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

“As we in the Council have often said, peace is sustainable only when it is based on political solutions involving all stakeholders. In that respect, the top priority is the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. There is an urgent need for progress to be made on the ground with the support of international mediation, and we should continue to support Algeria’s efforts in that regard. The second priority is the completion of the political transition within the framework agreed between Mali and the Economic Community of West African States, with a return to constitutional order in March 2024. MINUSMA remains ready to contribute to the organization of elections. MINUSMA has been providing essential support to the people of Mali since 2013.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“With the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) expiring on 30 June, the Council is once again seized of the topic. It is an important issue for the entire region as well as Mali. France commends the quality of the strategic review drawn up by the United Nations in January in consultation with all stakeholders and signed by the Secretary-General (S/2023/36). It underlines the major contribution that MINUSMA has made to supporting peace in Mali and acknowledges the remarkable work done by the Blue Helmets over the past 10 years. The Secretary-General also set clear parameters that must be respected, including for the viability and effectiveness of MINUSMA’s action.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his briefing and to welcome Mr. Diop, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali, to the Council. I would like to begin by paying tribute to the memory of the victims of terrorism in Mali, be they civilians or members of the Malian forces or international forces. France condemns those terrorist attacks, particularly the one that claimed the lives of two Burkina Faso peacekeepers last week. I once again offer our condolences to their families and to Burkina Faso, and I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all troop-contributing countries.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“Similarly, however important they may be, religious issues have no place in the Security Council. They should not be addressed unless the freedom of expression is fully observed. France regrets that the draft resolution is selective and too weak on many issues: the freedom of expression in all its forms, defending human rights, the rights of women, issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, and a potentially too-broad conception of extremism. France will continue to be active on these issues in all the relevant forums. France will oppose any efforts to bring into the Security Council issues that do not belong here. And it will seek to ensure that the Council can concretely and practically advance the resolution of conflicts and the promotion of peace.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9347 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): On closer reflection, France has decided to vote in favour of draft resolution S/2023/427, which is being put before us today. However, I would like to provide some clarifications. Brotherhood and tolerance are important values; but they are also ambiguous concepts subject to at times contradictory interpretations. That is why France hopes that the Security Council, in the context of its mandate, will focus on respect for the Charter of the United Nations, international law and all conventions on ensuring human rights. The General Assembly and the Human Rights Council — very clearly — must be the venues where fraternity and tolerance are discussed. In that regard, France welcomes the fact that the draft resolution before us adheres to that reasoning.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9347 (2023) · source
“Rest assured that France will always stand by those who fight for freedom, equality and fraternity. Those ideals are enshrined in our history and in our institutions, as are human rights, which provide, as I have said, the most comprehensive and protective framework for all people. In accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, France will continue to promote that universal approach in the Security Council and all other organs of the United Nations.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“And it is civil society first and foremost, including human rights advocates, that has an essential role to play in preserving peace. The role of the Council is to work for the maintenance of international peace and security. Respect for international law is the first and essential condition for that, and should guide us as we work concretely, crisis by crisis, region by region, to devise political solutions. The settlement of disputes requires political solutions that bring together all stakeholders. Today we heard talk of peaceful coexistence. Let us be more ambitious. Let us choose to live together — all people, as they are, respecting and tolerating one another and our individual rights. Let us not be satisfied with peaceful coexistence. Let us aspire to live together.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“It is not intended to ignore the diversity of opinions, cultures and beliefs that exist throughout the world. But it seems to us that the best way to limit the clashes that occur between them is for public authorities, while taking great care to ensure that the conditions for dialogue among the followers of various beliefs are met and preserved, to never interfere in what is above all the exercise of an individual freedom. We commend the peacemaking role played by certain religious leaders and organizations and condemn any rhetoric from other religious leaders and organizations that stirs up hatred and violence. Women, men, young and old, believers and non-believers alike, we all have a role to play in promoting reconciliation and peace.