world is feeding the Syrian population, the regime is feeding its own ambitions and lies. The Council should not allow the regime to shift the blame for the plight of the Syrian people, which has been unnecessarily prolonged by the regime standing in the way of political solutions to that decade-long conflict.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“I think it is very cynical to deplore that humanitarian goods cannot get into the country when, at the same time, we here in July witnessed how Russia and China blocked humanitarian aid from entering the country and providing humanitarian goods to hundreds of thousands of children and other people. Instead of endlessly complaining about sanctions, Russia and China S/2020/1257 should reconsider their decision and allow the opening of more crossing points so that people can actually get the food and medicine that they need. We have heard again how difficult the situation is for the people. The Al-Assad regime is also complaining about sanctions, and we will hear that probably again after my intervention. But let us just be aware of what the Al-Assad regime is doing at the same time.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“My Council member colleagues may remember that last year in the Security Council I quoted a Pulitzer Prize-winning story in The New York Times that described in great detail how Russian pilots bombed hospitals in Idlib (see S/PV.8645). On sanctions, I cannot hear that anymore. We have discussed it over and over again. The Arria Formula meeting that was just alluded to very clearly showed that all the European Union (EU) sanctions do not hamper the delivery of humanitarian assistance. We asked for examples. There was not one example given of EU sanctions preventing humanitarian aid from getting into the country. Actually, I can tell the Council very clearly what stops humanitarian aid.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“I think that image should haunt us all.I have stated here in the Security Council time and again: without accountability, amid impunity, there can be no reconciliation. There can be no reconstruction, either moral or physical, of the country. That is why we urgently need the International, International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 to continue its work and to see to it that more people, more officials and more of those responsible for horrendous crimes actually face trial. Russia has not only supported Al-Assad but has itself contributed to the suffering and killing of people.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“I think we have to be very clear that even those who are here today bear a direct responsibility for the suffering of the of the people and for the fact that Al-Assad bombs his own people, including with chemical weapons. Nobody has disputed that fact. The Al-Assad regime continues until today to kill its own population, abduct and torture people and use sexual violence against people. Two months ago, I quoted here in the Security Council a witness in the Koblenz trial of an Al-Assad official who was responsible for the torturing of Syrian people (see S/PV.8764). Council members may remember that the witness had to transport corpses — hundreds of corpses of killed, of tortured men, women and children — to mass graves in Damascus. The picture of a mother with a newborn in her arms whom he had to bury in a mass grave haunted the witness.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“At the end of the two years that we have been in the Security Council, we have to be honest: the Security Council has let the Syrian people down. Yes, there is a relative calm, but the suffering of the Syrian people continues, and millions have fled the country, in many cases living in precarious situations. We heard today that right now there are 11 million people in need of humanitarian aid, and there is no end in sight. When we speak about that conflict, we should remember how and why it began — when ordinary Syrians took to the streets in order to peacefully protest for change and reform. Let me stress: they were ordinary citizens, not terrorists. But the Syrian regime responded with more oppression, violence, torture and murder and by waging a brutal war against its own people.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“I fully support his proposal regarding the UNMISS review process for adapting the Mission to the changing realities on the ground. I also think that we must continue the job that he is doing and protect civilians in the parts of the country where they still face threats.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“There are sanctioned individuals who have committed serious crimes and human rights violations. Do we want to promote impunity and have less accountability by lifting sanctions? No. I think that sanctions are a very important factor in stabilizing the peace process in South Sudan. In conclusion, I want to thank my colleague the Ambassador of Viet Nam for doing the difficult task of chairing the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary- General Mark Lowcock and, last but not least, Special Representative David Shearer. Over the past two years, I have been very impressed by Mr. Shearer’s work and I thank him for being so principled.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“Much more has to be done, and we just heard about the illegal exploitation of resources. That is something UNMISS should look at. We in the Council are in broad agreement. The only major point of difference among us is with regard to sanctions. I just cannot follow the argument that we should lift sanctions and the arms embargo. We heard from David Shearer that we still do not have a unified security force. There is fragmentation in the chain of command. Some units are ready to return to conflict. Lifting the arms embargo in this situation is asking for more conflict and more victims. One argument urged us to lift sanctions because of the coronavirus disease. That is an argument I just cannot follow intellectually. I would propose that everybody desperate to send arms to South Sudan instead increase the delivery of humanitarian goods.