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

“Echoing the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and others, I begin by expressing Malta’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the migrants who lost their lives at sea last Wednesday. We wish a speedy recovery to the survivors. The tragedy is a brutal reminder of how important it is to address the scourge of human smuggling and trafficking. I thank Special Representative Bathily for his briefing, and the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, Ambassador Ishikane, and Ms. Imneina for their contributions. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in our briefing today. The international community’s focus on and support to the situation in Libya remain critical.”
2023-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9351 (2023) · source
“We continue to call for greater cooperation from the authorities to guarantee the required freedom of movement for the Mission. We also commend the work of the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, which continues to assist an enabling and inclusive environment for women peacekeepers in MINUSMA. Malta will continue to support the Mission’s crucial presence in the region and the work of the Special Representative as they support Mali in their course towards peace and stability.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“Malta calls for an immediate end to ongoing human rights violations and abuses. We are alarmed by the hundreds of incidents of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls recorded in April. Perpetrators must be held accountable, cases must be investigated, and victims must be given effective and prompt protection. We are also alarmed by the other grave violations against children, including recruitment and use, killing and maiming, and attacks on schools, which continue to occur at a high rate. Child protection capacities in MINUSMA need to be strengthened. Additionally, we remain deeply concerned with the bleak conclusions that emerged from the Moura report. MINUSMA’s capacity to deter violent extremism by being present on the ground should not be underestimated.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“Malta recognizes the urgent need to address the ongoing security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Mali, which are both a cause and a product of years of conflict in the region. The people of Mali are facing increasing humanitarian needs and displacement compounded by the effects of climate shocks, deep poverty and acute malnutrition, with 8.8 million people requiring humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian operations continue to face multiple access-related challenges, due to insecurity and instances of criminality. We call on all parties to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and live up to their obligations under international law. Although relatively less severe when compared to the east, we are very alarmed that extremist attacks are now also reported in the west and south of Mali.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“In this context, we welcome efforts to counter hate speech and violence against women peacebuilders and human rights defenders. Malta welcomes the meeting between the Minister for Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion of Mali with representatives of the Coordination des mouvements de l’Azawad and the Plateforme in Kidal. We also thank Algeria for its efforts in leading the international mediation. We continue to call for neutral engagement with tangible outcomes in full respect of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, the issues of self-determination, deeper decentralization and local governance. Furthermore, the socioeconomic development for the northern region of Mali remains crucial. Dissipating any existing frictions between signatory parties is a necessity.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“We look forward to the outcome of the constitutional reform, which is a step in the right direction. We thank the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union for their efforts in supporting an inclusive process that places the will of the Malian at the core. We also acknowledge these efforts. We remain firm in our belief that a secure return to democratic and constitutional order, including the presidential elections, is key. We also urge the Malian authorities and all parties to create an environment conducive for women’s rights and their protection. They must strive to ensure the full equal, safe and meaningful participation of women in the political transition and electoral and peace processes.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Wane for his briefing and acknowledge the participation of Mr. Diop in our meeting today. Malta expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the peacekeepers who were killed in the attack on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) on 9 June. We also pay tribute to the thousands of peacekeepers that bravely carry out their duties despite continuous threats to their safety and well-being, and we wish the injured a full and speedy recovery. Malta supports a future for MINUSMA, which continues to work with the people of Mali. The strategic review shared earlier this year (S/2023/36) provides us with a solid outlook to this effect.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“To that end, we underscore the responsibility of all Member States to promote, protect and uphold the full spectrum of human rights in all contexts. We strongly reject any actions in the name of preventing or countering terrorism, violent extremism or extremism more broadly that violate international human rights law, including the rights to the freedom of religion or belief, expression, association, assembly, privacy, freedom of movement and the prohibition on discrimination.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9347 (2023) · source
“The right to the freedom of expression is of fundamental importance, and it is our collective duty to counter any attempts that seek to limit the exercise of that right. Malta firmly believes that intersectional and gender transformative approaches are the most effective in responding to multiple, and often overlapping, forms of discrimination and incitement to hatred. Furthermore, Malta is committed to ensuring that neither women nor the women and peace and security agenda are instrumentalized in counter-terrorism and national security approaches. In that vein, Malta interprets the term “extremism” to refer to violent extremism conducive to terrorism — which is important not to encroach upon human rights.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9347 (2023) · source
