YouSaid · the spoken record

DiCarlo

lines on the record: 1,676
first: 2008-08-08
most recent: 2023-12-18
sittings or episodes: 218
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

“Ms. DiCarlo: I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in Ethiopia. I welcome the presence today of President Obasanjo, African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa. The year-long conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia has reached disastrous proportions. The fighting places the future of the country and its people, as well as the stability of the wider Horn of Africa region, in grave uncertainty. In recent days, Tigrayan forces have advanced southwards towards Addis Ababa, acting in coordination with the Oromo Liberation Army. The Government of Ethiopia has declared a nationwide state of emergency and has stated that it is fighting an existential war.”
2021-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8899 (2021) · source
“Finally, the Federal Government of Ethiopia has committed to not allowing impunity, as that would severely harm the cause of justice and sustainable peace. That is an important commitment to ensuring accountability for the crimes and atrocities committed during this conflict. The international community must encourage the Government and the TDF to live up that commitment. The United Nations will continue to stand alongside Ethiopia. We are ready to extend all the means of support at our disposal to help put the country back on track.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“The promise of the Ethiopian transition remains real and can be fulfilled with the necessary political will. Peace and stability in the country, the cornerstone of the Horn region, may well depend on it. Allow me to offer some areas of concerted international support to Ethiopia as it traverses the current crisis. The international community must continue to call for a permanent ceasefire to be honoured by all parties. We should urge Ethiopia’s leaders to work swiftly to restore national unity through a process of inclusive dialogue and reconciliation. Again, the Government’s recent indication of its intent to do so is positive. As the delivery of humanitarian services to those who have suffered this tragic conflict is vital, I urge Member States to generously support those efforts.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“In its recent ceasefire announcement, the Government stated, referring to the elections: “Ethiopians from all walks of life have sent a strong signal that they are ready to work together to build a stronger, united and democratic Ethiopia, removing the seeds of discord and division sown within the Ethiopian body politic”. I encourage the Government to follow through on today’s announcement and harness those sentiments. In that regard, I offer the full expertise and support of the United Nations, including assistance to domestically driven, inclusive and comprehensive mediation and dialogue processes. We hope that such a dialogue would include discussions at the federal member state level encouraging as many sectors of the population as possible to have an input into the consolidation of the reform process and the future of the country.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“It is my hope that the electoral process can be concluded in a peaceful and secure environment and that any disputes are addressed in accordance with the laws and constitution of Ethiopia. But elections are just one part of the democratic process. I urge the Federal Government to deepen efforts to open the political space and facilitate the meaningful participation in public life of all Ethiopians, including women, youth and civil society. Many of the political parties that chose not to participate in the recent polls cited the need for something more than the ballot box to heal the deep divisions in Ethiopia’s body politic and society. Many asked for a national dialogue as a space or platform where Ethiopians could reflect about reconciling the many competing visions of the future of the country’s political system.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“The withdrawal of Eritrean forces from Tigray must be fully implemented. The 2018 rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the reforms introduced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed raised hopes for a new era of stability and peace in the Horn of Africa. The wide-ranging transition has proved to be both challenging and hopeful. It has brought to the fore disagreements around fundamental issues such as the federal structure of the State and the role and status of ethnicity, as well as how such disputes should be addressed. The recent national elections were an important milestone in that regard. They were, by many accounts, an improvement on previous polls in the country and were held in a generally peaceful manner. They were, however, affected by insecurity and technical problems. Some opposition groups did not participate.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“That requires strict respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law. I also call on the parties to offer all necessary assistance to the ongoing joint investigation by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. There must be accountability for the grievous human rights violations committed during the conflict, including acts of sexual violence against children and adults, and mass killings. This morning, the Federal Government of Ethiopia reiterated its commitment to the joint investigation and to accountability. We look forward to seeing the concrete results of that undertaking. Furthermore, Ethiopia’s neighbours can play a constructive role in supporting the country’s transition while respecting its sovereignty.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“This morning, in a briefing to the diplomatic core in Addis Ababa, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said that once the election results were announced and a new Government formed, the Government would take steps to hold an all-inclusive dialogue process. This is a welcome development. Such a process could be part of a broader effort to address the country’s structural challenges, encourage reconciliation and foster consensus on the way forward for Ethiopia’s transition. Once again, and predictably, civilians have paid the heaviest price in an armed conflict. An estimated 1.7 million people have been displaced, with more than 60,000 refugees crossing into the Sudan. I call on the parties to make the protection and well-being of civilians a matter of paramount concern.