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“It is also disrespectful to the countries that send their Blue Helmets and police to South Sudan and to those that are big donors of humanitarian aid. I would have asked the Ambassador to ask his Government to finally stop impeding the ability of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to move around the country. UNMISS is doing a fantastic job in bringing peace and security to the country and it is unacceptable that it does not have free access to every area. I would also have liked to ask the Ambassador to convey to the capital that there should be more financial transparency and expedited financial governance reforms in the country. We know that South Sudan has a number of resources. It is not comprehensible that a potentially rich country has a population facing famine.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“Those of us who travelled to Colombia saw how important accountability is to the peace process. With regard to the involvement of women and civil society, the 35 per cent objective has not been met. The humanitarian situation is aggravated by floods. In South Sudan, we have yet another example of the repercussions that climate change has for security. We are alarmed by the fact that a large number of people are facing famine. Humanitarian workers find themselves increasingly at risk. Nine humanitarian workers killed is nine too many. Those responsible for these murders have to be brought to justice. I think it is extremely regrettable that the Ambassador of South Sudan is not at this meeting. We have asked before that he listen to these discussions. I think it is disrespectful to the Security Council.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“We still do not have unified security forces. We do not have the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. We continue to see violence in several pockets in the country. Key transitional justice institutions have not been established. I would like to pick up on what Special Representative of the Secretary- General David Shearer said and underline how important it is that transitional justice institutions be put in place. They are needed to fight impunity. There continue to be massive human rights violations. There is gender-based violence, and we need to see impunity end. We need accountability. Otherwise we will not see peace and reconciliation in the country. That is a general theme. We discussed the issue yesterday with regard to Yemen. We see it in Syria.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“In comparison to our efforts in Yemen, we have made some progress in the Council on South Sudan over the past two years. We have seen the implementation of some of the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. We have witnessed less violence in the country. The Transitional Government and most of the Governors are in place. Over the past two years, the protection-of-civilian sites have been gradually transformed into camps for internally displaced people. We have made progress and I think we have to recognize that. But, unfortunately, we are also still seeing many deficiencies and negative developments. A number of critical tasks of the peace agreement are still outstanding. The transitional security arrangements have not been implemented.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“My plea is that the representative of South Africa report about this meeting back home to ensure that everything is done by all institutions, including the Ministry of the Interior, so that when Prosecutor Serge Brammertz visits South Africa next month he will not leave empty-handed.”
2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source
“On the Mechanism’s work relating to Rwanda, resolution 2529 (2020) underscored the importance of finding a solution for the resettlement of the nine acquitted and released persons presently residing in Arusha, who are unable, or afraid, to return to their country of citizenship. We are encouraged to hear that efforts to that end have been enhanced and a strategy is being prepared. Germany urges all States called upon by the Prosecutor to implement requests made by the Mechanism to assist in the apprehension of fugitives for whom arrest warrants have been issued. As members of the Council, we also bear a particular responsibility. It is not only a legal but also a moral obligation to hold accountable those who are responsible for such horrific crimes.”
2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source
“I would urge the representative of Serbia to address that and follow in the footsteps of President Vučić, who actually went to Srebrenica and paid tribute to all of the victims. It would also be good to hear a condemnation of the fact that Karadžić is experiencing a revival in Republika Srpska. In previous meetings, we heard the representative of Serbia complain that Ratko Mladić was unwell. We looked into the matter and did not hear anything from the International Committee of the Red Cross. Mr. Mladić is in very good health. We are more concerned about the 8,000 dead in Srebrenica and their families, as we should be.”
2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source
“That is also a major concern if a country wants to become a member of the European Union. In 2020 we commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica — a stark reminder of the essential role of the Mechanism. Despite the constructive work conducted by the Mechanism, the issue of war crimes remains an open wound in the Western Balkans. We note with grave concern a rise in incendiary rhetoric and historical revisionism regarding war crimes and their perpetrators in the region. I have also previously highlighted the fact that, in Republika Srpska, there is a university dormitory named after Radovan Karadžić, which is something that has not been condemned by everyone here.”