“Over the past few weeks, together with other members of the Security Council, we engaged with the co-penholders in a constructive dialogue and in the spirit of openness and compromise. We are pleased that those discussions led to a text that could be adopted by consensus today, and we thank the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom for their tireless efforts to that end. On this day, it is also important for us to highlight that the United Nations human rights network and peacebuilding architecture is universally accepted for responding to violence caused by incitement and hate speech, whether based on religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity, ethnicity, race or other forms of identity.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9347 (2023) · source
“I conclude by stressing that Malta is committed to ensuring that neither women nor the women and peace and security agenda are instrumentalized in efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism. Advancing gender equality and ensuring the full, equal, safe and meaningful participation and leadership of diverse women in all efforts to build peace and prevent conflicts are goals unto themselves and must never be reduced to national security tactics.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“All Member States have the responsibility to protect and uphold the full spectrum of human rights, including the human rights of diverse women, persons with disabilities, young women, LGBTIQ+ individuals, older persons and members of marginalized ethnic and religious groups. We remain deeply concerned about the impact of discriminatory laws, the gender-biased enforcement and application of existing laws, harmful societal norms and practices, structural inequalities and discriminatory views on women or gender roles in society. We therefore underscore the importance of promoting gender equality by addressing the root causes of discrimination and sexual and gender-based violence against all women and girls as part of conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and humanitarian action.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“Intersectional and gender-transformative responses and prevention efforts are therefore required to address those multiple and often overlapping forms of discrimination and to advance an inclusive and holistic approach. We are deeply concerned about the increasing instances of harassment, coercion and reprisals, including by State and non-State actors, against individuals exercising their right to free speech. We deplore the misuse of broadly defined extremism laws to violate human rights and fundamental freedoms, including to target human rights defenders, civil society, journalists and political opposition. At the same time, Malta condemns all acts of violent extremism, regardless of motivation or ideology, and underscores the importance of preventing and countering such threats in full compliance with international human rights law.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“Protecting that right includes protecting the rights and freedoms of those who hold contrary or minority viewpoints. We condemn any attempts to limit the exercise of those fundamental freedoms. We also underscore the positive role of quality education and a free and independent media in preventing intolerance and prejudice and in promoting mutual respect, understanding and solidarity. Tolerance and inclusion are crucial for promoting human rights and sustainable peace. In armed conflicts around the world, people experience discrimination, intolerance, hate speech and other forms of violence, both online and offline, based on their sex, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“I too thank the Secretary- General, His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher and Ms. Latifa Ibn Ziaten for sharing their thoughts and insights with us today. International human rights law provides a robust normative framework for protecting the freedoms of expression and religion or belief in the context of peace and security. Those rights, which are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing, are crucial to the creation of pluralistic, tolerant, inclusive and democratic societies. The right to the freedom of religion or belief includes the freedom for everyone to have or not to have a religion or belief of their choice, and the freedom to practice it, either alone or in community with others and in public or private.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“The recent Joint Pledges related to Climate, Peace and Security as spearheaded by the United Arab Emirates, together with my own country, Malta, Switzerland, Mozambique and Gabon, are a reflection of our continued commitment towards focusing on climate implications for peace and security. We trust that these Pledges can serve as guidance to present and future Council members in ensuring that this discourse continues. In conclusion, Malta remains convinced that the nexus between climate change, peace and security warrants the attention and action of the Security Council. Having the Council address these issues is in no manner diverting the attention from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or other relevant bodies, but rather complements them and reinforces their distinguishable roles.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“The deployment of climate, peace and security advisers in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq is crucial in understanding the interplay with climate in the countries and regions in which they serve. The United Nations climate security mechanism also remains a central tool in our efforts. Malta has kept the climate-peace-security discourse at the heart of its priorities on the Council. Our open debate on sea level rise (see S/PV.9260) held during our presidency is a testament of many delegations’ support for addressing the security challenges posed by climate change. These challenges could have devastating consequences for countries’ infrastructure, livelihoods and security — and their very own existence.