YouSaid · the spoken record

Gallagher

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173

first

2021-06-07

most recent

2023-08-03

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31

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un-security-council

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1. “In 2016, following the Secretary-General’s call to action to prevent four famines, the Council mobilized a global response, and that experience was a catalyst for the adoption of resolution 2417 (2018). Ireland remains committed to the conflict and hunger agenda and to the actions laid out by the Group of Friends of Action on Conflict and Hunger, and we hope that all members of the Council will do so too.”

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

2. “Despite the dire food insecurity, with no end in sight, the Council finds itself having to meet behind closed doors when these issues are raised, and we feel that is unacceptable. If at an open debate we all lament conflict-induced hunger, if we say that starvation as a method of war is wrong and that it must not happen, the Security Council must do something about it when it has the opportunity. That means meeting in public and taking measures as foreseen in resolution 2417 (2018). Fine words do not prevent conflicts, and they certainly do not fill bellies, but action can. We saw that Council members can be extremely effective when they want to. The Council can come together.”

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

3. “During Ireland’s recent term on the Security Council, we urged the Council to do more in response to the increasing phenomenon of conflict-induced hunger. As co-focal points on conflict and hunger, we did so first with our colleagues from the Niger and then with Brazil, and I commend Brazil and Switzerland for continuing that important work. Yet far too often, when we sought to move the discussion from a theoretical one to seeking proactive Council action to prevent conflict- induced hunger in a particular country or region, we failed to receive the support we needed from other Council members. Many reasons were given, but it was ultimately a dereliction of the Council’s duty as outlined in resolution 2417 (2018). Such intransigence on the part of the Council costs lives, and it continues.”

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

4. “Such violations of international humanitarian law cannot be tolerated. Thirdly, and most importantly, we must work at every level to encourage conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Conflict is a leading driver of food insecurity and famine, and preventing conflict is the most effective way to prevent conflict-induced hunger. Ultimately, we need a renewed, sustained global effort to combat the deadly scourge of conflict- induced hunger, with Member States, humanitarian and development organizations, peacebuilders, civil society and others working together. The Group of Friends of Action on Conflict and Hunger will continue to do its part. I will now say a few words in my national capacity.”

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

5. “That should also include a gendered response to food crises and increasing support for women’s leadership in combating famine and building peace, in part through further support to women-led and women’s rights organizations. Secondly, we must work to ensure the sufficient, safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance and civilians’ access to critical services that they rely on for food security. The parties to conflicts must allow and facilitate humanitarian access to people in need, in line with their obligations under international law, in particular international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and accountability must be pursued for related violations. They include the use of starvation as a method of warfare and the destruction of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population.”

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

6. “We urge the Russian Federation to return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative to avoid even greater adverse impacts on global food security. It is high time for accelerated action by the Council, United Nations Member States and the international community. The Group of Friends, which was established to support and bolster the implementation of resolution 2417 (2018), would like to highlight three areas for action. First, there should be renewed efforts by all Member States to respect international law, implement resolution 2417 (2018) and prevent conflict-induced hunger, including through greater support for locally and regionally led responses.”

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

7. “We welcomed resolution 2692 (2023) on Haiti, and we commend the co-penholders, Ecuador and the United States, as well as all members of the Council for including strong language on food security in the text, taking into account OCHA’s update on food security risks in Haiti, in accordance with resolution 2417 (2018). Those three country situations are part of a global emergency. Across the world, people’s access to food is threatened by conflict and violence. As we heard from Ms. Ghelani this morning, conflict and violence increase the risk of hunger, especially in vulnerable areas where food systems are already under severe pressure from climate change, ecological degradation and extreme weather events, among other factors.”