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“Food insecurity has continued only to worsen in recent days. We must scale up the response. All parties must ensure the safe passage of humanitarian workers for the continued delivery of supplies. The destruction of the Tekezé bridge on 1 July effectively cut off central Tigray from western Tigray, closing a vital artery for humanitarian assistance. A ceasefire observed by all parties would not only facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid, but it would also be a starting point for the necessary political efforts to chart a way out of the crisis. The conflict in Tigray is a result of deep-rooted political grievances that can only be resolved through dialogue and a credible political process.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“On 29 June, the Amhara branch of the ruling Prosperity Party issued a statement warning that Amhara regional forces would oppose any attempts by the TDF to take the territory in western Tigray that was seized during the conflict. In short, there is potential for more confrontations and a swift deterioration in the security situation, which is extremely concerning. The ceasefire announcement provides an opportunity that all parties to the conflict, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, must seize and build upon. In this regard, we urge the TDF to endorse the ceasefire immediately and completely. As the Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator will outline, our immediate concern is focused on those in urgent need of assistance in Tigray.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“Reports indicate that leaders of the previous Tigray regional administration, including its former president, have returned to Mekelle. As of today, the TDF has yet to agree to a ceasefire. While there have been no reports of serious incidents, basic services to support humanitarian delivery are absent. Mekelle has no electrical power or Internet. Key infrastructure has been destroyed, and there are no flights entering or leaving the area. Elsewhere in Tigray, the Eritrean Defence Forces have withdrawn to areas adjacent to the border, while in the west of Tigray, the Amhara regional forces remain in place despite advances by the TDF.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“Ms. DiCarlo: Ethiopia is at a critical juncture. Recent developments demonstrate the need to address issues plaguing the country in a comprehensive and sustainable way. The consequences of not doing so could be disastrous. After almost eight months of conflict, the Federal Government of Ethiopia announced, on 28 June, a unilateral ceasefire in Tigray, citing the need to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. Subsequent to the announcement, the Ethiopian National Defence Forces and the provisional Tigray administration withdrew from Tigray’s capital, Mekelle. On 27 and 28 June, the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF), entered major towns and cities of Tigray, including Adwa, Aksum, Shire and Humera. The TDF are now in Mekelle. The situation in Mekelle is reportedly calm, and the TDF appear to be in control of the city.”
2021-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8812 (2021) · source
“In this defining moment, it is therefore critical for all parties to seize this opportunity to put the JCPOA back on the right track as soon as possible. In so doing, the JCPOA would, again, serve as a powerful example of successful multilateral diplomacy and as proof that even the most contentious issues can be effectively addressed through dialogue, understanding and reciprocity. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the leadership of Ms. Geraldine Byrne Nason, in her role as Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) and to assure her of our full support. I would also like to thank the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission for our continued cooperation.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“Secondly, with regard to the ballistic-missile-related provisions of the resolution, information was provided to the Secretary-General and the Security Council by France, Germany, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom on ballistic-missile launches and a space-launch-vehicle test by Iran in January and February 2021. The information provided reflects divergent views among those Member States as to whether those launches are inconsistent with the resolution. Thirdly, on the asset-freeze provisions, the Secretariat did not receive any official information alleging action inconsistent with the asset- freeze provisions. Let me conclude by stressing again the importance and value of the JCPOA to the international non-proliferation architecture and for regional and international security.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“I will now turn to the measures set out in annex B to the resolution, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s eleventh report on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). First, on the nuclear-related provisions, we have not received any report on the supply, sale or transfer to Iran of nuclear and nuclear-related dual-use items contrary to paragraph 2 of annex B. The Security Council continued its consideration of requests for the supply, sale or transfer of nuclear and nuclear- related dual-use items to Iran through the procurement channel. One new proposal was submitted through the channel in the reporting period, bringing the total to 52 proposals received since 16 January 2016. The Council has received eight notifications submitted pursuant to paragraph 2 of annex B for certain nuclear-related activities consistent with the Plan.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“The Agency’s monitoring and verification activities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the uninterrupted collection and storage of data by its monitoring and surveillance equipment, are essential to helping to build international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. I call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to resume the temporary technical understanding with the Agency without delay, refrain from taking further steps to reduce its commitments and return to full implementation of the Plan. Iran should also carefully consider the other concerns raised by participants in the Plan and by other Member States in relation to resolution 2231 (2015).”