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

“"Broad consensus also exists that the old adage of 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is especially applicable to conflicts in Africa." Those words were not written recently. They were not written this year, or even this decade. They are from a 1994 United States Institute of Peace report on conflict prevention in Africa. Twenty-five years later, we are still talking about this. Are we still going to keep having this same conversation? Are we content with this? The Security Council meets practically every week to discuss areas of the world affected by conflict and instability. But far too often we issue statements, impose sanctions, create commissions and establish peacekeeping missions to address conflicts after they break out. It seems to me that we have got this a little bit backwards.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“I appreciate the Secretary-General's engagement and the briefings from our three guests. 1 would like to start by reading a passage that caught my attention this past weekend. "There is broad consensus that conflict prevention, management, or resolution in Africa requires that Africans themselves act as a rudder, guiding peace processes forward and working with local disputants to bring about conciliation. Outside parties such as the [United States] can contribute by providing support to propel the search for peace forward, but peace cannot be imposed from abroad. Yet conflicts in Africa have international ramifications, evident in refugee flows and environmental damage, for example, but also in purely humanitarian terms.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“As previous meetings on this subject have been largely pessimistic, the United States is pleased that the Secretary-General's latest report suggests an improving situation in the Great Lakes region - yet we worry that the gains of the last six months will be lost if the concerns I have expressed today are not comprehensively addressed. I remind my fellow Council members that just yesterday we were inspired by young African leaders who challenged us to do our part in bringing peace and security to the continent (see S/PV.8629). Therefore, in conclusion, I want to reiterate their challenge to us and encourage this organ to engage proactively and preventively as we consider the specific challenges facing the Great Lakes region.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“Next week, the Security Council will discuss its need to assume a stronger posture towards preventative diplomacy and conflict prevention. We are all keenly aware that elections in this region have been a flash point for considerable violence in the past. So, with Burundi's 2020 presidential elections fast approaching, and with recent trends in the country pointing in a concerning direction, the United States believes that the people of Burundi need the Council's attention. If we fail to engage, their lives and the lives of millions of others throughout that region could be adversely impacted.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“Political solutions, security sector reform and the demobilization of armed groups into civilian life will be critical for future stability. For our part, the United States will continue to identify opportunities to engage the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on how to attain greater security, peace and prosperity for the Congolese people. In Burundi, we remain concerned about continued restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression, as well as attacks on opposition political parties. We remind the Government of Burundi that peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections in 2020 are the basis for normalization of relations with the United States and other members of the international community.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“We are therefore heartened that the Secretary-General's report (S/2019/783) details multiple efforts of neighbouring countries to engage on issues of mutual concern - regional commerce, illicit flows of goods that contribute to corruption and the presence of armed groups. We commend the initiative that countries of the region have shown in working toward lasting peace and stronger economic ties. With that said, the United States is deeply concerned by several negative trends outlined in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/783). Insecurity continues to plague the east ofthe Democratic Republic of the Congo, armed groups still benefit from the mineral trade, especially in gold, and the Allied Democratic Forces continue indiscriminate attacks on civilians, peacekeepers and the Congolese military.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“Specifically, we applaud the formation of a Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that embraces new leaders, whom we hope will pave the way for positive reforms while largely excluding those who have proven themselves corrupt and unfit. We also recognize the President's efforts to proactively address the long-held grievances of the Congolese people, improve conditions for foreign investment and strengthen relationships with neighbouring countries. Amidst those developments, we must underscore that the burdens of implementing the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework fall to all signatory parties, not just the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region, for the work he has done to promote peace and security in the Great Lakes region during his first several months in that role. Conflict has plagued the Great Lakes for decades, but six years following the signing ofthe Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, we have seen some momentum towards solutions to the drivers of that conflict. The United States is encouraged by that momentum. We recognize the positive developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the historic Democratic elections that were held this past December.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“To rescue many, if we work honestly and vigorously towards achieving the goal of silencing the guns, will bring moral honour to the Council. The United States already invests in the infrastructure of Africa and offers aid. However, there is the ultimate and primary infrastructure - the children of Africa. If we reach out and speak to them and point them towards a star of hope and dignity, it will surpass any other contribution we may make. In truth, that is what the Council is really here to do - invest in futures. Not to help a child is a matter of tears and shame. Africa's youth has a leading role play in achieving the goals of Agenda 2063. Let all of us invest in the coolest generation so that it might one day see a world in which the last gun has been silenced.