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

8. “In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 25.8 million people were projected to be acutely food-insecure by the end of June. Those are clearly more than just areas of concern. They are crises that merit an urgent response from the Council and the international community. The Group of Friends appreciates that the Council did meet to discuss the contents of the most recent white note last week, in the format of an informal interactive dialogue. However, we believe it is essential for the Council to convene timely and open discussions. Open meetings can facilitate greater awareness of those crises and help mobilize support for the Council’s efforts to address the country-specific recommendations of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).”

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

9. “Resolution 2417 (2018) requested the Secretary-General to swiftly report to the Council when “the risk of conflict-induced famine and widespread food insecurity occurs”. That reporting serves as an early-warning mechanism. It assists the Council in responding to situations in which conflict- and violence-induced famine is an immediate danger and when lives could be saved if we acted quickly. As we meet today, there are numerous situations that meet that threshold. In June, the Secretary-General, through the Emergency Relief Coordinator, made such a report, focusing on three situations. In Haiti, one in two people were projected to face acute food insecurity by the end of June. In Burkina Faso, with 2.2 million people acutely food-insecure, including 22,500 risking starvation and death, the food security situation has never been worse.”

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

10. “I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Action on Conflict and Hunger, co-chaired by Ireland and Ecuador. We want to start by thanking the United States for once again convening a Security Council debate on this important issue. We also thank the briefers for their remarks. Their words serve to underline the need for all of us work together to counter the threat that conflict- induced hunger and famine pose to millions of people. Despite the adoption five years ago of resolution 2417 (2018), the severity of conflict-induced hunger has only increased. Nearly 258 million people in 58 countries and territories experienced acute food insecurity in 2022. Women and girls are particularly affected by food insecurity, which exacerbates gender inequalities and risks of gender-based violence.”

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

11. “It is a state of positive and constructive engagement in which people can live in dignity, equality and security. Sustaining peace requires more than simply stopping violence. It necessitates addressing the root causes of conflict, promoting social justice and building inclusive and accountable institutions. Above all, it requires rebuilding trust both in our institutions and in one another.”

    2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source

12. “It should deepen its engagement with the Peacebuilding Commission and prioritize gender-responsive approaches and conflict- sensitive perspectives. It should make use of reliable data, expert analysis and technological advances that can enhance transparency, accuracy and inclusiveness in its deliberations. Finally, as I just said, we must trust and believe in people. Having learned from the experience of the Troubles on the island of Ireland, Ireland understands the need for an inclusive approach to peacebuilding that ensures the meaningful participation of women, young people and minorities in decision-making. Indeed, it was only by adopting a whole-of-society approach that peace became possible in Northern Ireland. But peace is more than just the absence of conflict.”

    2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source

13. “In all the situations on its agenda, the Council must insist on strict adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law. It must hold parties to account and challenge impunity. Human rights, as we heard from the High Commissioner this morning (see S/PV.9315), are a critical foundation of sustaining peace and must be recognized as such. Ireland welcomed the participation of High Commissioner Türk in today’s debate, but his presence in this Chamber is far too rare an occurrence. We urge Council members to consider inviting the High Commissioner to brief them on a more regular basis. In the age of fake news, the Council also has a responsibility to advance sound, scientifically driven and evidence-based decision-making.”

    2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source

14. “There is a saying often attributed to the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov — “You must trust and believe in people or life becomes impossible”. I think that axiom particularly apt in the context of peacebuilding, but it also speaks to the consequences of declining trust in the very structures that are meant to uphold peace and security and the rule of law. If we are to futureproof trust, the Security Council must lead by example. Demonstrating unity, cooperation and a steadfast commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations will send a powerful message of reassurance and hope to the international community and help rebuild the trust that is so essential for peace. But that in itself will not be enough.”

    2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source

15. “As the organ with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council’s credibility is undermined when it fails to take decisive action in the face of pressing global challenges. Worse still, lives are lost. Sadly, that is true in many cases, from the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory to Myanmar, to climate change. Every time the Council fails to act as a result of a member’s self-interest or to protect others’ behaviour, the fabric of its legitimacy frays further. That is epitomized by the Russian Federation’s shameful use of the veto in connection with its own military aggression in Ukraine, an act that severely threatens the Council’s long-term legitimacy.”

