YouSaid · the spoken record

Gafoor

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71

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2016-08-23

most recent

2023-09-05

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10

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un-security-council

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1. “In addition, we believe it is important for all Council members, including permanent members, to abstain from voting if they are party to a dispute, in accordance with Article 27, paragraph 3 of the Charter of the United Nations. I would like to conclude with an expression of hope that even in these challenging times, the Council and its members, both permanent and elected, will be able to engage constructively to improve the working methods of the Council. As was expressed in the E10 statement this morning, improving its working methods is a prerequisite for a more effective Council, and a more effective Council will in turn contribute to its own credibility and legitimacy and the relevance of the United Nations in resolving the major issues of our time. I wish Albania’s presidency every success.”

   2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410Resumption1 (2023) · source

2. “It was used four times last year on issues of great concern to the wider United Nations membership, such as non-proliferation, the Syria border-crossing and, of course, the issue of Ukraine. Most recently, the veto was used twice within two months to terminate the Syria border-crossing mandate and the sanctions regime and mandate of the Panel of Experts on Mali established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017). Singapore supports the French-Mexican initiative and the code of conduct of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group on limiting the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocity crimes. We also echo the statement made on behalf of the E10 earlier today, in which the elected members called for restraint in other forms of the use of the veto in the subsidiary bodies of the Council.”

   2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410Resumption1 (2023) · source

3. “Ultimately, the wider United Nations membership expects the members of the Council, especially the permanent members, to act with unity of purpose in discharging their primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The reality is that the Council is inevitably hampered by geopolitical tensions and great-Power rivalry. From time to time the Council has been able to demonstrate its effectiveness by addressing some of the major issues of our time. In our view, for example, the Council’s adoption of resolution 2664 (2022) to create humanitarian carveouts for sanctions was a significant achievement. However, we have also seen more frequent use of the veto in recent years and months.”

   2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410Resumption1 (2023) · source

4. “Pursuant to paragraph 129 of presidential note 507, Singapore has also suggested previously that an interactive informal exchange between the Council and the wider membership should take place when the introduction to the annual report is being drafted. It is our hope that Council members will implement that idea as soon as possible. The last point I want to make is on effectiveness. Let me add that even as we strive to improve Security Council working methods, even the best adherence to process will not be enough to ensure that the Council operates effectively. In other words, good working methods are necessary, but they are not sufficient to ensure good outcomes from the Council.”

   2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410Resumption1 (2023) · source

5. “My delegation has previously suggested that some form of summary records — or at least decision points — should be maintained for closed meetings and shared with the wider membership whenever it is possible to do so. Thirdly, it is important for every President of the Council to prepare sufficiently detailed monthly assessment reports and to submit them in a timely manner. The monthly assessment reports are an important tool of communication and information flow from the Council to the wider United Nations membership. Another important consideration is accountability. General Assembly resolution 76/262, on the veto, initiated by Liechtenstein, is an example of the Assembly’s expectation of greater transparency and accountability from the Council and from the permanent members concerned.”

   2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410Resumption1 (2023) · source

6. “It is also important for the wider United Nations membership to be able to engage and participate in the work of the Council on matters of great importance to them. In that regard, we should not forget that the Council acts on behalf of the wider United Nations membership. I would now like to make a few points. First, we need more open discussions. We understand that not everything can or should be discussed in public all the time, and that closed consultations may be necessary for candid and frank exchanges. But a balance needs to be struck in a way that encourages more open discussions, not fewer. Secondly, it is important to ensure that information and documentation flow regularly to the wider United Nations membership.”

   2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410Resumption1 (2023) · source

7. “We fully endorse the E10 statement and in particular share the view that note by the President S/2017/507 is a living document and not only requires consistent implementation but also continued review. As a small State, Singapore has always placed great importance on improving the working methods of the Council as a means to enhance the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of the Council’s work. And it is an equally important fact that the working methods of the Council are related to its credibility, legitimacy and relevance. The Council’s working methods must always ensure that its work remains transparent and accessible to the wider membership. It is therefore important that the wider United Nations membership be informed of the Council’s work.”

