YouSaid · the spoken record

Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu

lines on the record: 115
first: 2020-04-27
most recent: 2021-10-19
sittings or episodes: 13
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

“However, we are concerned that opening or relocating embassies to Jerusalem would undermine the parameters of a two-State solution, including the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. The latest escalation in May further aggravated the already dire humanitarian and economic situation on the ground in Palestine. The untenable humanitarian conditions, particularly in Gaza, are unacceptable. The international community cannot turn its back on the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for freedom and dignity any longer. Unhindered access to Gaza is of paramount importance. I assure the Council that Turkey will continue to support the Palestinian people in their pursuit of realizing our shared aspirations of peace and respect for, and the protection of, their inherent dignity, rights and freedoms.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“Moreover, the international community should also support the intra- Palestinian unity process and elections. We are concerned by the intention of third countries to open embassies in Jerusalem or relocate their embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The status of Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This fundamental issue will be one of the most important components of the comprehensive solution of this conflict. We urge Member States to respect the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions pertaining to the status of Jerusalem. Of course, we have no objection to the establishment of relations between third countries and Israel.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“The only viable option to put an end to the sufferings of Palestinian people in Gaza is by ending the blockade. For this reason, we reiterate our support for the judicial processes to hold Israel accountable for its crimes in the occupied territories. The establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital is the only viable solution to this conflict. An urgent return to peace negotiations is critical. Indeed, we must accelerate all efforts to revive the peace process. The Quartet must be revitalized and lead the efforts towards a new peace process. To that end, we support the call of President Mahmoud Abbas to hold an international peace conference.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“The international community must put pressure on Israel to abandon those illegal construction plans. The ruling of an Israeli court, which claimed that Jews have the right to perform “silent” prayers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque, was yet another provocation in an attempt to erode the status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israel’s recent actions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, including the resulting escalation in May, should serve as a wake-up call for the international community. These unilateral actions fuel crises in the region. We call on Israel to cease and desist its provocative policies. “Economic peace” between Israel and Palestine cannot replace the need for a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s open debate on this critical issue. It is regrettable that Israel’s provocative and illegal policies — such as the expansion of illegal settlements, forced evictions, the destruction of Palestinian homes, provocations at Al-Haram Al-Sharif, the use of disproportionate force against Palestinian civilians and initiatives to change the demographic and legal status of Jerusalem — continue unabated. Israel is advancing its extensive building plans in Givat Hamatos and some other areas in or around Jerusalem that lie beyond Israel’s 1967 borders. It is widely reported in the media that the new neighbourhood in Givat Hamatos, with its 1,257 housing units, would become the first new Jewish neighbourhood to be built in Jerusalem in the past 30 years.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“The continuation of the United Nations cross-border assistance mechanism, which provides uninterrupted and unhindered humanitarian access is crucial for children living in this region. We urge all Council members to provide these innocent children with long-term support and certainty. Renewing the cross-border resolution for another 12 months, including re-opening of additional crossing points would be an important step in that direction. My Government fully shares and supports the agenda of the United Natio ns in addressing the situation of children in armed conflict. We will continue to work closely with the Special Representative’s Office. In concluding, I would like to underline Turkey’s unwavering support to all international and regional efforts related to the protection of children.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“This has been particularly crucial during the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic on the health systems worldwide. As for the children living in northwest Syria where schools and hospitals have been indiscriminately targeted, Turkey does its utmost to rehabilitate many public buildings, which were once used by the said terrorist groups. In this vein, Turkish Government has repaired and made 426 schools operational in Ras al-Ayn and Tal Abyad area, which provide education for approximately 45,000 students. Furthermore, Turkey plays a vital role in northwest Syria as the only corridor for the delivery of cross-border humanitarian aid of the United Nations where more than 4 million people live, 80 percent of whom are women and children. These people struggle to survive with aid arriving through Bab al Hawa crossing point.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“All activities carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces during those operations are conducted exclusively towards terrorist targets, with utmost attention and care to avoid any harm to civilians or civilian infrastructure. Meeting the fundamental humanitarian needs of children in conflicts and emergencies, including the provision of health and education services must be one of our main priorities. Turkey, on its part, takes all necessary measures to alleviate the suffering of children fleeing armed conflict in its region and beyond. For the Syrian children who are under temporary protection in Turkey, we have succeeded to constantly increase the school enrolment rate. I would also like to note that health services are provided free of charge for all Syrians including children in Turkey.