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 urge the Burundian Government to respect the country's international legal obligations regarding rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and free association. Journalist, activist and civil society organizations must be allowed to operate independently, free from threats of intimidation and violence. All Burundian citizens should be free to participate fully and actively in the electoral process. The voluntary return of Burundian refugees also remains a top priority for the future stability of the country and the region. These citizens are an integral part of Burundi's national fabric, and their active participation in political and civil civic life is needed now more than ever.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“We are concerned by repeated attacks and harassment targeting members of opposition parties and reports of politically motivated violence and intimidation. For example, the recent destruction of the regional political offices of the Congres national pour la liberte' party will serve only to repress opposition voices and undermine free expression. The extrajudicial arrests, beatings, acts of intimidation and kidnappings that have been reported are unacceptable in a free society. We call on all political parties and their supporters to campaign peacefully and reject violence. Those convictions proceed from our broader belief that basic civic freedoms are essential to democracy.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“It is therefore critical that, as the representatives of France and Switzerland and the President have said, the elections be inclusive, free and fair. Women and young adults, opposition and ruling party leaders, civil society representatives, journalists, prominent political activists and refugees displaced by political violence all have an equal role to play. We welcome President Nkurunziza's recent remarks affirming his commitment to peaceful elections and encourage the Government to take tangible steps towards this goal. One of those steps is to allow international and domestic election observers unfettered access to the election process. An open and permissive political environment is also critical to credible elections. Political candidates from all parties should be free to campaign without threat of reprisal or interference.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Kafando for his two and a half years of service promoting peace and stability in Burundi. His office has played an important role in working to stabilize the country and foster political dialogue. We look forward to working with his successor to support Burundi through credible elections and the peaceful transfer of power. I thank Ambassador Lauber for his briefing and his encouragement to continue the dialogue. The Security Council is charged with maintaining international peace and security, but in so many cases what that really means is investing in the conditions that ultimately produce human flourishing. Simply put, it means investing in the futures of countries and their peoples. The May 2020 elections are the key to Burundi's future.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“A strong partnership between the United Nations and the African Union is one of the keys to realizing those callings, so I look forward to working with the members of the Council to strengthen the United Nations-African Union relationship.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“From the effectiveness of operations to their fiscal help, stricter African Union adherence to these principles will directly translate to greater peace and security on the continent. When the African Union does good work, lives change for the better. That is why the United States has spent more than $1.5 billion on training-support for 23 partners in Africa since 2005, including for military and police personnel deployed to African peacekeeping missions in six different countries. I urge all Member States to join us in developing the capacities of African troop and police-contributing countries. As we have noted in several previous meetings, the African continent is brimming with potential. Africa has a dynamic population with hundreds of millions of people, each with unique callings.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“Finally, the United States supports the efforts of the United Nations and the African Union to secure predictable, sustainable and reliable financing for future operations. Work remains to achieve the conditions that this Council set out in resolutions 2320 (2016) and 2378 (2017). As I stated last month, the mechanism using United Nations-assessed contributions requires a deliberate approach with appropriate safeguards, and any resolution on that topic must address long-standing United States policy positions, including with respect to financial transparency and trade measures. We have additional concerns regarding adequate burden-sharing and adherence to United Nations standards for conduct and peacekeeping operations.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“As the Secretary-General's report on United Nations-African Union cooperation (S/2019/759) notes, many of the joint efforts made by the United Nations, the African union and regional economic communities focus on the primacy of politics. So, we are encouraged by this past week's consultations, during which the United Nations and the African Union Peace and Security Council largely agreed on several ways to address challenges in South Sudan, the Sahel and the Central African Republic. Verbal commitments, however, are not enough. Both parties could follow through by calling on South Sudan's leaders to reaffirm commitments to the cessation of hostilities and to compromise on outstanding issues to form a transitional Government by 12 November.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“It is Vital that the United Nations succeed in that task, and we welcome the African Union's participation in the Berlin format. That brings us one step closer to a political solution. We remain deeply concerned by the violation of the Council's arms embargo on Libya. Member States that supply illicit weapons to the country undermine Libya's stability and we hope that the African Union will join the Council in stopping the flow of those weapons and look forward to supporting the African Union's Silencing the Guns by 2020 initiative. Of course, achieving peace sometimes requires asking our friends to make hard choices.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“In Burundi's upcoming presidential elections, the African Union's election support will be critical to a peaceful, transparent and inclusive process. The African Union should also encourage the Government of Burundi and the East African Community to advance inter-Burundi dialogue. In Cameroon, Violence in the Anglophone regions merits the African Union's urgent attention. The African Union and the United Nations should schedule a joint visit to assess the situation and urge the parties to peacefully resolve their differences. We also recognize that instability in Libya directly impacts African Union member States, so we appreciate the African Union's commitment to supporting Special Representative Salame's efforts to reach a political solution.