2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source
“We would like to congratulate President Agius on the efforts made to minimize delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to those efforts, the remaining cases originating from the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia appear to be on track. To further minimize delays, we call on all the relevant States to respond to requests for assistance issued by the Office of the Prosecutor in a timely manner. We are very disappointed to hear that Serbia has decided not to implement the arrest warrants for Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović. They have been indicted for extremely serious crimes. We urge Serbia to implement the decision of the Appeals Chamber and extradite both men to the jurisdiction of the Mechanism. Justice for crimes of war has to be — and will be — served.”
2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source
“History is not to be twisted so that it fits into today’s political narratives. A common understanding of the historic facts is fundamental for much-needed reconciliation and improving neighbourly relations. We urge political leaders to actively work on promoting reconciliation and ensuring accountability for war crimes. We would like to highlight once again the crucial contribution the Mechanism makes to our common fight against impunity. We renew our congratulations to the Office of the Prosecutor for its extraordinary work regarding the arrest of Félicien Kabuga. The detention of Kabuga is a visible example of what can be achieved when Member States and the Mechanism work together. Unfortunately, in some concrete cases, cooperation with the Mechanism is not as it should be.”
2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source
“Germany will continue to support the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, both politically and financially. We consider it essential for the legacy of the institution that the Court complete its activities in good order and with sufficient means, as has been done to date. We commend the Court on the way forward this year. In particular, we are delighted to see that, through creative means, the Mechanism was able to commence, resume and conclude the in-court hearings that had previously been postponed due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. In the light of the various challenges posed by the pandemic, we also appreciate the efforts undertaken by the Mechanism to ensure the health of those in its custody. We remain deeply concerned about the denial of genocide in the situations under the jurisdiction of the Mechanism.”
2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source
“National jurisdictions in Germany and elsewhere are starting to fill the current void. The Office of the Federal Public Prosecutor General in Germany is collecting information on the use of chemical weapons, and just recently civil-society organizations filed charges concerning the chemical-weapon attacks in Ghouta and Khan Shaykhun in Syria. There is a ray of hope.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Germany calls on the members of the Security Council and those soon to begin their term on the Council to continue to stand up for international law and the Chemical Weapons Convention. I implore them not to succumb to the war of attrition that is being waged here. Germany will continue from outside the Council to support the OPCW and strive for accountability. We will support the OPCW’s attribution mechanism, which we believe is key. In his statement, the OPCW Director-General confirmed that the use of nerve agents constitutes a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. That re- emergence, as we have seen in Syria and in the terrible cases of the Skripals and Mr. Navalny, must not be tolerated. There can be just and lasting peace in Syria only if the perpetrators of those most heinous crimes are identified and brought to justice.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“The regime has failed to make any declaration concerning its chemical weapons programme and arsenal that can hold up to scrutiny. We heard from the briefers today that 19 questions remain unanswered. Among those are questions relating to a chemical-weapon production facility, and we must not take that lightly. The regime has refused to cooperate with the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission and the Investigation and Identification Team. It has chosen to ignore the decisions adopted by the OPCW’s Executive Council. Worse still, despite the adoption of resolution 2118 (2013), the Syrian regime has continued to use chemical weapons against its own people in their country, in Khan Shaykhun and Ltamenah, as we have heard today.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“It has functioned well, despite the constant efforts to undermine it, or, to quote the Russian Ambassador, despite the smear campaign that is being led against it. Under difficult circumstances, Mr. Arias has done a very good job. On behalf of the German Government, I would like to thank him for his personal commitment and that of the Technical Secretariat in all of their efforts to uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention. My thanks also go to Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu. I have a lot of admiration for her and the way in which she always upholds her unwavering position in defending the global norm of the non-use of chemical weapons. After seven years and 86 progress reports, few advances have been made on the Syrian chemical-weapon file. For seven years, the Syrian regime has stalled and obstructed the investigations.