   2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410Resumption1 (2023) · source

8. “I thank you very much, Mr. President, for convening this timely and important discussion on the working methods of the Security Council. We commend Albania and you in particular, Mr. President, for your excellent work and for Albania’s consistent leadership as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. Let me also say at the outset that we welcomed the statement on working methods made on behalf of the 10 elected members of the Security Council (E10) by the representative of Ecuador earlier today. We are pleased that the elected members are united and share a common approach to improving the Council’s working methods.”

   2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410Resumption1 (2023) · source

9. “From enhancing supply-chain connectivity to developing new agrifood solutions, there are many areas where we can cooperate here at the United Nations. Addressing the global food crisis requires collective responsibility and action. Singapore will continue to do its part, and we are prepared to work with all Member States, including the members of the Security Council, to strengthen collaboration and coordination in that regard.”

   2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source

10. “We also call on all Member States not to politicize humanitarian aid and to ensure the safe and timely delivery of food assistance to people in need. Thirdly, we need to invest in building sustainable and resilient global food systems. Food security is not merely a local or regional problem but a global challenge, because of our interdependence and because food crises can have spillover effects and broader implications. We therefore need to collectively invest in global food systems as a global public good, and to shift away from the mindset that the only way to address the issue is through aid. We should also address food insecurity as part of a broader ecological crisis that includes climate change, biodiversity loss and water scarcity.”

    2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source

11. “That includes upholding the rules-based multilateral trading system, ensuring unimpeded movement of such essential items as food and agricultural commodities and refraining from imposing export prohibitions or restrictions in a manner inconsistent with the relevant provisions of the World Trade Organization. Secondly, food security should not be politicized or weaponized. We must not allow the vicious cycle between conflict and hunger to be perpetuated. In that regard, we strongly support the Secretary-General’s call for a resumption of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, including his commitment to facilitating unimpeded access to global food markets for food products and fertilizers from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation.”

    2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source

12. “Food security is an existential concern for many small countries and small island developing States, including island nations such as Singapore. Singapore is highly dependent on imported food. In fact, we import more than 90 per cent of the food that we consume. That means we are disproportionately affected by any disruptions in global food supply. The world needs urgent and collective action to address the global food crisis and to strengthen food systems’ resilience, and in that regard I would like to make three points. First, it is imperative that we keep global food supply chains free and open.”

    2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source

13. “Let me begin by congratulating the United States on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and commending it for convening today’s debate on famine and conflict- induced global food insecurity. I would also like to thank Ms. Reena Ghelani and the other briefers for their very insightful briefings this morning. The world is facing a critical moment in global food insecurity. More than 780 million people, or 10 per cent of the world’s population, are experiencing hunger today, a proportion that remains above pre-pandemic levels. Intensifying global challenges, such as geopolitical conflicts in various parts of the world, climate change and economic volatility, have exacerbated food insecurity worldwide and contributed to rising food prices.”

    2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source

14. “Climate change is a threat to all of humankind, and Singapore will continue to do its part to combat it. We are ready to work with all Member States to address the multidimensional impacts of climate change, including on international peace and security.”

    2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source

15. “That includes implementing the nationally determined contributions and long-term low-emissions development strategies under the Paris Agreement. Although Singapore’s contribution to global emissions is negligible, we are committed to doing our part to tackle climate change and have raised our climate ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Thirdly, the Security Council should promote enhanced support for vulnerable developing countries, particularly small island developing States, to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience. That includes sustained investment in innovation and technologies that address climate risks. The development of climate-resilient water infrastructure, for example, would be critical in regions where water scarcity is exacerbated by climate change and contributes to instability.”

    2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source

16. “Climate change is not the only source of conflicts and insecurity, but it has a tremendous ability to aggravate other root causes such as poverty, hunger and inequalities. The World Food Programme has estimated that climate change could increase the risk of famine and malnutrition by as much as 20 per cent by 2050. We should therefore address the multiple and interlinked impacts of climate change in a holistic and integrated manner. The New Agenda for Peace proposed by the Secretary-General could provide a useful platform for our discussions on that effort. Secondly, the Security Council should strongly encourage all countries to fulfil their commitments to multilateral efforts addressing climate change.”

    2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source

17. “While the primary multilateral forum for addressing climate change issues would be the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It should therefore take on that responsibility when international peace and security are directly affected by climate change. In that regard, let me add that the Council’s very relevance and responsiveness to the challenges of the day depend on its ability and willingness to deal with the nexus between climate change and international security. I would like to highlight three points on how the Security Council can play a role in addressing the impact of climate change on peace and security. First, the Council should adopt a more multidimensional approach to climate security.”

