YouSaid · the spoken record

Eva-Maria Liimets

lines on the record: 48
first: 2021-02-17
most recent: 2021-08-09
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“Finally, I take this opportunity to urge greater cooperation between States and different agencies in order to prevent and mitigate threats to maritime security and to do so fully in line with international law.”
2021-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/722 (2021) · source
“Estonia would like to highlight the contribution of the European Union to maritime security through its maritime operations. We welcome the extension of the mandate of Operation Atalanta of the European Union Naval Force to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean and the renewal of the authorizations to inspect vessels in the central Mediterranean to prevent violations of the United Nations arms embargo on Libya. Currently, Operation IRINI of the European Union is the only initiative under this mandate. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea remains the central and essential framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. Our adherence to the entirety of the Convention is crucial. It signals our commitment to upholding international law, promoting a rules-based order and settling disputes amicably.”
2021-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/722 (2021) · source
“Considering that the ocean is the main climate regulator, the international community needs to increase efforts to fulfil the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including its Goal 14, and better connect the policies pertaining to green and blue economies. Maritime security is very multifaceted and is affected by, among other factors, territorial disputes, armed conflicts and transnational organized crime. In order to prevent and eliminate transnational organized crime in maritime settings, further coordination and cooperation across all relevant States and sectors is needed. Capacity - building of vulnerable States and timely and accurate information-sharing is the key. We thank the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for its work in this field.”
2021-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/722 (2021) · source
“Estonia is deeply concerned about the continuing incidents in the Persian Gulf that threaten freedom of navigation, international trade and people’s lives. Increasing global digitalization poses new challenges. As dependence on data grows, cybersecurity in maritime issues becomes a true challenge. In the light of the spread and misuse of emerging technologies, Estonia emphasizes the need to enhance cybersecurity across maritime sectors and increase resilience against cyberattacks. Maritime cybersecurity has become a pressing concern – cyberattacks targeting port or shipping operations have already occurred. Cybercrime has reached the maritime sector by causing problems and delays in port terminals and causing the loss of revenues. Climate change has a negative impact on marine and coastal environments and the well-being of populations.”
2021-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/722 (2021) · source
“Let me start by stating the obvious – the seas and oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the planet. This percentage illustrates how important it is to work on issues related to maritime security. The ongoing pandemic has once again proved the important role of maritime transport in global trade and in the delivery of critical supplies. International maritime security has to ensure the free and peaceful use of the seas and oceans by all nations. Unfortunately, seas and oceans are often used for engaging in illegal and destabilizing activities. Today, threats to maritime security like piracy and terrorism, as well as indirect threats arising from illegal fishing and climate change, are transnational and interconnected.”
2021-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/722 (2021) · source
“We believe that Afghanistan, like all countries, deserves economic development and growth that provides new opportunities for its citizens, where their rights are upheld and where everyone, including women, as well as children and members of marginalized groups, feel protected.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“Estonia and Norway will be engaging with you and our partner organizations in discussions on the best way to strengthen the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), keeping in mind the needs of the Afghan people. The good offices of UNAMA and Special Representative Lyons have been vital for international support reaching the people on the ground, and we intend to seek a solution to continue their commendable work in Afghanistan. We welcome the appointment of Jean Arnault and wish him success in his work. We also welcome the renewed diplomatic efforts by Afghanistan’s neighbours and regional powers to accelerate the peace process. I believe Mr. Atmar can agree with me that Afghanistan today is at a crossroads, and Afghans themselves need to define its future.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“We will continue our political and financial support, conditional upon the preservation of the country’s human rights and democratic achievements. Grave food insecurity makes it particularly worrying to witness the continued widespread prevalence of narcotics cultivation in Afghanistan. I would like to thank Ms. Waly and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their latest overview on this. Drug trafficking is a serious issue and it is crucial to stop criminal networks from perpetuating and profiting from the illicit economy. In the next few months, we in the Security Council must all decide on the future role and presence of the United Nations in Afghanistan.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“An equally important task for us is to ensure that every woman and girl, every student and every member of civil society or a minority knows that they can have a peaceful future in their home country and that they can take on a role they choose for themselves. Afghanistan has come a long way in the last two decades: democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights, especially women’s rights, have become an essential part of the society. These achievements must not come under threat. Even as our forces leave the Afghan soil, our commitment to Afghanistan remains steadfast. We wish to see that the outcome of the peace process preserves constitutional protections for women’s and minorities’ rights.