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, as of 23 February 2021, Iran decided to suspend voluntary transparency measures envisaged by the JCPOA, including the Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. However, later in February the IAEA and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran reached a temporary bilateral technical understanding, allowing the Agency to continue with its necessary monitoring and verification activities. This understanding expired on 24 June, and Iran has not indicated whether it intends to maintain the current arrangement.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“A return to the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA and the resolution is all the more important in the light of the additional steps taken by the Islamic Republic of Iran to reduce its nuclear- related commitments under the Plan, following the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) informed the Council that Iran has installed new and advanced centrifuges and begun research and development activities for the production of uranium metal. Iran has also enriched uranium up to 60 per cent and has now an estimated total enriched uranium stockpile of 3,241 kilograms — further surpassing JCPOA- stipulated limits in both cases. Iran has stated that these measures, as previous measures taken since 1 July 2019, are reversible.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, I echo the Secretary-General’s appeal to the United States to lift or waive its sanctions outlined in the Plan, extend the waivers with regard to the trade in oil with Iran, and to once again facilitate nuclear- related activities consistent with the Plan and the resolution. These activities relate to non-proliferation projects, including at the Bushehr nuclear power plant, the Fordow facility and the Arak reactor. These are steps needed to facilitate the full implementation of the Plan and resolution 2231 (2015) and to enable the Iranian people to secure the tangible benefits foreseen by the Plan.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“This was a first and necessary step to heal a divided Council and to pave the way for the Vienna talks. The continued diplomatic efforts in Vienna offer a critical opportunity for both the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to return to the full and effective implementation of the Plan and of the resolution. This would be a welcome and crucial development. It is therefore essential that all Member States promote a conducive environment and avoid any action that may have a negative impact on these ongoing diplomatic efforts, as well as on regional stability. Likewise, all initiatives in support of trade and economic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran remain important, especially given the current economic and health challenges posed by the coronavirus disease pandemic.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“He has called for concerns with regard to its implementation to be addressed constructively by its participants and for issues outside the Plan to be addressed without prejudice to preserving the agreement and its accomplishments. The context for the implementation of the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015) has improved considerably since the Security Council last met in December 2020 to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue (see S/2020/1324). As noted in the eleventh report of the Secretary- General on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2021/582), through its 18 February letter addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2021/158), the United States withdrew previous letters sent to the Council in August 2020 (S/2020/822) and September 2020 (S/2020/927), respectively.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“Ms. DiCarlo: Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear issue is the outcome of 12 years of intense diplomatic effort and technical negotiations. The Secretary-General has always regarded the JCPOA as the best way to ensure that the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran remains exclusively peaceful. He therefore considers it — and resolution 2231 (2015), which endorsed the Plan — to be crucial to the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture and regional and international security. Since July 2015, the Secretary-General has consistently and repeatedly underscored the importance for the international community of preserving the JCPOA.”
2021-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8811 (2021) · source
“This will include contributing to the training and capacity-building of the Sudanese police on the protection of civilians. The Mission will also work closely with the United Nations country team and civil society organizations on protection and monitoring. We are conscious of the significant challenges before the Sudan in fully realizing the objectives of its historic transition. The solutions to these long- standing difficulties remain with the Sudanese, and UNITAMS is being configured to accompany them in their efforts. We attach the highest priority to the Sudan and to the speedy deployment of UNITAMS, including the appointment of a special representative. We look forward to working closely with the Security Council in this important endeavour.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“We know of the significant role that women and civil society have played in the transition in the Sudan, and their voices must be heard in shaping the Sudan’s future. During a visit to the Sudan last February, I met with many representatives of women’s groups and of civil society, who are eager to play a constructive role. Our planning team, including Special Adviser Haysom, have engaged both groups over the past few months as part of their efforts to design a mission that meets the needs of the Sudanese. Regarding the protection of civilians, we recognize the existing challenges. As requested by the Council, UNITAMS will support the transitional Government in implementing its national plan for protecting civilians in order to establish a secure and stable environment in the conflict-affected areas.