YouSaid · the spoken record

De Rivière

lines on the record: 1,783
first: 2006-04-28
most recent: 2023-12-30
sittings or episodes: 372
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

“In September it amended its Constitution to enshrine its possession of nuclear weapons, while the authorities in Pyongyang have continued to call repeatedly for an exponential increase in the country’s nuclear arsenal. Those provocations contribute to heightening regional and international tensions and constitute a direct challenge both to the integrity of the international non-proliferation regime and the Security Council’s authority. The Council cannot remain silent in the face of those violations. We deplore the fact that permanent members of the Council — nuclear-weapon States, as per the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons — publicly display their support for North Korea’s illegal programmes. The Council should demonstrate unity and reaffirm its obligation to implementing its resolutions.”
2023-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9485 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Mr. Khiari for his briefing. On 21 November, after two unsuccessful attempts in May and August, North Korea announced that it had placed a military reconnaissance satellite in orbit, making it clear that North Korea continues to act in violation of its international obligations. The spacecraft’s launch employed ballistic-missile technology, in a demonstration of the worrisome progress that North Korea has made in its illegal ballistic-missile programme. It is yet another clear violation of the resolutions of the Security Council. North Korea has stepped up its nuclear rhetoric in recent months.”
2023-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9485 (2023) · source
“A tangible political horizon must be restored to enable Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and security. The resumption of a peace process is vital, because otherwise the current tragedy will be inexorably followed by other tragedies. That process must lead to a two-State solution, with essential guarantees for Israel’s security and a State for the Palestinian people. That is the only viable solution. With that in mind, France will continue to call for an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a ceasefire, which we must all work towards. The Council must now speak with one voice on this issue.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“We also condemn the occupation of civilian infrastructure by Hamas, which runs counter to international humanitarian law. The extremely serious nature of the situation in Gaza must not lead us to forget the scale of the violence perpetrated against the Palestinian population in the West Bank. France demands that the Israeli authorities immediately put an end to that violence. We are fully committed to preventing the conflict from spreading to the rest of the region. The safety of the peacekeepers in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization must be guaranteed. We condemn the Houthi firing towards Israel and the hijacking by the Houthis of a commercial vessel on 19 November.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“With regard to sick or wounded children who need urgent care, France is mobilizing all the resources at its disposal so that they can be treated in France, if that is useful and necessary. Civilian infrastructure and hospitals, as well as humanitarian and health-care personnel, must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. France condemns all shelling of civilians and civilian infrastructure. We reiterate that the buildings of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in which civilians are sheltering must not be targeted. Once again, France hails the commitment on the ground of the United Nations, UNRWA staff, non-governmental organizations and all humanitarian actors.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“In the interim, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip must be assured as a matter of urgency. All crossing points must be open. The number of convoys must be commensurate with the need, which is immense. France has fully played its part in the humanitarian effort: it has already deployed more than 100 tons of humanitarian freight and, since 7 October, has increased its support to €100 million. It will continue its efforts in the coming days by providing further food and medical aid. The international humanitarian conference, held in Paris on 9 November, under the aegis of the President Macron, allowed more than €1 billion in contributions to be raised. We must do more.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“France condemns the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas and other terrorist groups on 7 October, as well as the sexual violence and abductions of children committed on that day; the Security Council must do the same in unequivocal terms. Israel has the right to defend itself and the duty to do so in accordance with international law. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The number of wounded or killed Palestinian civilians is increasing day by day. Women and children are particularly vulnerable and represent two thirds of the victims. France calls for the immediate implementation of resolution 2712 (2023), adopted by the Council last week (see S/PV.9479), and it will scrutinize very carefully the proposals that will be made by the United Nations to ensure the monitoring of its implementation.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Ms. Bahous, Ms. Russell and Ms. Kanem for their briefings, and I would like to reiterate to them that France fully supports UN-Women, UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund in their efforts to help the people of Gaza. France welcomes the agreement reached in the past few hours, which should allow for the release of several dozens of hostages and a truce. It welcomes the role of Qatar, the United States and Egypt. That could set in motion a positive cycle. Other releases must follow. France calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages detained by Hamas and other terrorist groups since 7 October. Among those hostages are women and children.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“France has decided to increase its contribution to the World Food Programme (WFP) to the tune of €166 million in 2023, including for the benefit of Ukraine. With our support, WFP and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations will be able to contribute to the demining of agricultural land in Ukraine through an innovative project using artificial intelligence. France will continue to provide support to the countries most vulnerable to food insecurity, with food aid that will exceed €950 million in 2023. Our participation in the Grain from Ukraine summit in Kyiv on 25 November and the holding of the global food security summit yesterday in London demonstrate our engagement on this subject.