YouSaid · the spoken record

David Clay

lines on the record

37

first

2020-04-24

most recent

2020-06-19

sittings or episodes

5

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

1. “As the Secretary-General notes in his report, the collapse in February of dialogue efforts to reach an agreement on the road map needed for constitutional, institutional and structural reforms is yet another missed opportunity. COVID-19 has aggravated the existing risks to stability Haiti. The economy is faltering. Elections loom. Now more than ever, all parties should come together in the national interest. Broad, inclusive dialogue is essential.”

   2020-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/568 (2020) · source

2. “Secondly, with regard to human rights and accountability, the United Kingdom remains concerned about the lack of progress. That the perpetrators of massacres at La Saline and Bel Air continue to evade justice profoundly undermines efforts to build confidence and trust in the rule of law. We also regret that the Haitian Government has yet to honour the commitment it made to appointing a Minister for Human Rights. This appointment would be a valuable demonstration of Haiti’s political will to safeguard human rights. Finally, with regard to the ongoing political impasse, in meeting after meeting, the Security Council and the United Nations leadership have sought to encourage the parties in Haiti to come up with a road map to overcome political deadlock and institutional paralysis.”

   2020-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/568 (2020) · source

3. “Thirdly, a road map out of Haiti’s interminable political impasse is more essential than ever. First, with regard to COVID-19, it is clear that the pandemic presents a grave risk to Haiti, in terms of both the impact of the disease itself and its second-order effects. As the health, humanitarian and economic effects of the crisis take hold, a coordinated and holistic response by the Haitian authorities and the international community is critical. The United Kingdom is encouraged by the United Nations system’s quick adaptation to the situation on the ground, and we call upon the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in particular, also serving as the Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, to work closely with the Haitian authorities to help guide a coordinated approach.”

   2020-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/568 (2020) · source

4. “I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General La Lime and Mr. Létang for their briefings. We welcome the Secretary-General’s second report on the activities of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) (S/2020/537). The United Kingdom acknowledges the extraordinary difficulties faced by Haiti since the Security Council last met to discuss BINUH (see S/PV.8729). I wish to start by expressing our appreciation for the hard work of the mission leadership and staff amid increasingly challenging circumstances. I will make three brief points. First, the United Kingdom believes that a coordinated and holistic response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is critical. Secondly, urgent steps should now be taken to bolster human rights and accountability.”

   2020-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/568 (2020) · source

5. “The United Kingdom calls on all armed groups to adhere to the peace agreement and to abide by the Secretary-General’s call for an immediate global ceasefire in the fight against COVID-19 ahead of milestone elections in December.”

   2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source

6. “We hope that all relevant international partners will continue to support efforts aimed at tackling terrorism and stabilizing the region. Turning to the situation in Burundi, the United Kingdom welcomes the broadly peaceful conduct of elections on 20 May, although we have concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the importance of all actors working to preserve a peaceful climate during this period of transition. We look forward to working with the President-elect and hope to see Burundi forge a path towards stability, democracy and prosperity. Finally, we remain concerned about the security and humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic and the efforts of armed groups to undermine the peace agreement and progress towards stability.”

   2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source

7. “The situation in the Lake Chad basin also remains of concern. The spread of COVID-19 and the drawdown of humanitarian actors will compound the worsening humanitarian situation there. The civilian population in areas controlled by non-State armed groups are at particular risk, and humanitarian actors must be able to gain access to these populations in order to prevent further deaths from malnutrition and treatable diseases. The United Kingdom continues to recognize the importance of regional cooperation in supporting stability in the Lake Chad basin, including through the Multinational Joint Task Force. We express our condolences for the innocent lives lost in attacks by terrorists and violent extremist groups, including the dozens of civilians reportedly killed in Nigeria’s Borno state on 9 June.”