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“I wish to thank both of our briefers for their updates. The African Union is an essential partner to the United States and the United Nations in Africa. This is true in part because some 80 per cent of United Nations peacekeeping troops and budgets are committed to Africa, but also because ofthe good work that the African Union does in some of the world's most challenging security environments. 1 had the pleasure of seeing this work first-hand during my time with peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan just last week. The African Union has made Vital contributions to peace on the continent, including brokering Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic and helping to create a road map for peace in the Sudan, but it can do even more to increase these contributions going forward.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“We can also heed the call by responding to the Secretary-General's request for more Member States to create national action plans to advance the women, peace and security agenda as Colombia is now doing through a joint partnership with the United States. The United States is ready to support all Member States in crafting and implementing women, peace and security action plans and strategies. But if there is one lesson that I have drawn from the past few weeks, it is that the entire Council has a moral obligation to follow through. So many women in Malakal in South Sudan and in conflict zones around the world are faithfully walking the road to peace but they need to know they are not alone on that road. I therefore need to ask two final questions. Will we all commit to ensuring that all women have a voice?”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“Lastly, our partner Governments must work towards full equality for women, including girls, and securing women's inclusion in all stages of conflict resolution. The NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security recently and rightfully called on us to defend the legitimacy of the work of human rights defenders and their role in promoting peace and security. We read its open letter to Member States with great interest and agree that women's full, effective and meaningful participation in all aspects of peace and security must be non-negotiable and safeguarded. One place where we can heed that call is in the Secretary-General's report on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (S/2019/780), which stresses the need to address killings of human rights defenders and social leaders and the specific risk faced by women leaders.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“However, ensuring a seat at the table for women is only the bare minimum. We must also see to it that women are empowered once they have that seat. That is why we are so proud to have supported the travel of Ms. Alan Salah to the United States. Briefings such as hers strengthen the role of civil society in civic life and underscore for us the role that women play in conflict resolution. While we want to empower women abroad, we must also attend to the issue at home. We are therefore ensuring that our own national security institutions are fully prepared to support women. The United States is enhancing training for our diplomats, development experts and military personnel so that our public servants actively promote gender equality.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“The Strategy outlines how we plan to safeguard women's participation in peace and security matters and advance the women and peace and security agenda domestically and abroad. Participation begins with having a seat at the table. How are we doing in that regard? As we speak, in the United States we are hosting nearly 80 women leaders to build a cross-cultural understanding on advancing the women, peace and security agenda. Earlier this month, the United States hosted a high-level forum on women and peace and security in the Middle East with dozens of female participants, including women from Syria. Those actions align with the aims of resolution 1325 (2000), including mandatory increases in the representation of women at all decision-making levels and the provision for the special needs of women and girls in conflict.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“What is so difficult for such women is not what the terrible secrets that they carry but the fact that they cannot even share the simple truths of what has happened to them because doing so would put their families in danger. One of the very brave women in Malakal walked for more than two hours just to sit with us and share in confidence in a place of safety. Those women and so many like them have important matters to express. Are we ensuring that they have a voice? Are we paying attention when they speak? The United States believes that the role of women is so essential that in 2017 we signed a stand- alone women, peace and security law - the first and only one of its kind in the world. In 2019, the President released the United States Strategy on Women, Peace and Security.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and his report (S/2019/800) on women and peace and security. I also thank all the other briefers for speaking so candidly. We recognize the candour of the report and share its sentiment. I would also thank Foreign Minister Pandor for convening us to discuss the women and peace and security agenda. When it comes to conflict resolution, women are indispensable. The truth was reinforced for me by a gathering of women that I met in Malakal, South Sudan, following the Security Council's trip to Juba. These women have endured and are continuing to endure more than most of us can possibly imagine.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“While we appreciate the fact that the resolution notes the system-wide gender parity strategy, we are disappointed that it fails to highlight the aspects of the strategy that are aimed at increasing the number of women in the military and police contingents of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Individually, we should all be taking steps to address the persistent barriers that women peacekeepers face and to overcome these barriers in our systems. We continue to urge all troop- and police-contributing countries to adopt and promote policies to achieve these objectives.