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“Dialogue also requires the ability to hear divergent opinions and criticism. Acknowledging the right to express oneself freely and accepting divergent opinions are essential elements of dialogue. The exercise of freedom of religion or belief is unthinkable without the exercise of freedom of expression — a freedom that I stress is limited only by boundaries strictly defined by international law. Hate speech, which promotes or justifies hate, violence or discrimination, is clearly unacceptable, and is therefore prohibited by international law. In France, under the principle of secularism, the State does not interfere in religious affairs. Faith is an individual choice, and the State respects everyone’s freedom of belief. It ensures that all believers can practice their religion.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“For that reason, France, which embodies feminist diplomacy and the defence of human rights, calls on all Member States to sign, ratify and uphold all international conventions guaranteeing all forms of human rights, without exception. Tolerance and fraternity are not enough. Yazidis, the Rohingya, women in Afghanistan and LGBTIQ+ persons are simply asking for their rights to be respected. Violations of human rights and international humanitarian law harm civilian populations and fuel conflict. Impunity breeds violence. Respect for human rights is the essential foundation on which dialogue must be built. Recognition of the exercise of freedom of religion and belief, in all its dimensions, including the right to change one’s religion and the right not to have one, is an essential component.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“Ibn Ziaten, in promoting those values and preventing radicalization. We should not be selective. How can we speak of tolerance if we suggest that only certain people are worthy of tolerance and others are not? Respect for international law, and especially for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, is the sine qua non of lasting peace and therefore has a rightful place in the Security Council. The rights of women, children and persons belonging to minorities in all their diversity, as well as of all individuals under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, must be fully respected. All forms of discrimination and incitement to violence must be condemned. And I mean all. All people, in all their diversity, must be able to benefit from the same protection.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Secretary-General, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Archbishop Gallagher and Ms. Ibn Ziaten for their briefings. Fraternity and tolerance are essential values that we all share. But we should also remember, on the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that there is a normative framework and international obligations, as defined by treaties. Fraternity is of particular importance to France. It is part of our Republic’s motto, alongside — and this is very important — liberty and equality. For the one cannot exist without the other two, and together they form the bedrock of our republican values. In that respect, I commend the work of the Association IMAD pour la Jeunesse et la Paix, founded by Ms.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“We must all work together in that direction. We also encourage the United Nations, in conjunction with troop-contributing countries, to pursue the implementation of environmental strategies within the peacekeeping operations themselves, including through the mobilization of renewable energy. We call on Member States to join the collective effort by signing up to the Climate Security Mechanism, whose aim is to help integrate the impact of climate change when addressing peace and security issues. France is committed to that through its co-presidency, together with Germany, of the Mechanism’s steering committee. We must therefore act together, without delay, in those three directions. The planet will not wait for us.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“We must strengthen the mandates of United Nations missions so that they can support the most vulnerable countries in risk assessment and management. Missions must also be encouraged to identify concrete actions, as the Special Representative for South Sudan has done, for example, by proposing to make the Nile a demilitarized route and a common asset. Thirdly, we must continue to support the work of the United Nations on the ground. The climate, peace and security advisers deployed to United Nations missions play a particularly useful role. They help countries build their capacity to assess and manage risks and work to strengthen partnerships with local and regional players. France is mobilized to that end, particularly in support of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. Other European countries are also mobilized.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“It must be in a position to better assess, anticipate and prevent the impact of climate change on international peace and security and to draw all the relevant conclusions so that the United Nations can take action on the ground. I would therefore like to make three proposals. First, the Council must be informed in detail about the impact of climate crises in the most vulnerable regions. We therefore call on the Special Representatives to provide us with precise information during their briefings and to present recommendations for targeted action for certain areas, in particular Africa, where ambitious initiatives such as the Great Green Wall are taking shape. Secondly, our Council must place greater emphasis on risk prevention.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Under-Secretary-General, President Santos Calderón and Ms. Kadry for their briefings. It has been said time and again — climate change is an aggravating factor in a context of fragility. Of the 20 countries most affected by conflict, 12 are among the most vulnerable to climate change. And those countries regularly alert us to the impact of climate change on their security. Yet we are still a long way from the goal we set ourselves in 2009, in General Assembly resolution 63/281, which called on the United Nations to redouble efforts to address the impact of climate change on international peace and security. It is no longer the time for words, but for action, especially in this forum. That requires the full mobilization of the Council.