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“I find it very treacherous that the Russian Ambassador takes offence at the understanding that questions on this issue should be dealt with in closed consultations and that we expected only statements to be made today. I would like to thank Director-General Arias for his statement, and I assume that Russia’s statement is an attempt at intimidation, to try to catch him off guard. If Russia were genuinely interested in the substance on this issue, it would not have obstructed all of the efforts made over the years to gather evidence. It would not have blocked the OPCW verification mission. It would not have blocked the attribution of accountability. After two years on the Security Council, we have to say that the Russian efforts to undermine the OPCW have failed. The OPCW remains a very strong and respected organization.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“When I was preparing for today’s meeting, I was looking through the press clippings and saw one published today about two Russian diplomats who were expelled from the Netherlands yesterday. They worked for Russian spy agencies and were caught stealing high-tech information from the Netherlands. The article mentioned the four Russian spies who were caught red-handed two years ago when they parked their truck outside the building of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and tried to hack the OPCW. The Russian Ambassador has a very long statement this morning, but he does not mention anything about Russia’s hacking. Germany has been on the Security Council for two years, and in all of the meetings on this topic during that time, Russia has undermined the OPCW. Today is another example of that.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“It is very important that the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD) work with local authorities, including the Kurdish Regional Government, and affected communities. With non-governmental organizations, UNITAD promotes a spirit of partnership. It is also very important to engage in training the Iraqi judiciary so that the necessary legislation be adopted. The objective will be fair and independent criminal proceedings, consistent with applicable international law. For Germany, this includes the prohibition of the death penalty. Let me end by thanking the Ambassador of Iraq. I thank him very much for the very close cooperation between UNITAD and his Government. This is very important.”
2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source
“With regard to war crimes, let me recall our first Security Council presidency, in April 2019, when we invited to the Security Council Nadia Murad, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and survivor of sexual violence committed by ISIL (see S/PV.8514). She was among 1,000 Yazidi women we invited to Germany for a chance to heal their wounds and survive. In the Council, we were faced with the reality of what they had to encounter in Iraq. The perpetrators who committed these horrendous crimes have to be held to account. We owe it to the victims, the survivors and traumatized communities, such as the Yazidi. Only if we are successful in this work will we give these communities a chance to heal and find peace. By being successful, we also prevent similar crimes from being committed in other places.”
2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source
“Let me start by commending Special Adviser Karim Khan and his team for the very important work they are doing. His description of the mass graves reminded us of the dimension of the horrendous crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). We appreciate the compassion he demonstrates by working with survivors and their family members. The description he gave reminded us of what the communities in Iraq have suffered — crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes. Germany stands behind his efforts and will continue to support him financially, politically and by providing personnel.”
2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source
“Khare, which is to have a coordination mechanism that looks at all those questions. But we have to mandate it. We have to assume our responsibility. We cannot just let UNAMID go.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“What kind of an impression would we leave on the population if we had Blue Helmets sitting there and not doing anything? Furthermore, we heard that there is resistance from the local authorities against allowing the drawdown. Some months ago, we heard reports about the looting of United Nations premises that were supposed to go to Sudanese educational institutions. We cannot allow that to happen again, because it would tarnish the image of the Government, the United Nations and the Security Council.Therefore, my plea again to you, Mr. President, is to have a serious look at our obligation as the Security Council. We have to make a decision on the drawdown. We have to decide how to cooperate with the Sudanese Government in the most effective way possible in order to cope with all the challenges we face. I like the proposal of Mr.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“It is very good that it is a fully integrated team. Germany will support it with additional voluntary contributions and personnel. With regard to the drawdown of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), Mr. President, you will recall that I recently raised the issue that it is very important that the Council make a decision on the drawdown of UNAMID. We heard that from the three briefers, in particular from Mr. Khare. I would like to thank him again for outlining all the challenges that we face in the immediate drawdown. We therefore have to coordinate with the Sudanese authorities who will take over the protection of civilians. We might see a situation where security incidents occur and our Blue Helmets would not able to intervene if we do not provide them with a legal basis to complete their drawdown.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“As if that were not enough, I read the daily press briefing by the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General this morning concerning the report (S/2020/1155) of infighting over the control of gold mines, attacks against Government forces and 27,000 displaced persons. The situation is very difficult. Therefore, we have been a driving force, together with our British friends, in supplying United Nations help and seeing to it that the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) actually takes up its work. I am very encouraged by what I heard from both Ms. DiCarlo and Mr. Lacroix with regard to the build-up of UNITAMS. I think it is very important that, from the very first day, UNITAMS be able to do the work that we have designed here as it supports the Government.