    2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source

16. “Let me warmly congratulate you, Madam President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I also want to thank the briefers for their remarks today. I align my statement with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. Today’s discussion could not be more urgent or timely. Our world is more connected than ever, but our societies are more polarized and fragmented. Persistent inequalities, the spread of disinformation and the perception of Government inaction on critical issues have all contributed to a widening trust deficit within and among nations. The Council is no exception.”

    2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source

17. “Ireland supports a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the conflict, including on the long-term status of Nagorno-Karabakh. We maintain our full support to the international format of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to pursue that objective. We strongly support the continued, active engagement of the European Union to support the sides in their important work to peacefully resolve remaining issues, including through the Brussels dialogue process. Together with our European Union partners, Ireland supports the common goal of a South Caucasus where people can live in peace, security and prosperity. I encourage all of us around the table to do the same.”

    2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9228 (2022) · source

18. “As States parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Armenia and Azerbaijan have an obligation to ensure the right to peaceful assembly. Any legitimate exercise of that right should be respected, while also ensuring that it does not compromise public safety, public health and the rights and freedoms of others. Now is the time for restraint and de-escalation. It is time to moderate rhetoric and to refrain from threats and provocation. It is time to continue important reconciliation efforts to prevent further unnecessary loss of life. Concerns can and, indeed, should be addressed through dialogue and consultations with the parties involved. We welcome the steps undertaken by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to overcome their differences and reach a durable and sustainable peace in the region.”

    2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9228 (2022) · source

19. “I thank Assistant Secre-tary-General Jenča for his briefing. Like others, Ireland is seriously concerned about the ongoing obstruction of the Lachin corridor, which began on 12 December, and has severe implications for the local population. Without the free movement of people, goods, food and medical supplies through that vital corridor, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh will surely face a humanitarian crisis this winter. As Council members, we must do everything we can to avoid that and to prevent another man-made catastrophe from emerging on our watch. Ireland therefore calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately and unconditionally restore freedom and security of movement along the Lachin corridor, in line with the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020.”

    2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9228 (2022) · source

20. “We are dismayed by the recent violence in N’Djamena and call on the transition Government and the President of ECCAS to quickly resolve the tensions, peacefully revive the political transition and ensure the holding of free and fair elections and the return of constitutional order. Finally, UNOCA’s efforts to address hate speech are vital. The adoption of a draft regional strategy and action plan for the prevention of and fight against hate speech in Central Africa earlier this year could make a significant contribution to conflict prevention efforts and regional stability.”

    2022-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9213 (2022) · source

21. “The socioeconomic situation is also disturbing, exacerbated as it is by Russia’s war in Ukraine and the consequent global rise in food prices. The prevalence of food insecurity is cause for concern. We reiterate the need for cooperation and action to address this issue. Ireland is pleased to note the improved maritime-security situation in the Gulf of Guinea and UNOCA’s cooperation with the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel in this regard. While we welcome the peaceful holding of elections in countries throughout the region, we are concerned by the challenges with respect to electoral governance. We reiterate the need for inclusive and transparent processes. The situation in Chad is unsettling.”

    2022-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9213 (2022) · source

22. “Ongoing instability is creating a dire humanitarian situation in several Central African countries, with particular impacts on women and girls, who are facing higher rates of sexual and gender-based violence. Ireland condemns such acts. We urge all parties to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. We call for perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights to be held accountable. We welcome the ongoing efforts of UNOCA, ECCAS and Governments of the region to advance the youth, peace and security and the women, peace and security agendas. Promoting women and youth involvement in electoral, mediation and peacebuilding processes, as well as engaging with women-led and youth-led civil society, is vital for peace and security in Central Africa, as it is everywhere.”

