YouSaid · the spoken record

Craft

lines on the record: 305
first: 2019-09-12
most recent: 2020-10-15
sittings or episodes: 47
sources: un-security-council

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

“We call on all Houthis to respect religious freedom, stop oppressing Yemen’s Jewish population and immediately release Mr. Marhabi.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“I thank the countries that have joined the United States in supporting the World Food Programme, as it plays a critical role in Yemen, providing 13 million people in the country with emergency food assistance and 1.1 million children and women with nutritional support. The World Food Programme urgently needs assistance to continue its life-saving efforts. The United States provides 43 per cent of the World Food Programme’s budget, and we are grateful for others stepping up. Finally, in my previous remarks before the Council, I called on the Houthis to immediately release wrongfully detained Yemeni citizen Levi Salem Musa Marhabi (see S/PV.8757). Levi’s health continues to decline in detention, where he remains wrongfully held despite a Houthi “court” ordering his release in September 2019.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“All parties to the conflict, especially the Houthis, must enable actors to implement critical life-saving programmes. I would also like to take a moment today to express our gratitude to our partners in Oman, Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of Yemen, particularly the Sultan of Oman and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, for helping the United States facilitate the release of two United States citizens in Yemen and the return of the remains of another United States citizen. The Trump Administration has made bringing home Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas a top priority, and we will never waver in our commitment to them and their families.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“Those Houthi actions halted the import of 2.4 million doses of oral polio vaccine for their own areas, as well as more than 200 metric tons of medical supplies related to the coronavirus disease. A temporary reopening of the airport is not a sustainable reprieve. We urge the Houthis to end their brinksmanship and reopen the airport to United Nations flights on a permanent basis. This Houthi obstruction is unconscionable, particularly as Yemenis face the additional threats of rising prices and food insecurity. We cannot and should not be silent in the face of such unprecedented intransigence. With famine a realistic prospect in Yemen in the event of prolonged food-import disruption, we encourage all donors to provide resources for ongoing and emerging needs now.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“They set out new demands, conditions and obstacles for the United Nations experts – those who possess the expertise and resources necessary to avert a serious disaster. That the Houthis are willing to risk catastrophe for millions of Yemenis — who rely so heavily on food, fuel and other goods imported through Red Sea ports — to gain political leverage demonstrates the cynicism and heartlessness of the Houthis’ leadership. Why would anyone expect any differently, given how the Houthis continue to obstruct international humanitarian assistance to Yemenis desperately in need? The Houthis’ recent shutdown of Sana’a international airport obstructed movement of the life-saving humanitarian supplies and essential personnel that are required in the most densely populated areas of Yemen.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“I would also like to speak further about the SAFER tanker, which, despite the concerted efforts of Martin and his team, continues to threaten the Red Sea and the people of Yemen with catastrophic consequences, including severely reducing the import of commercial food and humanitarian aid; lasting environmental damage; and economic degradation. Last month, during the General Assembly’s high- level week, the Council’s five permanent members plus Germany, Sweden and Kuwait called on the Houthis to urgently facilitate unconditional and safe access for United Nations experts to conduct an assessment and repair mission. The Council, too, has been calling on, urging, pressing and admonishing the Houthis to do this for months. And still the Houthis stall.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“Iran’s role in this conflict, which defies Security Council sanctions, is serving no other purpose than to worsen this humanitarian tragedy and prolong the suffering of millions. This horrible destabilizing situation has persisted for years. If Council members truly seek a mediated settlement to this conflict, then they must join the United States and others in calling on Iran to cease all support for the Houthis immediately. As the world tries its best to end this war, Iran’s provision of lethal aid and training to the Houthis is doing nothing but ensuring endless war. It must stop now.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“The Houthi assault on that refuge is deeply concerning, and we call on them to cease that action immediately. We are also extremely concerned about the recent intensified fighting in Al-Hudaydah and offer our condolences for the lives lost. Only a political solution will bring stability, peace and prosperity back to Yemen. Yet, sadly, the Houthis have been content throughout this conflict to lose tens of thousands of fighters on the battlefield. Of course the Houthis are not doing it alone; Iran’s continued exports of weapons to the Houthis, in contravention of the arms embargo, have been extensively documented, including by the Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2020/531) on resolution 2231 (2015).”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“I thank our briefers for their insights. We appreciate Martin Griffiths’ update on the prisoner release agreement. That is an important achievement made possible by his tireless efforts, together with those of the International Committee of the Red Cross. We very much hope to hear more positive updates on the parties’ implementation of those commitments in the coming days and weeks. Despite the promises the agreement holds, I am deeply concerned that progress on the political front is stalled because of the Houthis’ failure uphold their commitments. Their continued offensive on Ma’rib demonstrates they are not interested in a political process and only want more years of war for the people of Yemen. Ma’rib is home to many of Yemen’s internally displaced people and has become a refuge for Yemenis fleeing fighting throughout the war.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“We welcome the renewal of the mandate, and we will continue to demand progress from Haiti’s political actors in resolving those long-standing challenges.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8768 (2020) · source
