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

“Beyond the major shelter needs that have arisen as a result of the flooding in Libya, a major scale-up in the health, water and sanitation sectors is essential for mitigating the lasting secondary public health consequences of the flooding. In that vein, it is important to give priority to gender-responsive humanitarian planning and distribution, with support for local women’s organizations. Malta remains supportive of all efforts seeking to overcome the political impasse. We continue to call on all Libyan parties to engage fully, constructively, transparently and in a spirit of compromise with all efforts towards that goal. We continue to support the Special Representative’s efforts to facilitate such inclusive discussions and consultations.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“The situation was further worsened by the ongoing political paralysis and the impact it is having on the maintenance of dams and infrastructure, which would have contributed to mitigating the scale of the devastation. Furthermore, while we recognize the efforts of competing Administrations to address recovery and reconstruction needs, it is indisputable that those processes would proceed more smoothly and effectively through a central national mechanism. On that note, we echo the call of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to establish such a body to respond to the flooding and help coordinate a coherent humanitarian and recovery response, based on transparency and in line with humanitarian principles.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative Bathily for his briefing. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Japan for his briefing in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in our discussions today. I start by expressing Malta’s deepest condolences to the people of Libya following the devastating flooding in eastern Libya. Our thoughts are with the thousands who have been affected. The consequences of the flooding that struck eastern Libya last month highlighted the impact of human-induced climate change and the catastrophic consequences that it can have on the Mediterranean region and elsewhere.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“With that in mind, the Security Council will soon be tasked with taking on a decision towards predictable, sustainable and flexible financing of AU-led peace support operations. As was discussed in Addis Ababa, we have a unique opportunity to make progress and forge consensus on the issue. In conclusion, the United Nations and the AU share multiple common interests and concerns. We should leverage the most pressing ones to invigorate our shared efforts. Collectively, we can infuse new content and momentum into the interactions between the two bodies, in the interests of our credibility and the prosperity of future generations.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“We welcome the AU’s 10-year Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan, which lays a foundation for continent-wide climate action. The annual consultative meetings between the United Nations Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council have substantially fortified our cooperation over the years. Our joint endeavours in Addis Ababa last week further enhanced coordination between the two bodies, including on aspects relating to working methods. As it stands, Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations provides us with an adequate framework for moving forward in the realm of peace and security. We advocate for a continued United Nations-AU partnership that will empower the AU to assume ownership in peacekeeping efforts on the African continent.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“Malta supports the Africa Platform on Children Affected by Armed Conflicts. We welcome the development of a child protection programme within the AU Peace and Security Department, as supported by the United Nations. Building on the three-year strategic plan for integrating child protection, we look forward to the implementation of two pivotal policies, on child protection in AU-led peace support operations and on mainstreaming child protection into the African peace and security architecture. As Africa remains one of the continent’s most heavily affected by the effects of climate change, we are also encouraged by the growing recognition of the clear need to develop a robust and coordinated policy response.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“In the Sahel in particular, we have deepened our collaboration to call for a swift and punctual return to constitutional governance in line with the timelines established by the Economic Community of West African States. Together with the AU, we are committed to empowering women, and we continue to call for their full, equal, meaningful and safe participation. Including and empowering young people are equally important. We welcome the AU’s activities on implementing the women and peace and security agenda in Africa. The solidarity missions of African women leaders from the Great Lakes Region in the context of the Sudan, as well as the establishment of a women’s situation room to monitor women’s political participation in Kenya’s elections, are important examples of cross- regional solidarity.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“I thank the briefers for their insightful remarks. Malta firmly believes that robust partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations are indispensable to effective multilateralism. We commend the ongoing United Nations-African Union (AU) partnership in working synergistically on mediation, conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Those endeavours give substance to the concept of networked multilateralism that we all aspire to achieve. We must acknowledge that conventional responses, even when coordinated, have often proved inadequate. We remain steadfast in our belief that adherence to constitutional principles is central, even in challenging situations where fledgling democracies grapple with issues such as poverty, terrorism and weak institutions.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“We also recognize the urgent need for free and fair elections to restore Haiti’s democratic institutions. We reiterate our call on the Haitian authorities to build broad and robust consensus on Haiti’s political road map. The adoption of this resolution demonstrates the seriousness with which the Council is prepared to act to bring peace and security to Haiti. The international community must stand with Haiti now. There is no more time to lose.”