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“Only solutions aimed at lasting peace, enabling the full participation of women and young people and respecting the rights of all, will stabilize the region. France also welcomes the strengthened cooperation between the United Nations and the Arab League in the fight against terrorism. Lastly, we are seeing the impact of climate change on security every day, and it is essential to strengthen the cooperation between the United Nations and the Arab League in that area as well. We call on the member States of the Arab League to join the United Nations Climate Security Mechanism. The Arab League’s commitment to the various United Nations mediation efforts in the region and on the humanitarian front remains decisive. France stands ready to make its contribution on all those issues.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“The legitimacy of political institutions must be restored through simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections throughout the country. We must provide support to the mediation by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and continue efforts and coordination to ensure a security environment conducive to the holding of elections. Similarly, in the Sudan, the Arab League can contribute to reaching a settlement of the conflict, together with the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. France welcomes the mediation efforts of Saudi Arabia and the United States and calls on the parties to respect the commitments made in Jeddah.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“In Lebanon, the urgent steps needed to put an end to the crisis are known — electing a President without delay, forming a Government and implementing reforms to put an end to the crisis. France also remains committed to dialogue and regional stability. The goal of the Baghdad Conference and of our partnership with Iraq is to help organize regional cooperation through concrete projects. That will be the objective of the third summit to be held this year. In that complex regional context, strengthening cooperation between the Arab League and the United Nations remains crucial. France welcomes the positive role played by the Arab League in contributing to a sovereign, united, stable and democratic Libya.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory is also worrisome and there is a real risk that the conflict could become regionalized. France has consistently defended the concept of a two-State solution, with Jerusalem as the capital of both. A credible political process must be relaunched to enable a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. We are working to that end within the Amman/Munich Group. We call on the Arab League and its members to contribute their full share to the budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The situation in Yemen is fragile, and we call on all parties, including the Houthis, to negotiate constructively to achieve a nationwide ceasefire and a lasting and inclusive political solution. Security in the region is similarly at stake.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Ms. DiCarlo, Mr. Aboul Gheit and Ms. El Omrani for their briefings. We must contribute collectively to peace and stability in the Arab world. There will be no lasting peace in the region without a political settlement in Syria. The regime must make concrete gestures so that a genuine political process can be launched in accordance with the provisions of resolution 2254 (2015). The League of Arab States made a sovereign choice to readmit the Syrian regime. France believes that the absence of clear conditions imposed on the regime will not help the Syrian people or ensure stability in the region. That is why the United Nations, the Arab League, the members of the Council and the States of the region should work together.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“We will continue to stand by the Ukrainian people in the fight they have been waging for over 15 months to exercise their right to self-defence and preserve their territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“The destruction of the dam further increases the threat to the safety and security systems of the Zaporizhzhya power plant. France expresses its full support for the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency in his efforts to preserve the integrity of the site. France once again calls on Russia to completely, immediately and unconditionally withdraw its armed forces from all Ukrainian territory. That is the only way to avoid further tragedies of this kind. Russia will be held to account for the crimes committed in Ukraine. It will have to pay for the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine. That is why, in Reykjavik, the Council of Europe responded to the call from the General Assembly and Ukraine by creating a register to document that damage. This is an important step. We call on all States to join it.”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Griffiths for his briefing. The partial destruction last night of the Nova Kakhovka dam, in the Kherson region, is a particularly serious act. It illustrates once again the disastrous consequences of Russian aggression, particularly on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. None of this would have happened if Russian troops had not invaded Ukraine and if Russia had respected the Charter of the United Nations. France is deeply concerned about the humanitarian, environmental and economic impact of this disaster. Massive flooding has been reported in dozens of localities. Thousands of Ukrainians have had to be evacuated. France is ready to respond to requests from the Ukrainian authorities to help the people affected.”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“Together with its European and international partners, France is fully mobilized to ensure the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and to combat, in particular the circumvention of sanctions.