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“We expect the next report of the Secretary-General to include these developments, along with an adequate assessment of PKK/YPG’s recruitment strategy of children in the area. In addition, as revealed by the Secretary-General on different occasions, PKK/YPG, in its attempt to fuel its separatist ideology and gain legitimacy in Syria, use tactics to impose arbitrary school curricula, arrest teachers and block humanitarian aid. I would like to put on record Turkey’s stance with regards to the unfortunate references in the report to Turkey’s counter-terrorism operations in Syria and in Iraq which emanate from its legitimate right of self-defence in accordance with international law.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“While we fully support the efforts of the United Nations to document PKK/PYD/YPG’s and other terrorist groups’ crimes, we must stress the need to demonstrate a unified front against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and refrain from any act, including signing commitments that would be exploited by terrorists in their search for recognition and legitimacy. On the other hand, latest incidents in Manbij bear testimony to the local population’s resistance to PKK/YPG’s oppression and persecution. At least eight people were killed and scores injured as a result of live rounds fired by PKK/YPG to disperse locals protesting against its forced recruitment policies.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“Well- documented crimes of the terrorist organization PKK and its Syrian branch PYD/YPG in relation to the recruitment of young girls and boys over the years continue to be a source of grave concern. PYD/YPG, hiding behind the name of “Syrian Democratic Forces” (SDF), employs the same tactics as other terrorist organizations operating in Syria, such as DAESH, Al-Qaeda, Al-Nusrah and other affiliated groups. As such, they deserve no less condemnation. As recently as March of this year, the Assad regime attacked the Atarib hospital. A few weeks ago, Al Shifa Hospital in Afrin was targeted by PKK/YPG terrorists. We strongly condemn these attacks and reiterate our expectation from the Security Council to ensure that these grave violations of international humanitarian law are investigated and the perpetrators are held accountable.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“In addition, we see the repatriation and reintegration of children as important aspects of this agenda. Turkey fully subscribes to the Secretary-General’s appeal to the countries concerned to take steps for the voluntary repatriation of children, including those with alleged links to DAESH. The report of the Secretary-General reveals once again that the plight of children continues unabated in many parts of the world. As for Syria, the destructive war that Assad has waged against his own people had a staggering impact on children. The war has left the lives and the future of a generation of Syrian children hanging by a thread. Almost 12,000 children were killed or injured throughout the conflict. The crimes of the regime are not the only menaces Syrian children face.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“The pandemic has also reduced the capacity of national, regional and international actors to engage in prevention, and protection work, and to provide psychosocial support for children affected by sexual violence. The effects are manifold and children are expected to feel the various repercussions of the pandemic through years to come. We need to step up our efforts to ensure that the United Nations country task forces on Monitoring and Reporting on Grave Violations against Children have adequate resources to fulfil their mandate, which has become even more challenging in the context of the pandemic. We also concur with the Secretary-General’s call to ensure that child protection provisions and capacity are included in all relevant mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations and special political missions.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“This anniversary provides an opportunity to take stock of our achievements and to discuss further efforts to keep children from harm’s way as the severe effects of conflicts on children continue to constitute a significant challenge. The annual report of the Secretary-General highlights the dire situation of children in armed conflict. We sadly see that similar to previous years, the highes t numbers of violations are the recruitment and use of children and the killing and maiming. We are equally disturbed by the sharp increase in the cases of abduction and sexual violence against children. As underlined in the report, the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated existing vulnerabilities of children, including by hampering their access to education, health and social services, limiting child protection activities and shrinking safe spaces.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“At the outset, I would like to express our appreciation to the Estonian presidency for convening today’s Security Council open debate on children and armed conflict. I thank the Secretary-General for his report and his address today to the Security Council. I would also like to thank the briefers, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, Forest Whitaker and Laban Onisimus of Plan International for their contributions. We commend the efforts of the United Nations in taking the children and armed conflict agenda forward. This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the children and armed conflict agenda, including the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the children and armed conflict by the General Assembly.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“At this critical juncture, the international community should take stock of the contributions it has made and carefully assess the heavy cost of failing the Afghan people.