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“We are pleased that this resolution includes elements of the women and peace and security agenda related to peacekeeping because, as we all know, women improve the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions. However, the resolution falls short of putting the full weight and support of the Council behind the women who are putting their lives on the line every day to build peace. The resolution also leaves out key aspects of the Action for Peacekeeping Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, which emphasizes that Member States need to collectively ensure that a gender perspective is integrated into all stages of peace processes.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“The United States has stated clearly on many occasions, consistent with the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action and its report, that we do not recognize abortion as a method of family planning nor do we support it in our women's global assistance initiatives. The United Nations should not put itself in a position of promoting or suggesting a right to abortion, whether in its humanitarian or development work. A new resolution on women and peace and security offers an opportunity to highlight the great personal risk that women face and to emphasise efforts to support and protect women peacebuilders.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“The United States joins other member States in support of resolution 2493 (2019), on women and peace and security. We remain deeply committed to this issue. I commend South Africa for the cooperative spirit in which it led this process. However, the resolutionrefers to previous documents that include references to sexual and reproductive health. I must note that we cannot accept references to sexual and reproductive health or any references to safe termination of pregnancy or language that would promote abortion or suggest a right to abortion.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“It is therefore my genuine hope that this Chamber and, indeed, the halls of the United Nations will one day resound with the truth that we have spoken about Hamas. Lasting peace in the Middle East and a better future for all Palestinians depends on it.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Every Friday, Hamas encourages minors to join riots at the security fence, hoping that violence will erupt and that the children will be injured or even killed as a result, thereby feeding their propaganda machine. A more cynical and shameful approach could not be devised. This is child abuse, plain and simple, and I condemn it. We all should. We have a responsibility to say what is plainly true about Hamas, as well as the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other militant actors in Gaza, just as we have an obligation to say what is plainly true of human rights abusers around the world. To remain silent in this instance would be an act against principle and an insult to the Palestinian people.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“We all know that Hamas blindly fires rockets into Israel, as they have done hundreds of times in 2019. But it is important for us to understand what that means at a human level. The vast majority of rockets fired by Hamas are unguided, which means that a lethal munition is just as likely to hit a classroom full of children as it is to strike a military asset. We cannot imagine the fears of Israeli mothers who know their children may spend recess running from the playground to the bomb shelter, or the Palestinian fathers who know that unguided rockets fly over their roofs while their children sleep. I condemn these indiscriminate attacks. We all should. If there is anything more despicable than Hamas' attacks on civilian areas, it is the way they treat their own children as pawns in a political game.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Hamas is one of the largest obstacles to real peace and prosperity for Palestinians and to the resolution of this conflict. If this institution is genuinely concerned with peace, we should be eager to examine Hamas' behaviour more closely. To begin, Hamas exhibits a blatant lack of respect for democratic principles. In recent months, as frustrated residents of Gaza have voiced their opposition to the intolerable living conditions created by Hamas' rule, Hamas has brutally beaten peaceful protesters, raided homes and detained organizers and journalists advocating for better living standards. I condemn this behaviour. We all should. The disregard Hamas shows for the will and rights of the Palestinian people is matched only by the disregard for innocent human life.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“In my remarks on the issue last month (see S/PV.8625), I largely focused on Israel, which receives a disproportionate amount of the United Nations attention when it comes to the discussion of peace and security in the Middle East. This attention is unfairly negative and one-sided. In the past two years, there have been some 20 resolutions in the General Assembly either implicitly or explicitly criticizing Israel. Today, I want to use my remarks to shed light on an actor that somehow receives far less criticism than Israel and whose behaviour has never been seriously scrutinized by the Council or by the General Assembly: Hamas, a terrorist organization that oppresses the Palestinian people in Gaza through intimidation and outright violence while inciting violence against Israel.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“The present issue is one of the more complex issues that the Council has to navigate. I therefore wish to thank the Special Coordinator for his good-faith efforts and for the even- handed perspective he brings to these briefings. Before discussing today's topic, I want to make brief mention of the important event that occurred over the weekend. As President Trump stated, the world is a much safer place following the operation by American special operations forces that resulted in the death of Al-Baghdadi. I want to thank Americans, fearless women and men in uniform, our intelligence community and our partners, who executed this mission flawlessly, for their efforts in bringing the leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant to justice.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“As we partner with other countries all over the world, the United States is investing significant economic and political resources in a better future for Haiti. We remain its largest bilateral donor, with $5.2 billion committed for humanitarian relief, reconstruction and development assistance since 2010. We urge all members to increase support via foreign direct investment and other means. Together, we have done the important work of seeing that peacekeeping mission transition into something new. May we not tire in our efforts as we and the Government of Haiti now strive to convert the new political mission into tangible human advancement for all Haitians.”