    2022-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9213 (2022) · source

23. “In addition, international efforts are needed to encourage the sustainable utilization of natural resources. The preservation of the Congo basin and the promoting of traditional knowledge and local peace infrastructures can help prevent and peacefully resolve conflicts and enhance local and regional peace consolidation. We commend the work of UNOCA, ECCAS, the Climate Security Mechanism and other entities. Their efforts and the continued commitments of the countries of Central Africa can play a leading role in illustrating the value of climate action for peacebuilding. We know that Special Representative Abarry’s personal understanding of and commitment to climate and security will see the issue of climate-related security risks continue being meaningfully integrated into the work of UNOCA.”

    2022-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9213 (2022) · source

24. “Maritime insecurity, farmer-herder conflicts and the adverse impacts of climate change also affect security across the region. One year ago, on behalf of a group of like-minded Council members, Ireland and the Niger introduced a draft thematic resolution on climate and security (S/2021/990). We regret that despite the overwhelming support of the Council and the broader United Nations membership, the text was not adopted (see S/PV.8926). Ireland continues to call on the Security Council to investigate and address the impacts of climate change on peace and security. We cannot continue to stand by while displacement and tensions increase, lives and livelihoods are lost and the opportunity to build sustained and sustainable peace is missed.”

    2022-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9213 (2022) · source

25. “Let me begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General Abarry for his briefing and join others in welcoming him back to the Security Council. It is a pleasure to see him in the Chamber today. I would also like to thank Mr. Da Piedade Veríssimo for his briefing. Ireland commends the extensive efforts of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) aimed at improving regional cooperation, including with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and other regional organizations. Enhanced cooperation is essential to addressing the region’s multidimensional challenges, including armed-group activities in the Lake Chad basin and cross-border threats to peace and security.”

    2022-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9213 (2022) · source

26. “Beyond Iraq, we also welcome the growing assistance provided by UNITAD to support investigations by national authorities in a range of jurisdictions, including in Europe. Before I conclude, let me reiterate to the Special Adviser Ireland’s strong support for UNITAD’s crucial work.”

    2022-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9206 (2022) · source

27. “Ireland is therefore encouraged by the ongoing efforts of UNITAD and the Iraqi authorities to cooperate on United Nations sanctions listings, including possible designations under the sanctions regime of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015). We look forward to the Council of Ministers approval of the memorandum of understanding authorizing the sharing of information in those types of cases. Finally, the technical assistance and support provided by UNITAD to the Iraqi authorities is wide-ranging and comprises evidence digitization and preservation, forensic expertise, the excavation of mass graves and the provision of training to judges and investigators. That is important work, and we urge its continuation.”

    2022-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9206 (2022) · source

28. “Key to holding ISIL perpetrators to account is the adoption of national legislation that enables the domestic prosecution of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Ireland regrets the delay in enacting such legislation. We call on the Iraqi authorities to progress that initiative as a matter of priority. We note UNITAD’s readiness to support any such efforts. Once again, Ireland reiterates its firm view that such legislation must preclude the application of the death penalty. United Nations sanctions are an indispensable component of the Security Council’s toolbox for holding members of ISIL accountable for their actions.”

    2022-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9206 (2022) · source

29. “Moreover, UNITAD’s continued attention to the thematic investigation into sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated by ISIL is welcome. UNITAD’s interviews with older Yazidi men who were enslaved will contribute to a broader understanding of the scope of gender-based violence inflicted by ISIL against the Yazidi community. More broadly, we welcome the fact that the Team has placed cooperation with victims, survivors and civil society at the heart of all its investigative work. As we heard today from the Special Adviser, the reporting period was defined by a shift from investigations towards the identification of the perpetrators most responsible for atrocity crimes, as well as the building of targeted cases. While that is welcome, moving from evidence-gathering to evidence-based trials requires further action.”

