YouSaid · the spoken record

Frazier

lines on the record: 593
first: 2020-01-13
most recent: 2023-12-22
sittings or episodes: 103
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

“I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča and Representative Hollingworth for their insightful briefings, and I acknowledge the participation of the Permanent Representative of Ukraine and the Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU). As part of its illegal war of aggression, Russia has developed a devastating campaign of systematic air strikes against civilians and critical infrastructure. Those brutal attacks have one objective only — to inflict human suffering on Ukraine and its citizens by depriving them of electricity, heating, education, medical care and food, as well as destroying Ukraine’s grain export capacities. The multilayered consequences of this war will take years to overcome and heal.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“We need to empower people, especially young persons, to participate in democratic systems fully and meaningfully through capacities, resources and skills. We must also promote literacy, including digital literacy, to effectively counter disinformation and misinformation. Climate-related security risks, which are a daily and constant reality in many countries, also require our urgent attention. Sea level rise has the potential to wipe out low-lying nations, small island States and small island developing States. Extreme weather events, droughts and floods are heightening the risks of conflict and instability in vulnerable regions. In the light of that, we remain convinced that the Security Council has an important role to play in addressing those challenges.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482 (2023) · source
“We believe in the importance of robust partnerships underpinned by a human-rights based approach to development, encompassing universal values and high standards that deliver for people and the planet, which is what the Global Gateway stands for. Our partnership with the African Union is an example of that. Inclusive development requires our collective recognition of the specific needs of women and girls in both conflict and post-conflict situations. It is in that light that we call for the full, equal, meaningful, effective and safe participation of women in all spheres and levels of public and political life, including in peace and development processes. Access to inclusive and quality education and employment opportunities is also a critical precondition for eradicating poverty, achieving gender equality and closing the digital gap.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482 (2023) · source
“We support further cooperation between United Nations organs, including the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, as well as bodies like the Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council. Through the relentless efforts of United Nations peacekeeping missions, special political missions, regional offices and country teams, we are better able to identify the root causes that fracture stability and to empower communities with the tools to mitigate threats. The European Union (EU) and its member States, including Malta, are the world’s leading donors of development assistance and cooperation. The EU will invest €300 billion in sustainable development over the next five years through its Global Gateway initiative.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482 (2023) · source
“Aspartofourreinvigorated trust in multilateralism, we believe in inclusive approaches to sustainable peace, where the voices of all relevant stakeholders are heard. That comprehensive vision must be underpinned by sustainability across the three strands of development — environmental, social and economic. Sustainable development is an enabler of conflict prevention and peacebuilding, as it unlocks transformative change in societies. It enhances their adaptation, mitigation and resilience to current and future shocks. We also underscore that human rights, democracy, the rule of law and good governance, on one hand, and inclusive and sustainable development, on the other, are indivisible, interdependent and mutually reinforcing. We call for a whole-of-system approach towards peacebuilding.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482 (2023) · source
“We thank the briefers for their insights. Malta is of the firm belief that sustainable development and human rights are integral to addressing inequalities, grievances and exclusion. Often, those elements are at the root of instability and conflict. From the adverse impacts of climate change to food and water insecurity, from forced displacement to heightened inequalities, the challenges that persons in vulnerable situations face, especially in conflict- affected countries, are multifold. Such disproportionate impacts on people’s livelihoods continue to limit their capacity to ensure resilient sustainable development for current and future generations. Against that backdrop, Malta recognizes the Security Council’s responsibility in addressing those multidimensionalchallenges.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482 (2023) · source
“This is just a short statement to say that, following the adoption of resolution 2712 (2023), I would like to thank all Council members for their constructive engagement with us throughout this entire process. As I said in my statement before the vote, with this adoption today, the Security Council reaffirmed its responsibility and commitment to the safeguarding of civilian lives, especially those of children. Malta will continue to actively engage on the situation in Israel and Gaza. What we have achieved today is an important first step. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to the protection of civilians and the plight of children and armed conflict that continue to suffer in a disproportionate manner throughout our term on the Council as an elected member.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9479 (2023) · source
“We need to do this as a matter of urgency. Malta remains steadfastly committed to the protection of civilians, in particular children. They are suffering disproportionately in this conflict. We cannot close a blind eye to their suffering. In that spirit, I urge all Council members to support the draft resolution by voting in favour of it.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9479 (2023) · source