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“Water and energy shortages, further precipitated by environmental hazards from the impacts of chemical weapons and explosive devices, also deepen the burdens on women and girls. United Nations missions should, in carrying out their mandates, scale up their response to climate and environmental consequences, as these affect their operations on the ground. With half of United Nations peace operations located in Africa, and a quarter in the Middle East, these consequences are unquestionable. For example, roads are often becoming inaccessible due to heavy flooding or droughts, which affects missions’ mobility and operations. With this in mind, Malta remains supportive of strengthening the mandates of United Nations missions through climate-related risk assessment and management, complemented by gender- and age-responsive approaches.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“This evidence therefore requires a change in paradigm, where we can no longer treat conflict dynamics and climate fragility on separate tracks. Regions in conflict are often the most climate vulnerable, with instability being further exacerbated by climate shocks. Proof of this is the degradation of agricultural land through flooding and droughts in parts of Africa, and rising sea levels affecting low-lying communities and small island States. Trends of farmer- herder violence, food insecurity, mass displacement and, more broadly, Statehood complications, remain a part of this reality. Women and children are disproportionately affected, with inequalities widened when climate-induced mass displacement increases the risk of early and forced marriage, child recruitment and sexual and gender-based violence and exploitation.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“I offer my thanks to the United Arab Emirates for convening today’s important open debate. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, His Excellency President Juan Manuel Santos Calderón and Ms. Kadry for their insightful observations. We remain firm in our belief that climate change is an existential issue that must be tackled in a holistic manner. As the Secretary-General has stated, the climate, peace and security nexus cannot be ignored or underestimated. Indeed, climate change is an aggravating factor for instability, conflict and terrorism. This clearly illustrates how the multidimensional challenges posed by climate change are evident, multifold and far-reaching. Strong scientific evidence shows that if climate-security-related risks are left unchecked, they could lead to devastating consequences.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“We are witnessing the advance of desertification, an increase in droughts and water insecurity. In that vein, we welcome the cooperation between the two organizations in addressing the effects of climate change on peace and security. Finally, I will conclude by reiterating the need for the cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States to continue. Synergies on countering new challenges and jointly preventing the escalation of conflicts in the region need to be actively pursued. It is only though that approach that we can collectively address threats to international peace and security.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“Joint initiatives that seek to advance those goals, such as the support offered to the Arab Women Mediators Network and the holding of training on gender and elections, are to be commended. It is correspondingly essential that we support young people and empower them to serve as agents of positive change. We must ensure that young people are able to participate in regional peace and security efforts and are provided access to opportunities. Failure on that front makes young people more susceptible to recruitment by terrorist organizations. On that note, Malta underscores that regional efforts to counter terrorism must always comply with international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We must also be aware that the Arab world is vulnerable to climate change.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“In this case, a United Nations-facilitated political process in line with resolution 2254 (2015) is the only way forward. The two organizations share a common goal of promoting peaceful coexistence and advancing peace. That can be achieved only through collaboration in the areas of conflict prevention and resolution, preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and peacebuilding and through building open and inclusive societies that guarantee freedom of opinion and expression. We will be able to build such societies only if both the United Nations and the League of Arab States promote and protect human rights. They must also ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women at all levels of decision-making and constructively engage with civil society organizations.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“We look forward to seeing that demonstrated again in July as we move towards the renewal of the humanitarian cross-border mechanism in Syria. The international community has witnessed significant developments in the region over the past months. The agreement reached between Iran and Saudi Arabia to resume diplomatic ties is a positive development that has the potential to advance peace and stability throughout the Gulf and beyond. To further reduce tensions, it is important that an agreement on a return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is achieved. In the light of the decision of the League of Arab States to resume Syria’s participation in meetings, it is critical to highlight that actions taken at the global level, including those agreed upon by the Security Council, must be supported by actions at the regional level.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“We also highlight the key role that the United Nations Liaison Office to the League of Arab States, in Cairo, has to play and the importance of the Council’s organization of informal interactive dialogues to develop closer coordination on regional issues of concern. Millions of people in Syria, Yemen and the occupied Palestinian territories remain in acute humanitarian need as a result of conflict. To address that, the League of Arab States can continue to strengthen its partnership with the United Nations by expanding its mobilization of resources for United Nations humanitarian response plans, host regional emergency humanitarian hubs, expand partnerships and facilitate the principled delivery of humanitarian assistance wherever it is needed.