   2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source

8. “We urge the Government of Cameroon to maintain this momentum and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. It is critical that human rights, including freedom of speech, association and assembly, are respected and that all reports of human rights violations and abuses are investigated and prosecuted. The right to engage in political debate and commentary must be protected as it is the cornerstone of any democracy. We encourage all of Cameroon’s international partners, including UNOCA, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States and the Commonwealth, to continue to support efforts aimed at restoring peace in the north-west and south-west regions of Cameroon.”

   2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source

9. “We welcome steps taken by the Government of Cameroon to implement recommendations of the Major National Dialogue that took place in October 2019, including passing legislation granting special status to the North-West and South- West regions. Further inclusive dialogue remains vital to progress towards a just, peaceful and durable resolution of the crisis that meets the reasonable demands of the moderate majority. The United Kingdom continues to urge all parties to remain engaged in peacebuilding efforts. Human rights violations and abuses in the North- West and South-West regions must stop. The Government of Cameroon’s joint investigation with the United Nations into the appalling attacks in Ngarbuh in February and the publication of the findings, which attributed responsibility to Cameroonian soldiers, were welcome steps.”

   2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source

10. “High levels of violence are having tragic yet preventable consequences for civilians. We welcome the Secretary- General’s call on armed actors to refrain from attacks against civilians in Cameroon and Special Representative Fall’s visit to the country, which focused on the crisis in the country’s North-West and South-West regions and on elections. The United Kingdom continues to call for restraint, an end to the violence and unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations. We urge United Nations agencies to scale up their rapid-response mechanisms, with increasing focus on the issue of gender-based violence.”

    2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source

11. “It remains vital that all countries continue to work together to mitigate the spread of the virus in ways that will strengthen rather than undermine peace and security and that will guarantee the protection of civilians. We should ensure that our response is built upon the protection and promotion of human rights, inclusive and resilient economic recovery, and the maintenance of international peace and security. The United Kingdom particularly welcomes the ongoing efforts of UNOCA in conflict prevention and mediation efforts across the subregion. We encourage the Office to continue to enhance its work on early-warning analysis and greater coordination with United Nations country teams in the subregion. The United Kingdom shares UNOCA’s continuing concerns over the situation in the north-west and south-west regions of Cameroon.”

    2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source

12. “First of all, we wish to express our condolences to the Government and the people of Burundi upon the recent death of President Nkurunziza. We would like to express our appreciation for the work the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) is undertaking across Central Africa to support and promote peace, stability and security in the region. Although there has been progress in a number of areas, countries across Central Africa continue to face serious political and security challenges that could be exacerbated by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as the Special Representative of the Secretary- General has set out for us this morning.”

    2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source

13. “Political leaders are now taking this opportunity to move forward on reforms so that Bosnia and Herzegovina comes out of the crisis stronger, with the support of its partners. We call on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s politicians to demonstrate their commitment to progress, to look forward and not backwards, and to act in order to provide the positive future that their citizens so very much deserve.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

14. “The International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991 had thousands of witnesses, and the transcript extends to millions of pages. The United Kingdom continues to support reconciliation efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans more widely, including through our projects and our role in the Berlin process. In conclusion, the continued pursuit of narrow political interests by those in power and their reluctance to compromise has cost Bosnia and Herzegovina dearly. We hope that the recent developments can be a catalyst for a new approach. The COVID-19 crisis is affecting us all. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s responses are helping to mitigate the problems.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

15. “I should just like to briefly address the point raised by the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation regarding United Kingdom archives. As the Permanent Representative mentioned, the United Kingdom National Archives recently released papers relating to Bosnia and Herzegovina dating back 25 years as part of the United Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to transparency. The United Kingdom’s committed position that genocide was committed in Srebrenica is unequivocal. The authoritative judgment on what happened in Srebrenica and elsewhere; the place to look is the rulings of the international courts.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