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“The mission start-up team for UNITAMS will deploy to the Sudan next month to begin implementing the four strategic objectives mandated by the Security Council: assist the political transition; support peace processes; assist peacebuilding, civilian protection and rule of law; and support the mobilization of economic, development and humanitarian assistance. We will fulfil these objectives with full respect for the principles of national ownership. Gender issues are mainstreamed throughout the mandate of the Mission, which will have dedicated gender expertise, including at the senior level. We will implement our commitments to advancing gender equality and the women and peace and security agenda.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“I thank the Government of the Sudan for providing a high level of cooperation and support to the team. The proposed structure and geographical deployment of the Mission are outlined in the Secretary- General’s report. The design of the mission is intended to enable a new and innovative way of working, fostering maximum cooperation and integration among various United Nations entities, and we are working in partnership with the Government of the Sudan and the Sudanese people on this effort.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“Since the start of the rainy season in July, the Sudan has faced its worst flooding in decades, with over 800,000 people affected, of whom more 100 perished. Between June and September, the projected number of food insecure people rose to 9.6 million, owing in part to the impact of COVID-19, which has exacerbated ongoing inflation and price increases for food and other goods. Humanitarian organizations are working closely with the Government to respond, but further resources are required to meet the growing needs. The planning for the establishment of the new United Nations mission in the Sudan, UNITAMS, is progressing. Following the lifting of travel restrictions, the work of the planning team shifted in July from Headquarters to the Sudan.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“The contributions will support the implementation of the World Bank-designed, but nationally led, social impact mitigation initiative, known as the Sudan Family Support Programme. The pilot for this initiative was launched with assistance from the World Food Programme this month. I call on all donors to make good on their pledges and release funds into the Family Support Programme as soon as possible. I also call on international partners to address impediments that prevent the Sudan’s full integration into the international economic community. In that regard, I am encouraged by the recent indications of progress on delisting the Sudan from the United States State Sponsors of Terrorism list.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“Meanwhile, outstanding issues regarding economic management of the crisis leads at times to tensions between different components of the Government. Despite these immense challenges, the Government has been able to make progress in undertaking difficult economic reforms. These changes, such as the removal of subsidies on fuel, form part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a staff-monitored programme, one of the steps necessary to move the Sudan closer to debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. Further, some of the financial assistance donors pledged at the Berlin partnership conference will help to offset some of the economic hardships Sudanese households are experiencing.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“Participants in the High-Level Sudan Partnership Conference, held in Berlin, were generous in their support to the Sudan’s transition, but signalled that the impact of COVID-19 could reduce donor capacity. The United Nations, in partnership with the African Union, will offer support, as requested by the parties and within its capacity and mandate, to the implementation of these and future agreements. On 10 September, the transitional Government of the Sudan declared an economic state of emergency after a collapse in the Sudanese pound. This announcement followed months of soaring inflation, a spiralling exchange rate and continuing shortages of basic commodities. Frustration with the state of the economy is growing, as evidenced by the re-emergence of protests across the country.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“Those who are absent from the ongoing peace efforts in the country should be encouraged to engage in dialogue and negotiations with the transitional authorities. It is not too late. As we embrace the recent progress in the peace process, we are also mindful of the significant work ahead. The various accords and respective peace agreements on regional issues must be moulded into a single, coherent framework. Additionally, the parties and the Government must form a joint vision on the way forward and uphold their respective commitments. At a time when all Governments face major economic constraints, it will be important to set realistic expectations of what can be provided to finance peace dividends.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“Interim civilian governors were appointed in all 18 states, including two women. These are very welcome developments. The most significant political development, however, was the initialling, on 31 August in Juba, of the peace agreement between the transitional Government of the Sudan, the Sudan Revolutionary Front alliance and the Sudan Liberation Army-Minni Minawi faction. The parties agreed on a transitional period of 39 months, effective from the date of signing, which is scheduled for 3 October. Furthermore, Prime Minister Hamdok and the Abdelaziz Al-Hilu faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North signed the agreement on principles in Addis Ababa on 3 September. All participating parties should be commended for having persevered with the peace process amid the range of other pressures brought on by the pandemic.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“Ms. DiCarlo: I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in the Sudan and on the planning for our new mission in the Sudan, the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS). When I addressed the Council on the Sudan in April (S/2020/336), I highlighted the fact that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was compounding the political, economic and security difficulties the country was facing. This broad assessment remains valid. Nevertheless, there have been positive developments in recent weeks. There have also been new challenges. As the Secretary-General highlights in his report (S/2020/912), the Sudan’s political transition continues to move in the right direction. In recent weeks, important legislative reforms were adopted to improve fundamental rights.