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“The League of Arab States remains a contributor to stability and to facilitating dialogue in a region that continues to face multiple challenges, including the ongoing stalemate in the Middle East peace process, protracted conflicts in Syria and Yemen, political stalemates in Libya and Lebanon, coupled with the instability and outbreak of hostilities we have seen in other countries, such as Iraq and the Sudan. We emphasize the need for long-lasting political solutions to address these ongoing concerns. To that end, Malta strongly encourages greater coordination between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, including through exchanges between Special Envoys and Representatives.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“I thank His Excellency Minister Khalifa Shaheen Almarar and express my sincere thanks to the Under-Secretary-General, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and Ms. Omnia El Omrani for their briefings. I also acknowledge the participation of the Egyptian Permanent Representative in our meeting today. Today’s meeting underlines the crucial role of regional organizations in the maintenance of peace and security through their extensive understanding of their region and by fostering cooperation.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“In that respect, Malta supports the work of all mechanisms designed to pursue justice and accountability in Syria for the atrocities committed over the past decade. We take note of the Secretary-General’s recommendation that the General Assembly establish a new institution to address the issues of ongoing arbitrary detentions, missing persons and forced disappearances. As Syria enters a time of great change, the Council must be steadfast in support of the work of the Special Envoy and ensure that Syria’s future does not resemble its recent, fearful and violent past.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“A United Nations-facilitated political process in line with resolution 2254 (2015) is the only way forward, and we support the reconvening of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva. Progress requires a multilateral, coordinated and inclusive effort that also engages Syrian civil society and women peacebuilders. No one party alone can secure a political solution or achieve just and lasting peace. Meanwhile, the Council must not forget that millions of Syrian lives have been torn apart and changed forever by the actions of the Al-Assad regime over the past 12 years. We must not forget their continued suffering. We must not forget the forcibly disappeared or those who remain arbitrarily detained.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“Against that backdrop, Malta commends the work of the United Nations in reaching an agreement with the Syrian regime in Damascus to extend the opening of the humanitarian border crossing points at Bab Al-Salam and Al-Rai for another two months. We are also looking forward to the holding on 15 June of the seventh Brussels Conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region, and we hope it will make a substantial contribution to addressing Syria’s humanitarian needs. As July approaches, we hope that we will see agreement in the Council on the extension of the cross-border mechanism at Bab Al-Hawa. The people of Syria and the humanitarians who support them need steady and predictable humanitarian access into and throughout the country.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“More than 600,000 children under the age of five are already stunted, leaving them contending with irreversible physical and psychological damage. Around 55,000 people are stuck in the spiralling disaster of the Al-Hol camp in north-east Syria, with an estimated two-thirds of the camp’s children under five years of age. Only half of the pregnant women and new mothers in all the displacement camps have access to maternal health services and emergency care, while 8.5 million people are in need of assistance as a result of gender-based violence and the so-called widow camps in the north-west are largely neglected and under the radar. With no clear plan or strategy in sight for rehabilitation, repatriations or returns, we are witnessing a lost generation of women and children expand before our eyes.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen, Deputy Director Mudawi and Ms. Aveline for their remarks today. Their testimonies are a sobering reminder of the attention that we must continue to pay to Syria. As we just heard from our briefers, the depth and scale of humanitarian needs all over Syria are barely within comprehension. Millions of Syrian men, women and children continue to suffer in the brutal conflict. Meanwhile, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners continue to try to meet the staggering needs within Syria, despite the modest resources they are allocated and the major challenges they face in a complex emergency humanitarian setting. As we have said many times before, Syria is first and foremost a protection crisis. Half of Syria’s population is still dealing with hunger, with malnutrition rates on the rise.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“We reiterate our full support for mechanisms seeking to hold perpetrators of these unlawful acts to account. Malta reaffirms its commitment to continue providing humanitarian support to Ukraine and safeguard its population from indiscriminate attack in line with the United Nations Charter. The people of Ukraine and millions around the world continue to suffer from the continuation of this unjustified and unprovoked war. In conclusion, we therefore stress once again the overwhelming necessity for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Malta also welcomes the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which remains paramount in ensuring global food security. We hope that that agreement continues to provide reliable agricultural exports and alleviate the pressure on global food markets.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be upheld. We cannot but note, once again, that Russia’s invasion is a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. The situation of children bears highlighting. The reported widespread transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children not only violates international humanitarian law, but also constitutes a war crime. In addition, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has found that the citizenship and family placement measures Russia has instituted for Ukrainian children are a violation of their right to identity. We call on Russia to immediately cease these unlawful policies and to facilitate children’s return to Ukraine.