“The text also underlines and reiterates the special vulnerable status of children. It calls for the safe and unconditional release of hostages, especially children, that are being held by Hamas and other groups. That, too, is a clear humanitarian imperative that cannot be ignored. We stress that international humanitarian law provides general protection for children as persons taking no part in hostilities. They enjoy special protection as persons who are particularly vulnerable, and we recall that the taking of hostages is prohibited under international law. Our votes today translate into real human lives — the lives of thousands of children, civilians and heroic humanitarian workers. Today the Security Council has the opportunity to reaffirm its responsibility and commitment to safeguarding civilian lives.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9479 (2023) · source
“We thank them all for engaging with us in an open and constructive manner. Our guiding light throughout the process was to make sure that the text remained focused and humanitarian in scope. The draft resolution provides for the establishment of urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days. Such measures would enable full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. It would facilitate the continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services important to the well-being of civilians, especially children. It would enable urgent rescue-and-recovery efforts, including for missing children in damaged and destroyed buildings, and the medical evacuation of sick or injured children and their caregivers.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9479 (2023) · source
“On this occasion we also play tribute to all United Nations staff on the ground for their heroic efforts and remember those who have paid the ultimate price. Draft resolution S/2023/876, which we have in front of us today, seeks to offer hope in this dark hour. It aims to ensure some respite from the current nightmare in Gaza and to give hope to the families of all victims. It focuses on the plight of children trapped in the war enclave and of those being held hostage. Over the past week, we have held extensive consultations with Council members, interested parties, countries of the region and humanitarian organizations. We did that in an effort to achieve a balanced and operational text that can address one part of the current crisis — the immediate needs of the affected children.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9479 (2023) · source
“The humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold in Gaza ever since the horrific terror attacks of 7 October is deeply troubling. On that day, children were killed and taken hostage. Since then, more than 4,600 children are reported to have been killed in Gaza and around 1,500 are considered missing. Many are likely trapped underneath the rubble. The lives of newborn babies and premature babies at Al Shifa Hospital are in grave and imminent danger. Countless civilians are now suffering the scourge of hostilities and all the devastating consequences that armed conflict brings with it. Over 1 million people are displaced; more than half of them are children. Last week, the Secretary-General stated “Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children.” That stark warning must not go unheeded.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9479 (2023) · source
“In that regard, we are gravely concerned about the fact that all the recent invitations have been blocked. We also deeply regret the current impasse in the Group of Expert selection process. We reaffirm our full support for the Chair’s proposal and reiterate our call for the Group of Experts to be fully staffed and working at full capacity, without further delay.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“The investigations led by the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD) have uncovered evidence of the development and use by Da’esh of chemical and biological weapons in Iraq. UNITAD’s important work serves as one example of the interlinkages in the work of the three Committees and the importance of cooperation among them and their expert groups. That includes the participation of the 1267 Monitoring Team and 1540 Group of Experts in relevant country visits by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. The participation of the 1540 Group of Experts in country visits and outreach activities is a key aspect of the implementation of the Committee’s mandate.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“That applies in particular to the threat posed by Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates. I want to personally thank all members of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities for their constructive engagement, in my capacity as Chair, and I look forward to our continued cooperation in 2024. Malta was especially pleased that we were able to reach a consensus on updating the Committee’s guidelines earlier this year. In an increasingly precarious global security environment, the risk that non-State actors such as terrorists can acquire, develop, traffic or use weapons of mass destruction is deeply concerning. The risk is not imaginary.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Moreover, Da’esh is maintaining its insurgency and ability to mount high-profile attacks in Syria and Iraq. As the terrorist threat evolves, so too must the Security Council’s response. We need to focus greater attention on addressing the root causes of violent extremism and protecting human rights while countering terrorism. We also need to enhance the inclusion of civil society within wider counter- terrorism decision-making. As we highlighted at our Arria Formula meeting in June, the Council must ensure that counter-terrorism responses are gender-responsive. That includes addressing sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated in terrorist contexts — violence that disproportionately affects women and girls. United Nations sanctions are an indispensable component of the Security Council’s toolbox in countering terrorism.