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“It demonstrates the determination to continue the escalation of recent months, which has included an increase in the number of launches and irresponsible statements by Pyongyang. The Council cannot remain inactive and must respond in unison to that new violation of its own resolutions. We cannot accept North Korea becoming a nuclear State. France will not accept the trivialization of such a threat to regional and international peace and security. We underscore our determination to pursue the objective of the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. We urge North Korea to comply with its obligations without delay and to return to the negotiating table by following up on the offers of dialogue extended to it on several occasions.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Ms. DiCarlo for her briefing. On 31 May this year, a North Korean military satellite crashed into the sea off the coast of South Korea, along with its space launcher. That attempted launch is yet another flagrant violation of international law and Council resolutions. France strongly condemns that new provocation. The Council has called on North Korea on numerous occasions since 2009 to refrain from activities related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches of ballistic missiles and space launchers. Given the close similarity of the technologies used in space launches and ballistic missile launches, the most recent launch is clear evidence of the continuation of North Korea’s programme in defiance of Security Council decisions.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“France welcomes the efforts of the United States, Egypt and Jordan to enable the parties to resume dialogue. We call on the parties to respect their commitments, in particular with regard to settlements, but also with regard to respect for the security prerogatives of the Palestinian Authority in Area A. As the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of France, Germany, Egypt and Jordan recalled at the seventh meeting of the Munich Group on 11 May, it is imperative to relaunch a credible political process leading to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. France stands ready to contribute to such efforts together with its partners. The United Nations, and especially the Special Coordinator, has an important role to play.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“Any loss of civilian life is unacceptable. The recent escalation has only increased the suffering of the civilian population. The situation in the occupied territories remains precarious. United Nations agencies, funds and programmes no longer have the financial resources to operate normally. Between now and August, the World Food Programme will be forced to suspend part of its operations in the West Bank and Gaza if it does not receive the necessary funds. Similarly, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East needs additional resources between now and the summer to continue its operations. The Council therefore has a responsibility to defend the possibility of a two-State solution and to ensure that its adopted decisions are respected.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“France also expresses its concern about the second visit by the Israeli Minister of National Security to the Esplanade of the Mosques on 21 May, which constitutes a provocation. We emphasize the importance of preserving the historic status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem and stress the importance of Jordan’s specific role in that regard. The unilateral measures are fuelling tensions on the ground. France welcomed the ceasefire that entered into force on the evening of 13 May thanks to the mediation efforts of Egypt, with the support of the United Nations and Qatar. We call for a lasting opening of access to Gaza and an end to the blockade, accompanied by credible security guarantees for Israel. France will continue to condemn any attacks on Israel and reiterates its unwavering commitment to its security.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Wennesland and Ms. Hary for their briefings. France is concerned about the continuing use of unilateral measures. It condemns the decision by the Israeli authorities to authorize the establishment of settlers in Homesh, in the northern occupied West Bank. That decision, like all announcements of the establishment or extension of settlements, is contrary to international law. It also contravenes the commitments made by Israel at the Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh meetings. France calls on the Israeli Government to reverse its decision. France will never recognize the illegal annexation of territories or the legalization of illegal settlements.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“The lives of millions of people today depend on the ability of peacekeepers to carry out their missions. We must therefore ensure that the mandates of peacekeeping operations are adapted to their context and are respected. They must address all threats to civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violations against children, and they must fight impunity. Host States play an essential role in the implementation of those mandates. In the face of violations of the most basic principles of international law, it is essential that we reaffirm our commitment to protecting civilian populations and property. France will continue to work to ensure respect for international humanitarian law. I invite all Member States to join the Call for Humanitarian Action launched by France and Germany in 2019, which has 53 signatories to date.”
2023-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9327 (2023) · source
“But we collectively, and the Council in particular, also have a responsibility to ensure that civilians are protected. France is concerned about the humanitarian consequences and the destruction caused by the uncontrolled and indiscriminate use of explosive weapons, especially by Russia and its supporters in Ukraine. That is why we have endorsed the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. We urge Member States to join the Political Declaration with a view to achieving its universalization. The protection of civilians is also inseparable from peacekeeping. Peacekeeping missions must continue to take steps to anticipate, neutralize and mitigate threats to civilians.”
