YouSaid · the spoken record

Gaspar Martins

lines on the record: 1,225
first: 2002-04-23
most recent: 2016-11-23
sittings or episodes: 177
sources: un-security-council

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“Also, I would mention the shared idea that the Council is the primary instrument to help the region, and particularly the countries of the Great Lakes region, bring about peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a common vision, shared between the Council and the countries of the region, specifically Angola.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7819 (2016) · source
“In our final meeting with the diplomatic corps accredited to Angola, the mission reaffirmed the need for consensus on an electoral calendar and confidence-building measures by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the importance of a peaceful transition from the Government of President Kabila, after the holding of transparent, democratic and fair elections. In conclusion, the Council mission and its Angolan interlocutors agreed to make efforts to help the Democratic Republic of the Congo to get through the difficult period that the country is going through and to do their utmost to promote a fruitful political dialogue, respect the rule of law and establish a credible electoral calendar - all in the interests of peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Central African region.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7819 (2016) · source
“Angola's declaration further expressed the conviction that the political dispute must be resolved through dialogue and not through violence or any other illegitimate means, and called on the parties to maintain the dialogue and negotiations, and to avoid confrontation and violence at all costs. The Vice-President assured the mission that Angola, in its capacity as President of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, as well as a neighbouring country and friend of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will remain available to work with the international community, in particular with the Security Council, for the stabilization of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7819 (2016) · source
“The Vice-President ofAngola assured the Security Council mission that Angola was monitoring the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with great attention and concern, stressing that the Angolan Government had expressed its position on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a statement that was issued two days before the arrival of the Council mission to Luanda, and that declaration, which was shared with the members of the Council, reaffirming Angola's policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and stressing that peace and stability in that country must be preserved, as it is crucial for regional peace and security, especially for Central Africa.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7819 (2016) · source
“During the meeting, the Security Council mission argued for the need to prevent the Democratic Republic of the Congo from plunging into chaos and violence, a situation that could affect all neighbouring countries and the region as a whole.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7819 (2016) · source
“They are therefore advocating an inclusive dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing Angola as an example - a country that was torn apart by nearly 30 years of armed conflict that took thousands of lives, but was nevertheless able to reach peace and national reconciliation primarily through dialogue. The mission met then with the Vice-President of the Republic of Angola, Mr. Manuel Vicente, accompanied by the Minister of State and Chief of Security, Mr. Vieira Dias, Junior, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Georges Chikoti, and Secretary for Diplomatic Affairs of the President, Mr. Carlos Fonseca.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7819 (2016) · source
“The Council again urged the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to respect the Constitution and the rule of law in the country and encouraged them to pursue stabilization and pacification through an inclusive and democratic dialogue favouring the holding of free, transparent and credible elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Vice-President of the Angolan Parliament highlighted that the Angolan authorities are aware of and concerned about the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with all of its potential negative impact on Angola and the rest of the region.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7819 (2016) · source
“The first meeting was with the First Vice-President, Mrs. Joana Lina Ramos, who is in charge ofthe National Assembly of Angola, and members of the Commission for External Relations and the National Security Commission. The Deputy Permanent Representative of France, Mr. Alexis Lamek, and I, as leaders of the mission, outlined the mission's objective, namely, to discuss with Angolan authorities measures to ensure a serious commitment by the main political actors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to overcome the political impasse, to help restore confidence among the political players and to create conditions for an inclusive dialogue leading the country to the holding of fair, democratic and transparent elections and permitting the peaceful transfer of power.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7819 (2016) · source
“I would like to start by joining my colleague, the Permanent Representative of France, Mr. Francois Delattre, in thanking, first, the presidency of the Security Council and, next, all colleagues who joined us in the mission to both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola. I am very honoured to report to the Council on the outcome of the Angolan segment of the Security Council mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola on 13 and 14 November. The mission exchanged views with the authorities of Angola, which currently chairs the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region, on ways to prevent the aggravation of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mission was therefore essentially a mission that, I think we agreed, was intended to be of a preventive character.”