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“I would first like to express Malta’s gratitude to Ambassador Nusseibeh, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism, and Ambassador Pérez Loose, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), for their excellent stewardship during 2023. The threat posed by terrorist groups to international peace and security remains high and dynamic across conflict zones. In Africa, Da’esh and Al-Qaida affiliates are expanding their activities in many parts of the continent. In Afghanistan, Da’esh-Khorasan continues to pose a serious threat within the country and the wider region. The Monitoring Team has further reported that the relationship between the Taliban and Al-Qaida remains close.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“I strongly encourage Member States to participate actively in maintaining and updating the ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida sanctions list by proposing designations to the list and providing additional and updated information, along with supporting documentation, for the list entries and narrative summaries. It is also important to note that Member States’ reporting on the implementation of sanctions measures is still relatively limited. I urge them to sustain their active engagement with the Committee and the Monitoring Team, which is crucial to ensuring the accuracy of the sanctions list and the effective operation of the sanctions regime. As Chair, I conclude by expressing our gratitude to all Member States for their collaboration with the Committee, the Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Even the technical amendments to the list based on Member States’ information and approved by the Committee did little to substantively improve the quality of the list. The reluctance of certain Member States and other relevant international organizations to provide updated information about list entities and individuals remains an issue. In the light of the persistent global terrorist threat posed by ISIL/Da’esh, Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, along with evolving trends, I want to emphasize the importance of maintaining the 1267 sanctions regime as a top priority on the global counter-terrorism agenda.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“The Committee also approved one exemption to the assets freeze submitted by a Member State on behalf of one individual to cover extraordinary expenses. The 2022 annual review — conducted in accordance with paragraphs 90 and 91 of resolution 2610 (2021) and considering list entries lacking necessary identifiers as well as individuals reported as deceased and entities reported as defunct — has been proceeding well up to now, and I would like to express my gratitude to the Member States that contributed responses. The forthcoming annual review is scheduled to start in 2024. As noted by the Monitoring Team, however, Member States continue to raise concerns about the lack of identifiers.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Two individuals were removed from the list following recommendations by the Ombudsperson. The Office of the Ombudsperson is currently reviewing three delisting requests. Furthermore, the ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee approved amendments to the existing list entries and narrative summaries of 34 individuals and eight entities. The current ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida sanctions list consists of 256 individuals and 89 entities. The Committee received six requests for exemptions to the assets freeze determined to be necessary for basic expenses, pursuant to paragraphs 84 (a) and 86 (a) of resolution 2610 (2021). Five were from Member States and one came through the focal point mechanism. All the requests were approved.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“On 10 March, the Committee reached a consensus on the updates. Since the beginning of the year, the Committee has conducted 10 in-person meetings, including a joint briefing with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011), for interested Member States. The Committee endorsed the addition of three individuals and one entity to the 1267 sanctions list, which is an increase over the previous year. The Committee is currently considering listing proposals for two entities and two individuals, while the Monitoring Team is concurrently reviewing several potential listing proposals in collaboration with the designating States. The Committee is also considering a proposal regarding the dissociation of religion and terrorism in relevant listings.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Overall, I would like to highlight that despite leadership losses and the effective counter-terrorism efforts of member States, ISIL/Da’esh, Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities continue to represent a serious threat to international peace and security. The situation requires the constant attention of Member States. For a more detailed analysis, I refer members to the periodic reports of the Monitoring Team published on the Committee’s website. As regards the general work of the Committee during the reporting period, our mandated activities continued smoothly. I would like to highlight the Committee members’ positive efforts in revising the Committee’s guidelines for the conduct of its work to ensure that they accord with resolution 2610 (2021).”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Several Member States have expressed concerns about the possibility that ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida could exploit the existing political and military instability to further their terrorist objectives. The ISIL/ Da’esh faction operating in the Sahel is trying to gain more independence and is intensifying its assaults in Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger. The clashes between that faction and Al-Qaida-linked groups in the area, combined with the uncertain political circumstances in the region, pose a multifaceted and intricate challenge to regional security. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Allied Democratic Forces continue to escalate their attacks on civilians, while further south, in Mozambique, the situation has improved significantly in Cabo Delgado.