2023-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9430 (2023) · source
“We did so considering the desperate situation on the ground and the Council’s responsibility to respond with urgency. We welcome Kenya’s offer to consider leading the Mission. We also commend all Member States that have pledged their support. The Mission must perform to exemplary standards. It must implement all aspects of the resolution and operate fully and transparently under international law, including human rights law, to contribute to the protection of Haiti’s population. Oversight of the resolution will be central to its successful implementation, as will the clear delineation between the role of the Mission and humanitarian action on the ground. However, the Mission will not resolve all the issues the country continues to face. Stabilizing the security situation will require significant international support.”
2023-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9430 (2023) · source
“Since this is the Security Council’s first formal meeting of the month of October, I would like to begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Council and thanking Albania for the sterling work it carried out in the month of September. We welcome the participation in today’s meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti and the representatives of Kenya, Jamaica and Guyana. I express our appreciation to the co-penholders, Ecuador and the United States. We thank them for their tireless efforts in engaging with Council members over the past weeks and striving to incorporate all perspectives and concerns into the text of the resolution (resolution 2699 (2023)). Malta voted in favour of the resolution.”
2023-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9430 (2023) · source
“It centralizes the human rights and the immediate needs of refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants at the core of efforts to prevent and counter smuggling and trafficking. The Council can now reaffirm its determination to combat the smuggling of migrants and the trafficking of persons off the coast of Libya in a manner that safeguards human rights. Meanwhile, Malta remains committed to saving lives and to the effective management of mass migration in a manner that fully respects international law.”
2023-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9429 (2023) · source
“We remain concerned about the continued precarious journeys of refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants. Those journeys are often facilitated by human traffickers and smugglers. Draft resolution S/2023/708, which the Council will be voting on, is intended to send a strong message to all those who seek to profit from that human suffering. Malta, as co-penholder along with France, has extensively engaged with Member States. We have spared no effort to take into account the perspectives and concerns raised while at the same time ensuring that we do not stray away from the scope of the draft resolution. The text the Council will now take action on is a reflection of those efforts.”
2023-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9429 (2023) · source
“At the same time, States should work to counter human trafficking and migrant smuggling in full respect for human rights. Malta supports the provision of capacity-building measures to that effect, especially because they are fundamental to preventing more lives from being endangered. In closing, we reaffirm that establishing effective partnerships based on the principles of solidarity and shared responsibility is crucial to managing migratory and refugee flows. We must also support countries on the front lines and provide durable solutions that safeguard the dignity, safety and human rights of all.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9428 (2023) · source
“Malta, along with the European Union and its member States, remains committed to saving lives and to responding to displacement crises around the world through both humanitarian and development efforts. Collectively, we continue to provide access to international protection for people fleeing war, conflict and persecution in other parts of the world. We continue to believe that the Council has a role to play in addressing the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement. That requires an integrated and comprehensive approach that must involve countries of origin, transit and destination. It must also encompass conflict resolution and prevention, humanitarian aid, development cooperation, climate action and long- term sustainable solutions.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9428 (2023) · source
“The resolution’s renewal will enable us to continue tackling the networks of human traffickers and smugglers in a manner that safeguards human rights. In that context, we would like to highlight the contribution made by European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI in supporting the detection and monitoring of human smuggling and trafficking networks in its area of operation and in saving lives every year. We stress that the ongoing fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking must be carried out in a manner consistent with our obligations under international law. The human rights and fundamental freedoms of all must not be infringed on.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9428 (2023) · source
“Those journeys, from countries of origin through countries of transit and to countries of destination, are most often facilitated by human traffickers and smugglers, criminals who exploit vulnerable people for illicit gains. That is why resolution 2240 (2015) is focused on decapitating the networks of human traffickers and smugglers. The links between transnational organized crime and terrorism also deserve our full attention. The Council’s adoption of resolution 2240 (2015) and its subsequent renewals reaffirm its determination to combat the smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons off the coast of Libya. It is also a clear sign of the Council’s willingness to address the situation in the Mediterranean, which is the last stop for migrants on a long and arduous route, with many perishing along the way.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9428 (2023) · source