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“Over the last months, we have witnessed dastardly terrorist attacks in the country, claiming many innocent lives, including high school students and teenage schoolgirls. We once again condemn these heinous acts in the strongest terms. The access of Afghan children to education has a central role in Turkey’s assistance efforts in Afghanistan. As we did in the past, we will continue our support by building schools, providing assistance and changing the lives of hundreds of girls and their families. At the same time, we will maintain our active role in supporting the security of Afghanistan. Despite significant challenges and threats that remain in the country, we will continue to support the Afghan people in their path towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“It is certainly the region itself that has the greatest role, interest and responsibility in establishing and sustaining a secure, prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan. Recognizing the importance of regional cooperation in support of peace, we have taken several initiatives to build confidence between Afghanistan and its neighbours and encouraged constructive and results-oriented dialogue. In that vein, we recently held trilateral meetings, with Afghanistan’s key neighbours, namely Pakistan and Iran. We particularly support regional efforts focusing on enhancing economic and infrastructure connectivity, to boost trade, transport, transit, energy and cultural cooperation. Turkey will continue its contributions to Afghanistan, inter alia within the multilateral platforms, including through the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“We also continue to stress the need to strengthen political inclusion and national consensus within the Republic team. At the same time, it is crucial to have an inclusive peace process, which includes women, youth groups and religious leaders. Broad-based ownership of the peace process can be achieved with the participation of all segments of Afghan society. This is indispensable for achieving lasting peace and the preservation of fundamental rights and freedoms. The gains made at significant costs over the last two decades cannot be sacrificed. We also support an enhanced role for the United Nations in contributing to the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. A recent occasion in that regard has been the talks we held with the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Jean Arnault, during his visit to the region.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“The parties should reach an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and continue in good faith the negotiations for a political settlement. Sustainable peace can only be achieved through an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political process. To support and reinvigorate the intra-Afghan negotiations in Doha, Turkey remains ready to host a high-level conference in Istanbul, together with Qatar and the United Nations. Such a conference will aim to give momentum to the ongoing Afghanistan peace negotiations, to end violence and to help achieve an inclusive negotiated settlement leading to lasting peace in Afghanistan. To this end, the parties and, in particular, the Taliban should clearly show their genuine willingness to constructively take part in such an exercise.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“The worsening security situation, as well as the adverse effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and drought have further exacerbated the challenges faced by the Afghan people. As a result, the risk of new waves of mass migration has been increasing. It is estimated that migration flows will further grow in the months ahead, following the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan. This may have security and humanitarian implications in the wider region and beyond. Therefore, it is important for the international community to start working on comprehensive contingency planning to address this imminent challenge. There can be no military solution in Afghanistan. The perspective of a negotiated settlement should be kept alive.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Representative Lyons, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ms. Waly, and the Director of the Afghan Women’s Network, Ms. Akrami, for their briefings. I salute the presence of Haneef Atmar, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, at this meeting. The level of violence in Afghanistan has unfortunately reached very high levels. The Secretary-General has reported that, in the six months following the start of the peace talks in September 2020, the number of civilian casualties has increased substantially compared with the same period in 2019. This is cause for deep concern. The high number of civilian casualties and targeted killings of journalists, civil society activists and human right defenders are deplorable.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“The lack of cooperation with the IIT, including visa denial and the refusal to grant access to confidential information related to its chemical military programme proves the regime’s attempts to hide the truth. Turkey reiterates its support for the independent, professional and impartial work carried out by the OPCW Technical Secretariat and its investigative bodies. Last week marked the twenty-fourth anniversary of the Chemical Weapons Convention’s entry into force. We should continue our efforts to ensure that the Convention is upheld and effectively implemented. The Syrian case presents a litmus test in that regard. The regime’s violation of international law and its crimes against humanity cannot go unanswered. Ending impunity is a pressing task for the international community, particularly for the Security Council.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“That decision provides a measured response in the face of the Syrian regime’s persistent non-compliance with its obligations. We welcome its adoption as an important contribution to accountability in Syria. The use of chemical weapons by the Al-Assad regime against its own people is well documented, with an ever-growing track-record. Most recently, the report issued by the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) identified that on 4 February 2018, chlorine was used by the regime air force in an attack against civilians in Saraqib. That report proved that the Al-Assad regime is responsible for at least eight chemical-weapon attacks. We strongly condemn the use of chemical weapons by the regime. The IIT has a unique role in identifying the perpetrators of chemical weapons use.