16. “Also, for Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is important to find ways to revitalize and increase efforts to achieve the 5 plus 2 agenda. This year is also the twenty-fifth anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica. We need to come together to remember the genocide and all victims of the horrific conflicts that occurred in the Balkans in the 1990s. We must ensure that nothing like it ever happens again. It is deeply concerning that the glorification of war criminals continues on all sides, which makes the prospect of lasting reconciliation even more elusive. It is unacceptable that individuals and sections of society, including politicians, continue to deny the genocide in Srebrenica despite its qualification as genocide by two international tribunals as well as domestic judicial bodies.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

17. “I would like to congratulate the Office of the High Representative on its work in Brčko District. Through its coordinated work with the international community, it has promoted good governance, infrastructure developments and private-sector growth. This is a good model for reform. This year marks 25 years since the General Framework Agreement for Peace was signed, bringing to an end the hostilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I should like to take this opportunity to reiterate the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is important that Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community find ways to appropriately mark this anniversary and promote a safe and secure environment and a positive and prosperous future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

18. “As set out in the 28 April agreements, it is imperative that Bosnia and Herzegovina urgently take all necessary steps to ensure that the elections are held in Mostar this year. By implementing the recommendations in the EU’s opinion, Bosnia and Herzegovina has said that it would address all outstanding European Court of Human Rights judgments, most notably the Sejdić-Finci ruling, and ensure that all of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s citizens can exercise their fundamental democratic rights and participate equally in their country’s future. Rule-of-law reform is at the heart of this agreement, too. As Judge Priebe’s report flags, it is essential that the problems be tackled and the fight against corruption continue. It is vital that politicians address this issue without further delay.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

19. “Those threats merely make the ending of international supervision even harder. The United Kingdom underlines the importance of the Court and welcomes the arrival of the new judge, Angelika Nussberger, who will bring significant expertise. We also urge leaders to use this moment of unity to complete the formation of the Council of Ministers and to convene the authorities at all other levels following the October 2018 elections. Later this year, local elections were scheduled to take place. While we must see what is possible given the COVID-19 situation, let us not lose sight of the shameful fact that elections for the city of Mostar have not taken place since 2008 — as the High Representative has highlighted today — violating citizens’ basic rights, as the European Court of Human Rights has said.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

20. “The joint Presidency’s agreement on 28 April on a process that leads to Bosnia and Herzegovina implementing the European Union (EU) opinions, recommendations on human rights, democratic values and the rule of law was a further demonstration of the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina can work towards a positive future. All of those moves are important for advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s prospects for a Euro-Atlantic future. We urge politicians to engage constructively in this process, which will achieve far more for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina than the unconstructive threats of a political blockade that we have recently seen in relation to foreign judges sitting on the Constitutional Court, a core Dayton institution. It is good to see that despite those threats the Court continues to function.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

21. “We have been impressed with the discipline and solidarity shown by the authorities in undertaking this immense and ongoing task, and welcome the political and institutional leaders’ sense of unity in tackling this common problem. We stand ready to support Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Office of the High Representative in this joint challenge. Over the past six months, we have been pleased to see that the problems of blockages in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be overcome — first, with the long- awaited agreement in December last year to form a stable Government, one that will continue Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cooperation with NATO; and secondly, with the groundbreaking agreement on socioeconomic reforms that will directly benefit all of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s assistance.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

22. “I thank you very much, Sir, and offer my thanks, too, to both our briefers this morning. I would like to begin by thanking the High Representative and his team for this thorough report (S/2020/345, annex). While we would all prefer to see local actors taking responsibility to deliver a secure, peaceful and sustainable future for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Office of the High Representative continues to play an essential role. It has the United Kingdom’s full support, including for the use of executive powers should the situation so require. As the High Representative makes clear, Bosnia and Herzegovina, like nearly every other country, is battling the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

23. “Here we continue to urge all sides to engage constructively, immediately and without preconditions in these negotiations so as to deliver a peaceful and swift solution to the conflict areas, including the two areas. Meanwhile, we also continue to urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law and allow humanitarian actors to deliver aid to those most in need, without hindrance.”