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“What each person in the Chamber feels for his or her own children should be a guide for what we attempt for the children of Africa. To protect and nurture a child is the most noble of all endeavours. It bypasses all our rivalries and differences. It is my country's belief that, when young people see a path to achieving personal dignity and when they sense or know that they are needed, they find purpose. Purpose aligned with a sense of dignity leads to both the abandonment of violence and a chance for success. Dignity banishes despair. Despair drives, or seduces, them to violence and its instruments - all before their lives have really begun. I believe that every single child rescued from this hard world is a great achievement.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“All parties ought to pay greater attention to that matter. But the actions of Governments and regional bodies are not enough. We must also develop the abilities that elevate the voices of Africa's youth, which starts with moving beyond the flawed narrative that young people are only passive victims or active perpetrators in conflict areas. In reality, young Africans like Aya Chebbi, Hafsa Ahmed and Victor Ochen already play prominent roles, standing up for their political rights and those of their fellow citizens. I began my remarks with a reminder of our greatest commonality - one as old as time and as deep as the human heart: the love for our children, which feeds the hope for our children. I will return to that point. It is immoral to offer and a blot on humankind not to intercept an inheritance of violence.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“The United States hopes a fragile peace agreement might improve conditions for South Sudan's youth, while encouraging them to exchange weapons for the tools that will help them build a safer and more prosperous country. Regional and subregional organizations can act on their responsibility to aid young people by urging Africa's leaders to consider their legacies. In turn, long- serving political leaders must respect constitutional limits on power, especially those that limit their terms in office. In addition, the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States should play a larger role in addressing the crisis in the Anglophone region of Cameroon. For years, the crisis has kept thousands of children out of school - and it threatens to spread across a region already beset by conflict.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“Nations can improve security by adhering to sanctions regimes that support peace and stability in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. We urge all States Members of the United Nations and, in particular, the countries of the region, to uphold resolutions 2254 (2015) and 2471 (2019). Preventing the illicit flow of weapons and restricting the travel of sanctioned individuals will promote long- term security. African nations should always look for ways to include the voices of young people as they build their futures. Unfortunately, some leaders have demonstrated little willingness to do so. In recent years, South Sudan's leaders have pursued policies that benefit a political elite rather than create the conditions in which young people can flourish.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“The United States lauds African efforts to reduce conflict through Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the Silencing the Guns initiative for the betterment of Africa's youth. Far too often, we discuss peace and security in Africa as a set of challenges, when what we really need to do is to view those issues as an opportunity. Why is that? It is because 60 per cent ofAfrica's population 4 750 million people - are under the age of 25, with a median age ofjust 20. Africa is brimming with potential - future leaders, artists, engineers and entrepreneurs. We, all of us, just need to find ways to unlock that potential. Of course, African Governments and regional bodies play a key role in achieving that goal.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“They may be at home, at soccer practice or in their classrooms, both of them dreaming and working towards their futures. Those thoughts brighten me. At the same time, I am saddened by that fact that it is not the same for every child in every country of the world. I am saddened by the fact that conflict and poverty leave so many children open to spectacles of violence and, worse, that they are drawn into Violence or conflict and, even, in some cases, forcibly conscripted. While reflecting on the universal emotions that all parents share, I bring to this particular campaign a real sense of urgency. The discussions about youth and violence are not abstract. They are not some airy policy. They strike at the very root of our humanity.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“The turmoil in Africa is, or should be, the distress of the world. It is therefore very right that the Chamber consider and seek to act on the most heartbreaking elements of that turmoil f the conspicuous entrapment, for it is nothing less than that, of its young people into the conflicts and violence of that continent. Here at the United Nations our countries are separated by geography and distinguished by our various cultures, but we share a fundamental and inescapable commonality - we love our children, with the greatest love. And so it hits home for me. When the Council considers the plight of so many children in Africa and, through the campaign of Silencing the Guns, seeks a much hoped for harvest of a better future for them, I think, on a personal level, of my own grand- children. My mind right now is filled with thoughts of them.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“She is advocating faithfully, cheerfully and relentlessly for the dignity of all Syrians. As we seek to build on this first step towards peace in Syria, I hope that the Council will adopt the same spirit.