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“Moreover, we draw attention to the commitments taken by the warring sides in February 2020 and call for constructive engagement in the peace negotiations. Estonia stands firm in its belief that no further concessions to the Taliban should be made. In line with Security Council resolution 2513 (2020), an easing or lifting of sanctions will be considered when the conditions are met. Extensions of the travel ban exemptions to certain members of the Taliban have had a clear purpose – to advance the peace process. The Taliban must demonstrate a credible commitment to peace. We, in the Security Council, must help keep the Afghanistan peace negotiations vigorous, as it is the only way to reach an inclusive political settlement.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“Targeting students, health-care personnel, civil servants, journalists, humanitarian workers and human rights defenders is an attack against people who should rebuild Afghanistan; it is an attack against peace. The humanitarian situation is worsening, with nearly half of the population in need of humanitarian aid and COVID-19 infections undergoing an alarming rise; Afghans need and deserve international support. Estonia has donated vaccines to the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility to help all countries badly hit by the pandemic. Interference with humanitarian access is unacceptable and prolongs the suffering of vulnerable people. We call on all parties to end the violence and protect their fellow countrymen.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“Despite the people yearning for peace and stability, they are instead faced with extreme levels of violence, targeted killings, a worsening humanitarian situation and an alarming rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections. The violence on the ground constitutes the most serious threat to peace efforts. A 38 per cent increase in civilian casualties in the six months since the start o f the peace negotiations is deeply tragic and works directly against hopes for reunification and reconciliation. We reiterate the call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to save the Afghan people from more meaningless suffering. Only a negotiated political solution can lead to a sustainable peace in the country, as well as stability in the region. We condemn in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attacks and targeted killings.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“It is an honour to welcome you to this Security Council quarterly debate to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. We called for high-level attendance today in order to reaffirm the international community’s continued commitment to the Afghanistan peace process and to Afghan people. I would like to start with special thanks to Ms. Akrami for her enlightening personal description of the current situation in Afghanistan. The brave work that she and her fellow civil society organizations do is of great value for the future of the people of Afghanistan. Hearing today about the difficulties faced by women and youth and the dangers threatening human rights defenders was most troubling. I would like to thank Special Representative Lyons for all her tireless work and today’s briefing that truly put into perspective the reality on the ground.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“One of the most notable results was women’s empowerment, as there were many women entrepreneurs involved and the winning projects were geared towards women’s health. In addition, Estonia is open to offering its expertise to Africa to help it reach its goals as set out in Agenda 2063. Estonia’s cooperation with African countries is based on relations between equal partners, and we call others to follow our example. With each passing day, we continue to lose more people to the pandemic. It is critical for us to join forces for a coordinated approach. COVID-19 is still ravaging those with weaker health-care systems or groups in conflict situations, which means that the virus can spread to other countries. Let us hasten the vaccine rollout for a greater positive impact.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“Unfortunately, increasing reliance on technologies goes hand in hand with malicious acts, which is why we are actively working with partners in African countries to promote cyber-resilience on the continent. Estonia is one of the founding members of the Digital for Development Hub and therefore at the forefront of promoting new international partnerships on the digital transformation of Africa. It is a tool for advancing multi-stakeholder dialogue, joint partnerships and investments in the African digital economy. Lately we co-hosted, together with the African Union, a hackathon entitled “EU: Africa Post Crisis Journey”. The goal was to find innovative digital solutions to socioeconomic challenges in Africa, further amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem for the youth on the continent.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“The EU also continues to explore ways to support the local manufacturing of vaccines, medicines and health products while also taking into account the mid- and long-term impacts of the pandemic on peace and stability. From my country’s perspective, Estonia recently adopted its first comprehensive strategy for Africa for the 2020-2030 period. Digital transformation, e-governance, innovation and a green transition are of particular importance. The pandemic has shown us how fragile we have been in many different fields, depending on solutions that have put our lives on pause. That can be solved through digitalization, especially during a time when we have become more reliant on technology. Simultaneously, interest in e-governance and e-services has steadily increased in Africa. It is the perfect time to act.