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“The group is also strategically reducing activities in order to limit losses after the weakening of its leadership, with the aim of rebuilding capabilities and restructuring its ranks. Simultaneously, it is engaged in recruitment in camps and detention centres in the north-eastern Syrian Arab Republic. The substantial population in the camps and detention centres in that area poses a potentially significant threat to the region and beyond. Within Afghanistan, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan remains a matter of concern. Member States have pointed to the group’s capacity to extend its threat beyond the country and have an impact in the wider region. The situation in Africa is growing increasingly complex, with violence intensifying in the Sahel and the Sudan.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“However, despite the indications that the central leadership’s direct oversight of regional branches is limited, there are still ongoing financial, propaganda and other linkages. Since the Monitoring Team’s most recent report, in early August, ISIL/Da’esh has announced the death of its most recent leader, Abu Al-Hassan Al-Hashemi Al-Qurashi, and named his successor as Abu Al-Husain Al-Husaini Al-Qurashi. ISIL/Da’esh has gone through four leaders in four years, of whom the last three were killed within 16 months, as a result of sustained counter- terrorism pressure in the territory under their control. Those leadership losses have led the group to change its strategy and adopt a flatter organizational structure, with the role of leader becoming less significant operationally.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“The findings from the report serve as the foundation for my current briefing. The briefing will also satisfy the requirement set out in resolution 2610 (2021) to report to the Security Council on the overall work of the Committee at least once a year. As reported by the Monitoring Team, the threat of terrorism remains high in conflict zones and relatively lower in other regions. The situation is fluid, and while the threat has diminished in some conflict zones, the resilience of terrorist groups implies a potential for resurgence in specific conditions. Both ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida have been forced to adapt organizationally and strategically by the pressure on their core leadership, as local branches have achieved greater independent operational capabilities.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Frazier: On behalf of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, I wish to give a brief overview of the developments in the work of the Committee over the past year. I will also outline the evolution of the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)/ Da’esh, Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities and the Committee’s response to this challenge with the support of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. The Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team presented its thirty-second biannual report in compliance with paragraph (a) of annex I to resolution 2610 (2021) in July.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“We stress the need to refrain from conflating the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people with the terror tactics of Hamas. It is only through the fulfilment of the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights, including to self-determination, that we can effectively relaunch a credible peace process.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“I cannot fail to mention the tireless work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) during the past month, which has come at the great cost of the lives of over 100 heroic workers. We fully support the Agency through these difficult times and underscore its dire need for funding. UNRWA has been and remains a stabilizing force in the region. It is one of the only beacons of hope for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. It is crucial that we continue to support it. In conclusion, Malta underscores its commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East, based on a two-State solution in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“We underline Israel’s right to protect its citizens from such acts of terror. We also stress that all actions to that end must be in line with international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and military necessity. Malta also remains concerned by the threat of a regional spillover of the conflict. That is particularly worrisome in the West Bank, where violence and unrest have increased this past month. We call on all parties to avoid any actions or inflammatory rhetoric that could further enflame tensions during this heightened period. The forced displacement of Palestinians and related settler violence must also cease.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“Malta therefore reiterates its call for a humanitarian ceasefire and stresses the importance of adequate humanitarian pauses in leading up to that. We cannot speak of humanitarian imperatives without adequately referring to the ongoing hostage situation. Over 200 people, including elderly persons, children and even infants, are still being held against their will. Their families and friends suffer the agony of not knowing when, or if, they will be reunited with their loved ones. We reiterate our urgent demand for Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to safely release all hostages immediately and unconditionally. Malta also reiterates its categorical condemnation of the unjustifiable terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas against Israel and its people and the indiscriminate rocket fire that has continued to take place since.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“Critical patients are being operated on without anaesthesia and on floors due to a lack of hospital beds. Compounding that situation is severe damage to the water and sanitation infrastructure and the overall lack of nutrition available. That is leading to growing risks of severe disease for infants and children. Malta welcomes the Israeli Government’s announcement yesterday of daily pauses to ensure the safe operation of humanitarian corridors. However, we must also stress that, to protect civilians in Gaza, longer sustained pauses are needed to allow for humanitarian actors to adequately access and address the rising needs of the civilian population. Such efforts must include urgent recovery operations for persons trapped under rubble.