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“The Council cannot believe the version of events, preferred by some, that our work is nearly finished. The United States, for one, will continue to speak the truth about the atrocities committed by that regime, as well as what must be done to right the wrongs committed against the Syrian people. I want to end my statement today by sharing a brief story. Last week, I had the privilege of meeting with Amina Khoulani, the co-founder of Families for Freedom and a woman ofprofound courage. I was deeply disturbed by what she shared with me: nearly 128,000 Syrians - 128,000 - face arbitrary detainment. That practice is unacceptable. The Al-Assad regime must release detainees and provide international monitors access to detention centres. However, while I was distressed by Amina's account, I was even more inspired by her spirit.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“At the outset of my remarks, I noted that lasting peace requires commitment and meaningful action. But it also requires that we tell the truth about what has happened, and what is still happening, in Syria. It is that aspect of peace with which, I regret to note, the regime does not appear comfortable. Bombings continue to terrorize innocent women, men and children in Idlib. The regime's campaign has displaced more than half of the Syrian population and thousands of Syrian mothers and fathers have had to bury their own children - a fate that no parent should suffer. The agreement to form the Constitutional Committee is clearly an encouraging step but there are too many levelled neighbourhoods and too many shattered lives for anyone here today to act as though the horrors visited upon the Syrian people can now be forgotten.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“It is therefore ironic that the State responsible for much of the carnage in Syria and for most of the current conflicts in the Middle East sits before this very Council today presumably to lecture us on the path to peace in Syria. If Iran genuinely wished to contribute to the political process under resolution 2254 (2015), it would leave Syria and remove its militias and their affiliates without delay. I also wish to be very clear on the following point. The Al-Assad regime and its allies must not use the launch of the Constitutional Committee as a pretext to stall the political process and pursue a military solution to the conflict. The violence in Idlib must cease immediately and unconditionally. That will protect the lives of innocent civilians and improve the prospects for a political solution on the ground.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“But if we are honest, we know that there is hard work ahead for the parties to the conflict and civil society leaders, who will be tasked with drafting a new Syrian constitution, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015). It is essential that the Council vigorously support their efforts, as well as those of the Special Envoy to convene the Committee's first meeting on 30 October. When they gather, the members of the Committee must be able to work in safety, free from intimidation to alter the outcome of their work. Furthermore, it is critical that all parties, including the opposition, the regime and civil society leaders, engage in good faith in the days ahead with the aim of ensuring that the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians are represented. If there is one party that consistently fails to act in good faith, it is Iran.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“I also want to thank our partners in the small group - Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom - as well as Turkey and Russia for helping us take that encouraging step. A special word of gratitude also goes to the leadership and members of the Syrian Negotiations Commission for their cooperation, even as their supporters faced brutal attacks. Last Thursday, the small group on Syria reaffirmed its broad support for the Special Envoy's efforts to implement all the provisions of resolution 2254 (2015). We encourage the United Nations to convene the Committee, and we reiterate our belief that there can be no military solution to the conflict - may I repeat, no military solution to the conflict. The formation of the Committee is a historic, tangible first step in the political process to resolve the Syrian crisis.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“We welcome the Secretary-General's announcement that the Syrian Negotiations Commission and the Syrian regime have reached agreement on the committee that will draft a credible, balanced and inclusive constitution. That constitution must reflect the aspirations of all Syrians, both inside and outside the country. Lasting peace is not easily or quickly won. It requires commitment, meaningful action and a consistent effort over a sustained period of time. With that in mind, I therefore say to Special Envoy Pedersen that the United States would like to extend its thanks for his personal commitment and effort over the past 21 months in helping to form the Constitutional Committee.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“It is inexcusable that persuasive anti-Israel bias still exists in the United Nations and that we continue to witness attempts by some States Members of the United Nations to undermine Israel's standing as a full member of the community of nations. The United States vigorously opposes all such efforts. As I said when opening my remarks, I believe it is very important that I be clear on serious matters, so allow me, once again, to be clear on the relationship between the State of Israel and the United States - in the past, the United States has always supported Israel, the United States supports Israel today and the United States will support Israel going forward. Israel will have no better friend than Kelly Craft.”
2019-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8625 (2019) · source
“However, as we sit in this building that was created as a hall of peace, I believe it critically important that we acknowledge that no country should face the ceaseless barrage ofunwarranted criticism, one-sided antagonism or repeated negative spotlight. The United States remains tirelessly committed to supporting Israel's fair treatment here in this organ as well as in the United Nations system in general. Further, it should come as no surprise that this is one of my chief priorities. The United States stands with our close friend and partner and will continue to oppose actions and statements that unfairly single it out. And as the representative of the United States to the United Nations, I will work relentlessly to fight every effort that seeks to delegitimize Israel or undermine its security.”