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“The EU and its member States have so far contributed more than €2.47 billion to the COVAX Facility. In addition, Europe is the main exporter of vaccines worldwide. More than 200 million doses of vaccines produced in Europe have been shipped to the rest of the world. We are exporting almost as many vaccines as we deliver to our own citizens, to more than 90 countries. Africa has an ally in the EU in its COVID-19 response and recovery, ensuring safe and fair access to COVID-19 vaccines for all. The EU continues to support further international debt-relief efforts for African countries while being the largest contributor to date to the International Monetary Fund’s Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“We hereby reiterate our support for the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire and for resolution 2265 (2016). It is crucial for the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccines as well as for other immunization programmes. Moreover, we will never stop underlining the importance of good governance, accountability, compliance with international humanitarian law, protection of human rights and respect for the rule of law, which all play a key role in the conflicts in Africa. What can we do to help Africa build back better? To help restore international trade, travel, prosperity and security, we must get COVID-19 under control. The European Union (EU) has played a leading role in setting up the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility, through which we have exported close to 65 million doses.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“First, I would like to thank the briefers, Mr. António Guterres, Mr. Achim Steiner and Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, for their input into today’s meeting. We have lived with the pandemic for one and a half years now, and we are still seeing record-breaking numbers of new infections in many countries. We must continue to work collectively to overcome the pandemic and assist the ones who need it the most. During the pandemic we must not ignore the root causes of conflict, which have been exacerbated by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Post-pandemic recovery is of crucial importance, as it will make us more resilient in future. For the recovery to be meaningful, we need to follow certain criteria. We must ensure unhindered humanitarian access to conflict areas.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“Estonia has set the target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and established a clear timeline for phasing out fossil fuel-based energy production by 2040. We cannot be successful in this field without the availability of data and effective data management. Estonia has launched the Data for the Environment Alliance, which will support the United Nations Environment Programme in developing a global environmental data strategy by 2025. We invite all countries to join this alliance. Given the clear links between climate and security, the Security Council should also show leadership in this field. In conclusion, multilateralism is an inevitable choice in order to meet global challenges. I can promise you, Sir, that Estonia shall continue to stand for multilateral cooperation and international law.”
2021-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/456 (2021) · source
“To close this gap, we need global partnerships and collaboration. Estonia is actively contributing to the Secretary- General’s digital cooperation process. We are also happy to collaborate with the GovStack initiative to develop a digital governance reference architecture together with Germany, the International Telecommunication Union and the Digital Impact Alliance. It will accelerate national digital transformation and the digitalization of government services, and thereby contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Climate change poses a real threat and therefore needs a global answer. To make the twenty-sixth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change a real success, we must all set ambitious targets and take actions today.”
2021-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/456 (2021) · source
“For example, strengthening civil society engagement at the United Nations, including at the Security Council, is vital for ensuring effective policymaking. I see with regret how many civil society activists are being harassed and suffer from reprisals by rogue regimes. The declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations (resolution 75/1) reaffirmed that multilateralism is not an option but a necessity. However, in order to address new and emerging challenges, we need new practices and agreements to enrich multilateral cooperation. Digital technologies are higher on our agendas than ever before. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis has also amplified challenges around digitalization, including the digital divide that still exists worldwide.”
2021-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/456 (2021) · source
“This meeting will launch the study prepared by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict on this topic. We must remain committed to the rules-based international order where international law, including in cyberspace, is followed. Respect for territorial integrity and the prohibition of the use of force are fundamental principles of international law that stand at the core of the United Nations and our values. Therefore, we are observing with concern the ongoing violations of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, in Europe — in Ukraine and Georgia. Estonia strongly believes that multilateral diplomacy cannot hold without cooperating with a wide range of actors.”
2021-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/456 (2021) · source
“It is crucial that the Security Council take into account and consider the valuable work of the High Commissioner and the Human Rights Council in its deliberations. Estonia maintains its strong commitment to the implementation of its human rights obligations and we consider the universal periodic review process a useful element of this work. On Tuesday this week, Estonia participated in its third universal periodic review. Estonia also continues to focus on the most vulnerable, including women and children affected by conflicts. That is why today Estonia, with its partners, is organizing an informal Security Council meeting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on grave violations against children affected by armed conflict.”