“The United States will continue to stand by Haiti and support the vital work of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. Resolution 2547 (2020) ensures that the United Nations has the mandate that it needs to continue its critical efforts to support democratic institutions, strengthen the rule of law, promote stability and protect human rights in Haiti, in partnership with the United States, Haiti’s neighbours, the core group and the international community. The mandate also reiterates the urgent need for national dialogue to address long-standing drivers of instability and to conduct long-overdue legislative elections as soon as feasible. A well-functioning democracy requires all branches of Government, including the legislative branch, to play their roles.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8768 (2020) · source
“We expect further progress in the Mission’s protection work in the centre, especially responding to early warnings with specific protection for women and children. We also expect MINUSMA to continue its efforts to facilitate the return of the State presence, State authority and basic social services in the centre, which are key to the Mission’s long-term exit strategy. Finally, allow me stress that the United States remains a steadfast partner of the Malian people. The United States Special Envoy for the Sahel visited Bamako last week to underscore that point with the new authorities, as well as to signal our continuing partnership with the Malian people. Two weeks ago, Secretary Pompeo announced nearly $152 million to help people displaced by conflict in the Sahel, of which approximately $54 million is for Mali.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“The transitional Government will need to follow through on its commitments to improving governance and to supporting Mali on its path towards democratic rule and sustainable peace. Malian citizens must believe that their Government is legitimate, equitable and willing to meet their needs. This means ensuring justice and accountability for human rights violations and abuses committed by security forces. If that commitment is absent, no degree of international engagement is likely to succeed. Now more than ever, we recognize MINUSMA’s vital role in protecting civilians and stabilizing the country. We look forward to MINUSMA helping Mali to hold free and fair elections, supporting the transitional Government to achieve its stated goals, including fully implementing the Algiers accord, and extending the rule of law.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“The transitional Government must adhere to its commitment to moving implementation of the framework forward, and we hope to see continued regional engagement, including by ECOWAS. We also expect the transitional Government to ensure greater meaningful participation of women at all levels and in processes and institutions that support and monitor implementation of the Algiers accord. We remind all actors that obstructing or delaying implementation of the agreement is grounds for listing by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017) concerning Mali. We urge MINUSMA to continue its support for and cooperation with the 2374 Committee and the Panel of Experts. Recent events clearly indicate further need to address Mali’s long-standing governance shortcomings.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“We urge the transitional Government to honour all its commitments to ECOWAS. The Security Council should be prepared to use the tools available to it should the transitional Government fail to uphold its commitments. We will not accept military control over civilian authorities, delays to elections or elections that are not credible. Former officials and all others detained without judicial process must be released. Free and fair elections must be held within 18 months. Elections must also include the full, effective and meaningful participation of women, internally displaced persons and refugees, youth populations and marginalized northern groups. The central provisions of the 2015 Algiers Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali remain relevant to the country’s long-term stability and that of the region.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mahamat Saleh Annadif for his briefing and for his leadership and that of his team during the current political crisis in Mali. It is especially great to see him in the Chamber today. I thank him for being here. The leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) have played vital roles in stabilizing the political situation created by the 18 August overthrow of Mali’s elected president. The United States condemns these actions and immediately halted our security assistance in Mali in response. Since August, progress has been made to return to constitutional order, but let me stress: the establishment of a transitional Government in Mali is only the first step.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“We expect the Al-Assad regime to adhere to the timeline, and we look forward to the OPCW Director General’s report on the regime’s response. We also look forward to the outcomes of the October meeting of the OPCW’s Executive Council and the November meeting of the CWC’s Conference of the States Parties. The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons by the Al-Assad regime, which has caused tremendous suffering for the Syrian people. The use of chemical weapons presents an unacceptable security threat to all States, and the members of the Council must not stay silent. We reiterate our commitment to ensuring that those responsible face serious consequences. We call on the Al-Assad regime to come into compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention without delay.