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“Just before this meeting started, Médecins Sans Frontières informed us of active fighting in and around Al Shifa Hospital. Inside, approximately 4,000 patients are in dire straits, not including those seeking shelter. The Director of Surgery has told us: “We do not want to be killed here.” As medical staff, they are staying for their patients and are desperately asking for our help. One of our roles in this Chamber is to ensure that medical staff can work without their very lives being endangered. Meanwhile, the health system in the enclave has completely collapsed. The scarcity of medical supplies, fuel, water and food are depriving people of the essentials for their survival and preventing the treatment of severe wounds and illnesses.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“I thank Mr. Ghebreyesus for his very moving statement, and Mr. Jilani for his briefing on the humanitarian and health crises in Gaza. Malta expresses grave concern at the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Tens of thousands of injured, sick and displaced civilians are sheltering in hospitals and schools, depending on their protected status under international law for safety. A relentless siege and daily aerial bombardments in one of the most densely populated places on Earth means that there are no safe zones in Gaza. Yesterday’s strikes against hospitals, including Al Shifa Hospital, are deplorable. We emphasize once again that medical facilities, personnel and ambulances are protected by international humanitarian law and should not be targeted.”
2023-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9472 (2023) · source
“Malta believes that a united and stable Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the best interests of all its citizens and of the Western Balkans as a whole.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“We also urge the authorities to implement credible, genuine measures to respect and protect human rights and freedom of expression in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The free media and civil society play a crucial role and their status should be preserved. Malta reiterates its unwavering support for a single, sovereign and united Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its future in the European Union. The country’s territorial integrity must be maintained. We are confident that through inclusive dialogue, responsible and sensible leadership and strong political will from all parties, Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to advance the cause of peaceful coexistence, strengthen the country’s cohesion and realize its full potential.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“However, Malta is concerned about the actions and rhetoric adopted by the Republika Srpska entity that fuel secessionist sentiments and challenge the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order and international personality of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Malta strongly condemns all threats and unilateral actions that could escalate ethnic tensions and undermine peace, stability and the quality of life in the country and wider region. We remain concerned about the legislation and initiatives in the Republika Srpska entity that are creating obstacles to the country’s progress and to its path to EU accession. Legal changes that conflict with the role of the Constitutional Court or put it in doubt cannot be tolerated.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“We encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina and its leaders to redouble efforts to quickly adopt the policies and legal reforms required to fulfil the 14 key priorities identified by the European Commission. The strengthening of the country’s constitutional, electoral and judicial frameworks is essential for making meaningful progress towards European Union membership. We stress our call for those reforms to be based on the rule of law and to address the needs of all members of society. Malta highlights the importance of enhancing women’s representation in all Government institutions and their full participation in decision-making to reap the benefits of an inclusive public administration.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“I start by congratulating you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council, and I thank Brazil and the entire team for their work in the previous month. Malta welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we thank Switzerland for its efforts as penholder in ensuring a smooth process. We recognize the importance of the operation and its role in maintaining a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We remain fully committed to the operation’s presence in the country and support the work it carries out. Malta fully supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to European Union membership and welcomes the steps already taken towards that objective.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“It is critical that the international community work together to prevent a spillover, which would further increase internal tensions and destabilize the entire region. Malta underscores that any lasting and sustainable plan for peace in the Middle East must be based on a two- State solution, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters. De-escalation, restraint and mediation are critical. The longer we fail to address those imperatives, the harder it will become to climb out of the abyss and towards the path of peace.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“We urge Council members to unite in good faith and act decisively for the sake of regional and international security. We also stress that it is unacceptable that humanitarian actors working through the most life-threatening and extraordinary conditions to protect Gazan civilians must also contend with communications blackouts. Connectivity is of the utmost importance, not only for the civilian population but also so that aid responders can continue doing their critical work. Malta reiterates the call also made in the European Council conclusions for continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza, including through humanitarian corridors and pauses. All efforts made by international actors in that regard are welcome. Furthermore, we are alarmed at the precarious developments in areas outside Gaza.