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“Russia made a unilateral decision not to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative and has conducted repeated attacks on Ukrainian production and storage infrastructure. On 9 November, Russia targeted a civilian ship in the port of Odesa, killing the captain and injuring several crew members and shore personnel. That was the twenty-first attack on Ukrainian ports since July. These demonstrate that Russia continues to use food as a weapon. The consequences are felt well beyond Ukraine by the populations of the most vulnerable countries. In response, France and the European Union have been working since the start of this war to support the continuation of Ukraine’s agricultural activities and allow Ukrainian agricultural products to supply world markets, particularly via solidarity corridors.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“It must heed the appeals of the General Assembly, which, by an overwhelming majority, has affirmed and reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and declared any attempt to annex Ukrainian territory as illegal under international law. Restoring Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and preserving our collective security are at the heart of Ukraine’s vision for a just and lasting peace. In that regard, we welcome the meeting held in Malta on 28 October and the participation of a growing number of States in this work. Secondly, we remain committed to mitigating the consequences of this war of aggression at the global level, in particular by combating food insecurity.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“A total of €300 million has been mobilized by France to respond to emergency needs and ensure that essential infrastructure is restored. France will continue to provide Ukraine with the necessary assistance to enable it to exercise its right to legitimate self-defence, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. We will also continue to support the Ukrainian courts and the International Criminal Court, with a view to combating impunity. Instead of forging ahead and endangering international peace and security, Russia must end this war. It must stop its aggression and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory, as requested by the International Court of Justice on 16 March 2022.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Jenča and Mr. Hollingworth for their briefings. I would like to highlight two points. First of all, France continues to condemn the illegal war of aggression led by Russia against Ukraine. Since 24 February 2022, the Ukrainian people have defended themselves with courage, despite suffering daily abuses, crimes and torture. Russia relentlessly attacks civilian populations, in violation of international humanitarian law. Since Friday, Kyiv has been targeted by several dozen Shahed drones. Russian forces are also targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, in particular its energy infrastructure. Those indiscriminate strikes worsen the situation of the population. Nearly 17 million people now need humanitarian assistance. As winter approaches, we must remain fully committed.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“This demand for international solidarity is at the heart of the Paris Pact for People and the Planet. We must also establish a virtuous circle between economic and social development and action in order to protect the climate and biodiversity. That is the objective of the Great Green Wall project, which aims to combat the effects of climate change, desertification, food insecurity and poverty — from Senegal to Djibouti. France has helped to mobilize $16 billion for that project. Finally, I would like to reiterate our collective call to strengthen the United Nations Climate Security Mechanism. The Council must be able to better assess, anticipate and prevent the impact of climate change on peace and security and draw all the consequences.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482 (2023) · source
“France contributed to the development of that strategy and calls on all Member States to take it on board. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that development cannot be a one-size-fits-all response to threats to international peace and security. That is the raison d’être of the Council. Despite all the instruments of prevention and peacebuilding, we have a responsibility to react when crises arise. And we have a responsibility to support the implementation of the United Nations mandate, including peacekeeping and human rights. My final message is a call for collective action, in which France intends to play its full part. France relayed that call at the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact in June. It provided impetus at the highest level and proposed concrete solutions based on the needs expressed by developing countries.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482 (2023) · source
“Investing in education, championing women’s rights, protecting the climate and biodiversity and preserving health is investing in peace. Conversely, ensuring peace and security is an intrinsic condition of sustainable development. That is why the entire United Nations system must work together: the Security Council, the General Assembly, the organizations, funds and programmes and all development partners. Secondly, the New Agenda for Peace presented by the Secretary-General offers an opportunity for the collective renewed commitment of Member States. The proposed vision, which we support, is in line with the human rights-based approach underpinning the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It combines development with support for political processes, respect for human rights and the implementation of the mandate of peace operations.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. I also thank Ms. Rousseff and Mr. Sachs for their participation. I would like to emphasize three points. First, an observation: faced with the scale of international tensions, we need to review our methods of action. In order to genuinely create conditions for lasting peace, we need to address the root causes of conflict. Those are intrinsically linked to development issues, as we can see in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Climate change and environmental degradation are additional factors of instability whose deleterious effects will grow in the coming decades. Investing in all aspects of sustainable development helps to ensure lasting peace.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482 (2023) · source
“That is the only way to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. That is the one and only basis on which a just and lasting peace can be established in the country.”