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“The OPCW itself reports that the regime has declined to cooperate, refused to address numerous discrepancies and failed to fully disclose and eliminate its chemical weapons programme. Taken together, such reports are further evidence of Syria’s non-compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and resolution 2118 (2013). They clearly illustrate the regime’s utter disregard for human life and Syria’s international obligations. On 9 July, the OPCW Executive Council decided that the Al-Assad regime must, within 90 days, declare facilities where the chemical weapons used in the Ltamenah attacks were developed, produced, stockpiled and stored for delivery, as well as declaring its remaining chemical weapons stockpile and production facilities. The 90-day timeline established by the Executive Council will expire in two days.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“The sad reality is that, despite international condemnation, the regime has continued to use chemical weapons against the Syrian people and has refused to cooperate with the OPCW. The Russian-sponsored Arria Formula meeting last week was particularly appalling. Russia’s aim was simple: to sow confusion and distract from the truth. However, Russia failed in its baldly deceitful attempt to discredit the OPCW, a well-respected organization with a long history of impartiality, transparency and professionalism. The Al-Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons is well documented and confirmed by the former OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism and, most recently, the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“Several weeks ago, at Russia’s request, the Security Council’s monthly consultations on Syrian chemical weapons took place in an open format. Russia then sponsored an Arria Formula meeting on 28 September, ostensibly on implementing resolution 2118 (2013) and upholding the authority of the OPCW. As I said at the time, that meeting was nothing more than a stunt — a desperate but failed attempt by Russia to further spread disinformation, attack the professional work of the OPCW and distract from an ongoing effort by responsible nations to hold the Al-Assad regime accountable for its use of chemical weapons. We will always welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter openly and expose to the world Russia’s blatant attempts to shield the Al-Assad regime from accountability for its chemical weapon attacks.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“I thank Mrs. Nakamitsu for her briefing. Let me start by saying that the United States is committed to forthright and transparent discussions in the Security Council. We have no interest in allowing the Council to be used for propaganda. Regardless what the representative of Russia has said, the additional briefer who was proposed, at the last minute, for this afternoon’s discussion was removed from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in 2002, more than a decade before the issue of chemical weapons in Syria came before the Council. We would be happy to work with our colleagues on a sincere and deliberate basis to find appropriate briefers to most effectively inform the Security Council in future discussions on this matter.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“The vessel’s illicit cargo included 200 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, more than 1,700 AK rifles, 21 surface-to-air and land- attack missiles, several antitank missiles and other advanced weapons and missiles. Yemen does not need more arms. Iran must stop its efforts to arm the Houthis, which only prolong this conflict.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source
“In the light of the observations offered by our briefers today, the United States expresses its full support for the rights of persons with disabilities, as well as those belonging to other marginalized groups and minority communities in Yemen. We are especially grateful for today’s briefings as an example of how we can implement resolution 2475 (2019) in a concrete way, including by inviting briefers to address the issues relating to persons with disabilities. We call on all parties to the conflict, particularly the Houthis, to respect the rights of all members of Yemeni society. Finally, I want to draw the Council’s attention to the events of 28 June, when United States and partner forces interdicted a vessel off the coast of Yemen containing Iranian arms bound for the Houthis.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source
“Humanitarian and health-care workers are vulnerable, lacking personal protective equipment to protect them from the disease. It remains absolutely imperative that all parties facilitate their efforts and not target health-care workers. On 15 July, Secretary Pompeo announced an additional $208 million in new humanitarian and health assistance to bolster ongoing global COVID-19 response efforts, including more than $2.6 million to help refugees, vulnerable migrants, internally displaced persons and host communities in Yemen. Over the past 20 years, the United States has provided nearly $4 billion in total assistance for Yemen’s long-term development, including nearly $132 million for health programmes.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source
“The Houthis can and must do better, especially on moving forward with biometric registration for the World Food Programme’s operations, approving all pending sub-agreements, allowing independent needs assessments, respecting independent procurement and asset management in accordance with donor regulations and facilitating the freedom of movement and humanitarian assistance for aid workers. We remain deeply concerned by the spread of COVID-19 in Yemen and by the fact that cases are vastly underreported, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas. The lack of transparency has resulted in fewer testing kit supplies, which has led to an inaccurate count of the spread of the virus. The virus has clearly shifted to widespread community transmission, and many Yemenis are dying as a result.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source