2019-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8625 (2019) · source
“Many nations that are eager to condemn Israel should instead study its resolve, its constant efforts toward making the country stand as first among equals to any of the modern world and its benevolent pursuits in arts and sciences. In so doing, I believe a different picture will emerge - one that showcases all that Israel is and all that the world can gain from this great nation. Please do not mistake my remarks here. My statement is not meant to indicate that other issues discussed here today, including the continued violence and terror from Hamas in Gaza, as described by Mr. Mladenov in his briefing, are not important.”
2019-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8625 (2019) · source
“And in opposition to what has been stated here, Israel is a nation that deeply respects the rule of law. Indeed, we have much to learn from her. Further, as a hub for innovation, Israel has cultivated and earned its reputation as a start-up nation. It is a global leader in research and development and has a vast network of international collaboration in this space. In fact, it is a leading investor in research and development as a percentage of gross domestic product and has been home to 5,000 new start-ups in the past 10 years alone. Much like the way they built their great nation, Israelis have used their spirit of courage, faith in education and dogged determination to help their brothers and sisters around the globe.”
2019-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8625 (2019) · source
“I could speak endlessly about the excessive attention Member States give to the affairs of Israel, including complaints, unwarranted criticism and the incessant number of resolutions condemning this great nation. However, I do not wish to dwell on those well-worn points. As a person who finds value in emphasizing the positive, I wish to, instead, highlight Israel's astonishing record of achievements. Since its creation, Israel has served as a refuge and sanctuary for those fleeing persecution and repression. A vibrant and accomplished democracy, Israel has stood tall and steadfast despite constant threats to its peace and security. All the more impressive is that, in this threatening environment, Israel strongly supports press freedom, defends gender equality and houses a robust and innovative free-market economy.”
2019-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8625 (2019) · source
“As the Council is aware, this is my first time participating in this monthly briefing. With this in mind, I would like to step back for a moment and speak broadly on how I intend to approach issues related to the State of Israel. First, I believe it is important to be clear on serious matters. So allow me to be clear on the relationship between the State of Israel and the United States of America. In the past, the United States has always supported Israel, the United States supports Israel today, and the United States will always support Israel going forward. Israel will have no better friend than Kelly Craft. Unfortunately, on matters related to Israel at the United Nations, many Member States do not play fair.”
2019-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8625 (2019) · source
“What Russia cares about is protecting Bashar Al-Assad, at the expense of the lives and peaceful aspirations of the Syrian people. We once again call on Russia to join the international community in a process that will result in the definitive stabilization of the country.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8623 (2019) · source
“But we have seen this before. What we are witnessing is not counter-terrorism but an excuse to continue a violent military campaign against those who refuse to accept the Al-Assad regime's authority. Russia's veto of today's draft resolution - Russia's thirteenth veto on Syria - represents yet another attempt to absolve itself and the Al-Assad regime of their culpability in the deaths of thousands of Syrian men, women and children. Russia has unequivocally proven, through its actions in the Council and on the battlefield, that it has no interest in protecting Syrian civilians in Idlib, Aleppo, eastern Ghouta or Dara'a. Nor does it have an interest in a lasting humanitarian ceasefire. We are disappointed that China decided to be complicit in those activities, joining Russia in its decision to veto the draft resolution.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8623 (2019) · source
“The Al-Assad regime and Russia were responsible for 1,031 civilian deaths in Idlib province between 29 April and 29 August, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. While they can continue to try to hide behind lies and disinformation in the Council today, there is no doubt that the regime and Russian forces responsible for those attacks must be held accountable for their actions. The world knows that, despite their denials, Russian and Syrian planes dominate the skies in north-west Syria, and so far, the Russian Federation has failed to comply with the United Nations de-confliction arrangements intended to keep civilians and hospitals safe. The Al-Assad regime and its allies tell the international community that they are merely conducting counter- terrorism operations.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8623 (2019) · source
“It is deeply regrettable that the Council was not able to agree to a ceasefire draft resolution that would have saved lives in Idlib, especially as the Al-Assad regime and its allies prepare to launch another offensive on the people of Idlib. It is also regrettable that the Council cannot agree on a draft resolution that includes language that would have held the Al-Assad regime and Russia responsible for their vicious attacks against the Syrian people. Let there be no mistake: for five months the Al-Assad regime and its allies have engaged in attacks that have devastated civilians, as well as civilian infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and water facilities.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8623 (2019) · source