2019-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8641 (2019) · source
“Likewise, we urge Haiti's political, economic and civil society stakeholders to work peacefully to address the most pressing economic and social challenges facing the country. We must be clear, however, that the Government of Haiti is ultimately responsible for the success of the new mission. That represents not merely a new challenge but an opportunity to bring long awaited peace and prosperity to the Haitian people. We encourage the Government to take full advantage of that opportunity and to engage comprehensively with BINUH to that end. Finally, it is vital for the internationally community, as a whole, and Member States, bilaterally, to support Haiti through investments and active engagement.”
2019-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8641 (2019) · source
“Beyond law enforcement, as the Secretary-General's report (S/2019/805) indicates, Haiti will require continued assistance in several key areas, including the following five domains: the organization of free and fair elections, the continued professionalization of the Haitian National Police, the protection of human rights, the strengthening of the justice sector and the reduction of violence, with particular emphasis on gang-related violence. We expect that both the Government and BINUH will continue working towards those goals. More broadly, we encourage the Government of Haiti to continue a peaceful dialogue that results in a parliamentary Government that strengthens the rule of law and anti-corruption institutions.”
2019-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8641 (2019) · source
“We are particularly pleased with the development of the Haitian National Police, which is now ready to shoulder Haiti's domestic security burden. The professionalism it has shown in the face of a volatile security environment is both commendable and heartening. As part of that development, we encourage accountability through timely investigations and prosecutions in any case where excessive force is used. We also recognize the serious resource constraints the Haitian National Police faces. We call on the Government of Haiti to provide that essential institution with the support it needs for effective work.”
2019-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8641 (2019) · source
“The transition of MINUJUSTH to a special political mission demonstrates that the United Nations can and should adapt its peacekeeping presence to reflect evolving circumstances and in support of its own evaluations. Given the current state of Haiti's political landscape, a successful transition between the Mission and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) is more important than ever. The United States is ready to support Haiti, BINUH and Ms. La Lime - a sentiment that I am confident is shared by the entire Council. We commend the progress made during the Mission's work in Haiti, including the expanded protection of Haitian citizens by the country's human rights institution and the increased capability and capacity of civil society organizations to promote human dignity.”
2019-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8641 (2019) · source
“I thank Special Representative Lacroix for his briefing. I would like to welcome our friend Foreign Minister Meza- Cuadra back to the Council. Today is a historic day for Haiti and for the United Nations. In so many complex circumstances, the status quo prevails, but today is different. Today marks the transition, after 15 years of commitment and sacrifice, ofa peacekeeping mission to a special political mission. Our gratitude goes to the brave men and women who served in both the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) is very deep. Their contributions have been instrumental in helping lay Haiti's path towards security and stability. We also acknowledge and welcome the leadership of Helen La Lime.”