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“With regard to gender equality and women’s representation, the transitional bodies are not meeting the expectations that we have voiced repeatedly here in the Security Council. That is really frustrating. We know that peace processes work only when more women are involved. Again and again, we have been let down — but more important, civil society and women have been let down. The situation is very difficult in the Sudan: the floods, the harvest, the coronavirus disease, additional illnesses owing to the floods and 50,000 refugees from the Tigray region. I commend the Government of the Sudan for what it has been doing to accommodate the refugees under difficult circumstances.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“Let me start my intervention by picking up where Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, left off. We are at a critical juncture with regard to the Sudan. The transition process could still derail, which makes it necessary that we look seriously at the situation. There are enormous challenges for the Government of Prime Minister Hamdok. At this stage, I would like to once again underline Germany’s full support for the Government. We want the Government to succeed, and we will do everything from our side to make that possible. The difficulties of the transitional institutions in meeting their deadlines are depressing to hear once again.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“Dialogue and cooperation among the Somali authorities at the federal and state levels are essential to build up effective maritime security capacities and working coast- guard structures capable of securing the sea off the coast of Somalia.”
2020-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1173 (2020) · source
“Today the Security Council renewed the authorization granted to States and regional organizations cooperating with the Somali authorities in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia. Germany voted in favour of the resolution. With regard to operative paragraphs 11 and 29, we reiterate our understanding that the resolution includes cooperation not only with the Federal Government of Somalia but with all relevant Somali authorities, including the federal member states. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Union Capacity-Building Mission in Somalia have supported various capacity-building initiatives at the federal and state levels.”
2020-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1173 (2020) · source
“They literally killed the last remaining testament of hope for the country. The fighting and, especially, the killing of civilians has to stop.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1109 (2020) · source
“In his negotiations on the joint declaration, women must be included. During last month’s briefing (see S/PV.8770), Mark Lowcock said that the Yemeni children were a testament of hope, citing the moving example of a school in Taiz where the children keep going to school without any learning material. Teachers continue to teach without having been paid for months, or even years. This is an example of hope. Just last week, we read about three children being severely injured by shelling, including a 6-year-old girl. The shelling happened precisely in Taiz. Maybe the injured children were pupils of the school he mentioned, maybe not. But these incidents show once more how horrifying the fighting and the ongoing violations of international humanitarian law are and what consequences they have.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1109 (2020) · source
“I would also ask our colleague Kelly Craft, Permanent Representative of the United States of America, with excellent relations to the United Arab Emirates, to please push them to commit to the same level as they did last year. Let me turn to Omer Badokhon, Founder and Executive Director of Solutions for Sustainable Society, who said a dignified life is not possible in Yemen. I find it wonderful that he has such ambitions for the country with regard to a circular green economy, biogas, conservation of wildlife and timber. This is what we should be talking about, but instead we have to talk about the dire humanitarian situation. He said that young people have to play a role, and I would add the need to have the participation of women. I thank Martin Lowcock for being steadfast on this.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1109 (2020) · source
“I would ask the Ambassador of Yemen to specifically address the criticism being levied against the Government with regard to the bureaucratic hurdles to humanitarian aid. On humanitarian funding, Germany has fulfilled our commitment, and we are the third-largest donor for Yemen. We have pledged and disbursed $148 million, in addition to a $100 million to the WFP and the United Nations Office for Project Services. All together, our humanitarian assistance, stabilization efforts and development cooperation add up to $370 million. There are others that have not complied with their commitments, particularly those in the region. I do not think it is acceptable that a country like the United Arab Emirates, which is also involved in the military conflict, has not committed to humanitarian aid this year.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1109 (2020) · source