2023-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9481 (2023) · source
“France welcomes the work carried out by Ukrainian and international courts and investigative mechanisms to document those violations. We reaffirm our support for the investigations being carried out by the Ukrainian courts and the International Criminal Court. I also reiterate my country’s commitment to freedom of religion and belief and all other fundamental rights and freedoms, which are guaranteed in particular by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. France will continue to support Ukraine in its legitimate defence of its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We once again call on Russia to stop its aggression and withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine, as ordered on 16 March 2022 by the International Court of Justice.”
2023-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9481 (2023) · source
“Russia has targeted, in indiscriminate attacks, civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, including religious sites. According to UNESCO, more than 100 religious buildings have been damaged since 24 February 2022. In July, Russian strikes on Odesa caused serious damage to the Transfiguration Cathedral and Odesa’s historic city centre, which was recognized as a World Heritage Site in January. France urges Russia to comply with resolution 2347 (2017), which states that directing attacks against religious buildings is a war crime. In the territories it illegally occupies, such as Crimea, Russia tramples the rights of Crimean Tatars, Protestants and members of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which was recognized as an autocephalous church in 2018.”
2023-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9481 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Ms. Brands Kehris for her briefing. Russia is once again using the Security Council as an instrument to carry out a disinformation campaign. However, it will not succeed in diverting attention from the illegal war of aggression it is waging against Ukraine, nor cause us to forget the countless violations of international law it is committing in that respect. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, established by the Human Rights Council, recalled in October, in its most recent report (A/78/540), that the Russian authorities had committed violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and committed crimes in the areas of Ukraine they illegally occupy.”
2023-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9481 (2023) · source
“The Council cannot and must not remain silent on those issues. It must be demanding, and seen to be so, and capable of rising to the challenges of the crisis that began on 7 October with the Hamas attacks. France will continue to engage resolutely in negotiations on the issue with all Council members.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9479 (2023) · source
“However, France deeply regrets that several key messages are missing from this resolution. From now on, as agreed, the Council must therefore continue its efforts to formulate a more comprehensive expression of its views. It must unequivocally condemn Hamas’s terror attacks. It must emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself and its population and its duty to do so in strict and absolute compliance with international humanitarian law. It must call for the establishment of an immediate and lasting truce leading to a ceasefire and for the prevention of a regional conflagration. Finally, it must insist on a decisive relaunch of negotiations aimed at achieving a two-State solution based on the agreed parameters, which is the only settlement that will allow both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9479 (2023) · source
“France is fully prepared to respond to the urgency of the situation, and in particular has already initiated an international humanitarian conference for the civilian population of Gaza, held in Paris on 9 November under the auspices of President Macron and our Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The resolution we adopted today mentions several basic needs — food, water, fuel and medicine — which must be delivered to the civilian population of Gaza. France reiterates its request for opening unimpeded, sustained humanitarian access to enable humanitarian aid to reach Gazans in sufficient quantities. More needs to be done. We also must mobilize adequate resources. France has already deployed more than 100 tons of humanitarian cargo and increased its humanitarian support to €100 million.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9479 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): France thanks Malta for preparing resolution 2712 (2023). We welcome the fact that the Council has been able to speak with one voice for the first time since the barbaric terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas and other terrorist groups on 7 October. France voted in favour of the resolution, which calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other terrorist groups. France voted in favour of the resolution because the humanitarian situation in Gaza is already catastrophic.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9479 (2023) · source
“The strong presence of women among uniformed United Nations personnel demonstrates that women are key players in conflict resolution. Finally, France strongly encourages the Secretariat to undertake an analysis of the ongoing transformation of UNPOL. The last report presented to the Council on the activities of the United Nations police dates back to the end of December 2018 (S/2018/1183). It therefore seems particularly important now to re-examine the reality of those activities, without delay.”