    2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source

24. “We welcome the update from Under- Secretary-General Lacroix on the deployment of police to UNISFA, and, like other Council members, we hope to see further progress soon. We are disappointed by the delay in issuing visas for police and urge the Government of the Sudan to expedite this process. In the meantime, the Council should ensure that UNISFA remains adequately resourced to deliver on its mandated activities. We look forward to working with members of the Council to ensure that the mission continues to be able to maintain the stability of Abyei and to assist in the achievement of a final settlement on its status. Finally, regarding the two areas, we welcome the commitment of the Government of the Sudan and of a number of armed movements to engage in peace talks aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace across the Sudan.”

    2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source

25. “The recent episodes of heightened tensions, increased criminality and the presence of armed elements in UNISFA’s areas of responsibility have left civilians displaced and highlighted the continued absence of law and order in Abyei. All this underlines the need for progress to be made towards a final settlement. It is a matter of deep regret that this has been lacking so far. Turning to the mission itself, the United Kingdom supports the Secretary- General’s recommendation to extend the mandate of UNISFA for a further six months. The mission continues to have a vital role not only in ensuring stability but also in facilitating work towards a settlement of the situation in Abyei. The Council has long highlighted the need to boost the civilian and police components of the mission in order to contribute to that effort.”

    2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source

26. “We welcome the progress made in South Sudan on the implementation of the Agreement of 20 June 2011, with the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, and in the Sudan as the civilian Government continues to implement the Constitutional Declaration. In Abyei, we welcome the efforts made by UNISFA on a range of activities, including engagement with the Governments of the Sudan and South Sudan, the implementation of the quick-impact projects, mediation of local community dialogues, raising awareness of gender issues and the removal of explosive hazards. But despite those efforts, we remain very concerned by the fragile security situation in Abyei. Of particular concern is the increase in intercommunal violence and attacks on mission personnel.”

    2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source

27. “We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is also taking a toll on peacekeeping missions and on the brave personnel serving in them around the world. In this regard, we once again commend the Ethiopian Government for its continued contributions to the Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). COVID-19 underlines the importance of ensuring swift provision of medical evacuation for United Nations personnel and the maintenance of supply chains. That is particularly the case for UNISFA, given its remoteness. We recognize that the COVID-19 response will dominate the agendas of the Governments in Khartoum and Juba for some time, as is the case for countries around the world. But we continue to urge both Governments not to lose sight of their respective peace processes or of the importance of finding a final settlement on the status of Abyei.”

    2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source

28. “I wish to thank you, Mr. President, and both of our briefers this morning. I would like to start by expressing the United Kingdom’s support for the peoples and the Governments of the Sudan and South Sudan in their efforts to respond to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As the Council discussed on Friday in relation to the Sudan, the damaging impacts of the pandemic will only add to the already significant humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges faced by both countries. We welcome the quick responses of the Governments of the Sudan and South Sudan to COVID-19 and their efforts to mitigate its effects. So far the United Kingdom has contributed approximately $6 million to the United Nations COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts in the Sudan and more than $4 million to the efforts in South Sudan.”

    2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source

29. “The United Kingdom is committed to supporting victims and preventing sexual violence in all its forms. Through funding the “Be My Voice” campaign in Kosovo, we are raising public awareness and tackling head-on the stigma experienced by victims. Last October, the people of Kosovo voted for change. They voted for a Government that promised to tackle corruption and promote economic development. There is still considerable work to be done to strengthen the rule of law and deal with weaknesses in the justice system in Kosovo. We call upon the incumbent or new Government to prioritize work to deliver the people’s long-term priorities. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my thanks to the Special Representative and his team. We look forward to continuing to support them in their important work.”