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“The Security Council must act in unity to compel the regime to fully cooperate with the OPCW and immediately declare the full extent of its chemical-weapons programme. Turkey supported the OPCW Executive Council decision of July 2020, which required the Syrian regime to declare the chemical weapons it used during the Ltamenah attacks in 2017 and the production facilities in which they are developed, as well as the chemical weapons it currently possesses. It also urged the regime to resolve all of the outstanding issues regarding its initial declaration. The regime’s failure to fulfil its obligations under that decision warranted further measures. Accordingly, during the second part of the OPCW’s twenty-fifth Conference of the State Parties, co-sponsored by Turkey, a decision was adopted with an overwhelming majority.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“The analysis of the samples collected during the twenty-third round of inspections by the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) in September 2020 revealed the existence of a chemical warfare agent previously not declared by the regime. The analysis by the DAT hints at further undeclared production activities by the regime, strengthening the suspicions about its clandestine chemical-weapons programme. This may well add another item to the long list of outstanding issues regarding the Al-Assad regime’s chemical-weapons declaration. It is unacceptable that the regime has not yet made a complete and accurate declaration of its chemical weapons programme. That constitutes a serious violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“I thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing. The ninety-first monthly report (see S/2021/422) of the Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) yet again points to the identified gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies in the Syrian regime’s chemical-weapons declaration. The report confirms that the declaration cannot be considered accurate and complete. The presence of an undeclared chemical weapons production facility continues to be a matter of great concern. The regime still fails to declare the chemical warfare agents produced and/or weaponized at that site, in violation of its obligations.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“We should respect and make use of this framework. On the other hand, it is more urgent than ever that the global ceasefire appeal of the Secretary-General be implemented so as to help create conditions for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in the most pressing settings.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“The recent ruling of the International Criminal Court on its jurisdiction over the occupied Palestinian territories is an important legal step to ensure accountability and justice in the face of grave crimes and violations of international law. General Assembly resolution ES-10/20, on the protection of the Palestinian civilian population, adopted during Turkey’s Summit presidency of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, is also an important example of the international efforts to strengthen deterrence against acts of violence and disproportionate use of force against Palestinian civilians. International humanitarian law is at the centre of protection. The Geneva Conventions of 1949 provide a clear framework for ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law, which includes neutral, impartial and unimpeded humanitarian action.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“We call on the Council to uphold its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and to renew the mandate of the United Nations cross-border humanitarian mechanism with additional crossing points without delay. There can be no excuse for targeting innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure. We must hold perpetrators accountable and put an end to the impunity that continues to threaten peace and security at the global level. Genuine accountability mechanisms play a key role in this regard. We welcome the work of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism in Syria and the establishment of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“While we host 20 per cent of the refugee population worldwide, with about 4 million Syrians who have taken refuge in Turkey, we extend our helping hand also to millions of vulnerable Syrians across our borders on a daily basis through United Nations cross-border humanitarian operations. The continuation of these lifeline services will be a litmus test for the Security Council in July, when its members will decide on the fate of millions of innocent civilians. If these operations stop, not only the Syrian people, but the whole region and beyond will face a humanitarian catastrophe, with grave security and other repercussions.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“We have also supported the health-care infrastructure in a number of countries, including those that have been affected by armed conflicts, either by building or renovating hospitals, providing field hospitals or contributing to the capacity- building of the local health-care workforce. In north-western Syria, in accordance with the trilateral agreement on the fight against COVID-19, the Turkish Red Crescent Society, OCHA and the World Health Organization continue to deliver health aid and related items, which have so far amounted to approximately $8.1 million. As part of our efforts to restore life in northern Syria and recover infrastructure targeted by the Syrian regime and the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, we continue to repair and construct hospitals and to establish mobile health-care centres.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“While conflicts take massive tolls on people’s lives, Turkey, as one of the leading humanitarian actors, continues to contribute to international humanitarian assistance efforts across a wide geography. The medical assistance that we have provided to 157 countries since the start of the pandemic is in addition to our regular humanitarian aid programming around the globe. Some 129 of these countries have received donations of medical and other critical equipment and 50 countries have received cash grants, while 75 have been issued permits for purchase or export of medical equipment.