2023-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9475 (2023) · source
“In the face of the suffering of victims, UNPOL must show that the United Nations meets all the requirements of its mandates. France is doing its part by allocating nearly €800,000 since 2021 and nearly €400,000 again this year for the development of the light coordination mechanism, including its police-civilian component. Thirdly, the United Nations police must be a model of respect for cultural diversity and multilingualism. That is why UNPOL must continue to tirelessly promote the presence of women among its ranks. UNPOL has exceeded the targets set in the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy. Those excellent results must be further improved upon. France is delighted that the sixth UNPOL Women Command Development Course, scheduled for December, will be held in French.”
2023-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9475 (2023) · source
“The plunder of natural resources and its effects on the environment are two causes which are of particular importance to France. Secondly, France supports the empowerment of the United Nations police, which must be adapted to the objectives of its mandates. France has contributed to the work of the New Agenda for Peace. UNPOL must therefore acquire all the skills needed to handle new threats, such as those related to digital technologies. The initiatives currently being developed to further strengthen predeployment training and selection contribute to the performance of individual police officers. Those initiatives must be encouraged, closely monitored and enjoy the active participation of Member States. The United Nations police are the first to stand alongside the host State to promote the protection of civilian populations.”
2023-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9475 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Mr. Lacroix and the heads of the police components for their briefings. I would like to highlight three points. First, the United Nations police (UNPOL) has a particular responsibility in the implementation of mandates. Acting in a highly coordinated manner, UNPOL operates at the crossroads of the missions conducted by the military and civilian components. More specifically, UNPOL helps to strengthen the capabilities of the host State’s internal security forces and thus plays a decisive role in helping the host State’s authorities to carry out security sector reform. In that respect, it is essential for UNPOL to be an example of respect for human rights and gender mainstreaming. It is also critical that UNPOL address some of the root causes of conflict.”
2023-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9475 (2023) · source
“We must also help countries that are on the front lines of large-scale displacement. France is proud to co-convene the second Global Refugee Forum in December. It will never compromise on the fundamental principles related to the right of return of refugees. In Syria, for example, the conditions for return have not been met. It is essential that UNHCR be able to ensure effective monitoring of the return of Syrian refugees. In conclusion — and perhaps most importantly — it is up to the Council to create the conditions for the durable settlement of crises in order to address the root causes of human displacement.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“Since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began, Europe has witnessed the largest displacement of people since the Second World War, with 8 million refugees and at least 7.7 million internally displaced persons. France is hosting over 115,000 Ukrainian refugees and providing schooling for 20,000 children. It will continue to provide support. Access to displaced persons in Russian-controlled areas and to Ukrainian populations in Russia is a key issue. France will continue to mobilize in response to emergencies. It significantly increased its contribution to UNHCR in 2022 and will continue to do so in 2023. It also assumes its share of responsibility by welcoming and resettling refugees in its territory. Providing assistance to people forced into exile is a duty.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“Faced with the proliferation of conflicts, rising food insecurity and the consequences of climate change, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees helps the most vulnerable populations. Its mandate remains vital, and I salute the courage and dedication of all its staff. It has to deal with new crises, such as that of the Sudan, where nearly 6 million people have fled their homes. More than 1 million have taken refuge in neighbouring countries, including Chad, South Sudan and Egypt. On 19 September, Azerbaijan’s operation in Nagorno-Karabakh led to the displacement of more than 100,000 people — the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh — in just a few days.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Grandi for his briefing today and for his outstanding work at the helm of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). We are living in dark days. Following the attack on 7 October, we have been witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where aid is only trickling in. The effects are already being felt, particularly in Lebanon, which is already hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees, against a backdrop of political and economic crisis. We need to help that country, and Jordan as well. The year 2023 was already marked by a grim record, with almost 110 million people forcibly displaced worldwide.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“We support United Nations efforts to re-establish a secure export corridor in the Black Sea for vulnerable countries. Russia cannot bet on our weariness. The London conference to be held next month will provide another opportunity to demonstrate that. Faced with this aggression, France will continue to stand alongside Ukraine and provide it with all the humanitarian, economic and military support it needs to exercise its right to self-defence and preserve its freedom.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“We urge Russia to comply with international humanitarian law by allowing humanitarian actors access to civilian populations in the territories it occupies. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has also had negative repercussions on the rest of the world, for which Russia bears sole responsibility. Russia’s unilateral decision to end the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its deliberate attacks on Ukrainian grain storage and export facilities show that Russia continues to use food as a weapon, bringing about a global crisis in the sector. France remains committed to allowing the export of Ukrainian cereals and agricultural products, with our European partners, through the implementation of solidarity routes, which have enabled the export by river and land of at least 53 million tons of cereals and other food products.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“Last Friday, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine denounced before the Council those indiscriminate attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure, as well as their consequences for the population. Nearly 17 million people on Ukrainian territory are in need of humanitarian assistance. Since the start of the Russian aggression, hostilities have killed or injured thousands of civilians, forced millions from their homes, destroyed jobs and livelihoods and left many people struggling. The Russian aggression has already caused at least 23,000 civilian victims, including more than 1,000 children. That figure represents only a fraction of the actual toll, as the verification process has encountered immense difficulties, including the inability to access areas under Russian military control.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Rajasingham for his intervention. The toll of the war of aggression launched by Russia against Ukraine continues to rise. Just last Wednesday, as Russia carried out an attack in western Ukraine, in the Khmelnytskyi region, its strikes destroyed dozens of homes, dozens of schools and other civilian infrastructure. As winter approaches, Russia is once again targeting civilian infrastructure. Intentionally directing attacks against civilians not directly participating in hostilities constitutes a war crime. Already, in 2022, Russian troops had launched waves of air attacks, deliberately targeting energy infrastructure. Because of that past destruction, populations are more vulnerable today than last year.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“France is extremely concerned about the shelling of the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in southern Lebanon on 28 October. France is committed to preventing the spread of the conflict. The war has reminded us — if we needed to be reminded — that the world can no longer disregard the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and security. We all know the conditions necessary for achieving that objective — to provide Israel with vital guarantees for its security and a State for the Palestinians. We must all make a concerted effort to find a new political horizon. The only viable solution is a two-State solution. France will pursue its engagement within the Council to ensure that it adopts a draft resolution as soon as possible. We owe it to the Israelis and the Palestinians.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“Following the adoption of General Assembly resolution ES-10/21, the Security Council must be able to fully assume its responsibilities and reach a just decision based on our shared values. France will continue to work on the new draft resolution submitted by Brazil so that it can be speedily adopted. The extreme gravity of the situation in Gaza must not allow us to forget what is happening in the other occupied Palestinian territories. France firmly condemns the violent acts perpetrated by settlers against the Palestinian population, which are on the rise in the West Bank, and calls on the Israeli authorities to put a stop to them. We are duty-bound to prevent the spread of the conflict throughout the region.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“All victims deserve our compassion, and all lives are equally precious. Israel has the right to defend itself and the duty to do so in compliance with international humanitarian law, while ensuring the protection of civilians. France voted in favour of the General Assembly resolution ES-10/21, submitted by Jordan on behalf of the Group of Arab States, which calls for a truce, humanitarian access and the protection of civilians; condemns all acts of terrorism; and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. I also recall our condemnation in the strongest terms of the terrorist attacks by Hamas, which in no way represents the Palestinians and has nothing but contempt for their suffering. Furthermore, I reiterate our demand for the hostages’ immediate and unconditional release.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“The number of convoys must be meaningfully increased to meet current needs. There must be a humanitarian truce that can eventually lead to a ceasefire. France has significantly increased its humanitarian aid through a special charter flight last weekend. France welcomes the commitment of the Secretary-General and the work of the United Nations agencies and humanitarian actors on the ground, who are working in extremely difficult conditions. We extend our deepest condolences to the United Nations on the deaths of 63 members of the UNRWA staff. Civilians must be able to leave Gaza without being prevented from doing so. Moreover, we have consistently called for that with regard to our own nationals and their families since 7 October. Nothing can justify the suffering of civilians, who must be protected.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the Executive Director of UNICEF and the Director of the Humanitarian Financing and Resource Mobilization Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for their briefings. The 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas and other groups against Israel have triggered an unprecedented crisis. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Civilians, many of them children, are dying every day. The people are hungry. The lack of water poses the risk of epidemics, while the hospitals are already overwhelmed. It is urgent to guarantee unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, which is in need of food, water and electricity.