2023-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9327 (2023) · source
“France is also concerned about attacks and restrictions on humanitarian personnel, as has happened in Yemen, as well as in Afghanistan, where the Taliban have banned Afghan women from working for non-governmental organizations and the United Nations. Their decisions violate the rights of Afghan women and humanitarian principles and prevent populations in need from receiving assistance. Those practices must stop. The problem is not a lack of legal norms — an arsenal of legal provisions exists — but a lack of the political will needed to apply them. Violations of international humanitarian law must not go unpunished. Those responsible must be brought to justice. The parties to a conflict have the primary responsibility for the protection of civilian populations and infrastructure.”
2023-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9327 (2023) · source
“Violations of international humanitarian law increase people’s suffering and multiply humanitarian needs. The violations committed by Russia in its war of aggression on Ukraine are tragic examples of that, as well as those committed by the Wagner Group, especially in the Central African Republic and in Mali, where the massacre in Moura in March 2022, documented in a recent report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Those abuses demonstrate once again that that militia group’s promises of security are pure propaganda.”
2023-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9327 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Secretary-General, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Ms. Mounkaïla for their briefings. The picture is bleak. Civilian populations are still paying the highest price in conflicts. The sharp rise in the number of civilians killed in armed conflicts in 2022 is very worrisome. The protection of civilians is at the core of international humanitarian law and must be respected by all parties to armed conflicts. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Some States and armed groups deliberately incorporate into their military strategies violations of international humanitarian law, such as attacks on civilians or civilian infrastructure and the use of hunger as a weapon of war.”
2023-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9327 (2023) · source
“While we are legally delivering weapons to Ukraine, Russia is seeking to illegally acquire them to replenish its dwindling stocks. By purchasing combat drones from Iran and missiles and ammunition from North Korea, Russia is violating the resolutions of the Security Council. Some of those weapons are used by the Wagner Group private militia, whose abuses and crimes are now well documented. There is only one possible outcome: a peace in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. It is in that spirit that France supports the Ukrainian peace plan.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“It has now been nearly 15 months that Russia has been held at bay. Our assistance is enabling Ukraine to defend its people from Russian strikes. By focusing our efforts on air defence capabilities, we are helping the Ukrainian people to cope with the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure by Russia, which is trying to sow destruction in its wake, by trampling on the Geneva Conventions, since it cannot make progress on the front lines. Finally, that support seeks to rebalance the power relations to establish the conditions for the resolution of the conflict. That will allow credible negotiations, leading to a just and lasting peace, and will guarantee a peace in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“And then what? Would we then move on to something else, a new aggression? Russia cannot and must not win this conflict. It flouts the principles of our Organization. This aggression must fail because we cannot accept the normalization of the illegal use of force. We cannot accept a world in which the sovereignty and security of all people depend solely on power relations. For all those reasons, France, along with its partners, has chosen to support the Ukrainian people in their right to self-defence, as established in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. We will continue to do so, bilaterally and through the European Union, taking account Ukraine’s most urgent needs to strengthen its defence capabilities. Our military support is strengthening Ukraine. The invasion was supposed to be over in a matter of days.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Ebo for his briefing. This is the fifth time that Russia has called a meeting on arms deliveries to Ukraine. Repeating that exercise ad nauseam will not be enough to bring about a parallel reality. The end of this war and its negative consequences depends exclusively on Russia. On 24 February 2022, it was Russia that undermined our collective security with an act of aggression. It was Russia that decided illegally to use force and to escalate and commit war crimes. No one else is seeking to continue the conflict today. If Russia withdraws its troops from Ukraine, as the International Court of Justice demanded on 16 March 2022, the chaos will stop. What is Russia waiting for? Is it waiting for the supply of arms to Ukraine to stop so that it can win this war and impose its will?”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“The EU recently deployed a new military partnership mission, in response to the Niger’s request. The international community must therefore do more. France and its partners stand ready to support regional initiatives. Their framework and the expectations of the actors in the region must be spelled out. Furthermore, France fully subscribes to the idea that African operations should benefit from sustainable funding, with the help of the United Nations. We will discuss this again on 25 May.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“Progress is possible only if we work on all levels — both by strengthening the national armed forces and enhancing cooperation between them. The Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel remains relevant in that respect, and we welcome the reconfiguration efforts under way, which reflect the commitment of the four countries concerned to adapt to the new context. The Accra Initiative and the Multinational Joint Task Force are also major initiatives. We hope that the report of the Independent High-Level Panel on Security and Development in the Sahel, led by President Issoufou, will give new impetus to those regional coordination efforts. Finally, the response must be substantial. France and the European Union (EU) have been engaged in partnership with the region for over a decade.