    2022-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9206 (2022) · source

30. “We also recognize the cooperation afforded by the Government of Iraq, the Iraqi judiciary and the authorities of the Kurdistan Regional Government. The completion of the first case assessment focused on crimes committed against the Christian community in Iraq marks an important moment for accountability in Iraq. The evidence collected to date strengthens the Team’s preliminary findings that ISIL commissioned acts constituting crimes against humanity and war crimes against the Christian community, including sexual violence and slavery. We also commend UNITAD for its completion of an initial analysis of the horrific crimes committed by ISIL against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community, including the public executions of men and boys accused of being gay.”

    2022-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9206 (2022) · source

31. “Let me join others in congratulating you, Madam President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. We thank Special Adviser Ritscher for his report (see S/2022/836) and briefing this morning. I want to assure him of Ireland’s steadfast support for his work in delivering justice for the victims and survivors of atrocity crimes committed in Iraq by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). We also join others in welcoming our colleague, the Ambassador of Iraq, to the Chamber today. Ireland welcomes the progress achieved by the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD) across all investigative lines of inquiry during the reporting period.”

    2022-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9206 (2022) · source

32. “Ireland also underscores the importance and value of joint visits, including the participation of the 1267 Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and 1540 Group of Experts on relevant Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate country visits. We would also like to take this opportunity to commend the Chair of the 1540 Committee for the conduct of the comprehensive review, which has provided an important opportunity to review the work of the Committee, including with the broader United Nations membership, on a key part of the non-proliferation architecture. In conclusion, Ireland looks forward to the renewal of the mandate of the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts later this month.”

    2022-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9201 (2022) · source

33. “In a challenging global security environment, the risk that non-State actors, including terrorists, may acquire, develop, traffic in or use nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery remains deeply concerning. Nor are we dealing in hypotheticals. The investigative work of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD) reveals evidence of chemical-weapon attacks by ISIL in Iraq and the incentivization of the use of such weapons by ISIL’s senior leadership. UNITAD’s work reaffirms the importance of maintaining and expanding cooperation between the 1540, 1267 and 1373 Committees, as well as their expert groups. Such cooperation includes regular meetings, the sharing of relevant information and engagement on issues of mutual concern.”

    2022-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9201 (2022) · source

34. “In that regard, we recently hosted an event that spotlighted the ways in which counter-terrorism financing measures are misused to target civil society, humanitarian actors and human rights defenders. Such measures are counterproductive where efforts to counter terrorism are concerned and can constitute violations of international human rights law. That is why Ireland believes that the Council must work harder to ensure that counter-terrorism measures, including sanctions, do not impede humanitarian action. In that regard, Ireland, together with our colleagues from the United States, has introduced a draft resolution providing for a humanitarian exemption across all sanctions regimes. We urge all Council members to support that initiative, thereby allowing aid to reach populations at risk.”

    2022-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9201 (2022) · source

35. “For Ireland, those negative developments highlight the need to correct our course and readjust our counter- terrorism responses. The Council must place a greater focus on tackling the underlying drivers of terrorism and violent extremism. Instead of focusing solely on containing terrorism, the Council must seek ways to prevent it. Doing that effectively requires whole-of-society approaches that are inclusive of civil society and are gender-responsive. Throughout Ireland’s Council tenure, we have consistently stressed the importance of placing human rights at the heart of all counter-terrorism responses. Too often, however, human rights are either sidelined or actively undermined.”

    2022-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9201 (2022) · source

36. “At the outset, I want to thank the Chairs of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015); 1373 (2001); and 1540 (2004) for their informative briefings this morning, and to express Ireland’s sincere gratitude to all three Chairs for their excellent stewardship of their respective Committees in 2022. Today’s briefings underline the unfortunate reality that terrorism remains a grave threat to international peace and security. Terrorist groups — in particular Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Qaida and their affiliates — are growing in strength throughout Africa. ISIL-Khorasan continues to pose a severe threat in Afghanistan, while Al-Qaida is finding safe haven there under Taliban rule. ISIL also retains the capacity to mount high-profile attacks in Syria and Iraq.”