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“The Pau summit in January, convened by President Emmanuel Macron, put forth an enhanced and focused strategy that could significantly reduce the terrorist threat. I reiterate the Secretary- General’s call for the international community to provide strong support for the efforts of the G-5 Sahel. Terrorism is an evolving and pervasive multidimensional threat. I encourage Member States and other partners to take advantage of the upcoming review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week, to strengthen our efforts and partnerships.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“Further to requests from Member States, we are supporting African-led and African-owned initiatives in priority thematic areas, including protecting vulnerable targets; countering terrorists’ travel; developing coordination mechanisms for law enforcement; enhancing the capacity of Member States to investigate and prevent cyberattacks; engaging with parliamentarians to implement relevant counter- terrorism obligations and promoting South-South cooperation and respect for human rights and the rule of law. We cannot overemphasize the importance of support for the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel), which can play a critical role in combating terrorism, especially in the three border areas of Mali, the Niger and Burkina Faso.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“The United Nations works closely with African organizations and Member States to promote a comprehensive and balanced implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We supported the development of regional counter-terrorism strategies in the Sahel and Central and Southern Africa and we support the implementation of the strategy adopted by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for the Horn of Africa and Tanzania.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“We must address poverty, weak governance, intercommunal tensions, gender inequality, youth unemployment, illicit activities, such as the trafficking in weapons and people, and the use of new technologies and social media to recruit, inflame and incite. We also need to better understand the specific threat and priority needs of each country and subregion. There is no one-size-fits-all solution; comprehensive and inclusive all-of-Government and all-of-society approaches are essential. As terrorism has no borders, preventing and combating it requires strong multilateral cooperation. The United Nations remains committed to bringing Member States together to share counter-terrorism best practices, expertise and resources.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“Just as misogyny is at the heart of so many terrorist groups’ strategies, so must women be at the centre of our responses. The High-level Conference on Counter-Terrorism and the Prevention of Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism, which the United Nations co-organized with the Government of Kenya in Nairobi last July, has reinvigorated our common efforts to understand and address terrorism in Africa. As the Secretary- General has stated, we cannot address terrorism without addressing its underlying factors. The threat of terrorism is often a consequence of development, humanitarian, human rights and security challenges that terrorist groups seek to exploit. Security and military solutions are therefore not sufficient.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“ISIL also continues to operate in Libya, despite recent setbacks, and is restructuring and empowering its affiliates in Eastern, Southern and Central Africa. In the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province, continue to terrorize local populations and attack security forces. I would like to take this opportunity to remember the tens of thousands of African victims of terrorism and to express my solidarity with the affected Governments and people. Terrorism causes deep lasting scars, and victims and survivors need not only protection but a chance to heal through justice and support for rebuilding their lives. We know that women bear a disproportionate burden of that violence, including through sexual slavery.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“However, the continent continues to face vulnerabilities that threaten its peace and security, hinder its economic development and undermine human rights and the rule of law. Among those threats is that of terrorism and violent extremism, which continues to grow in various parts of the continent, despite our efforts to prevent and counter it at the national, regional and international levels. Al-Shabaab continues to pose the most persistent threat to security in Somalia and East Africa, despite the intensified military operations against it in recent years. Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Qaida affiliates collaborate with each other to undertake increasingly sophisticated attacks in West Africa, especially in Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“Ms. DiCarlo: I commend the People’s Republic of China for organizing this important meeting. Today, Africa is moving forward with its own agenda of progress, peace and prosperity. Across the continent, countries are growing and addressing complex structural challenges, in line with the African Union Agenda 2063. Civil society, communities and Governments are working together as never before. The United Nations is fully committed to supporting those efforts and important progress has already been made in implementing the United Nations-African Union (AU) Joint Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, and the AU-United Nations Framework for the Implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“We continue to come before the Council with an ever-growing record of destruction and atrocity. The Secretary-General has consistently expressed alarm at the dangerous escalation in north-west Syria. The United Nations has countless times reminded all parties that any attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are simply unacceptable. We have repeatedly called for a ceasefire. We have reaffirmed to the parties that all military operations must respect the rules of international humanitarian law. If such horrific acts and tactics persist despite global outrage, is it largely because their authors do not fear accountability and justice? Civilians in Idlib are living under daily threat and terror, seeking refuge from airstrikes and volleys of shells and mortar rounds. They are not asking for a pause in the fighting.