YouSaid · the spoken record

Feridun Sinirlioğlu

lines on the record: 94
first: 2020-04-23
most recent: 2021-05-16
sittings or episodes: 12
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

“We are committed to advancing the United Nations efforts for robust international cooperation against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. To achieve that end, the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001), two decades ago, was a critical milestone. Turkey attaches the utmost importance to the implementation of the resolution for various reasons. First, the hallmark of this resolution is its call for increased cooperation in eradicating this menace. Clearly, that call is crucial and still relevant given the fact that terrorism cannot survive against genuine international coordination and cooperation. The upcoming review process of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy early in summer this year presents us with a unique opportunity to contribute to that goal.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source
“Against all those odds, bringing an end to terrorism and holding perpetrators accountable is as urgent as ever. Turkey has been at the forefront of international efforts to counter terrorism in a holistic manner. We undertake active roles and contribute to the work of the Global Counterterrorism Forum as well as to efforts of the Global Coalition to Counter Da’esh. In line with our robust efforts to counter the financing of terrorism, we are a committed member of the Financial Action Task Force, while the Council of Europe provides a crucial framework in our legal and judicial response to counter terrorism. We believe that the United Nations remains the ultimate multilateral forum in promoting a collective, coherent and legally binding response against terrorism.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source
“The importance of a meaningful and results-oriented cooperation in the fight against terrorism cannot be overstated. The coronavirus disease pandemic has put more pressure on the limited resources in the fight against terrorism. Countries under severe social and economic pressure inevitably shift their focus towards fighting the pandemic, rather than terrorism. More important, soaring unemployment has the potential to lead to more radicalization arising from a wide spectrum of extremist ideologies, particularly based on exploitation of religions, far-right extremism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. Thriving from despair, terrorist groups continue to spread their hateful narratives, offline and online, at increased speed and intensity and to recruit youth and claim innocent lives.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this timely meeting on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of landmark resolution 1373 (2001). This year also marks the twentieth anniversary of the 11 September terrorist attacks, in view of which the resolution was adopted. On this occasion, Turkey conveys its condolences to the families of all the people who have fallen victim to the scourge of terrorism all around the world. Turkey has been under the threat of terrorism for decades from a wide variety of organizations, such as the Kurdish Workers Party/Kurdish People’s Protection Units, Al-Qaida, Da’esh, the Fethullah Terrorist Organization and the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia. We therefore fully understand the pain and threat posed by this scourge to our societies.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source
“We should not let Syrian children down. The Al-Assad regime continues to pursue medieval tactics such as “starve and surrender” and hurls false accusations at those standing by the Syrian people. The regime still aims at military victory. We will not let this happen. And we will hold them accountable for the war crimes and crimes against humanity they have committed throughout Syria. As to the statement made by the Syrian regime’s representative (annex 20), I repeat: I do not consider him as my legitimate counterpart; His presence here is an affront to the millions of Syrians who have suffered countless crimes at the hands of the regime. I will therefore not honour his delusional remarks with a response.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“I would like to conclude by emphasizing the importance of education and bringing safety to children in Syria, who will be the ones to redesign their country. It is estimated that half of the children who were going to school in northern Syria S/2020/1257 before the pandemic have now dropped out. While more than 750,000 of the over 1 million school-age Syrian children in Turkey are enrolled in education, we need to create opportunities for children in Syria as well to avoid the risk of a lost generation that could blight Syria’s chances of recovery for years to come. The brutal war launched by the Al-Assad regime has displaced millions and killed thousands of children. The Secretary-General reports that shelling by the regime on 4 November caused damage and killed children in schools located in Arihah and Kafriya, in the north-west.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“The international community should refrain from actions that would violate international law and serve the separatist agenda of the PKK/YPG hiding behind the name of so-called “SDF”. This illegitimate entity east of the Euphrates has been releasing Da’esh members and their families, as well as suspected affiliates when it serves its interests. It is reported that this terrorist entity is also working on illegally trying Da’esh members with the help of some countries and civil society organizations. This is a very worrisome development for the unity and territorial integrity of Syria. Clearly, such a brazen act constitutes an egregious violation of international law. We reiterate our strong call to the international community to be vigilant and not to become accessory to this terrorist propaganda.