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“Abuses against civilians and the disproportionate use of force are unacceptable and only fuel the dangerous spiral of violence. That is why France will continue to condemn the actions and abuses of the Wagner Group in Africa and elsewhere. The actions of these mercenaries are deadly, incompatible with the rule of law, inefficient and predatory for natural resources and State budgets. In that respect, the United Nations report on the abuses committed against civilians in Moura, Mali in March 2022 is concerning. It is an important step towards recognizing the victims and their need for justice, as well as the fight against impunity. Secondly, the response must be a collective one. We cannot oppose a national and regional approach.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“France commends the work being done in the field by the climate, peace and security advisers of the United Nations missions and calls for that network to be strengthened. We also call on the Member States to join the Climate Security Mechanism. What we have to do is establish a virtuous circle of development and climate action. That is the essence of the Great Green Wall initiative, 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, it is urgent that we respond appropriately to the threat of terrorism in the region, and by that I mean three things. First, the response must be sustainable, and to that end, it must be based on respect for the rule of law.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“Twenty years after their adoption, the ECOWAS protocols remain a reference framework for democracy and good governance, including by promoting freedom of the press, assembly and peaceful demonstrations and the possibility for political parties to participate freely in elections, and by dedicating an entire chapter to the participation of women and young people. Next, I would like to mention climate change, which is having particularly noticeable effects in the Sahel. We can already see its effects on populations, food security and access to water. The diminishing of cultivation and grazing areas is a clear factor in the region’s destabilization. It is urgent that the Security Council listen to its African members, who are constantly reminding us about the links between climate and security and did so today quite vividly.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Ms. Pobee, Mr. Tiaré and Ms. Diouf for their briefings. The primary challenge in the Sahel is obviously a political one, as it involves strengthening State systems and consolidating democracy. France calls for the transitions in Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea and Chad to be carried out within the agreed time frames. We welcome the efforts of the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States to support those processes.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, I want to once again quote the Secretary-General, who continues to remind us that the Charter of the United Nations is clear, the Organization’s position unequivocal and the war that Russia is waging has no place in the modern world and is unacceptable. “It is high time to step back from the brink”, he said (ibid., p.4). We know that just and lasting peace must be built on the Charter of the United Nations and on international law. France will continue to stand with Ukraine to that end.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is having a profoundly negative impact on Ukraine and the world, for which Russia bears the sole responsibility. By invading Ukraine, Russia has exacerbated global insecurity and malnutrition. By restricting maritime exports via the Black Sea, Russia has chosen to exploit the vulnerability of certain countries to fluctuations in the price of grain. We call on Russia not to obstruct the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which benefits the most vulnerable populations. France, together with its European partners, will step up its efforts to reduce the risk of food insecurity. We will do that in particular through the European Union’s solidarity corridors, which so far have enabled exports of more than 32 million tons of grain and other food products, by river and land.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Since February 2022, Russia has committed countless violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Some of those violations constitute war crimes and even crimes against humanity. Russia has intentionally targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure. Crimes perpetrated against civilians, killings, rapes, intentional attacks on hospitals, schools and maternity wards, the forced displacement of populations and the forcible deportation and transfer of children must not go unpunished. The fight against impunity is imperative, as there can be no lasting peace without justice. France is resolutely committed to ensuring that those responsible for large-scale abuses are held accountable for their actions and brought to justice. France recently donated a second mobile DNA laboratory to Ukraine to help document such crimes.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Russia’s aggression has already led to at least 23,000 civilian casualties, including more than 1,000 children. That statistic represents a mere fraction of the actual toll, as the verification process is facing enormous challenges, in particular the inability to gain access to areas temporarily occupied by Russia. Journalists who are courageously covering the conflict to establish the facts are also exposed, as was tragically illustrated by the death of French journalist Arman Soldin. In Ukraine, almost 18 million people stand in need of humanitarian assistance. France will continue to show its solidarity, as long as necessary, by responding to their needs through its bilateral assistance within the European framework and providing support for the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and other humanitarian actors.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source