2019-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8641 (2019) · source
“We expect to receive the full text of the review in accordance with the commitments made by the Secretariat. We also welcome any additional documents that the Secretariat would like to provide, though we recognize that the report will not oblige the United Nations or Security Council members to take any particular course of action. It is ultimately the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that has the power to deliver resources and security to its citizens, and just as the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo marked their ballots in favour of change, the new Government has a vote of its own to cast - a vote against corruption and violence and, most importantly, a vote for a better future for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“We are therefore encouraged by the recent efforts of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to fight corruption, including a pledge to pass new legislation to address impunity and ratify the African Union's Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. The United States strongly supports those efforts, including through its own bilateral programmes. Because we understand that good governance is essential for a society to flourish, and because we want the Democratic Republic of the Congo to flourish, the United States is launching a new anti-corruption programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in support of our bilateral partnership initiated during President Tshisekedi's visit to Washington. We also look forward to seeing the MONUSCO strategic review later this month.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“We also expect to see the Government reform its security sector, including by improving standards in the national police and armed forces, holding violators of human rights to account, and demobilizing and disarming willing armed groups and reintegrating them into civilian life. In the east, provincial authorities have already created an investigation commission and two intercommunal dialogues with MONUSCO's support. These are small but commendable steps. We similarly recognize the President's recent overtures to his neighbours in the Great Lakes region, and we hope those meetings will yield a new pattern of good-faith dialogue aimed at lasting regional peace. The stability of democratic institutions depends on citizens being able to trust their elected officials.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“We are also alarmed at the continued reports of attacks by those groups across North Kivu, as well as the resurgence of violence in South Kivu. We acknowledge MONUSCO's efforts amid the unrest to increase security through an intensified troop presence as well as its support of reconciliation efforts in the east. While an end to violence is a necessary condition for peace, it is no guarantee. We therefore urge the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the President to work closely with the Mission and provincial authorities to establish a long-term plan for justice and reconciliation, one that addresses long-standing grievances and structures that permit violence.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“We commend the efforts of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations and non-governmental organizations to fight Ebola, especially the unique support and capabilities provided by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). As the largest single-country donor to the response, the United States is deeply committed to global health. Still, we urge others to contribute generously to the latest strategic response plan, which calls for $376 million in donor funding. While the Government has rightly focused on the chronic insecurity in the east of the country, we remain deeply concerned about the human rights abuses in the region by armed groups and local militias.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“I thank Special Representative Zerrougui for her briefing today. Last December, the Congolese people cast their votes for change and for a peaceful transition of power, stability and a brighter future. The United States applauds the recent formation of a Government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that embraces new leaders who could help realize such a future. We commend President Tshisekedi for the commitments he and his Government have made and for the first steps they have taken to curb the Ebola outbreak, address insecurity in the eastern part of the country and fight corruption. Only concrete action can prove to the Congolese people that this Government represents the change they voted for.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, I want to return to the theme of follow-through. The late theologian Eugene Peterson once wrote that beginnings are important, but that a beginning without a continuation is a lie. We cannot allow another promising beginning to evade continuation. We cannot allow another year to pass in which we are no closer to the implementation of the Algiers accord or the achievement of the agreement's key political goals. If all stakeholders remain unwilling to break the status quo, we must be willing to begin developing a different approach to peace, security and renewed hope for the people of Mali.”
2019-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8636 (2019) · source
“A number of critical parties have pulled out of the process, and implementation has been hampered by administrative shortages and a failure to fund local authorities at the level the agreement requires. That is not acceptable. We cannot continue to support a peacekeeping mission where the signatory parties enjoy security provided by international forces while refusing to fully implement their own agreement. We have also heard calls for giving MINUSMA a more robust counter-terrorism mandate. In our view, however, MINUSMA, as a peacekeeping mission, should not be viewed as a solution to a regional counter-terrorism problem. The States of the Group of Five for the Sahel have already developed a Joint Force to address those specific challenges, and the United States supports that effort.”
2019-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8636 (2019) · source
“The handing over of a MINUSMA camp to Malian security forces is an example of a small but concrete step in the right direction, and we want to see more transitions like it in the future. However, despite MINUSMA's commendable efforts, the overall trend in this reporting period is deeply worrying, as it speaks to a notable lack of follow- through. The Government of Mali and the signatory armed groups have made little progress in implementing the Algiers peace agreement, despite the clear message in resolution 2480 (2019) that the signatory parties are expected to accelerate that implementation. In the three months since the resolution was adopted, we have yet to see any consensus reached on how the inclusive national dialogue should proceed.”
2019-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8636 (2019) · source
“We commend MINUSMA for its efforts to address instability in that region, particularly through the launch of Operation Oryx II, as well as its work to re-establish State authority and its assistance with local reconciliation efforts. We also welcome the Mission's strategy of increasing its mobility and concentrating on major population centres. Like my colleague from Cote d'Ivoire, we encourage the greater and continued participation of women in inclusive national dialogue and in the monitoring mechanisms of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. The United States also recognizes the efforts made by Mali's Government to stabilize the centre of the country.”