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“We call on everyone to explicitly state the obvious perpetrators of this heinous terrorist attack. Ayn Issa and Tal Tamar, east of the Euphrates River, and Manbij and Tal Rifat, on its west, have become PKK/YPG launching pads for their planned attacks against innocent Syrian civilians, our country, our security forces in Syria and the Syrian national army, as well as for their infiltration and harassment activities. Turkey will not compromise on its steadfast fight against the PKK/YPG, which launched over 300 terrorist attacks in just the past 12 months. Turkey maintains its firm stance against attempts by the PKK/YPG to gain legitimacy under the guise of so-called “Syrian Democratic Forces” (SDF) and its efforts to consolidate its domination over the north-east through oppression and economic incentives.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“In line with the additional protocol and previous agreements, we continue our technical engagement with the Russian Federation, as well as our efforts to overcome the obstacles to a lasting ceasefire. Determined to counter all terrorist threats emanating from Syria, Turkey continues its resolute fight against Da’esh on the ground. Turkish armed forces, which have eliminated 4,000 Da’esh elements in Syria and Iraq to date, neutralized 29 Da’esh members in Syria during only the course of the past month. The PKK/YPG constitutes another major threat to the security of Syria. The deplorable terrorist attack carried out by the PKK/YPG on 10 December in Ras Al-Ayn resulted in the deaths of two Turkish soldiers and injured eight others. We thank our friends and allies who extended messages of condolences.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“We would like to once again underline the importance of complying with the Terms of Reference and Core Rules of Procedure of the Committee. The Astana process is a critical element of overall efforts for finding a political solution to the Syrian conflict. Our joint work within that framework towards resolving the conflict on the basis of Syria’s unity and territorial integrity continues despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The 5 March additional protocol plays a crucial role for preserving the calm on the ground. The ceasefire in Idlib enabled return of hundreds of thousands of Syrians to their homes. Having said that, the regime continues its ceasefire violations. Those violations and attacks against civilians, coupled with winter conditions, could unleash a new humanitarian crisis and yet another wave of migration.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“In the period ahead, its work should be advanced in an accelerated and productive manner. We will continue our efforts to that end, within the Astana framework and in collaboration and coordination with the United Nations and other relevant actors. In that regard, we welcome the convening of the fourth round of the small body of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva two weeks ago.We believe that meeting was useful in enabling the Syrian parties to express their views and expectations under the agenda item “National foundations and principles”. With the fifth round scheduled for January, we expect the Committee to start focusing on the constitutional principles, entering a phase of results-oriented substantial work.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“While the COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the need for electricity in the region to a critical level, these repeated power cuts have serious repercussions on health services in the region. Urgent steps must be taken to put an end to this inhumane practice and ensure the resumption of electric power to the water station and the whole region. Let us also not forget about the serious shortages of potable and agricultural water supply in Al-Bab and surrounding areas, affecting around 200,000 people. Due to the ongoing and deliberate blockage by the regime of the water supply lines, sanitation services are undermined and the public health is seriously compromised, at a time when an effective response to the COVID-19 is most crucial. On the political track, the Constitutional Committee is currently the sole functioning mechanism.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“We join that call and request the Security Council to fulfil its responsibility as a matter of priority by re-opening that gate before the humanitarian crisis turns into a tragedy threatening the whole region and beyond. Last week, the Allouk water station once again faced disruption challenges with the electricity power being deliberately cut by the Kurdish Workers Party/ Kurdish People’s Protection Units (PKK/YPG) terrorist organization. Despite our repeated initiatives before all interested parties and the constructive approach displayed by the Syrian opposition and Turkey, the problem remains to be solved. It is unacceptable that terrorists continue to exploit water and electricity for their separatist agenda.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“Since we discussed the humanitarian situation in Syria last month (see S/2020/1147), approximately 300 convoys have channelled aid items from Turkey through the single crossing point at Bab Al-Hawa into the north-west. We continue to facilitate and fully support United Nations cross-border humanitarian assistance. Yet it is clear that the current restricted humanitarian space in the north-west results from the failure of the Security Council to maintain the Bab Al-Salam crossing point in the cross-border mechanism. The General Assembly today adopted the Third Committee draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Syria and urged the Security Council to re-authorize Bab Al-Salam for cross-border humanitarian operations.