    2022-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9201 (2022) · source

37. “I echo the Secretary-General in urging the Government to uphold its commitment to take appropriate measures to fully implement the status-of-forces agreement. In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to France as penholder for its untiring efforts to reconcile diverging views and secure agreement on this important resolution.”

    2022-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9190 (2022) · source

38. “Ireland welcomes the adoption of resolution 2659 (2022), renewing the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for one year. In a context marked by the persistence of violence and with a heavy price being paid by the civilian population, humanitarian workers and peacekeepers, it was essential for the Security Council to reaffirm its support for MINUSCA. Challenges to the freedom of movement of the Mission, including continued restrictions on night flights, about which the Special Representative of the Secretary-General recently informed the Council (see S/PV.9156), make it difficult for MINUSCA to fulfil its mandate, given that night flights are essential for the safety and security of peacekeepers.”

    2022-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9190 (2022) · source

39. “We must also fulfil our mandate and end the persistent conflicts driving displacement in the countries and regions on our agenda. In conclusion, I want to reiterate Ireland’s steadfast support for the High Commissioner and UNHCR. Ireland’s funding to UNHCR continues to grow, and our core funding is at its highest level ever. We will continue to advocate for those who seek shelter as refugees and internally displaced persons, and we will work with the High Commissioner to provide humanitarian support. We know that his work would be so much easier if we in the Council did ours better.”

    2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9178 (2022) · source

40. “The Council has a responsibility to use the tools available when required, but they must be effective and without unintended consequences for humanitarian efforts. The High Commissioner and his colleagues are doing their job. What more can we do? First, as the High Commissioner asked at the beginning of today’s meeting, we must do better. We must redouble our efforts to support inclusive political solutions that can end violence, prevent displacement, facilitate humanitarian access and allow safe return, and we must do so without fear or favour. Secondly, we must hear directly from refugees and displaced people — those bearing the brunt of our inaction and inadequacy, and those whose eyes the High Commissioner asked us to look through when we consider the issue.”

    2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9178 (2022) · source

41. “Many Haitians are undertaking precarious journeys to seek refugee protection. They should not be turned away or sent back. Last month, the Council used one of its tools to establish a new sanctions regime for Haiti through the adoption of resolution 2653 (2022), which includes an important carveout to ensure that the vital work of UNHCR and other humanitarians is unhindered by sanctions. That is an important principle for any sanctions regime. And as the representative of the United States mentioned, that is why Ireland has worked with the United States to put forward a proposal to mainstream a humanitarian carveout across all sanctions regimes — and I took note of the High Commissioner’s comments in that regard.”

    2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9178 (2022) · source

42. “We already see the evidence across our agenda — startlingly so in the Horn of Africa, where millions bear the disproportionate consequences of conflict, hunger and climate change. Greater humanitarian aid is needed for the Horn of Africa, but it will not be enough. We must redouble the Council’s attention to instability, conflict and the pursuit of peace. We cannot address the needs of millions of displaced persons without humanitarian access. Those blocking aid delivery must stop and facilitate immediate unhindered access. There can be no impunity for those who target humanitarian actors or seek to use starvation as a weapon of war. The Council must ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law. Gang violence has internally displaced 115,000 people in Haiti, adding to those already displaced by the earthquake.”

    2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9178 (2022) · source

43. “It has been a sobering and humbling experience, one that I hope will translate into greater solidarity with long-term and large-scale refugee hosting countries such as Kenya, as well as Bangladesh, Lebanon, Türkiye, Colombia, Uganda, Germany and Pakistan. As we heard, a changing climate is shifting the calculation for refugees and displaced persons. Future returns, always difficult, may now be next to impossible. The link between climate and displacement is irrefutable. Climate crises threaten lives and livelihoods and contribute to instability and conflict. Ireland asserts that, in order to fully understand conflict drivers and consequences such as displacement, the Security Council has a responsibility to understand the impacts of climate change on security.”