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“The PKK’s evil agenda in Iraq and the consequences of its arbitrary control over almost 800 villages in the north of the country are also alarming. The local population has been raising concerns regarding the significant lack of infrastructural and basic services in these terrorist-controlled areas. The PKK’s policy of forcibly removing locals from these areas or preventing them from cultivating their lands needs to be condemned by the international community. The ongoing suffering of the Yazidi community in camps for internally displaced persons, who are unable to return to their ancestral homes in the Sinjar region due to the repressive and violent presence of the PKK and its affiliates, is a case in point.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“This terrorist organization is also responsible for cutting electricity to the Allouk water station, in north-eastern Syria, and obstructing its proper functioning. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the need for electricity in the region to a critical level, these repeated power cuts severely affect health services in the region. The destruction or damaging of energy systems has long-term effects, since rebuilding or rehabilitating energy infrastructures requires comprehensive infrastructure work and substantial resources. Energy systems and infrastructure must be considered objects indispensable to civilian populations and must benefit from special protection under international humanitarian law.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“While conflicts have displaced more than 30 million children around the world, children in Syria remain among the most affected, due to the war that has been ongoing for more than 10 years. According to UNICEF, one in three schools in Syria can no longer be used because it has been destroyed or damaged or is being used for military purposes. Such attacks have an impact on an entire generation’s access to education. Terrorist organizations exploit instabilities and attempt to disseminate their separatist ideology and gain legitimacy. The Secretary-General has revealed on different occasions the tactics of the terrorist organization Kurdistan Workers’ Party/ People’s Protection Units (PKK/YPG) in Syria, including but not limited to imposing arbitrary school curricula, arresting teachers and blocking humanitarian aid.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“Such an incident occurred only very recently in Syria, where the regime targeted the United Nations-supported and deconflicted Al-Atarib hospital on 21 March. This barbaric attack killed and injured innocent civilians. The records show that at least two aid workers and eight medical personnel are killed every month in Syria. Respecting international humanitarian law also entails protecting humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure. The United Nations deconfliction mechanism is an indispensable instrument to that end. Turkey will continue to be fully engaged with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the implementation of this mechanism, and we call on all relevant countries to do the same.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“In his latest report on the protection of civilians (S/2020/366), the Secretary- General indicates the importance of protecting health-care workers and essential infrastructure, as well as facilitating the rapid, unimpeded and safe access of humanitarian assistance. Strengthening respect for international law and ensuring accountability for serious violations remain pressing challenges for the protection of civilians. While the world is going through a devastating global health crisis, indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, marketplaces and electrical and water systems, have further aggravated the situation of vulnerable people. The World Health Organization reports over 300 confirmed attacks on health- care facilities in emergency-affected countries and fragile settings in 2020.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank you for organizing this meeting and putting emphasis on the crucial topic of the protection of civilians and civilian objects, at a time when millions in need are beyond our reach, while critical infrastructure and services are disrupted on a regular basis. According to the United Nations, the last four years have seen the highest recorded increase in humanitarian needs. The combination of conflicts, climate change and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated the already fragile situation in humanitarian settings. Today, one in 33 people worldwide is in need of humanitarian assistance or protection. The number of people displaced due to conflict and violence has almost reached an unprecedented 80 million.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“I would like to conclude by reiterating that revitalizing the Middle East peace process is essential to fulfilling our long-overdue promise to the Palestinian people of a life in dignity. It is also indispensable for the stability of our entire region. Collectively, we must support the resumption of negotiations for a two-State solution. The international community must clearly demonstrate that Israel’s illegal actions will not be tolerated.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“We attach the utmost importance to the successful conduct of Palestinian elections and the establishment of an inclusive Palestinian Government with full democratic legitimacy. Turkey is ready to extend any support needed to the election process in Palestine. The ruling of the International Criminal Court that it has jurisdiction over the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, is a step towards holding Israel accountable for its crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory. We hope that this ruling will also contribute to the implementation of resolution ES- 10/20, on the protection of the Palestinian civilian population, which was adopted by the General Assembly during Turkey’s summit presidency of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“We call on all donors to step up their support and work together to address the structural reasons for the Agency’s chronic funding shortfall. Turkey supports a two-State solution that would lead to the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Turkey supports the call of President Mahmoud Abbas for an international peace conference, under the auspices of the United Nations, and for a return to the path of negotiations through the revitalization of the peace process. For a negotiated two-State solution, achieving intra-Palestinian reconciliation is an urgent necessity. Therefore, we appreciate the progress made in the intra- Palestinian reconciliation process.