“Cross-border Houthi attacks undermine efforts towards a settlement. Those attacks can serve only to prolong the conflict and the suffering of the Yemeni people. As Mr. Lowcock stated today, that is leaving millions of Yemenis without proper health care, clean water or sanitation, which are crucial to preventing the spread of the virus. Turning to the humanitarian situation, I want to stress that, despite some initial improvements, the Houthis’ level of interference and hardened positions earlier this month remain unacceptable and, even more, unconscionable, with COVID-19 spreading throughout Yemen. Before COVID-19, the United Nations had declared Yemen the most needy place on Earth, with 24 million people who depend on aid to survive.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source
“I thank our briefers for their updates and for their teams’ continued and resolute efforts to help resolve these daunting crises. I want to publicly thank Mr. Griffiths, once again, for all of his efforts towards achieving a political solution. We stress our support for his work on the joint declaration. We commit to supporting him in his efforts on this complex endeavour. I also want to acknowledge that he, too, is on the front line. Without his efforts, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) would be even harder to contain. I would like to echo what everybody has said today in their briefings and in their statements — that Yemen is still a country at war. Now they are fighting yet another war — COVID-19. It is important that the parties de-escalate the tensions on the ground and recommit to a United Nations-mediated political settlement.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source
“A victim-centred transitional justice system that promotes peace and the pursuit of truth and justice is essential to Colombia’s peace process. Accountability should be for all. Colombia’s peace accord is a remarkable achievement, but we are all conscious of the urgent needs that must still be addressed. It is essential to protect the lives of social leaders, human rights defenders and former combatants, to sustain the reintegration process and to address the need of the conflict-affected communities. The Trump Administration stands firmly with the Government and the people of Colombia as we work together to build a more prosperous future.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“We welcome Colombia’s continued progress in counter-narcotics efforts and reiterate our commitment to continued partnership with the Duque Administration to combat the destructive illegal drug trade. The United States remains fully engaged with the Government of Colombia to reduce coca cultivation and cocaine production. By extending its State presence, Colombia will foster integrated rural development and legitimate economic activities. As we have said before, it is vital to ensure meaningful justice for victims and accountability for the crimes committed over decades of conflict, whether by the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, paramilitaries or State agents, including the military in Colombia.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“Ending this violence and holding those responsible accountable must be the highest priority. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/603) highlights the impact of the ongoing conflict-related violence on rural, Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities. Let me be clear: there can be zero tolerance for human rights abuses, and reprisals and attacks against civil society actors should be vigorously investigated and prosecuted. We must also condemn the activities of illegal armed groups and criminal organizations, which have used the pandemic to impose social control measures and illegal checkpoints and to expand their territorial control during this pandemic.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“On 1 July, we announced the delivery of 200 ventilators donated by the United States Agency for International Development — a continuation of our long-standing partnership and an addition to the nearly $13.6 million we have provided to help Colombia respond to the pandemic. But as I have said before, this is also a personal commitment for me. My travels to Colombia last fall allowed me to see first-hand the heartening way in which Colombia welcomes those in need, providing human dignity to everyone, including refugees and displaced persons in their country. I have carried that touching experience back with me, and I am happy today that we are able to gather together to speak about it. We must reiterate the urgency of protecting Colombia’s human rights defenders, social leaders, former combatants and their families.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“I commend the Government and the people of Colombia, as well as the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, for their efforts to continue implementing the peace accord against the backdrop of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The pandemic has worsened an already complex humanitarian situation and has negatively impacted the security situation of women and girls. It has strained health care and social services for many of Colombia’s most vulnerable communities, including the 1.8 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia. In the face of those challenges, we recognize President Duque Márquez’s resolve to ensure that the pandemic does not deter Colombia from its path towards prosperity and security. The Trump Administration continues to stand with the people of Colombia.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“I thank Mr. Ruiz Massieu for his update and the work of his team, and I thank Director Carabalí Rodallega for her briefing and courageous efforts to defend human rights. As always, we welcome the presence of Foreign Minister Blum de Barberi with us today. I really want to start out by thanking the President, Mr. Heusgen, for his persistence in making this meeting happen today. I especially thank the people we do not see but who were here — I cannot even imagine at what hours of the morning — to be able to set this meeting up for us and provide a detailed plan and logistics so that we can all be here together in safety and security. My thanks again. May we all take a page from your book on persistence, Mr. President. It is amazing.