2021-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/456 (2021) · source
“We must remain committed to our core values and principles, which were agreed upon in the Charter of the United Nations. The promotion and protection of human rights are one of the most efficient means of conflict prevention and clearly linked to the maintenance of peace and security. In this context, we render our full support to the Secretary-General’s call to action for human rights. The United Nations, with its well-established structure of human rights treaties and their monitoring mechanisms, has a central role in the protection and promotion of universal human rights. We support improved information exchange between the Security Council, the Human Rights Council and its special procedures, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.”
2021-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/456 (2021) · source
“Please accept my warm greetings to you, Mr. President, and to the people of China. I warmly welcome Your Excellency Mr. Bozkir at this meeting. I would like to thank the Chinese presidency for organizing this important meeting today. Estonia has always been a firm supporter of a rules-based international order built on the understanding of respect for and promotion of international law, including human rights law and international humanitarian law, democracy, the rule of law and the fight against impunity. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has only highlighted why we need this method of diplomacy. Both the United Nations and the Security Council lie at the heart of the multilateral system. We have achieved a lot over the past 75 years, but we cannot stop here.”
2021-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/456 (2021) · source
“I wish you every success in raising awareness through this debate on the crucial need for the protection of civilians and essential objects during conflict.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“It is the responsibility of States to exercise criminal jurisdiction over those responsible for international crimes, and to have relevant national legislation in place. When States fail to meet that responsibility, the international community and the Security Council must step in. The Council needs to fulfil its mandate to stop atrocities and restore justice. The Council’s inaction in situations where atrocities are committed speaks volumes. I urge the Security Council to make use of its ability to refer cases to the International Criminal Court, when necessary. Finally, let me assure you that Estonia remains committed to the protection of civilians through its actions at the national, regional and international levels, including here in the Council.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“Law acts to constrain, not facilitate conflict. In building back better after the pandemic, it will be crucial to strengthen the resilience of both indispensable objects and essential services, including through cyber-related capacity-building. I am confident that cybersecurity needs to be part of both conflict prevention and conflict resolution. The urgent action we must take is twofold. First, States must strengthen their capacity to more effectively protect civilians in times of war. National and United Nations staff need to be trained in international humanitarian law, which has been shown to yield positive results. Secondly, we have to make sure that no one is above the law. No perpetrator should escape justice.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“In March, 17 million people were at the highest levels of food insecurity — the second- worst situation of this kind in the world. We are not doing enough. On an international level, due attention also needs to be paid to new elements — the increasing urbanization of armed conflicts, climate change and the environmental consequences of armed conflict. New technologies can help to find ways to improve humanitarian assistance. At the same time, we keep seeing malicious cyberactivities targeting critical civilian infrastructure, including electricity, water, sanitation and health care. As we have said in the Council, international law also applies in cyberspace. Obligations deriving from international humanitarian law govern States’ activities in conflict in order to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“The return and resettlement of displaced communities is often hindered by the destruction of essential objects and the disruption of essential services. Although the Security Council has condemned the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, more needs to be done to help people on the ground. The conflict in the Tigray region in Ethiopia has forced 1.7 million people to leave their homes in search of protection and food. Considering the ongoing fighting it will be impossible to plant seeds for the next season. That will food security even more challenging in the long-term. In Afghanistan, due to poverty, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict, almost half of the children under 5 suffer from acute malnutrition.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“Unfortunately, in the course of the work of the Security Council, as we continue to learn about cases of non-compliance, we are reminded time and time again that the normative framework for the protection of civilians is too often not upheld in real life. The pandemic also adds a new layer of risks. I reiterate Estonia’s support for the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and for resolution 2565 (2021), which we unanimously adopted in February. Civilians, including the most vulnerable — women, children and adolescents, continue to be disproportionately affected by conflict. I recall the situation in Ukraine, with 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) forced to leave their homes, and note too the 2 million IDPs in the Sudan and the 6.2 million IDPs in Syria.