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“We reiterate our call for their immediate release and for their special protection needs to be prioritized. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza can no longer be ignored. Urgent action is needed. That is why we voted in favour of General Assembly resolution ES- 10/21 on Friday at the tenth emergency special session. We welcome the provisions of the resolution that call for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities, which is the minimum requirement to ensure the protection of civilians. Meanwhile, we remain concerned that the Council has been unable to act in the face of the accelerating crisis. We echo the Secretary-General’s message that this is a moment of truth. Our immediate priority must be to address the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe and reverse the current escalations.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“All parties to the conflict are obligated to abide by international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. They must take all feasible precautions to avoid, and in any event minimize, harm to civilians and civilian objects. Those include objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population. We are utterly devastated to note the effects the conflict is having on Palestinian and Israeli children. Thousands have perished, while the rest are suffering unthinkable psychological traumas. We underscore that the killing and maiming of children and attacks on schools, hospitals, places of worship and the denial of children’s access to humanitarian assistance are all grave violations. We also echo the concerns raised regarding the children being held by Hamas.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“During the past days, thousands broke into UNRWA warehouses and distribution centres, taking wheat, flour and other basic items. That illustrates how desperate the situation on the ground is and is a worrisome sign that civil order is starting to break down. In parallel, Hamas’s continuous rocket barrage into Israeli territory, with some rockets reaching Tel Aviv, is completely unacceptable. We unequivocally reject and condemn those barbaric attacks, including the 7 October attack and the taking of hostages. Those are heinous acts of terrorism. We reiterate our call on Hamas to immediately release all hostages safely and unconditionally and urge parties with influence to continue negotiations to that end. Malta condemns all violence against civilians.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“I thank today’s briefers for their stark briefings and also thank and applaud their teams for their important work on the ground. We convey our sincere condolences to Commissioner- General Lazzarini for the tragic loss of the staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the past weeks. For years, the Agency has been an important stabilizing force in the region. In recent days, his work has been nothing short of heroic, and he can count on our full support. Malta is gravely concerned by the desperate situation in Gaza. Such military operations will undoubtedly have a devastating impact on the more than 2 million civilians trapped in the enclave. Let us not forget that those civilians were already perilously vulnerable and living in dire conditions.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, Malta recognizes the critical stabilization factor displayed by MINUSCA. We encourage the Government of the Central African Republic in progressively addressing the root causes of conflict and stress the need for its partners to remain committed to upholding human rights and international law. Together with the European Union and other partners, we are confident of such support if those milestones are prioritized by all.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“While we still observe incidents in status-of-forces violations, we welcome the designation of focal points within all armed bodies of the State to facilitate smoother communication and isolate such cases. We also commend MINUSCA for interpreting its mandate in a manner that recognizes the importance of extending State authority, as that can have a positive impact on all other priorities. We consider that to be a natural progression that should continue in harmony with the other mandated tasks of the Mission, all of which we believe contribute holistically to peacekeeping and peacemaking efforts. While we echo the Secretary- General’s call for the renewal of MINUSCA in line with its current mandate and priorities, we remain confident that the annual human rights report will be issued in due time.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“Significant investment in the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation and reintegration process also provides a credible alternative to conflict and violence. The use of proxies from both the authorities and the Wagner Group will not serve that cause. We believe in the crucial role of political dialogue, open and secure civic spaces and confidence-building measures towards facilitating meaningful and representative local elections in the country. We are at a timely juncture, as the Council will soon embark on negotiations for the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). We commend the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Blue Helmets on the improved relations with the authorities.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source
“We commend the progress that has been made in increasing women’s participation in the local peace and reconciliation committees and addressing obstacles to their political participation and to inclusive elections. Malta unequivocally condemns violence by all armed groups. We are concerned that the Retour, réclamation et réhabilitation stands out as a primary perpetrator of conflict-related sexual violence, violations of the right to physical integrity and abductions, and that the Unité pour la paix is predominantly responsible for cases of summary executions, killings, abductions and the deprivation of liberty. In addressing those challenges, the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic remains central to enduring stabilization in the country.”
2023-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9454 (2023) · source