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“The actual number is probably higher. A total of 351 civilians have been killed in the last two months alone. While the majority of those civilian deaths — 94 per cent — have occurred in opposition-held areas exposed to bombardment by pro-Government forces, 6 per cent occurred in Government-held areas. This serves as a reminder that Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, which is designated by the Council as a terrorist organization, and other non-State armed groups have also struck populated areas indiscriminately. Civilians are being killed in camps for internally displaced persons, schools and hospitals. This is happening in plain sight, night and day, day in and day out. Hospitals destroyed, schools destroyed, people’s lives destroyed, and it is happening under our watch.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“These latest developments are unfolding in the context of a broader military escalation that was already devastating for civilians in the north-west. For months now, bombing and shelling by the Government of Syria, supported by its allies, has continued in the so-called de-escalation zone of Idlib. Strikes have been launched on populated areas from both air and ground, seemingly without regard for civilians. Nearly a million people have been displaced since early December, many multiple times, including more than 560,000 children. They are fleeing north, away from the intensifying aerial and ground bombardment and into ever-shrinking areas where they still hope to find relative safety. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has verified that at least 1,750 civilians have been killed since last April.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“Those discussions have continued until today, along with presidential contacts by telephone. On 27 February, there were strikes on Turkish troops inside Syria. The Turkish Minister of Defence noted that 33 Turkish soldiers were killed and 32 wounded by strikes that Turkey has attributed to the Syrian Government. Russian Ministry of Defence officials confirmed that an unspecified number of Turkish soldiers, who they said were co-located with non-State armed groups, had been hit by Syrian Government shelling. Turkish Defense Ministry officials have noted that after the strikes on Turkish soldiers, Turkey targeted Syrian Government positions with aircraft, weaponized drones and artillery. We strongly urge Russia and Turkey to build upon their previous agreements to secure a fresh ceasefire for north-west Syria.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“Ms. DiCarlo: The security situation has continued to gravely deteriorate in and around Idlib. Let me recall some of the key events. In the past nine days, Syrian Government forces, with the support of the Russian air force, have continued to advance, taking a large swath of villages in southern Idlib. Air strikes also continue in both front-line areas and population centres far removed from the fighting. During the same period, non-State armed groups launched a counter-attack in eastern Idlib, retaking the city of Saraqib, which they lost to Syrian Government forces in recent weeks. That action cut off the Syrian Government’s control of the strategic M5 highway. Turkish forces reportedly played a supporting role in the operation. Delegations from the Russian Federation and Turkey resumed their talks in Ankara from 26 February.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“The recent positive momentum and the stated commitment of the Normandy Four and the Trilateral Contact Group participants to address the conflict with renewed impetus and a sense of urgency need our encouragement and full support. That must be followed by action in order to restore trust and enable tangible improvements in the precarious humanitarian situation along the contact line. The much-needed and long-awaited peace in eastern Ukraine can be achieved if there is sufficient political will, good-faith negotiations and concrete support for efforts to silence the guns.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“Since 2014, the United Nations and its partners have been able to reach an estimated 1 million people per year with life-saving aid, thanks to the generous contributions of donors. However, that constitutes less than one third of the total number of people in need. Since the 2019 humanitarian response plan was severely underfunded, the 2020 plan will require $158 million in order to reach 2 million people. As I heard at first hand during my December visit to Ukraine, the conflict continues to exact an unacceptable humanitarian toll on the Ukrainian population. It destabilizes overall peace and security in Ukraine, but also potentially in the region as a whole.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“Water, education and health infrastructure continue to be severely impacted by the conflict, reducing access to those facilities for civilians living there. In 2019, there were 50 incidents that damaged education facilities, a 200 per cent increase over 2018, while 88 incidents targeted water infrastructure located near or on the contact line. Attacks on civilian infrastructure must stop. The United Nations and its partners provide assistance in accordance with the universally recognized principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. As they seek to reach the most vulnerable civilians, humanitarian organizations require unimpeded and sustained access.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“A total of 3.4 million people, including the elderly, the disabled and children, require humanitarian assistance and protection services. The conflict has transformed many families into single-headed households. As reported by United Nations agencies, women — who lead nearly 70 per cent of households on both sides of the contact line — face particularly daunting challenges as a result of continued hostilities and volatility along the line. Many of them lack a social network, income, access to housing and opportunities for employment and professional development. Female-headed households often have no access to social benefits or psychological support. Humanitarian access and the protection of civilians and civilian assets are everyday challenges.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source