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“First, I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under- Secretary-General Lowcock for their briefings. The situation in Syria has continued to deteriorate due to the despicable war by the regime against the people and the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the country. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the World Health Organization report that the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country have been detected in the north-west. This is not surprising given the densely populated settlements for internally displaced persons and a devastated health system in the region owing to relentless aggression imposed on the population.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“As for the delusional remarks of the regime representative, I would like to emphasize that they are nothing but futile efforts to divert the international community’s attention from the Syrian regime’s well-documented record of the use of chemical weapons. He is not a legitimate representative of the Syrian people and is not worthy of my reply.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/902 (2020) · source
“If we fail to act urgently and decisively, there is no guarantee that the regime will not use chemical weapons again. We particularly recall the responsibility of those parties that have influence on the Syrian regime in this regard. The Al-Assad regime’s culpability in horrific chemical attacks is undeniable. Turkey will continue to support all the steps taken by the international community, first and foremost the United Nations and the OPWC, for ensuring full accountability in Syria. We echo the call of the Secretary-General. The Security Council must act firmly and in unity. This is the least we can do to ensure justice for the innocent victims of chemical attacks in Syria.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/902 (2020) · source
“We expect the full implementation of resolution 2118 (2013). The regime keeps insulting our intelligence by repeating the illusory statement that it has no chemical-weapon stockpiles. This cannot continue. The regime must be forced to undertake a results-oriented cooperation with the OPCW. The decision adopted during the ninety-fourth session of the OPCW Executive Council is a crucial step forward in addressing the possession and use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime. At the same time, the decision sets clear and verifiable parameters for action that the regime needs to take. Turkey gladly co-sponsored that decision. The Al-Assad regime and its backers have been indiscriminately killing civilians, including children, for the past nine years. They must and will be held accountable for those crimes.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/902 (2020) · source
“We also commend the ongoing work of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which continues to contribute substantively to investigating the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Turkey reiterates its strong support for the important work of the fact-finding mission and the Declaration Assessment Team. We underscore our full trust in the professionalism and impartiality of the mission and the objectivity of its reports. It would serve no party’s interest to question the credibility of the fact-finding mission. While the Al-Assad regime’s record of use of chemical weapons is growing, the gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies stemming from the initial declaration of the regime continue. The pandemic should not be used as an excuse for the delay in addressing this pressing problem.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/902 (2020) · source
“The first report of the IIT issued last April concluded that the Syrian regime’s air force was the perpetrator of the three chemical-weapons attacks that took place in Ltamenah on 24, 25 and 30 March 2017. We consider that report as an important step towards ensuring that those responsible for the chemical- weapons attacks in Syria are held accountable for their crimes. At the same time, we look forward to the conclusion of the current investigations carried out by both the fact-finding mission and the IIT on other cases. Now that we have ample evidence of and documentation about the perpetrators of those attacks, it is high time justice was served. To that end, the cooperation between the OPCW Secretariat and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria is significant and must continue.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/902 (2020) · source
“The OPCW fact-finding mission reported the additional use of toxic chemicals in Ltamenah in March 2017 and in Douma in April 2018. The regime’s history of repeatedly using chemical weapons against its own people cannot be disputed. Turkey has strongly condemned the use of chemical weapons by the regime from the very beginning. We remain determined to hold it accountable for the indiscriminate killing of innocent children, women and men with those heinous weapons. We welcomed the establishment of the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) last year and supported its efforts to identify the perpetrators of the chemical- weapons attacks in Syria.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/902 (2020) · source