2019-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8636 (2019) · source
“They come far too soon, and that should motivate the Council to redouble its efforts. Such horrific acts reinforce the reality that MINUSMA is no ordinary peacekeeping mission and that Mali's security and humanitarian crisis is continuing its dangerous spiral. Terrorist organizations operate with impunity, and civilians are being killed, injured or displaced in unacceptable numbers. Affirming such a status quo is unacceptable. The Council unanimously adopted resolution 2480 (2019) on 28 June. Notably, the mandate created a second strategy priority for MINUSMA, supporting the Government of Mali in its efforts to protect civilians in the centre of the country.”
2019-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8636 (2019) · source
“I thank Special Representative Annadif for his briefing. Today I want to emphasize the continued importance of follow-through. We have seen that essential quality in the sustained commitment of those serving in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the most dangerous mission of the United Nations. Both MINUSMA and the Malian Defence and Security Forces have suffered heinous attacks in recent days, with a Chadian peacekeeper killed in one attack and at least 38 Malian troops killed in two others. The United States owes a debt of gratitude to the families whose loved ones' lives were taken, and we wish a speedy recovery to all the injured. On a personal note, we must not become numb to this kind of violence. The deaths of those Malian soldiers are wrong. The death of one soldier is wrong.”
2019-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8636 (2019) · source
“The United States also invests millions of dollars in development aid each year to complement our diplomatic efforts. In dozens of African countries, we provide funding and technical assistance to cultivate accountable governance, encourage inclusive economic growth and support local efforts to seek peaceful alternatives to conflict. We have provided similar technical assistance to the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and several Member States as part of our support for the Continental Early Warning System. We have had the same conversation about this issue for as long as we have because our approach to problem solving is often too reactive. That may be the case simply because the work of conflict prevention is demanding and even burdensome. I do not deny that. But it is the right work to do.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“We should visit and publicly focus on potential hot spots to proactively shine a light on areas that could descend into conflict. We have already done that, to great effect, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For our part, the United States is deeply committed to long-term stability and security in Africa. These are not just words to us; they are the fundamental reality of our financial and political choices. Much of our bilateral engagement on the continent focuses on preventive diplomacy. In Burkina Faso, the United States is piloting a $13.5 million programme to prevent conflict. Later this month, a United States delegation will travel to Burkina Faso to develop programming alongside the Government, civil society and other local and international partners.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“The United States is encouraged to see countries like the Niger working proactively to prevent violent conflict. Using domestic resources and international assistance, the Niger has made progress in preventing violent extremists from moving freely along its border with Mali. It has also deftly managed ethnoregional tensions in order to deny terrorist groups new pools of potential recruits inside its borders. We look forward to working closely with the Niger to highlight those best practices when itjoins the Council in January. In addition, the Council should focus on more countries like Burundi and Cameroon, where societal divisions and weak Governments threaten stability. Upcoming elections could also exacerbate political tensions and security risks.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“As fellow Kentuckian George Clooney stated last month in comments on South Sudan, "if you don't care [about the problems in that country], its problems will end up on your doorstep." He is absolutely right. Thirdly, because neighbouring countries often bear the burdens ofspillover from conflict, we should increase coordination with regional and subregional bodies. Finally, the Security Council must continue to integrate the women and peace and security agenda in all of its work. As President Trump reminded us in his remarks to the General Assembly, nations that empower women are wealthier, safer and more politically stable (see A/74/PV.3). Women's meaningful participation in peace processes will translate into more sustainable peace agreements. And as Ms. Mulamula noted, "ifyou want to get something done, give it to a woman".”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“Therefore, if there is one message I want to communicate, it is that there is more the Council can, and should do, to address conflict before it erupts. There are four actions we can take get out ahead of conflict. First, we should use resolutions and statements to target the drivers of conflict. Our resolutions need to organize specific actions directed at root causes, not merely assemble pleasant words on paper. Secondly, we should utilize early-warning systems and the analytical tools at our disposal to inform our debates and regional visits. In doing so we will ensure that we are focused on areas where conflict could emerge, not where it has already emerged.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source