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“I extend warm greetings to you, Mr. President, and to the people of Viet Nam. I also welcome the participation of Mr. Lowcock, Mr. Maurer and Mr. Rudd in this meeting and thank them for their insightful briefings. We welcome today’s topic of discussion. Estonia has placed the rules-based international order and compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, at the centre of its work here in the Security Council. At the outset, it is important to note that it is the primary responsibility of States to ensure the protection of their population. That includes the protection afforded under international humanitarian law to objects essential to the survival of the civilian population, such as food, water and medical supplies.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“The European Union’s restrictive measures do not in any way impede the provision of humanitarian aid in Syria, especially food and medical supplies. These sanctions target only those who have committed crimes against the Syrian people. Sanctions will remain in place until a genuine political transition is firmly under way in Syria, in line with Security Council resolutions. The European Union, together with its member States, is the largest donor of humanitarian aid to Syria and the region. Estonia has contributed financially to humanitarian relief since the start of the crisis. Tomorrow, at the fifth Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, I will pledge additional funding to alleviate the human suffering of the Syrian people.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“Last year’s vetoes by Russia and China of the extension of cross-border aid resulted in a significant reduction thereof to many areas. The Syrian regime has not managed to facilitate cross-line aid. There is no reliable agreement between humanitarian organizations and the authorities for bringing the much-needed help to northern Syria. Estonia joins other Security Council members in calling for the renewal of cross-border aid this July. To achieve that, we extend our firm support to the penholders, Norway and Ireland. That vital assistance must continue, especially during the pandemic. Further limiting access would have catastrophic consequences for millions of people, including children, in Syria.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank the briefers for their valuable insights. I wish also to extend my gratitude to the humanitarian workers on the front lines in Syria, who continue to provide aid to millions of people. This month we mark the tenth anniversary of the tragedy of the Syrian people. Unfortunately, a decade after the start of peaceful protests, the war is far from over. Estonia calls for a full, nationwide ceasefire in Syria. We condemn last week’s strikes by the Syrian regime and Russia in north-west Syria, especially the attack on a hospital near Aleppo; that is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Despite our attempts to provide relief to all people in need, the delivery of humanitarian aid to northern Syria has been greatly disrupted.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“I call on all of us to put resolution 2417 (2018) into practice and convene on this pressing issue more often. That would allow for more regular reporting and would thus help us to prevent or mitigate future famines.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“The third case is Afghanistan. Forty years of war and poverty, coupled with a continuing drought, means that 45 per cent of the population is at risk of hunger this year. All signs show that the situation will deteriorate further. Nearly one in two children under five will face acute malnutrition. The stalled peace negotiations between Taliban and Afghan officials and excessive levels of violence across the S/2021/250 S/2021/250 country not only keep people from securing their livelihoods, but also severely hamper the humanitarian aid from reaching those in need. In 2020, humanitarians faced 1,006 access constraints — more than double the incidents reported in 2019. Finally, it is also up to us, the members of the Security Council, to respond to potential famine in the world.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“We take note of the Government’s recent efforts to alleviate the situation. However, more needs to be done. The humanitarian community has made calls to increase humanitarian assistance in order to avert famine-like conditions on the ground. To prevent the worst-case scenario, life-saving aid needs to be delivered to the people in need across the region, including in rural areas. It is critical that the Ethiopian Government fulfil its commitment to provide unfettered humanitarian access. We also call for the withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Tigray. In addition, the growing number of credible reports of atrocities and human rights violations and abuses is extremely concerning. Independent investigations into reported human rights violations are an absolute must, and we acknowledge Ethiopia’s announcements to that end.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“Resolution 2417 (2018) helps us deal with such problems by allowing us to impose restrictive measures. We must not shy away from using those provisions, on which we unanimously agreed. I would now like to highlight three critical cases. The first case is South Sudan. We have seen how the humanitarian situation there worsens on a yearly basis. About 70 per cent of the people need humanitarian assistance and, if we do not act swiftly, we will edge closer to the sad example that we see in Yemen. South Sudan’s food security is in its worst state since independence. That is why today I have the honour of announcing Estonia’s contribution to the World Food Programme to mitigate the humanitarian situation there. The second is Ethiopia. Estonia is concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Tigray.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“Most of the food-insecure people live in countries affected by armed conflicts. The intersecting drivers of food insecurity in conflict areas are complex, ranging from the conduct of hostilities and lack of humanitarian access to the broader drivers of risk, such as climate change and the pandemic. While rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access is key during an acute food crisis, early action is of the utmost importance. It is particularly important for safeguarding child and maternal health. There are numerous cases on our agenda where we have seen an unlawful denial of humanitarian access. Moreover, various parties to conflict have raided and looted humanitarian aid storage sites and destroyed infrastructure that is indispensable to the survival of the civilian population.