“Emboldened by a growing sense of impunity, the regime continued to resort to chemical weapons repeatedly in the following years. The regime’s crimes are well documented by the United Nations-Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Joint Investigative Mechanism. The Mechanism confirmed that the Syrian regime was responsible for using toxic substances in Talmenes, on 21 April 2014; Sarmin, on 16 March 2015; and Qmenas, on 16 March 2015; and that it once again used sarin in Khan Shaykhun on 4 April 2017. The Al-Assad regime was shielded from being held immediately accountable for its continued use of chemical weapons by the dismantling of the Joint Investigative Mechanism at the end of 2017, and the use of chemical weapons by the regime continued unabated.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/902 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having organized this meeting and to thank also the High Representative for her briefing. We welcome the open format of this meeting, which contributes to efforts to keep this topic high on the agenda of the international community. The use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime has been part of its brutal war against its own people, with devastating humanitarian consequences. Indeed, 21 August marked the seventh anniversary of the horrific Ghouta sarin attack by the Al-Assad regime. In that single incident, the resident pawn in Damascus and his regime killed hundreds of civilians in cold blood. This was yet another appalling crime committed by the regime against humanity, this time with prohibited weapons. The perpetrators of this attack are yet to be held accountable.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/902 (2020) · source
“The termination of the mechanism would also have negative implications on the political process. The Security Council should therefore uphold its obligation to protect civilians in Syria by renewing the cross-border mechanism for at least 12 months. Finally, I note that this forum has been abused once again today as a platform for utter misrepresentations, lies and delusional accusations by the so-called representative of the criminal Al-Assad regime. He does not represent the Syrian people, and I will not dignify him with a reply. Turkey will continue to be the voice of the Syrian people’s demands until their legitimate aspirations are fulfilled.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“Turkey will continue to be fully engaged with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs towards the implementation of the United Nations deconfliction mechanism, and we call on all to do the same. Given that the regime’s massive military campaign against its own people forced 13 million Syrians to flee their homes and destroyed countless lives, we need more United Nations involvement in the country, not less. In the absence of the United Nations cross-border mechanism, the besieged people of Syria will be further starved and bombed into surrender. The abuse of humanitarian issues as a matter of petty negotiations cannot be tolerated. We should not forget that a lasting political solution can be achieved only if basic humanitarian assistance continues to reach people in need throughout the country.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“I would also like to touch upon the rightful appeal by 18 Syrian non-governmental organizations that requested the inclusion of Tel Abyad border crossing in the mechanism. As is well known, we have offered the Council that option in order to meet the humanitarian needs in the north-east, and it is still on the table. As I have said before, that crossing is already in use. Since November 2019, our country’s authorities have channelled 412 humanitarian aid convoys through that crossing. In four years, almost 500 attacks on health facilities killed hundreds of civilians and health-care personnel in Syria, mainly in the north-west. Respecting international humanitarian law entails protecting humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure. The United Nations deconfliction mechanism is an indispensable instrument to that end.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“If the cross- border mechanism is terminated, we will lose the existing means of notification, transparency, monitoring and control. So let me ask the Council a simple question: would it prefer that humanitarian aid delivery be deprived of the benefits of this robust system? While we have the collective responsibility to ensure the survival of those vulnerable people, will we put aside our promises and leave Syrians to the mercy of the murderous regime that has brought nothing but more suffering to its own people? Is this the future that we foresee for them? The state of the ongoing negotiations on the renewal of the cross-border mechanism is a source of concern. This mechanism has no alternative and must continue unabated. We must do everything possible to reach each and every Syrian in need. Obstructing that goal is unjustifiable.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“Let me shed some light on the Monitoring Mechanism activities exclusively performed by the United Nations for cross-border humanitarian assistance. As underlined by both the Secretary-General and Under-Secretary-General Lowcock, cross-border operations are one of the most scrutinized aid-delivery systems in the world. From the start to the very end, convoys and aid items are monitored at various stages and with the most developed technologies. In Turkey, trucks, once loaded with humanitarian items and confirmed by the United Nations Monitoring Mechanism, are accompanied by Turkish and United Nations officials from the trans-shipment area to the border crossing point. Scanners examine each truck to provide a detailed view of its contents. The system in place ensures a highly accountable, effective and transparent operation.