    2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source

30. “We cannot allow a culture of impunity to exist for the most serious crimes; to do so would be unconscionable and enormously damaging to the rule of law and prospects of reconciliation across the region. We regret the slow progress in domestic prosecutions for war crimes and urge the authorities in Kosovo and Serbia to push ahead in dealing with these historic crimes. We welcome the progress made by the Government of Kosovo in dealing with the legacy of conflict-related sexual violence, with the first indictment filed by a local prosecution for conflict-related sexual violence as a war crime. We commend the work that UNMIK has done in supporting survivors to share their stories and encouraging the Government of Kosovo to prioritize addressing sexual violence.”

    2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source

31. “We look forward to working with him, with our Quint partners and with Serbia and Kosovo to achieve a comprehensive, conclusive, legally binding normalization agreement that respects territorial integrity, is acceptable to the citizens of both countries and will deliver long-term benefits to them and to the whole region. We welcome the progress made by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office. The United Kingdom strongly supports those institutions and the important work that they do. We urge the Governments of Kosovo and Serbia and the members of the Council to cooperate fully with them. Justice must be delivered for victims and their families.”

    2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source

32. “We call on Serbia to respond positively and to halt its de-recognition campaign. We believe that grievances, including non-tariff barriers, can be settled in the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue, if there is the political will and courage to do so. We look to both parties to take the necessary steps to return to the dialogue at the earliest possible opportunity. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of Miroslav Lajčák as the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkans issues.”

    2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source

33. “To that end, we welcome the Kosovo Government’s development of a multi-language website and ask that it ensure that all information related to COVID-19 is available in all the official languages of Kosovo. I echo the Secretary-General’s report in welcoming developments in this period to increase connectivity between Kosovo and Serbia. The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia remains crucial for regional stability and prosperity and is in the interests of both countries. I reiterate the United Kingdom’s long-standing support for the European Union (EU)-facilitated dialogue as the route to achieving a legally binding, comprehensive and sustainable agreement between Kosovo and Serbia. We welcome the decision of the incumbent Government of Kosovo on 1 April to lift the tariffs on goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source

34. “The Council should welcome the cooperation that we have recently seen between the Minister of Health and the Minister of Communities and Returns, and the mayors of North and South Mitrovica on issues relating to the Kosovo Serb community. We should also welcome and encourage cooperation between health ministries in Kosovo and Serbia, such as the recent virtual meeting held between Ministers of both countries to discuss their response to the crisis. I would like to thank the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for making such a constructive exchange possible. We hope that these actions will solidify the foundations for closer cooperation both within Kosovo and between Kosovo and Serbia, during the pandemic and thereafter. Access to information on COVID-19 is essential.”

    2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source

35. “Following the vote of no-confidence in the Prime Minister by the Assembly of Kosovo, we call upon all actors to continue to respect the Constitution and for decisions to be taken quickly to enable the incumbent or new Government to make the protection of citizens’ lives the paramount consideration. We welcome the support that the United Nations is providing the Government of Kosovo to help deal with the crisis through the establishment of an inter-agency task force to support the procurement and coordination of supplies of medical equipment. We urge that action be taken forward quickly. There have been many positive examples of various communities working together to deal with COVID-19.”

    2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source

36. “However, significant challenges remain, and it is important that UNMIK’s efforts be carefully tailored to address them. We continue to support a review of UNMIK to ensure that it is able to meet current needs as effectively as possible. Dealing with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has to be the primary task of the incumbent Government in Kosovo, as indeed it is for Serbia and other Governments throughout the world. The United Kingdom stands with the people of Kosovo during this global crisis. This is a time not for political manoeuvring but for cooperation, domestically and regionally.”

    2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source

37. “I would like to begin by thanking the Special Representative and his team for their continued commitment and dedication to Kosovo, as laid out in the comprehensive report on the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (S/2020/255). I would also like to extend my thanks to His Excellency the Foreign Minister of Serbia and His Excellency the Foreign Minister of Kosovo for their briefings this morning. The situation in Kosovo in 2020 is very different to that of 1999, when UNMIK started its work. UNMIK has played a key role in that transformation. Together with the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and NATO, it has promoted security, stability and respect for human rights not only in Kosovo but in the region more widely.”

    2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source