“Today's vote on draft resolution S/2019/756, on a humanitarian ceasefire in Idlib, underscores the commitment of the international community to bringing peace and stability to north-west Syria. The Security Council must act to end the violence, in particular against civilians in Syria, and to enable humanitarian actors to provide assistance to the most vulnerable populations. After nearly nine years of conflict, the Syrian people deserve nothing less. The United States is proud to have voted in favour of the draft resolution, authored by Belgium, Germany and Kuwait, in order to uphold our shared responsibility to protect civilians whose lives are at stake.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8623 (2019) · source
“Finally, efforts by other members of the Council to promote a separate draft resolution that denies the people of Syria a full ceasefire will not halt the suffering of Syrians and should not receive the support of any Council member. I would certainly like to believe that the entire Council will join me in standing with the people of Syria by supporting the sole draft resolution that will bring an end to the ongoing regime strikes.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“We were alarmed by reports that the Al-Assad regime has detained thousands of returning Syrians and continues to arrest and torture civilians, including those who signed reconciliation agreements with the regime. We call for an end to the Al-Assad regime's cruel detention practices. We welcome the efforts by the members of this organ to stop the unfolding of this humanitarian catastrophe in Idlib. To meet that goal, we strongly support the draft resolution submitted by Kuwait, Belgium and Germany, which includes a meaningful ceasefire to the ongoing hostilities in Idlib and will protect civilians and provide needed accountability measures. All Council members should support the draft resolution.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“We urge the Al-Assad regime and Russia to allow sustained deliveries of humanitarian assistance to Rukban from Damascus and to keep commercial routes to the encampment open as long as the civilians choose to remain in the settlement. The return of internally displaced persons and refugees in Syria must be informed, safe, voluntary and dignified. We strongly urge all parties to work with the United Nations to ensure that proposals for return align with the United Nations guiding principles on internal displacement, and that the displaced persons receive all relevant information so that they may make informed decisions about their movement and safety.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“The intentional targeting of civilians and civilian objects is a violation of international humanitarian law, especially when those persons and objects reside in formally de-conflicted zones. Issuing a public report will greatly aid in holding responsible parties to account. The Al-Assad regime and Russia must cease bombardments that would wound and kill civilians and devastate civilian infrastructure. As the United States has reiterated time and time again, there is no military solution to this conflict. With respect to the Rukban settlement, we commend the United Nations and its partners for completing their assessment mission and delivering critical supplies to nearly 15,000 displaced Syrians.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“That marks the fifty-second medical facility struck in the past five months. In the short term, these effects are horrific, but the lasting effects are catastrophic and will persist for generations. Meanwhile, in Sufuhan, a White Helmet centre was destroyed on 12 September. We welcome the Secretary- General's decision to establish a Board of Inquiry to investigate attacks that damaged humanitarian facilities in north-west Syria and that the United Nations has selected the Board's members to manage that important accountability effort. We stand ready to support the Board's work and encourage all Member States to do the same. Additionally, we call for the Secretary-General to make the Board's final report public.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“As we have heard, the toll in Idlib over the past four months has been gruesome - more than 1,000 people killed, including at least 304 children, 164 women and 30 humanitarian workers, and roughly 2,000 people wounded. Nearly all ofthe 1,089 civilians killed between April and August were attributed to Syrian regime forces and their allies, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet. The Al-Assad regime unilaterally announced a ceasefire on 30 August, but that so-called ceasefire, like others before it, merely offered cover for the regime to regroup, reorganize and rest before its next attack. The regime's despicable, if familiar, practice of launching attacks that damage health-care facilities has likewise resumed. On 13 September, a regime artillery strike hit the Kiwan Hospital in Idlib.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“I would like to thank the Assistant Secretary-General for her sobering but necessary update on the humanitarian crisis in Syria. First, let me commend the organizations and individuals that are providing life-saving assistance to millions of Syrians. Their work is heroic, and the United States proudly supports them. At the same time, I regret the fact that the Security Council is yet again hearing reports of medical facilities being targeted by the Al-Assad regime and its allies, civilians being killed and humanitarians being denied access to desperate populations. Business as usual cannot continue to define these monthly meetings. The Council must hold the regime and its allies accountable for the atrocities it has committed, and we must ensure access for humanitarians wherever aid is needed in Syria.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“We also encourage all relevant parties to continue seeking a sustainable path forward for the protection of civilian sites, as well as for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of internally displaced persons. As a final word, I am pleased to share that, in partnership with South Africa, the United States plans to lead a Security Council visit to Juba in the near future. I encourage all of my colleagues on the Council to participate in the visit so that we can use the opportunity to personally convey our joint desire to see South Sudan usher in a new era of peace and stability. Likewise, the visit will give South Sudan's leaders the chance to demonstrate to us that they have built the foundation necessary to establish a credible, inclusive and accountable transitional Government.