“I thank the Director of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Office in New York and the Director of the International Organization for Migration Office to the United Nations for their briefings. Before speaking about my own region, I should recall that several countries in Africa are facing a considerably more difficult situation, despite bravely carrying the burden of significant migratory pressures. With regard to my region, the Mediterranean continues to be a perilous migratory route. Malta remains committed to saving lives and to the effective management of mass migration in a manner that fully respects international law. We remain concerned about the continued precarious journeys of refugees, asylum- seekers and other migrants. They often lead to suffering and abuse, and many migrants never make it.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9428 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, Malta reiterates its unwavering support for a just and comprehensive resolution of the Middle East conflict, based on a two-State solution, along the pre-1967 borders, while addressing the legitimate aspirations of both sides, with Jerusalem as the future capital of the two States, living side by side in peace and security, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters. A recommitment to the peace process by all parties is imperative if we are to restore stability and secure a lasting peace.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9425 (2023) · source
“We urge the Palestinian factions to continue engagement towards a good-faith reconciliation process, and the PA to hold its postponed national elections without further delay. Critically, we must strive to address the increasingly dire humanitarian needs of the Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where 1.3 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. On that front, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East remains the brightest beacon of hope for many Palestinians and requires our increased support in the face of continued funding shortages.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9425 (2023) · source
“As we continue to witness violent acts, we must stress that obligations under international humanitarian law need to be respected in the paramount interest of protecting civilians. Political leaders should also refrain from further incitement and provocations that inflame tensions, produce hate and glorify violence. Such inflammatory rhetoric only pushes us further away from meaningful dialogue. Thirdly, credible negotiations on all final-status issues must be the basis of all our efforts. Malta is encouraged by the Peace Day Effort initiative, which was launched here in New York last week. We look forward to working on its potential to build on initiatives towards achieving a comprehensive regional peace. Addressing the fiscal and political situation of the Palestinian Authority (PA) is also key.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9425 (2023) · source
“We also remain concerned about demolitions and the forcible transfer of Palestinian communities and their impact on the viability of a two-State solution. Secondly, we need to bring to a complete stop the persistent cycle of acts of violence against civilians, including the incitement to violence and inflammatory rhetoric. Malta is disturbed by the number of terror attacks on Israeli civilians that have been perpetrated to date this year, and we unequivocally condemn those unjustifiable acts. Episodes of settler violence, which have terrorized Palestinian communities, are equally condemnable. We call for the perpetrators to be swiftly brought to justice. The repercussions that the conflict is having on civilians have seen a distressing upsurge this year, with nearly daily violence and children being victimized on both sides.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9425 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for presenting the twenty-seventh report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) and briefing us on recent developments. Unfortunately, the lack of progress is deeply worrisome. Negative trends, which erode any prospects for a two-State solution, remain commonplace. We are faced with a situation that is increasingly unsustainable for Palestinians and Israelis alike. As we are confronted by that negative trajectory, I would like to stress three crucial points. First, Malta reiterates that settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, are in violation of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. We are therefore concerned about the recently announced plans to advance yet another new settlement.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9425 (2023) · source
“We also look forward to the United Nations Special Coordinator’s recommendations, to be included in the independent assessment, on how the United Nations can more effectively strengthen its actions in the country.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“The combination of the societal marginalization of Afghan women and the decrease of international humanitarian aid has significantly diminished their options for making a living and feeding their children. Malta remains steadfast in its support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and its personnel as they perform their duties under difficult circumstances. We appreciate UNAMA’s continued close cooperation with the European Union on the ground. We reiterate our demand that the Taliban engage with the Mission in good faith, respect the context of the unanimously adopted resolution 2681 (2023) and be accountable to the international community.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“We reiterate our demand on the Taliban to immediately and unconditionally reverse all policies and practices that restrict the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s economy has further deteriorated, plunging the country deep into a humanitarian crisis. Two thirds of the population are in constant need of humanitarian assistance. We commend and support all United Nations and humanitarian staff who continue to assist the people of Afghanistan. The multidimensional humanitarian emergency throughout the country still endures. Yet the provision of international aid has shown signs of weakness, including due to budget shortages and declines in assistance. That occurs at a time when almost 40 per cent of Afghan children under 5 years of age are facing acute malnutrition.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“Girls are not only denied education in Afghanistan but are also banned from accepting educational opportunities abroad. The summary report of country- wide women’s consultations is clear: gender equality and women’s rights are the top priority for Afghan women. As mental health continues to deteriorate, with suicides taking place daily, we must strive to ensure their safety and security. The Taliban’s exclusion of women from Afghan society and their restrictions of civic spaces have prevented civil society organizations, human rights defenders and the media from operating freely. We must renew our efforts in support of Afghan women and girls as they face unprecedented gender- based segregation.