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“As part of the prevention and preparedness efforts for COVID-19, approximately 11,000 test kits and thousands of other pandemic- related items are being delivered to Idlib through the Mechanism. However, this corresponds to less than 1 per cent of actual needs. Let us be clear: there is no cross-line access from the regime-held areas to the north-west, and cross-line operations cannot substitute for cross-border assistance. The Council knows all too well that the regime considers the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people as terrorism, calls its own people who are looking for a better future terrorists and blames those who stand by the Syrian people as supporters of terrorism. The shameless allegations of aid diversion are the product of that sick mind.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“To improve conditions for the internally displaced persons living in tents at the border area, we have built 11,000 brick houses so far. That is financed by our own resources but is clearly not sufficient to meet current needs. We expect donors to step in to assist in this effort. Since the establishment of the cross-border United Nations Monitoring Mechanism for the Syrian Arab Republic, in 2014, 88 per cent of the operations have been conducted through the Bab Al-Hawa and Bab Al-Salam border crossings. Since 10 January, those two border gates have been the sole channels for aid delivery, being used by more than 7,000 United Nations trucks. As of today, cross-border operations are continuing at record levels to respond to the acute humanitarian needs.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“First, let me thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Ms. Susannah Sirkin for their briefings. I would like also to commend the brave and devoted work done by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and all humanitarian organizations to reach the millions of Syrians in need. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the economic crisis have further worsened the existing humanitarian catastrophe in Syria. Millions of Syrians depend on the continuation of the cross-border operations for their survival. In the north-west, 3 million out of 4 million Syrians are internally displaced. Nearly 1,000 tent camps are hosting more than 1.4 million displaced persons; 80 per cent of them are women and children.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“Finally, I would also like to emphasize that we consider the topic of working methods as one of the crucial components of the broader Security Council reform agenda. Updating the methods of work cannot be a substitute for engaging in more substantive talks on Security Council reform.S/2020/418 We must continue to search for a constructive solution to make the Security Council more representative, accountable and transparent by identifying a common denominator that can garner the widest possible political acceptance by Member States.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“Another improvement would be to better incorporate conflict prevention into the Security Council agenda. The current experience indicates that the Council often finds itself responding to crises in an incremental manner, making more use of the tools at its disposal only as situations deteriorate. There is broad consensus among Member States on the need to enhance our efforts for prevention, including through mediation efforts. The use of the veto has also proved to hamper the most needed role that the Council has to play in a given situation. Better outcomes can be achieved, and more humanitarian tragedies can be prevented, if the Council’s tools are utilized much earlier, without resorting to the veto as a tool to advance national interests.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“We must also ensure that the elected members are on the same footing as the permanent five. Among other things, the responsibility of penholdership should be distributed evenly among permanent and elected members, and the penholders should engage in timely consultations with all relevant United Nations members with openness and flexibility. There is also a need to increase coordination and cooperation between the Council and other main bodies of the United Nations. Better coordination by the Security Council with the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Secretariat, as well as with the Peacebuilding Commission, is crucial. More interaction with regional organizations would also contribute to the Council’s effectiveness.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“Closed meetings and informal consultations should be kept to a minimum, meaningful participation of States with a legitimate stake in the Council’s deliberations should be ensured throughout the decision-making process and civil society and humanitarian experts should be given more opportunities to brief the Council. Transparency is especially important wih regard to peacekeeping operations. The Council must cooperate more closely with troop- and police-contributing countries. The success of sanctions regimes depends on the cooperation of all Member States. Ensuring transparency in the working methods of subsidiary organs, keeping regular channels of communication open and making the relevant documentation accessible to the entire United Nations membership remain crucial.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“Regular debates on the working methods of the Security Council are both necessary and useful to make progress towards achieving the most needed improvements in this area. The emergence of the coronavirus pandemic has also brought additional elements into the existing discussion, particularly on how to safeguard the transparency and effectiveness of the Security Council during extraordinary circumstances. We are encouraged to observe that we have achieved some progress on the working methods over the past years. Yet we are far from ensuring the transparency, accountability and efficiency of the Council. To achieve that, we must start with increasing the interaction between the Council and the wider membership.