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“France expresses its concerns with regard to violations of the ceasefire. We call on those responsible for such violations to fully implement the ceasefire agreement so as to facilitate the pursuit of the political process. France advocates for a fair, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution in line with the resolutions of the Security Council. I recall France’s historic, steadfast, clear and ongoing support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, which has been on the table since 2007. It is now time to move forward. Against that backdrop, France encourages all the parties to commit themselves to a pragmatic, realistic and durable solution based on compromise. We support the efforts of the Special Envoy aimed at the reactivation of the round tables.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9460 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): France welcomes the adoption of resolution 2703 (2023), which renews for one year the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). I would like to recall France’s full support for the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General. His recent visit to the region and the consultations he held there are positive developments. I also welcome MINURSO’s work, which plays a key role in ensuring the stability of the region and contributes to creating the conditions necessary for a resumption of the political process. We welcome the resumption, in September, of resupply operations at MINURSO observation sites east of the Berm. A full resumption remains necessary to ensure regular resupply. It is also essential to ensure MINURSO’s freedom of movement.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9460 (2023) · source
“France, with its partners, has chosen to provide Ukraine with military support to help it to exercise that right. We are committed to providing Ukraine with equipment to enable it to defend its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. We support Ukraine in its right to self-defence with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace in that country, which can only be based on the principles of the Charter.”
2023-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9457 (2023) · source
“As at 16 March 2022, the International Court of Justice ordered Russia to cease its offensive on Ukrainian territory and called on the Russian army to return to Russia. The General Assembly has repeatedly called, by an overwhelming majority, for an end to be put to the war of aggression and has demanded that Russia withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory. However, Russia has persisted for more than 20 months in a war that is contrary to international law, destructive for civilian populations and destabilizing for food security throughout the world. Russia continues the aggression using weapons, some of which are acquired from Iran and North Korea, in flagrant violation of resolutions that the Council adopted unanimously. Faced with that illegal aggression, Ukraine has the right to defend itself under Article 51 of the Charter.”
2023-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9457 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Ebo for his briefing. For the second time in the space of two weeks, Russia is requesting a Council meeting in order to place responsibility for the war in Ukraine on arms deliveries to that country. Another meeting on this subject will be no more successful than the previous ones in gaining acceptance for such a rewriting of history. It will not make us forget any more than the previous ones Russia’s responsibility in triggering this conflict. It will not distract attention any more than the previous ones from the daily strikes carried out by Russia against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, in violation of international humanitarian law. Russia took the initiative in this conflict by attacking Ukraine, in defiance of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9457 (2023) · source
“We urge the authorities of the Central African Republic to guarantee that all citizens are able to exercise their civil and political rights and to create as of now conditions conducive to the holding of free, transparent and inclusive local elections. Those elections will also be an opportunity to strengthen the ownership and decentralization of the peace process. France will soon request the members of the Security Council to renew MINUSCA’s mandate for another year, as recommended by the Secretary- General. The preparatory work for it has been carried out in very close consultation with the authorities of the Central African Republic. We are counting on the support of all members of the Council for that objective, which is essential for the stability of the Central African Republic.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“It is essential to strengthen the humanitarian response in the country and to ensure full, safe and unhindered access for the delivery of aid as the situation continues to deteriorate in border regions due to the crisis in the Sudan and the influx of refugees. France has supported the work of humanitarian organizations in the Central African Republic in the amount of more than €10 million this year, in conjunction with its response to the crisis in the Sudan and neighbouring countries. On the political front, we take note of the new date of 24 October 2024 that was scheduled for the holding of local elections.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“However, the situation remains fragile. Armed groups continue to threaten civilian populations, Central African forces and MINUSCA. France strongly condemns all attacks by those groups. France is also concerned about the growing threat posed by explosive devices in several regions. In addition, France remains concerned by human rights violations, in particular by armed groups and members of the Wagner Group. We also condemn the increase in conflict-related sexual violence, particularly that committed by armed groups. Those violations must not go unpunished, and we encourage the Central African authorities to continue to take and to step up the measures taken in this area.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source