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“Almost three years ago, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2417 (2018), which condemned the starving of civilians and unlawfully denying humanitarian access as a method of warfare. The resolution was conceived as a tool to break the vicious cycle of food insecurity, but it is we who must use this tool when required. Only in that way can we put the resolution into practice and break the cycle of hunger. Compliance with international humanitarian law is of the highest importance in reducing food insecurity and preventing famine. The intentional starvation of civilians is a war crime. We welcome the amendments to the Rome Statute to include it as such. We call on State parties to take steps that would allow the amendments to enter into force quickly.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“To allow the validation of vaccinations, a secure and privacy- preserving smart vaccination certificate solution has been developed in Estonia that could also be put into use in more fragile and complex environments. In conclusion, the current crisis and past pandemics have shown that it takes a coordinated global effort to roll back global suffering. If COVID-19 is left to ravage those with weaker health-care systems or population groups in conflict situations, the virus will soon spread back to other countries. This is the reality. We are only as strong as the weakest link in the global health system.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“Holding the perpetrators accountable and working together towards a more stable and secure cyberspace are the best way to resist the efforts of malicious cyberactors. Cybersecurity and the applicability of existing international law in cyberspace are also among the issues that Estonia is raising awareness around in the Security Council. Building on 20 years of experience in developing a secure and trusted digital governance infrastructure, Estonia is undertaking a global public health collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The first step is to build and pilot an interoperability framework — the Global Trust Framework — for smart vaccination certificates. We trust it will become a significant piece of global digital public good, enabling WHO to build any kind of cross-border digital health data services in future.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“We condemn all attempts to use the COVID-19 pandemic as a pretext for disrespecting the rule of law, curtailing human rights or restricting civic space. We must secure free, independent and pluralistic media, both online and offline. Thirdly, we must make use of the full potential of digital technologies to overcome the crisis everywhere. As the world continues its fight against COVID-19, our reliance on technology has increased. Many of our everyday functions and operations have moved online. It is therefore all the more pressing that we protect our essential infrastructure from cyberthreats. Unfortunately, we have seen vaccine producers and those involved in vaccine distribution targeted by cyber-criminals, while the sole focus of the former should be on delivering the vaccine.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“The European Union has been at the forefront of the multilateral response in the field of global and equitable access to vaccines, tests and treatments. Estonia remains committed to equal and fair distribution of vaccines globally. As a manifestation of our solidarity, we have made a pledge to the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Advance Market Commitment to support access to vaccines for the most vulnerable. We are ready to further discuss how we can help. We must also address the so-called “infodemic” that continues to undermine our joint global response. To overcome the virus, we need to promote facts and science and prevent the manipulation of information. The protection of human rights, including the freedom of expression, is equally critical for the response and recovery from the pandemic.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“It is equally important that other immunization programmes not be side-lined due to the global attention to COVID-19. In this regard, I reiterate Estonia’s unwavering support to Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire. Let me also stress that it is unacceptable that COVID-19 is being used as a pretext for trying to lift restrictive measures. Both European Union and United Nations sanctions include the possibility of humanitarian exemptions and do not obstruct the fight against the pandemic. Secondly, a multilateral response is the only way out of the global crisis. Investment in vaccines and securing their delivery in fragile environments is not only moral but also a very practical step. We will not be able to restore international trade, travel, prosperity and security until COVID-19 is under control everywhere in the world.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“Let me first express my sympathy and solidarity with all the people and nations of the world suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It is almost a year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. New, more transmissible COVID-19 variants indicate that the crisis will last longer than expected. We must make sure that no one is left behind by vaccination programmes. Therefore, I wish to thank the United Kingdom for convening today’s very relevant and timely debate. There are three aspects Estonia would like to highlight today. First, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to conflict areas is vital. Enabling the full, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance remains crucial for the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source