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“We also continue to witness incidents of armed confrontation at border crossings with neighbouring countries. That is a serious security concern, with implications for regional security and stability. The Taliban’s egregious violations, as well as its systematic discrimination against and segregation and exclusion of women and girls in Afghanistan, continue to escalate and may amount to gender persecution and a crime against humanity. Since August 2021, more than 50 decrees have directly curtailed women’s rights to education, employment and the freedom of movement and expression. The recent closures of beauty salons and the dismissal of women working in kindergartens deprived women of some of their last sources of employment and spaces for finding community support outside their homes.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative Otunbayeva, Executive Director Bahous and Ms. Bennoune for their briefings. More than two years have passed since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Regrettably, the initial reassurances they provided to the international community have not been adhered to. Instead, we are witnessing a situation in which human rights abuses are flagrant, particularly those directed against the human rights of women and girls. Hundreds of former Government officials and former members of the armed forces continue to be victims of a crackdown, despite the Taliban’s announcement of a general amnesty in August 2021. As outlined by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the trafficking in methamphetamine in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries is surging, despite the introduction of a drug ban by the Taliban last year.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“Those steps, in many cases, are what humanitarian partners have been calling on the private sector to help them with for decades. Within emergency humanitarian action, we must ensure that our focus remains on delivering support to people. That must be in line with the long-established principles of neutrality, impartiality, independence and humanity. Although the motivations of the private sector and humanitarians may not be immediately apparent, we are confident that there are various possibilities for cooperation.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“In the technology and communications sector, private sector partners could provide more affordable and efficient communication systems and renewable energy solutions to humanitarian organizations. That would significantly enhance humanitarian operations in regions with poor connectivity and infrastructure. In the medical field, reducing the prices of essential drugs and medical equipment would enable humanitarian medical teams to extend their support and operations to a greater number of health centres. In the banking and financial sector, minimizing the costs of financial transfers would facilitate the rapid allocation of resources to field missions. Having an expert understanding of humanitarian exceptions in sanctions regimes would also contribute to that end.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“The generation of such resources must also be aligned to, and not be in conflict with, principled humanitarian action. Public-private partnerships in the humanitarian space have the potential to strengthen the logistics capacity of humanitarian organizations. They can increase efficiency across their operations, from recruitment to programme delivery, payments, partnership and research into the development of new technologies required to meet current and future humanitarian needs. The incremental advancements in public-private partnerships to date are encouraging. Nevertheless, there are numerous ways that the private sector can immediately contribute to humanitarian efforts, showcasing its commitment to supporting principled humanitarian action.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“Until that happens, humanitarian organizations must continue to be supported and resourced to save as many lives as possible. In that respect, increased and unearmarked funding for United Nations agencies, international organizations and international non-governmental organizations should be prioritized to depoliticize aid spending and enable humanitarians to work where and when they are most needed. That is an area in which the private sector could greatly support global humanitarian needs. Flexible, multi-year and core financial contributions from the private sector would go a long way in bridging the current major gaps in humanitarian response plans across the globe at a time when it is greatly needed. However, stringent safeguards must be put in place to ensure the legitimate origin of all funds.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“The private sector can play a central role in providing technological support, resources and sustainable solutions to humanitarian challenges. However, the new partnerships will also require robust delineations and safeguards that preserve the fundamental principles of humanitarian action. The most effective way to reduce pressure on the humanitarian system lies in the political resolution of conflicts. From Syria to the occupied Palestinian territories, Ukraine, Mali and the Sudan, protracted conflicts compound humanitarian needs. They heighten the population’s vulnerability by degrading social services and critically damaging civilian infrastructure. Finding just and lasting solutions to such conflicts will have a dramatically positive impact for both affected populations and the stability of the humanitarian sector globally.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“I begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing today’s open debate on this important issue. I also thank Executive Director McCain, Mr. Cohen and Mr. Miebach for enriching our discussion with their thoughts and insights. Global humanitarian needs driven primarily by conflict and climate change are today placing unpredictable pressure on the global humanitarian architecture. Emergency humanitarian assistance is often left with the challenge of addressing multi-year humanitarian emergencies. They include, inter alia, major displacement, food insecurity and protection crises. Modest resourcing and increasing gaps in funding also continue to exacerbate an already-difficult situation. As such, twenty-first-century humanitarian action will require a realignment of its operating modalities.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“Attacks against civilians constitute war crimes. All efforts will be made for the perpetrators to be held accountable. Those reprehensible actions are the real obstacle to peace. Malta calls once again for constructive dialogue and diplomacy to establish lasting peace, stability and security. In conclusion, we urge the Russian Federation to end its hostilities and withdraw its military forces and proxies from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.”