    2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source

18. “In recent months we have seen record temperatures across South-East Asia, and studies have shown that climate change has made such deadly heatwaves 30 times more likely. The climate crisis is also compounding other situations, particularly food, water and energy crises, with severe effects on people’s lives and livelihoods. At the Security Council open debate on sea level rise held on 14 February, my delegation spoke about how climate-change-induced sea level rise could threaten the very existence of small island developing States, including through a loss of territory (see S/PV.9260 (Resumption 1)). It is clear that climate change has the potential to exacerbate instability and conflicts and undermine international peace and security. In that regard, there is no doubt that climate issues should be discussed here in the Security Council.”

    2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source

19. “Let me begin by congratulating the United Arab Emirates on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. We thank the presidency for convening today’s debate on climate change and peace and security, which is a highly relevant and important topic. I also thank the briefers for their very insightful briefings earlier today. I also want to take this opportunity to commend the United Arab Emirates for its leadership and preparatory work in its capacity as incoming president of the twenty- eighth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. As a small and low-lying island nation, Singapore is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Indeed, climate change is an existential threat to our very survival.”

    2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source

20. “I urge all Member States to consider how we can follow up on some of those concrete ideas. Ultimately, an effective multilateral system must deliver concrete results for our people and our planet. Let me conclude by thanking the Russian Federation for convening this open debate in the Security Council. It is our hope that this debate will represent the beginning of serious reflection within the Security Council on its critical role and responsibilities and lead to a collective effort to strengthen the United Nations and our multilateral institutions. That will require all nations, large and small, to work together on the basis of mutual respect and respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.”

    2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source

21. “It is therefore important that the annual report is submitted to the General Assembly in a timely manner. Thirdly, it is important to reform and adapt our multilateral institutions to the challenges of the future. If we do not make the United Nations future-ready, the United Nations will have no future. In that regard, the Secretary-General’s report entitled Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) and the report of the High-level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism are important and forward-looking documents that deserve the serious attention of all Member States. After months of serious deliberations and engagement with stakeholders, the Advisory Board report put forward many actionable, practical and innovative ideas on how to achieve a more networked, inclusive and effective multilateralism.”

    2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source

22. “Given the changing nature of security, the Security Council must also address non-traditional security challenges such as those arising from climate change and information and communication technologies security. Secondly, General Assembly is the cornerstone of an effective multilateral system. As the universal organ of the United Nations, it has unparalleled legitimacy and credibility. The General Assembly has proven in recent months that it can respond to crises by taking decisions. The process of General Assembly revitalization is therefore important and urgent; the Office of the President of the General Assembly must be further strengthened. The annual report of the Security Council to the General Assembly, submitted in accordance with Article 24, paragraph 3, is fundamentally an exercise in accountability and inclusion.”

    2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source

23. “We call on all Security Council Members to respect the spirit of Article 27, paragraph 3 of the United Nations Charter and abstain from voting on matters in which they are a party to a dispute. The Security Council must also remain accountable to, and transparent with, the wider United Nations membership, whose interests it is supposed to represent and protect. That is why Singapore co-sponsored General Assembly resolution 76/262 on a standing mandate for a General Assembly debate whenever a veto is cast in the Security Council. More broadly, Singapore supports reform of the Security Council to reflect contemporary realities and not that of the world of 1945.”

    2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source

24. “First, the Security Council, which is entrusted with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of peace and security, must respond to global crises with a sense of unity and urgency. The Security Council must be an arena for building understanding and galvanizing solutions, not an arena for vetoes and counter-vetoes that exacerbate the problem. The members of the Security Council, in particular the Permanent Members, must respect international law and uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter. Given their privileged status in the Security Council, the Permanent Members must find ways to reduce tensions with one another, manage their differences from spilling over and advance the goals and interests of the international community.”

    2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source

25. “That is the foundation of multilateral cooperation. We must continue the worthy work of the United Nations in a focused, pragmatic and non-ideological manner. It is also important that we mobilize to strengthen, reform and re-energize the multilateral system. As we navigate complex challenges, we must recall the declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations (General Assembly resolution 75/1), in which our leaders agreed that “the purposes and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law remain timeless, universal and an indispensable foundation for a more peaceful, prosperous and just world”. I wish to make three points with regard to creating a strong and effective multilateral system.”