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“Finally, the United States once again urges the Houthis to allow United Nations inspection and maintenance of the FSO SAFER oil tanker. In adopting resolution 2511 (2020), the Security Council emphasized the environmental risks and the need, without delay, for access of United Nations officials to inspect and maintain the tanker. We are grateful to the Special Envoy for continuing to raise this issue in Sana’a and we believe that an arrangement can be worked out for the disposition of the oil. The Houthis must stop using the FSO SAFER as a bargaining chip.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“We are actively engaging with other donors on that effort to create a permissive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance — consistent with the principle of independence — in the world’s largest humanitarian emergency. We continue to look to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to play a strong role in coordinating with United Nations agencies and donors, as discussed in Brussels. We recognize, however, that each agency must make its own decision regarding the suspension or reduction of assistance. The United States welcomes the adoption of resolution 2511 (2019) on 25 February, renewing the Yemen sanctions regime, and we reiterate the obligation of all Member States to implement the sanctions in full.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“Those include lifting access restrictions; allowing unimpeded assessments and oversight of projects; approving backlogged agreements with non-governmental organizations; implementing biometric registration; and maintaining the elimination of so-called taxes on aid projects. While there have been faint glimmers of progress in negotiations with the Houthis, statements and agreements alone will not save lives. We expect the Houthis to demonstrate verifiable progress and a commitment to ensuring the minimum operating conditions for the principled delivery of assistance. In the absence of credible Houthi actions to address our concerns, the United States will suspend United States assistance to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen at the end of March, except for certain critical life-saving programmes.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“We urge full implementation of the Riyadh agreement. When the United Nations is ready to convene talks, the parties must be prepared to field strong delegations and represent all Yemenis, including women. Once again, we are forced to call specific attention to Houthi obstruction of humanitarian operations, which has become the unacceptable refrain of these briefings. We reiterate our message from last month to the Houthis — time is running out. We ask that they please not make it impossible for us to continue providing aid in the areas where they are present. Aid obstructions are unacceptable and have already caused many aid programmes to shut down. We therefore urge the Houthis to take immediate steps to meet all the minimum conditions for principled humanitarian operations before the end of this month.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“I too would like to pay tribute to my friend Ambassador Pierce for her devoted service to the Security Council and thank her for her wisdom and partnership. While I will miss her being seated to my right, I can personally say that the Trump Administration is most excited to have her as our ally in Washington, D.C., and I am looking forward to seeing her frequently on my trips there. I thank her for her service. I thank Mr. Martin Griffiths and the Acting Assistant Secretary-General for their briefings. Regrettably, little has changed in Yemen since we met last month (see S/PV.8725). Violence has escalated, including by the Houthis taking the city of Al-Hazm in Al-Jawf governorate. We are hopeful that the parties will recommit to de-escalation, followed by a resumption of talks towards a political solution.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“I look forward to hearing from our partners today and to continuing our discussions to advance our shared counter-terrorism objectives in the region and around the world.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“For example, the United States recently partnered with the Mauritian Government to help officials identify risk factors of terrorism, speak out against terrorism and reach vulnerable youth and offer them relevant, positive and appealing alternatives. A comprehensive approach to countering terrorism has proven more effective over the long term, primarily because it draws from a variety of disciplines and promotes whole-of- government and whole-of-society efforts. That is why the United States continues to support the United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, as well as United Nations efforts to help Member States develop national and regional plans of action to prevent violent extremism. We encourage our African partners to continue working together to counter that growing threat.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“We thank the many countries that co-sponsored those listings, and we encourage other Member States to join us in identifying, sanctioning and targeting every ISIS affiliate around the world. However, Governments alone cannot prevent and counter violent extremism. Civil society organizations often have crucial knowledge of, and engagement with, local communities to confront the challenges of recruitment and radicalization to violence. Together we can build communities resilient to terrorist narratives. We need to broaden our efforts to include leaders in the religious, education and youth development sectors who can help contest the destructive vision that terrorists are trying to advance. In doing so, we must reject those who seek to bring violent extremist ideology into schools or social systems.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“We are working throughout Africa to strengthen criminal justice systems, empower women and girls at risk of violent extremism, facilitate civilian security and community cohesion, and cut financial flows to terrorists, most of whom come from outside Africa. We are also working with our multilateral partners to address the evolving threat of terrorism globally, but especially in Africa. We are pleased that the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate has prioritized the region. In the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities, we successfully listed ISIS in the Greater Sahara, ISIS West Africa and ISIS Libya last month.