2023-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9415 (2023) · source
“The recent missile attack perpetrated by Russia on a market area in Kostiantynivka, in the Donetsk region, is the latest shocking development in a long string of atrocities since the unprovoked war of aggression. That is unacceptable. According to the High Commissioner for Human Rights, since February 2022 there have been at least 6,717 civilian casualties in Ukraine. Those are mostly a result of the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects, including shelling from artillery, tanks, multiple-launch rocket systems, cruise and ballistic missiles and air strikes. Malta echoes the Secretary-General’s call to avoid the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. They cause indiscriminate harm and immense suffering. We stress once again that civilians and civilian infrastructure are not a target and urge Russia to cease such attacks.”
2023-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9415 (2023) · source
“Those actions are even more serious and worrisome when we consider Russia’s role and responsibility as a permanent member of the Council, which is entrusted with the maintenance of international peace and security. Our response also remains unchanged. We once again strongly condemn Russia’s senseless and illegitimate war against Ukraine. We reiterate our full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Equally, we underline Ukraine’s right to self-defence, as enshrined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. Russia’s continued escalation through the use of missile and drone attacks all over Ukraine has killed and wounded more than 410 civilians over the past two weeks alone and damaged civilian infrastructure.”
2023-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9415 (2023) · source
“I thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her informative briefing and take note of Mr. Szamuely’s statement. It is regrettable that the Russian Federation has once again called for a meeting to discuss the transfer of weapons from the West to Ukraine. This meeting, which is turning into a recurring item, is solely intended to push Russia’s narrative to depict the aggressor as the victim, and the victim as the aggressor. It is nothing more than another blatant attempt by the Russian Federation to justify the unjustifiable. It goes without saying that this alternative version of events conveniently leaves out the fact that on 24 February 2022, the Russian Federation chose to violate the fundamental principles of international law that bind us all and proceeded to launch an unprovoked war of aggression against its sovereign neighbour.”
2023-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9415 (2023) · source
“Targeting civilian infrastructure is a violation of international humanitarian law, and we strongly condemn it. In conclusion, we emphasize that the international community has repeatedly expressed its desire to reach a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the Charter of the United Nations. Any initiative in that regard must be based on full respect for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We once again urge Russia to end its aggression and to immediately and completely withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“Its politicization of humanitarian aid, including through its unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, has had a tremendous negative impact on the most vulnerable communities around the world. It has also created uncertainty in global markets, increasing prices, and has exacerbated the dire situation of food-importing countries. The initiative also ensured access to grain for the World Food Programme. Such weaponization of food is simply unconscionable. It is crucial to restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative as soon as possible. Russia did not stop at withdrawing from that initiative. Soon after, it proceeded to carry out attacks against Ukraine’s grain storage facilities and port infrastructure, including in the Danube.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“We remain fully committed to ensuring that it be held accountable for its acts, including its practice of forcible deporting Ukrainian children, which amounts to a war crime, as concluded by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Women and girls continue to face extremely high risks of gender-based violence. There are credible, consistent and widespread reports of grave human rights violations, including torture and conflict-related sexual violence. Malta condemns those barbaric and illegal acts and urges Russia to immediately cease those actions. Regardless of the context, international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be upheld. Russia’s actions have far-reaching consequences that go beyond the war in Ukraine.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“We recall that, last October, the overwhelming majority of United Nations States Members in the General Assembly condemned the illegal annexation of the four partially- occupied regions and reaffirmed the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders (see A/ES-11/PV.14). The elections further confirm that Russia has no intention of engaging in meaningful discussions towards a solution to the war, and neither is it willing to return the territories it illegally invaded. We stress yet again that any elections held by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories are illegitimate. Russia’s full-scale war of aggression has brought incommensurable suffering and destruction to civilians.