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“In doing so, it has wilfully violated the rules-based international order. It has caused unimaginable suffering to the Ukrainian population. The human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine has concluded that Russia’s strikes targeting critical energy and civilian infrastructure not only are a violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime, but also infringed on the human rights to security, health, work, education, social support for persons with disabilities and freedom of religion or belief. Women and girls are at heightened risk of sexual and gender-based violence, both in Ukraine and while fleeing to safer areas and across borders. The position of Malta, which I have consistently expressed during our tenure in the Security Council, is principled and clear.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“Russia created the circumstances in which Ukraine is forced to defend itself. Russia began the war and could end it at any time by ceasing its aggression and withdrawing Russian troops and military equipment from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. We are deeply concerned about recent reports that Russia is seeking to acquire weapons from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for use in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Any such deal would violate multiple Security Council resolutions and undermine the authority and integrity of the Security Council itself. We call on all States to refrain from transferring any arms to Russia, in the light of its ongoing illegal war of aggression. The result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is affecting nearly 18 million people, not only in Ukraine but all over the world.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“I thank the Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mr. Ebo, for his briefing and acknowledge the participation of the Permanent Representative of Ukraine in our meeting today. Today’s meeting was requested by the Russian Federation to condemn the increasing supply of weapons to Ukraine. We must remind ourselves that it was Russia that launched a full-scale invasion against a sovereign, independent United Nations Member State. Ukraine has a legitimate right to self-defence, enshrined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. Today’s briefing is another attempt by Russia to distract the world from its abhorrent actions in Ukraine by implying that the urgently needed and legitimate support for Ukraine’s self-defence against an unprovoked war of aggression is a threat to peace and security.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“We are very pleased to see the replacement vessel, the Nautica, approach its destination in the Red Sea. That is a critical step towards removing the imminent threat of an environmental, economic and humanitarian disaster, and we hope to see the transfer of oil begin as soon as possible. Ensuring the project is fully funded to allow for immediate and uninterrupted implementation is crucial. In that spirit, Malta made a financial contribution at the pledging conference hosted by the Netherlands and the United Kingdom earlier this month. We echo the United Nations call for further donations to fill the budgetary gap.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“On the human rights front, we are alarmed by reports of forced and early marriage and sexual and gender-based violence and exploitation. Grave violations against boys and girls continue unabated, including killing and maiming, recruitment and disruptions to education. Yemen’s fragile economy continues to be impaired by competing economic institutions and the depreciation of the Yemeni rial. That is leading to inflation and high food prices, thereby exacerbating food insecurity, which impacts 17 million Yemenis. More must be done to stabilize Yemen’s economy, as well as to protect the flow of commercial goods both into and within Yemen. I conclude by commending the progress made in the implementation of the United Nations-coordinated plan regarding the FSO SAFER oil tanker.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“Landmines are a leading cause of civilian deaths, particularly among children, and demining efforts must be urgently ramped up. Movement restrictions continue to cause hardship for the population, particularly women, and we call for greater freedom of movement for people across Yemen, as well as renewed efforts to open the roads in Taiz and other governorates. Movement restrictions and other bureaucratic impediments obstruct humanitarian access to populations in need. We reiterate our call for the immediate lifting of the mahram requirements which prevent female Yemeni staff from delivering critical services that only women can deliver. We also call for the immediate release of all United Nations staff and humanitarian workers who have been abducted or detained.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“We are concerned to hear that women remain marginal to the intra-Yemeni dialogue and multitrack negotiations and urge their full, equal and meaningful participation at all levels. All parties to the conflict must abide by international humanitarian and human rights law and allow for independent and impartial human rights monitoring to bring justice and accountability for victims. Alleviating the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen must remain a priority in any negotiations among the parties to the conflict and for the Security Council. As highlighted again today, the Yemeni people continue to suffer extreme hardship owing to the protracted conflict. Two thirds of Yemen’s population, over 21 million people, need humanitarian assistance, with over 4 million internally displaced.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Grundberg, Director Wosornu and Ms. Yasmeen Al-Eryani for their briefings today. Malta is encouraged to hear that Yemen is continuing to experience the longest period of relative calm since the beginning of the war, with critical aspects of the truce continuing to hold, despite its lapse in October. Last month, we witnessed tangible progress in the form of a prisoner exchange, a significant step in confidence-building from both sides. We call on the parties to use this momentum and period of calm to continue meaningful and inclusive dialogue towards a permanent ceasefire. Malta acknowledges the coordinated efforts of regional partners in their support for peace in Yemen and stresses the importance of Yemeni ownership in negotiating sustainable peace.”