    2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source

26. “The impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic, the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the slowdown in the global economy have strained global solidarity. There is a trust deficit among the major Powers, and that has become both a symptom and cause of political differences, economic competition and geopolitical tensions. The challenges we face are real, but the good news is that there remains strong political commitment to support the work of the United Nations. Last month, United Nations members concluded an agreement to conserve and protect the high seas. Also in March, the General Assembly convened a very successful United Nations Water Conference. Those examples offer some hope that United Nations members can work together and find compromises for the common good, even if they hold different political views.”

    2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source

27. “With that special privilege also comes a special responsibility. Accordingly, much is expected of Permanent Members in terms of defending the principles of the Charter and upholding international law. That expectation applies to all the Permanent Members. International law and the principles of the United Nations Charter are sacrosanct. For small States like Singapore, this is the first line of defence to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity. The notion that might is right and the strong can do what they can and the weak suffer what they must is simply not acceptable. For small States, multilateralism is not an option; it is a necessity. The United Nations and the multilateral system are now facing one of their greatest challenges since 1945.”

    2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source

28. “If we want a serious discussion on multilateralism and the United Nations Charter, we cannot avoid the elephant in the room. Let me therefore reiterate Singapore’s position at the outset: that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a serious and flagrant violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. There is no justification for Russia’s illegal invasion and annexation of the territories of Ukraine, a sovereign and independent nation and a founding member of the United Nations. There is a tragic and disturbing irony in the fact that Russia invaded its neighbour while holding the presidency of the Security Council in February 2022. The United Nations Charter gives Permanent Members of the Security Council a privileged position at the United Nations.”

    2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source

29. “I thank the Russian Federation for convening this important debate on the topic of effective multilateralism and the defence of the principles of the United Nations Charter. I thank His Excellency Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and Secretary- General António Guterres, for their opening remarks. We welcome the format of an open debate as it contributes to greater transparency and inclusive participation. It also allows Member States to convey their views directly to the members of the Security Council. Today Singapore would like to share its perspective as a small, independent and sovereign nation that is deeply committed to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.”

    2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source

30. “As the declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations (General Assembly resolution 75/1) reminds us, our world is not yet the world that the founders of the United Nations envisaged. We should work together to strengthen the multilateral system, promote respect for international law and make our multilateral system fit-for-purpose and future-ready. Singapore will be an active participant in this urgent and necessary endeavour.”

    2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source

31. “Article 99 of the United Nations Charter states that the Secretary-General “may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security”. We support a greater role for the Secretary- General in mediation and conflict prevention. A recent concrete example of the Secretary-General using his good offices is the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has helped ensure food supplies and stabilize food prices globally. In conclusion, let me say that the multilateral system has served us fairly well, but there is much to be done. The world has changed dramatically, and we need to adapt the multilateral system to reflect contemporary realities.”

    2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source

32. “The Summit of the Future, of 2024, will be a major milestone for multilateralism, and it gives us the opportunity to address new issues on global governance. In that regard, the Global Digital Compact will be an important contribution. We look forward to receiving the recommendations from the High-level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism, which was appointed by the Secretary-General, in order to help build a more effective, networked and inclusive multilateral system. We also wish to place on record our support for the Secretary-General’s proposal for a new agenda for peace. Finally, any reform exercise should leverage and empower the good offices of the Secretary-General.”

    2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source

33. “We support the idea put forward by the Secretary-General, calling for a biennial summit between the members of the Group of 20, the United Nations system and international financial institutions. Such a summit would take place with the United Nations as a platform. We do not need to create new institutions, but we do need to ensure that existing institutions work better, coherently and in a coordinated manner. Singapore also supports the Secretary-General’s report, Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), which aims to strengthen global governance across areas such as climate change and sustainable development beyond 2030, the international financial system and the interests of future generations.”

    2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source

34. “In recent months, the General Assembly has shown clearly that it has the capacity and will to act when the Security Council is unable or unwilling to make decisions. In that regard, the adoption of General Assembly resolution 76/262 in April, which stipulated that the General Assembly would meet whenever a veto is cast in the Security Council, is a significant decision. It is precisely that kind of reform and innovation that can help to strengthen the multilateral system. Fourthly, we need to consider reform in a comprehensive manner, rather than piecemeal. We need to look at reform beyond the United Nations system by addressing the overall architecture of the multilateral system. In that regard, there is a clear need to reform the international financial institutions and ensure that they work more closely with the United Nations.”