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“They are mutually reinforcing, and respect for fundamental freedoms is the essential part of a successful counter-terrorism effort. Collective security does not override individual rights. The United States is working to build the capacity of its African partners to prevent, detect, deter, disrupt and prosecute terrorists across the continent. The bottom line here is that terrorism can be beaten. This is a fight that Governments and citizens can win. We are working closely with our partners, like the Niger, to train the military and police on how to transfer physical and digital forensic evidence from the battlefield to civilian law-enforcement authorities, thereby enabling the prosecution of terrorists.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“As a study from the United Nations Development Programme on violent extremism in Africa found, State violence and abuses by police and military were often the catalyst for radicalization to violence. That is true in Africa and other parts of the world. We must ensure that any measures that we take to counter terrorism fully comply with our obligations under international law to respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Counter- terrorism efforts, including on the Internet, fuel radicalization to violence when they do not respect basic human decency. That means that counter- terrorism can never justify the arbitrary incarceration of dissidents, journalists or members of religious and ethnic minority groups. Effective counter-terrorism must be firmly rooted in full and complete respect for human rights.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“We have seen that with the Al-Qaida-affiliated group known as Jama’a Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which aims to carve out its own territory in Mali and expand its sphere of influence in the Sahel. Last month, Somalia-based Al-Shabaab attacked an airfield in Kenya, killing three Americans. Such terrorist groups prey upon innocent civilians, kidnap foreigners and work to undercut legitimate Governments or moderate voices, all while trying to destroy basic human freedoms. In order to tackle this threat in a comprehensive fashion and eliminate the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, it is imperative that we work together. This starts with leadership, sound governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“I thank Ms. DiCarlo, Ms. Mohammed and Mr. Dieye for briefing us on the evolving terrorist threat in Africa, as well as on continuing United Nations and African Union (AU) efforts to counter that threat. By working together as a part of a coalition, the United States and its allies deliver crushing blows to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) in the Middle East. Yet ISIS has shown a dangerous ability to adapt by establishing ISIS branches around the world. It usually does that by co-opting existing insurgencies and filling the spaces that Governments either cannot reach or to which they turn a blind eye. While the phenomenon is not unique to Africa, parts of the continent are especially vulnerable to this growing threat. The Sahel and the Horn of Africa are experiencing frequent attacks.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“It is a choice we are confronted with again today. So I am going to ask again: Are we going to sit back and watch? Are we going to remain silent, or will we deliver? How many more babies have to freeze to death before we raise our voices and say, “Enough”? And so, this is the message of the Trump administration today. To the relentless violence against innocent women, children and men; to the obstruction of life-saving humanitarian assistance; and to the embrace of unforgivable cruelty toward the Syrian people, we say: “Enough. Simply enough.””
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“To that end, we also urge the Secretary- General to do everything in his power to broker a ceasefire, as the United Nations must play a central, active role if we are to avoid even greater escalation. Today’s meeting is, of course, about the reckless and serious risk that the Al-Assad regime and Russia’s offensive places on the security of a NATO ally, but it is not only about that. We sat in this Chamber yesterday (see S/PV.8734) and heard the stories of the people of Idlib, whose daily existence has been reduced to the simple task of survival. Amid the Russian airstrikes, the chill of the Syrian winter and the pangs of unending hunger, the Syrian people are desperate for aid; they are begging for relief and they are praying for deliverance. That is just enough. I said yesterday that each country represented here has a choice to make.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“This attack should serve as the final nail in the Astana format coffin. It is a format broken beyond all repair, and we cannot return to it. We cannot entrust it with the vital work of establishing a new ceasefire. With that in mind, the United States calls for an immediate, durable and verifiable ceasefire in north- western Syria. As Secretary Pompeo has stated, a permanent ceasefire is the answer to this conflict. We call for the Russian Federation to immediately ground its warplanes, and we call for all Syrian forces and their Russian backers to withdraw to the ceasefire lines first established in 2018. As President Trump has made clear, the Al-Assad regime, Russia and Iran must halt their offensive before more innocent civilians are killed and displaced.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“The United States is not here today to listen and discuss. We are here to speak directly and without qualification. The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms yesterday’s attacks on Turkish troops. Those attacks were wholly unjustified, senseless and barbaric. Our deepest sympathies are with the loved ones of the 33 Turkish soldiers who were killed. In the days ahead, the commitment of the United States to our NATO ally Turkey will not waver. Turkey has our full support to respond in self-defence to the unjustified attacks on Turkish observation posts that resulted in the deaths of their own forces. We have now seen Russia and the Al-Assad regime violate Astana ceasefire agreements on three separate occasions: first, in eastern Ghouta, then in Dar’a and, finally, in Idlib.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source