2023-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9323 (2023) · source
“We also reiterate that the only serious step towards a just and lasting peace would be for Russia to immediately cease all hostilities and to unconditionally and completely withdraw all of its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. In conclusion, I want to highlight the importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which extends beyond Ukraine and affects global food security. It is paramount to ensure that the agreement is further extended between all the parties to alleviate the pressures on the security of supply that are affecting communities all over the world. That is yet another element that needs to be pursued as part of the collective efforts to secure sustainable and lasting peace.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“In that regard, Malta joined other States parties to the ICC in making a referral to the Court on the situation in Ukraine and will continue its efforts to strengthen the cooperation between the ICC and the Security Council in continuing to investigate Russia’s crime of aggression. Malta is a strong supporter of the ICC as a beacon of accountability. We take note of the warrant issued against President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova- Belova. We are firm in our belief that such crimes must not go unpunished and that all perpetrators must be held accountable. Malta will continue to support every effort to address the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s aggression.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Those children must be promptly returned to Ukraine using technical assistance from international organizations. We demand that Russia stop the unlawful deportations and comply with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We also welcome and encourage further efforts to ensure full accountability for all crimes committed by Russia against Ukraine and on Ukraine’s territory. In the light of that, we are supportive of the ongoing International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court (ICC) processes. Malta strongly believes that there can be no peace without justice.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Their basic services, including energy, water supply and heating, have been destroyed by Russian attacks. Russia’s continued attacks on energy infrastructure prompted an energy crisis in the first months of 2023, putting the country’s resilience further to the test. Russia has perpetrated indiscriminate killings of civilians, torture and other forms of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, as well as sexual and gender- based violence and abductions and forced deportations of children. In doing so, it has wilfully violated the rules-based international order. According to the recent report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia or regions under Russian control are violations of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Griffiths for his sobering briefing and for the work that he and his team are doing on the ground. The humanitarian situation in Ukraine has continued to deteriorate since the last time the Council discussed it (see S/PV.9286). In the past 15 months, the number of people in need of emergency humanitarian aid and protection has increased from approximately 3 million to nearly 18 million. We want to state with all the clarity we can muster that this is the result of nothing but Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. Malta strongly condemns Russia’s continued escalation of its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainians continue to suffer deliberate large-scale attacks on critical infrastructure that is indispensable for the civilian population’s survival.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Parties must respect the freedom of movement of mission personnel, and visas must be issued in a timely manner. We support the ongoing reconfiguration of UNISFA into a multinational force, which is now at its last stages. As we commend the deployment of an all-woman platoon, Malta continues to support the recruitment of women peacekeepers through the Elsie Initiative Fund, as well as the appointment of gender-based violence officers in the mission. In conclusion, Malta reiterates the importance of a peaceful and secure Abyei. UNISFA’s role is crucial and effective but needs to be complemented by the support of all parties. As the situation in the Sudan enters a chapter of direct talks, we call on all parties to utilize this momentum to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation in Abyei.”
2023-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9318 (2023) · source
“Climate-induced flooding and water shortages are driving further displacement and leading to outbreaks of communicable diseases. That, in addition to the conflict, exacerbates hunger and severe food insecurity in the region. Malta commends the work of local and international humanitarian partners on the ground and regrets that insecurity continues to impact their operations. We continue to call for unhindered, rapid and safe delivery of aid. We call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law. In that regard, we condemn —in the strongest terms — the murder of two aid workers in Rumamier in January and express our condolences to their families. We remind all parties that humanitarian workers are not targets. Furthermore, it is imperative that UNISFA’s mandate is implemented without hindrance.”
2023-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9318 (2023) · source
“It is unacceptable that sexual and gender- based violence remains rampant, with impunity for perpetrators adding to the distress for women and girls. Malta commends the work of UNISFA as it strives to address and mitigate violence against women and girls through awareness campaigns and training. We also support the establishment of a referral mechanism that survivors can use, without fear and stigma. Malta is deeply concerned about the heightened risk of recruitment or use of children in armed conflict, and we acknowledge UNISFA’s work in sensitizing interlocutors on these and other related violations. In Abyei, more than 200,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Access to basic services, such as water, sanitation, education and primary health care remains dire.”
2023-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9318 (2023) · source