    2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9178 (2022) · source

44. “Worse still, nine months ago, one United Nations State Member — a member of the Council — chose to wage war on another. Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine spurred the greatest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. It also accelerated a global food insecurity crisis, further driving displacement and suffering across Africa, the Middle East and beyond. Some 6.2 million people are now internally displaced in Ukraine and 7.7 million Ukrainians are refugees. Ireland has welcomed and given shelter to tens of thousands of Ukrainians. In doing the same, many of us here have experienced large-scale refugee inflows for the first time.”

    2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9178 (2022) · source

45. “We heard today that more than 100 million people are displaced: in Myanmar, 1.3 million people are internally displaced and 1 million Rohingya refugees are outside the country; in Venezuela, more than 7 million people have been forced to escape hunger, violence and deprivation; in Ethiopia, 4.2 million people have been displaced, many as a result of the ongoing conflict in the northern part of the country; in Afghanistan, 7 million people have fled, many of them from the Taliban violence and repression; and in Syria, 6.6 million refugees have been forced to flee the conflict, with nearly 7 million more people internally displaced and in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Each of those situations on our agenda — or that should be on our agenda — represent a failure to prevent or address conflict.”

    2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9178 (2022) · source

46. “As the High Commissioner said, hunger, climate events and the economic crisis are all driving displacement, but as he told the Executive Committee in Geneva last month, conflict remains the biggest driver of forced displacement. I therefore think that we around this table need to be frank and clear. The High Commissioner is doing his job — we are not doing ours. We in the Security Council are failing to live up to our mandate to prevent and resolve conflict and the forced displacement and related suffering of millions is the consequence. The numbers speak for themselves.”

    2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9178 (2022) · source

47. “Let me join others in commending Gabon on its presidency of the Security Council last month — and now it finds itself in the most comfortable chair in the Chamber. I also would like to wish you, Mr. President, the best of luck for the month ahead. I would like to thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for once again delivering a sobering briefing. But the dedication of his team and the staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to alleviating the suffering of refugee populations gives us hope. It demonstrates our collective will to address displacement, even if we are failing to demonstrate an equal will to address the root causes.”

    2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9178 (2022) · source

48. “It is disappointing that we have seen only marginal progress towards a comprehensive political agreement on the final status of Abyei. I again call for all parties to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the final status of Abyei and the demarcation of the border. The people of Abyei deserve no less.”

    2022-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9170 (2022) · source

49. “We commend the bravery and sacrifices of the UNISFA troops, and we call for them to be protected. We appreciate the efforts of the mission to continue to foster positive relations with local communities and address their concerns. Ireland remains concerned that the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism does not have access to all areas under its mandate. While there have been some welcome positive signals, we call on South Sudan to help to deliver concrete progress on the ground. Ireland looks forward to engaging in the upcoming mandate renewal. The renewal should support the recent mission configuration and allow adequate time to consolidate the progress already made. This is the last scheduled meeting in relation to UNISFA during Ireland’s current term on the Security Council.”

    2022-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9170 (2022) · source

50. “While some operational issues must still be resolved, the rapid progress on reconfiguration is laudable. Ireland once again calls on both the Sudan and South Sudan to address outstanding operational issues, such as the issuance of visas and access to Athony airstrip. The Sudan, for example, has been unable to facilitate the deployment of critical mission personnel. That leaves the mission with only 50 police personnel — a fraction of the 640 police officers authorized by the Security Council. The progress achieved on the reconfiguration took place despite the continued attacks on peacekeepers. We were very disturbed by Assistant Secretary-General Pobee speaking earlier of rockets and grenades being used against United Nations peacekeepers. Ireland condemns all such attacks.”

    2022-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9170 (2022) · source