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“The people of South Sudan and key stakeholders have stressed that durable peace is possible if women play a central role in the peace process. We urge South Sudan's leaders to recommit themselves to ensuring a full and meaningful role for women in the mechanism of the peace agreement and the transitional Government. We endorse the call by the IGAD Council of Ministers, on 21 August, for an ordinary summit in September. We expect that such as summit would address outstanding issues, including Mr. Machar's freedom of movement and the appointment of a permanent chairperson for the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“We call on the South Sudanese parties that have not signed the Revitalized Agreement to renounce violence and seek political resolution. We call on those who have signed the agreement to engage with such parties in a non-violent manner. Despite ongoing activity that contradicts the letter and the spirit of the Revitalized Agreement, the United States believes there is still time for the parties to move closer to peace before November's political deadline. To that end, we call on South Sudan's leaders to agree to terms for security arrangements and to resolve the critical issue of the number and boundaries of states in South Sudan. We also urge them to formally establish the hybrid court, in partnership with the African Union, whose role in the peace process, along with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), we support.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“Seven million people face food insecurity; 185,000 seek refuge in protection-of-civilians sites, and more than 4 million are afraid to return to their homes. While these numbers are shocking, they cannot describe what it must be like to see another harvest come and go without enough food to feed your family. These statistics fail to capture the struggle of moving from camp to camp fleeing outbreaks of violence, only finally to return home and find your house burned to the ground. Meanwhile, the Government and other parties impede the flow of humanitarian assistance, and opposition recruitment has been reported at protection-of-civilians sites. These practices must stop immediately. The Government of South Sudan and other parties continue to conduct military operations, particularly in the Equatorias, that brutalize their own people.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“I thank Special Representative Shearer for his informative briefing. One year ago, South Sudan's leaders signed the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution ofthe Conflict in South Sudan. Since then, the parties have taken some meaningful steps towards lasting peace. Political violence has decreased, and local reconciliation efforts have gained traction. The decisions of President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar to meet in Juba are also welcome developments. However, to build confidence in the peace process, engagement focused on tangible outcomes is still needed. Unfortunately, the peace process in South Sudan has focused too much on dialogue between political elites and too little on the suffering of the people of South Sudan.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“This mandate renewal empowers the Mission to support elections, facilitate peace and reconciliation efforts and promote good governance and human rights. However, I should note that the reason we cannot empower the Mission with a stronger substantive mandate today is a member's insistence on language that highlights national political priorities rather than ways in which we can most effectively assist the people and the Government of Afghanistan. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the people of Afghanistan and to peace in their country. We look forward to working with the Mission, the Government and the people of Afghanistan and all Security Council members to advance peace, security and human rights in Afghanistan.”
2019-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8620 (2019) · source
“First, we wish to thank the co-penholders, Germany and Indonesia, for their diligence and commitment to drafting a new mandate that will provide the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) the guidance needed to advance its core mission. The United States voted in favour of resolution 2489 (2019) today to renew UNAMA for one year, with an updated mandate to address new developments on the ground. Just last night, terrorist attacks targeted President Ghani's election campaign rally, claiming at least 26 lives. We condemn those horrific attacks and convey our sympathies to the victims. The attacks are yet another reminder of the critical role of UNAMA in supporting the people and the Government of Afghanistan and underscore the importance of the Security Council's duty to provide UNAMA with a strong and full mandate.”
2019-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8620 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we call on the parties to continue to respect the Central Bank of Yemen and other Government institutions underpinning economic stability. I would like to conclude by reiterating my personal desire to work closely with the members of the Security Council and the entire United Nations to support the people of Yemen.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“As one of the largest humanitarian contributors in Yemen, we are encouraged to hear that a portion of the outstanding $1.2 billion in aid funding pledged by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates may be disbursed in the coming weeks. These urgently needed funds will help essential aid programmes resume operations, and we are especially encouraged by Mr. Lowcock's announcement today that money is on its way. We call on all donors to increase their funding for these under-resourced programmes. Beyond funding constraints, humanitarian aid workers must also be permitted immediate access to civilians affected by unrest. Finally, as we have heard, currency instability further worsens Yemen's humanitarian crisis.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source