    2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source

35. “The Security Council must become a platform for open dialogue, active mediation and preventive diplomacy. In particular, its permanent members must demonstrate exemplary leadership and be net contributors to peace and security, rather than a source of tension and instability. Increasingly, the very nature of security is changing, and the Security Council should also address security challenges arising from non-traditional issues, such as climate change. As I said earlier, Singapore supports the need for Security Council reform to reflect contemporary realities. Equally important is that any reform of the Council should not marginalize the needs and interests of small countries, many of which have never served on the Council. Thirdly, a robust multilateral system requires a strengthened role for the General Assembly.”

    2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source

36. “First, the foundation of the multilateral system is the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Any reform exercise must strengthen respect for the Charter and for international law. All members of the United Nations have a responsibility to respect the principles of the Charter and international law. Accordingly, whenever international law and the principles of the Charter are violated, the international community must respond swiftly and take a collective stand. To put it differently, reform must lead to greater accountability whenever the principles of the Charter and international law are violated. Secondly, the Security Council is charged with the primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security, and the Council itself must live up to its responsibilities.”

    2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source

37. “At the same time, the world has become more multipolar, with many new emerging Powers and many centres of economic growth and technological excellence. The case for reforming the United Nations and our multilateral system has never been more urgent. Singapore supports the need for reform in order to strengthen the multilateral system based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. We also support the need for Security Council reform, and we look forward to advancing discussions in the intergovernmental negotiations process. As this debate seeks to hear members’ views on new orientations for reformed multilateralism, Singapore would like to identify some guiding principles to address the question of reform of the multilateral system.”

    2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source

38. “Singapore deeply appreciates India’s leadership in convening this timely debate on multilateralism. We wish to thank Mr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister for External Affairs of the Republic of India, for his opening remarks. For more than seven decades, the United Nations and its network of specialized agencies, funds and programmes have worked hard to keep the peace and bring about sustainable development. We can be proud of the many achievements of the United Nations, and yet we must also acknowledge the many areas of unfulfilled hopes and ambitions. We are meeting today in the midst of several violent conflicts around the world. Approximately 2 billion people live in conflict-affected areas.”

    2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source

39. “We welcome the increasing number of meetings the Security Council has had with regional organizations in the past few months, and we look forward to the meeting on Association of Southeast Asian Nations-United Nations cooperation later this month, under your presidency, Sir. We also welcome the regular meetings between the President of the Security Council and the President of the General Assembly. The Security Council is at the forefront of the efforts of the United Nations to maintain peace and security, and members of the Council, especially the permanent members, must lead by example. At the same time, all of us here, as Members of the United Nations, have a responsibility to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter, not only through our words but also through our actions.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

40. “We cannot allow countries to selectively implement or selectively ignore Council decisions. When we disrespect a decision of the Council, we undermine the credibility of the entire Council and weaken its ability to maintain international peace and security. To be effective, it is important for the Council to work and coordinate closely with the General Assembly, the Peacebuilding Commission and regional organizations. Notably, regional and subregional organizations have played an increasingly important role in maintaining peace and security in recent years. Their efforts can complement the actions of the Security Council, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

41. “We applaud the Secretary-General’s pledge to make prevention a priority of the priorities, as he put it. The International Court of Justice is an important mechanism for dispute settlement, and it is vital that all Member States support the work of the Court and respect its decisions. Thirdly, the Security Council must work harder to be cohesive and united on the key issues of our day. We know that this is not always possible. However, it is important for members of the Security Council, especially the permanent members, to work harder to build understanding and find common ground on key international issues. That is our expectation. And when common positions are adopted, it is incumbent on all Member States to respect and implement the Council’s decisions in full.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

42. “If there is a selective approach to implementing international law or if there are unilateral actions that ignore international law, we will encourage a culture of non-compliance. Over time, repeated non-compliance will have the effect of weakening and undermining our rules-based multilateral system. It is therefore important for all members to guard against unilateral actions and selective multilateralism. Secondly, we have to place greater emphasis on preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, and we need to support the role of the Secretary-General in the settlement of disputes, in accordance with Article 99 of the United Nations Charter. Preventive diplomacy may be time-consuming, but it is an effective way to enhance the prospects for peace and reconciliation.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