“We cannot find the right words to react to that. David Beasley talked about the countdown to a devastating famine. I thank him for his frank portrayal of the situation. Let me also take this opportunity to personally congratulate him and the WFP on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. It is very well deserved. Germany is proud to be the second-largest donor to the WFP. I congratulate the WFP on getting the biometric data in Sana’a. We hope that the WFP can continue its work based on the data. I find it really unacceptable to hear about the bureaucratic hurdles. What the Houthis have done in the past in terms of blackmailing donors and humanitarian organizations is totally unacceptable. But it was also mentioned that there are bureaucratic hurdles with regard to the Government and the Southern Transitional Council.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1109 (2020) · source
“Our discussion today is basically a repeat performance. The joint declaration has still not been adopted. We continue to see periodic spikes in violence, shelling and bombing. So, we have to be realistic and say that progress is practically non- existent. This is extremely frustrating. Nevertheless, we would encourage Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, to continue his work. I admire his persistence. Please continue to build on the so-called airlift of hope on the International Committee of the Red Cross-facilitated prisoner exchange. I do not have much to add to what Mark Lowcock and David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), said with regard to the humanitarian situation. The population is being starved and the horrors inflicted by famine abound.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1109 (2020) · source
“Zehida Bihorac, an elementary school teacher and woman human rights defender. She works in the north-west of the country in Una-Sana canton, which borders EU member State Croatia. Since 2018, she has been giving humanitarian help to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. I would like to end by echoing the appeal of the United Nations Special Rapporteur with regard to the situation of human rights defenders.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“But I think the answer has also to be given in the light of the glorification of war criminals. Let me end with one aspect that just came across my table this morning. On the situation of human rights defenders, Ms. Mary Lawlor, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, called on the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to investigate a smear campaign and death threats against women human rights defenders working for the rights of refugees and migrants. She said, “Instead of criminalizing migration and human rights defenders who help migrants, the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina must guarantee the human rights of all individuals without regard for their nationality or immigration status.” She spoke out after an online hate campaign intensified against Ms.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“I support what High Representative Valentin Inzko suggested about having Bosnia and Herzegovina adopt a genocide denial law. In that context, the clear indications of a value-based foreign policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina are a positive development, as we have witnessed in the Third Committee. I echo what High Representative Valentin Inzko said on resolution 1325 (2000). It is very good that there is a national action plan in preparation. Again, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. It cannot be that women are marginalized in political decision-making. We are not anywhere close to the 40 per cent. So, in that respect, more really has to be done. The question of whether it is better to have a robust or a hands-off approach is not to be resolved today.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“It was created in Dayton by international judges. Germany was very happy to contribute a highly respected judge to the Constitutional Court. On the other hand, we regret the verbal attacks on and defamation against the Court and the judges. We are of the opinion that the authority of the Court cannot be questioned. Talking about defamation, I was really depressed by what the High Representative and other speakers said about incendiary speeches. There continues to be a divisive, negative rhetoric. The existing divisions are sometimes even deepened and make reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina increasingly difficult. The glorification of war criminals is something terrible. As High Representative Valentin Inzko said, to name a dormitory after a convicted war criminal and to organize a mass for a war criminal are simply abominable.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“Coming back to the positive side, it is very good that we have the local elections on 15 November, and those of us who have been in Mostar can assess the symbolic importance of elections in this central, historic city of Mostar. It is good that leaders agree on this, but we need to continue to build on that. In particular, we have to ensure that irregularities with regard to the voter registration are corrected. Cooperation among politicians needs to go beyond those elections. They need to actually implement the reforms that were laid out in the EU Commission’s opinion. The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has committed itself to that opinion. We must see that those commitments are implemented. We welcome the work of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a very important instrument.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“At the same time, I echo the regret that High Representative Valentin Inzko also expressed about the fact that many well-educated young people leave the country frustrated. They look for better opportunities. I am very happy that there is a good Minister of Justice from Bosnia and Herzegovina in Austria, but would it not be wonderful to have had that young person stay in, or return to, Bosnia and Herzegovina and be in the service of his home country? What are the reasons — frustration, corruption, a lack of economic perspectives and deficits in judicial reform? It is very sad to hear about the incapacity to investigate the murders that the High Representative cited.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source