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) continues to operate in difficult circumstances and the challenges it faces have further increased due to the pandemic. UNRWA is indispensable for providing vital health, relief and emergency assistance to millions. During COVID-19, the services provided by UNRWA have become a matter of survival for many Palestinians. It is our collective and moral duty to step up our support to the Agency. In response to the Agency’s request, Turkey transferred its annual voluntary contribution of $10 million in March 2021, at an earlier stage than in previous years. Turkey will also continue to provide in-kind support to the Agency. We welcome the decision of the United States Administration to resume its financial support to UNRWA.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The continuation of the Gaza Strip blockade is not only inhumane but also imperils the economic recovery of the Palestinian population in its entirety. We condemn Israel’s interference with the Palestinian democratic electoral process, particularly in occupied East Jerusalem. Israel’s obstructive and hostile actions, including the arrest of several Palestinian candidates in the West Bank and the summoning of Jerusalemite candidates for interrogation, are unacceptable. Israel must cease all measures aimed at disrupting the Palestinian elections. The international community needs to put pressure on Israel to allow and facilitate elections in Jerusalem and the West Bank.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“According to a recent study by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Palestinian economy is projected to grow by only 3.7 per cent annually until 2025, barely keeping pace with population growth, while unemployment is expected to hover around 30 per cent. The study predicts that it will take at least two years for the Palestinian economy to recover from the pandemic if COVID-19 is contained. Sustainable socioeconomic recovery in the occupied Palestinian territory requires lifting the blockade on Gaza, easing restrictions imposed by occupation in the West Bank, expanding the policy space and increasing donor support. As revealed in an earlier UNCTAD report, the cumulative cost of the Gaza Strip blockade, together with military operations, amounts to $16.7 billion.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The gravity of the situation is aggravated by the fact that these illegal activities are carried out in an environment of prevailing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic conditions. The ability of the Palestinians to fight the pandemic has been undermined by Israel’s continued disregard for its commitments to halting the demolitions and targeting critical facilities during the COVID-19 crisis. Israel refuses to provide sufficient COVID-19 vaccine to Palestinians in the occupied territories. As the occupying force, Israel is responsible for the health of the Palestinian population in these territories. Palestinians also bear the heaviest brunt of the economic fallout of COVID-19.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Yet, it is regrettable that the Israeli Government obstructs the Palestinian people’s freedom of worship during Ramadan by imposing restrictions over the Al- Aqsa mosque. Widespread acts of violence against Palestinian civilians by Israeli settlers is another concern. Israeli security forces turn a blind eye to these incidents, which is perceived by Israeli settlers as a green light for their attacks. Such incidents clearly demonstrate that Israel intends to consolidate its occupation rather than aim for peace. Turkey will continue to reject such unlawful and inhumane practices entrenching the Israeli occupation in the Palestinian territories and destroying the vision of a two-State solution.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Inaction in the face of persistent non-compliance with international law and Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016), further emboldens Israel’s recklessness. We are further alarmed by the continued Israeli attempts to change the status of Jerusalem. The measures aimed at altering the demographic composition and character of Jerusalem and unilateral decisions to that end threaten the possibility of coexistence. We would like to underline that opening embassies in Jerusalem would constitute a clear violation of international law. We call upon all members of the international community to respect the historical and legal status of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a holy city for all three monotheistic religions. It is the responsibility of all humankind to preserve its historic status.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“We are gravely concerned by the worsening situation and rising tensions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. Despite repeated calls, Israeli violations in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, continue to increase at an alarming rate. Not a day goes by without Palestinians being forced to demolish their own houses in their own homeland. Coupled with systematic settlement expansion policies, this trend clearly shows that de facto annexation continues on the ground. We also condemn Israel’s approval of plans for new illegal settlements, as well as decisions of forced eviction, demolition and confiscation targeting Palestinians in the occupied territories. The blatant escalation of settlement-building, intended to create new realities on the ground, constitutes a major obstacle to peace.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Rural livelihoods should be supported by investments and additional grants. Women and girls, especially rural women, have to be empowered in their efforts to gain full access to land, affordable loans and local, regional and global markets. Finally, we also need to focus our efforts on delivering basic emergency tools without delay, including food, water, health and protection services, to conflict- affected regions. We hope that the Secretary-General’s upcoming Food Systems Summit will help address those multifaceted issues in relation to global food security. We expect that the Summit will provide all relevant stakeholders with valuable guidance as to how we can adapt and adjust our food systems to address current and future challenges.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source