43. “There is no doubt that the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. However, all Member States can, and indeed must, contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security. In that regard, please allow me to make a few points. First, we have to strengthen respect for the Charter of the United Nations, not only through our words but, more important, through our actions. Every Member of the United Nations, in particular the permanent members of the Security Council, have a responsibility to uphold international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. The rules-based multilateral system requires respect for international law by all States at all times.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

44. “I join previous speakers in thanking you, Mr. President, for convening today’s open debate on this important topic. I also thank the Secretary-General and Mrs. Mary Robinson for their very pertinent remarks earlier today. The new year has been marked by rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. As a small State strongly committed to the multilateral rules-based system, Singapore is deeply concerned by recent developments. There is an urgent need for all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions and return to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve their differences. We fully endorse the call by the Secretary-General for parties to stop escalation and re-start dialogue in order to renew international cooperation. In the context of recent developments, the debate today takes on particular significance.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

45. “We support your intention to follow up on today's meeting by further discussing practical proposals within the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. We call on all members to continue constructive engagement in improving the working methods of the Council. In line with the E-10's earlier statement, we support the adoption of specific notes by the President on specific working method issues as and when they are agreed in order to allow for practical reforms. We look forward to a good outcome under your able leadership.”

    2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source

46. “The Council's record on this remains mixed, with a strong voice being raised on some issues, but a lack ofadequate action on others. The veto, unfortunately, has too often been used to block Council action aimed at preventing mass atrocity crimes. Singapore joined more than 100 countries in supporting the French-Mexican initiative and the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group's code of conduct on limiting the use of the veto against mass atrocity crimes. While the five permanent have special privileges, these, in our View, must be wielded with increased responsibilities. Otherwise, the Council will not be able to discharge its duties in the maintenance of international peace and security. Let me conclude, Mr. President, by thanking your country for the attention it has brought to bear on this issue and you personally.”

    2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source

47. “Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen a trend whereby the report has been submitted later and later and, worst still, the debate on the report has been rushed and held at very short notice, thereby not enabling Members to be prepared properly for a substantive discussion. We hope that Council members will take note of this and submit the reports in good time so that the wider membership can have a substantive debate on the work of the Council. In our view, a delay in the submission of the report does not help the credibility or legitimacy of the Security Council. In fact, a thorough debate in the General Assembly on the work and report of the Council would help to enhance the Council's credibility and legitimacy. My third point relates to effectiveness.”

    2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source

48. “A Council where members feel sidelined is not only non-inclusive, but will also be ineffective in representing the interests of the wider membership. With regard to inclusiveness, the report of the Security Council to the General Assembly plays an important role because it is the means by which the Council reaches out and communicates to the wider membership in the Assembly. As was pointed out earlier, the report is due by the spring and yet we do not have it yet. In order for all Members to have a considered debate on the work of the Council, these reports should be made available to all members in good time.”

    2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source

49. “We hope that these meetings will continue as a standard practice, and that they will contain more interactive discussion and greater analysis. We would suggest that the monthly wrap-up meetings be reflected as part of the programme of work of the Council and that the date and time of these meetings be fixed well in advance and communicated to all Members with ample notice so that all of us can come prepared to participate. My delegation is also encouraged by signs of increased intra-Council inclusiveness. The E-lO have held regular meetings, including with the Secretary- General, and we think that they have promoted the E-10's more inclusive performance within the Council. We are heartened to see more E-10 members taking on penholder roles in the Council.”

    2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source

50. “In addition, the Council should seriously think of beginning a conversation on formalizing its provisional rules of procedure. They constitute the only set of rules guiding the working methods, and yet they remain provisional after more than 70 years. If codified, the rules of procedure would help the Council to account for its own performance and, more importantly, enhance the Council's legitimacy and credibility. Secondly, on inclusiveness, we are encouraged that the Council has made greater use of formats such as Arria Formula meetings and Toledo-format dialogues to engage more interactively with the General Assembly. We are also encouraged by the regularization of introductory and wrap-up meetings with the wider membership by each month's President.”

    2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source