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“Just two days ago, we witnessed yet another instance of brutal Russian tactics aimed at terrorizing Ukraine’s civilian population. This time, a missile attack on a market in the Donetsk region killed 17 people and injured dozens more. Today, as we once again place the spotlight on these issues, we also reaffirm Ukraine’s right to determine its own future. We deplore Russia’s holding of sham elections in the occupied territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson. We stand with Ukraine and its people in defending freedom and independence. The elections are illegitimate and illegal and will not be recognized by the international community. They undermine the Charter of the United Nations and constitute a threat to the international system.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Jenča for his sobering briefing. Two weeks ago, while commemorating Ukraine’s independence, we again deplored Russia’s relentless and ruthless aggression against Ukraine — a war of choice by Russia that is illegal and in defiance of everything the Organization stands for (see S/PV.9404). We again had to condemn Russia’s actions, which blatantly threaten and undermine its neighbour’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We reiterate clearly that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is illegal, unjustified and unprovoked. This is a war initiated by a permanent member of the Security Council, which is entrusted with the maintenance of international peace and security. That permanent member of the Security Council continues to cause death, destruction and immense human suffering.”
2023-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9414 (2023) · source
“Greater resourcing for climate resilience, agricultural innovation, anticipatory action programmes and, crucially, early agricultural interventions is now paramount to stave off the worst of the coming global hunger crisis. Alleviating acute hunger is the first step on the road to peacebuilding.”
2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392 (2023) · source
“Malta regrets the Russian Federation’s termination of its involvement in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which ensured the safe passage of more than 32 million metric tons of food commodities from Ukrainian ports, relieving hunger in some of the hardest-hit corners of the world. We urge the Russian Federation to re-engage with the good offices of the Secretary-General and to reconsider the tragic effects that its action will have. In conclusion, without urgent, coordinated humanitarian and emergency agricultural intervention, our inaction could condemn millions to starvation. From painful past experiences, we have learned that efforts to avert famine are effective when the international community works together in a goal-oriented manner.”
2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392 (2023) · source
“Only in that way can we collectively act in a timely manner. Furthermore, the Council must take seriously its obligation to ensure accountability for those who order the destruction of civilian infrastructure critical to food production, participate in that destruction or prevent infrastructure from functioning. Impunity only begets further violations. Whether committed at the rank of general or local commander, violations must be met with consequences. In that regard, we also call on the United Nations to work more closely with warring parties, especially States, to ensure that there is adequate de-confliction of such infrastructure in times of armed conflict.”
2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392 (2023) · source
“It often constrains access for medical and humanitarian organizations, leading them to work where they can rather than where they are most needed. We see instances of that today in Haiti, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burkina Faso. In civil conflict, humanitarian access can be denied through arbitrary and bureaucratic measures, and the Security Council should never accept such attempts to instrumentalize international law or to shield such actions from its scrutiny. We urge the United Nations to continue detailing such impediments to access in its reports to the Council and in the white notes mandated by resolution 2417 (2018). When coordinating with host States on the development of such documents, the United Nations must always assert its operational independence.”
2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392 (2023) · source
“The conflict in the Sudan has severely disrupted the production of crops throughout the country, with estimates that 40 per cent of the population — 19 million people — are already facing alarming levels of hunger. As the conflict has disrupted farming, it has also disrupted sowing and harvesting. With access to seeds and fertilizers limited, next season’s yields are in major doubt. Unless urgently addressed, that will compound the hunger and guarantee human-induced famine in the months ahead, with disastrous consequences for the Sudan and the region, where agriculture is a principal source of income and livelihoods for a majority of the population. Just as conflict is a driver of hunger, violence can drive out humanitarian operations in areas of extreme danger.”
2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392 (2023) · source