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“A two-State solution, with the establishment of an independent State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the only way to bring about a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. That requires unity, courage and resilience, particularly on the part of the Security Council.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“We are sending more than 15 tons of medical supplies to Palestine. We are also going to provide $5 million in budget assistance to Palestine. As an emergency measure, we have agreed to the use of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza as a quarantine hospital. The latest developments remind us once again of the urgency of revitalizing the peace process. Unfortunately, the newly formed Government of Israel has already pledged to consider the annexation of parts of the West Bank. The violations of international law committed so far have not brought peace to the region. It is not going to be any different now. Further unilateral steps would end hopes for peace in Israel and Palestine.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“The international community also needs to step up its support for the Palestinian people by providing bilateral humanitarian and financial assistance to the Palestinians. We need to support the United Nations COVID-19 response plan for the occupied Palestinian territory and ensure that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East continues to have adequate resources. We must also focus on the long-term socioeconomic implications of the pandemic, as economic contraction, further financial instability and increasing unemployment will have negative repercussions on social cohesion. In the face of the crisis, Turkey has increased its support to Palestine to expand the capacity of the health system, prevent the transmission of the virus and mitigate the worst effects of the pandemic.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“First, Israel must ensure that all Palestinians, including those held in prisons and detention centres, have access to the necessary humanitarian assistance and medical equipment needed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The illegal blockade of Gaza must end. The Palestine Government must be provided with all the financial support it needs, and all illegal settlement and demolition activities must stop. As the occupying Power, Israel also has an obligation to ensure the safety and security of the Palestinian people and their property. The disproportionate use of force by the security forces and settler violence must come to an end. We expect Israel to respect international law and principles of humanity.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“There are also reports that settlers are attempting to take advantage of the lockdown to take over Palestinian land. We condemn all steps that might inflict more hardship and suffering on the Palestinian people during this pandemic. The stability of Palestine is crucial for the stability of the region. The spread of the virus could lead to wider social and political destabilization, with broader consequences. The current crisis can also be an opportunity to restart the peace process with a view to finding a just and lasting solution to the conflict in line with the resolutions of the Security Council and the established parameters. We therefore urge the Government of Israel to fulfil its responsibilities. It is time to stop the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“There are, however, reports of the obstruction of Palestinian efforts to contain the virus, including, but not limited to, the destruction of a health clinic and the seizure of disinfection equipment. It is also very concerning that Israeli operations against civilians continue during the crisis, even within the context of enforced lockdown and evening curfew. These actions by the Israeli authorities could amount to crimes against humanity and will have permanent implications for efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. We are also appalled that, even during this global crisis, Israel is continuing with its illegal settlement activities, the destruction of Palestinian properties and the eviction of Palestinian people from their homes.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“The Palestinian Government has implemented several effective public-health restrictions and developed a socioeconomic response plan. We welcome and support all these measures to deal with the spread of the virus and its implications. Yet, as in the rest of the world, the public-health restrictions have had serious effects on the economy of Palestine. With the shutdown of the economy and the decrease in revenues, the Palestinian economy will further contract. It is regrettable that, owing to the Israeli occupation, the Palestine Government does not have access to the conventional monetary and fiscal tools to cope with the crisis. These are times that call for solidarity and cooperation.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“The situation across the Middle East continues to be a source of grave concern. While terrorism, conflicts and humanitarian crises have engulfed millions of innocent people in the region, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has further exacerbated conditions there by disrupting humanitarian aid flows, restricting peace operations and limiting diplomatic efforts. Unfortunately, in this time of global crisis, the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Gaza are among the most vulnerable. Decades of Israeli occupation and blockade have severely damaged the Palestinian economy and its infrastructure and health system. In Gaza, 2 million people have been living under extremely difficult conditions, in widespread poverty and with acute shortages of essential goods and services.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source