2016-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7819 (2016) · source
“The countries of the Water Commission are currently implementing a strategic action programme that can be seen as a good case ofregional cooperation and one that other speakers have already mentioned. Water is a key factor in that kind of cooperation. In conclusion, it is evident that water shortages, shortsighted national interests and mismanagement can cause tensions among populations and nations in many regions of the world, leading to potential sources of conflict. It is therefore key to promote international cooperation on such a critical issue, by raising international awareness, encouraging developing countries to prioritize water and sanitation, and integrating water management into global food security, health and climate-change initiatives in order to preserve peace and security in the world.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“However, despite the rich water resources with which Angola is endowed, providing water to every community in the country remains a huge challenge and one that calls for a continuing serious financial, technical and educational effort in which international investment is a key factor. At the regional level, the Okavango River Basin WaterCommissionwasestablishedbyAngola,Botswana and Namibia in order to promote and strengthen the integrated, sustainable management, use and development of the Cubango-Okavango basin. Respect for best practices, aimed at protecting biodiversity and improving the livelihoods of the basin's communities and human development in the States concerned, has been a fundamental consideration for the programme.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“That would turn it into a top priority among the important infrastructure projects being developed by Africa's key development partners, since the prevailing situation has the potential to become yet another hotbed of crisis and conflict, as well as a real threat to regional and international peace and security. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight Angola's experience with regard to water resources and their use and management. The Government of Angola has created a water resources institute that is implementing a national programme for water distribution and sanitation all over the country, as well as the management of transboundary watersheds.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“To manage the lake's shrinking water resources and reverse the trend towards its extinction, several initiatives at the international and regional levels have been undertaken as a demonstration of the deep concern of the people, Governments and the international community regarding the current state of affairs. The Lake Chad Basin Commission, a regional initiative, has developed the Lake Chad replenishment project with the objective of regenerating the lake - an ambitious project with the potential to radically change the situation of the basin and the lives of its population. The countries of the region and the international community should assume a collective responsibility by seriously considering extending tangible support to the project.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“However, the inhabitants see their source of livelihood impaired, with the lake on the brink of ecological disaster, having become a tiny fraction of its former size. That situation has led to security threats linked to growing poverty and unemployment, youth radicalization and terrorism and a huge humanitarian crisis against the backdrop of high rates of population growth, extreme poverty and a food and nutrition crisis. The international community is called upon to act, as a preventive measure, and to do something tangible in helping to solve the environmental degradation of a region that has historically been an economic and cultural hub of African culture and civilization.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“However, such good practice has not always been the rule, and competition for water for irrigation and grazing and the lack of access to drinking water are increasing sources of conflict in some countries and regions. The Lake Chad basin has become one of the most dramatic cases where the linkage between water, peace and security is at centre stage. Due to poor cooperation among its adjoining countries, the basin faces enormous challenges that threaten its very existence and the survival of millions of its inhabitants, as it is no longer affords them enough water resources for their livelihoods. Lake Chad benefits around 20 million people living on its shores in four countries, supporting the local economy, which is fundamentally based on fishing, agriculture and cattle-raising.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“The recognition by the General Assembly that water and sanitation constitute fundamental human rights was a decisive step forward in changing the paradigm on how the issue of water is perceived. The establishment of the Global High-Level Panel on Water and Peace - aimed at proposing a global architecture to transform water from a source of potential crisis to an instrument of cooperation and peace - fully translates the contemporary concern for and awareness of the issue, while the management of water courses and river basins became a central piece of international cooperation. The management of rivers of Senegal and the Gambia is an outstanding example of regional cooperation in the management of water assets by bordering countries through transcending national interests.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“Sundeep Waslekar, President of Strategic Foresight Group, and thank them for the very important and insightful remarks they shared with us this morning. Contemporary life is characterized by the scarcity of clear, clean and safe drinking water in increasing parts of the world. Nearly 1.7 billion people in the developing world do not have access to water, while in some countries and regions people take water for granted, wasting it or turning it into an extremely lucrative business. Water has become an essential part of the international political agenda, a global challenge and a critical issue confronting our societies. Water and access to it are a core issue of climate change, health and nutrition crises and environmental degradation, and they are also at the origin of serious social and political conflicts.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“I would like to start by saying that, having listened to what you, Mr. President, had to convey to and share with the Council on the experience of Senegal and the exemplary role that you have been playing in the management of water resources in that region, I can understand why the topic is important, not only for Senegal, but for the world. I would therefore very much like to thank you for convening this meeting and for your choice for our debate this morning. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon; and to welcome Mr. Danilo Turk, Chair of the Global High- Level Panel on Water and Peace; Ms. Christine Beerli, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross; and Mr.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“On the long road towards finding more appropriate responses to the unprecedented threats to peace and security globally, particularly in Africa, considering the need for predictable funding in order to ensure peacekeeping operations in Africa, the High Representative of the AU Peace Fund, who is present here this morning, has presented a commendable proposal that the Council has been called upon to consider. We reiterate our support for the draft resolution (S/2016/977) to be adopted shortly. We look forward to options on the operationalization of the commitments by the African Union and the outcomes of today's discussion on the issue and the follow-up action by the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly, as well as later on by the African Union Summit to be convened in January in Addis Ababa.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“In finalizing those strategic operational decisions based on African Union-led experiences, some common denominators became apparent: first, the joint commitment by the AU and the United Nations to strengthen their strategic partnership on issues related to peace and security, and, secondly, the need to explore options for ensuring predictable, reliable and sustainable funding for peace-support operations in the continent. Angola commends the AU Peace Fund report entitled "Securing predictable and sustainable financing for peace in Africa".”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“In the search for African solutions to the conflicts affecting the continent, given the unprecedented threats faced by some African countries and the delays in the operationalization of the African Standby Force, which was initially due to global events of 2008, some AU member States launched discussions on the establishment of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crisis, so as to provide the African continent with the means to ensure their ownership in tackling conflict situations on the continent and capabilities for immediately responding to crises.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“The central question remains: How can the United Nations Security Council support the successful implementation of those priorities? The United Nations went through a review of peacekeeping operations. The High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations presented a comprehensive report (see S/2015/446), regarding which the African Union was extensively consulted by the Panel, and the AU was given an opportunity to lay out its common position focused on priorities, including crisis management by regional institutions, a recognition of the Security Council's primacy in authorizing enforcement action, the need for permanent consultations and exchanges of information relating to ongoing crises and conflicts, and the need for better coordination and the strengthening of complementarities.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“That endeavour can be achieved only with close coordination and complementarity with the United Nations and the Security Council, given the Council's premier responsibility in the maintenance of international peace and security. In 2015, we adopted the African Peace and Security Architecture Roadmap for the period 2016 to 2020, which is a strategic blueprint putting particular emphasis on effective delivery by all stakeholders involved in the peace and security architecture, including partners and external actors. The Roadmap aims at covering the various phases of the conflict cycle through five strategic priorities: conflict prevention, conflict management, post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding, strategic security issues and coordination and partnership.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“The agenda is built upon important and strategic policy decisions taken by the African Union, namely, Agenda 2063, which is aimed at creating the conditions for the sustainable development of the African continent, and Vision 2020, which together provide the AU framework to put an end to all conflicts on the continent by 2020. In its fiftieth anniversary solemn declaration, the AU proclaimed the need for a stronger commitment by African States to efforts to address conflicts on the continent and to review their policies on peace and security. The African Union member States have expressed a clear commitment to engage in peacekeeping missions with robust mandates aimed at deterring violence and, if necessary, enforcing peace.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“Those were positive developments that we are now called upon to refine by improving the mechanisms established, and the debate today provides a unique opportunity to enhance our joint responsibility to render our cooperation more effective. In that connection, bearing in mind the need to further develop the relationship from a level based on cooperation to one consisting of a strategic partnership, the Assembly of the African Union adopted a decision in July 2015 to establish the 2017-2028 framework for a renewed partnership on Africa's integration and development agenda, based on, among other provisions, the guiding principles ofAfrican ownership and leadership.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“The Addis Ababa Declaration of 2006, which established a 10-year capacity-building programme for the African Union, provided the basis for cooperation between the two organizations and the establishment of an institutional framework, inter alia, the United Nations Office to the African Union, the annual joint consultative meetings, African non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council coordination group, the joint framework between the United Nations and the Peace and Security Department of the African Union, and the Joint Task Force on Peace and Security. Important Council resolutions have been adopted, in particular resolutions 2023 (2011) and 2067 (2012), which seek to strengthen the relationship between the two organizations and develop a more effective partnership.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“In that regard, cooperation between the African Union (AU) and the United Nations based on a shared vision, goals and comparative advantages plays a critical role in tackling the numerous conflicts on the African continent. The Council has just returned from a mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where members of the Council were able to personally observe the challenges that we face, and I think that the debate this morning will provide valuable insights into what we are called upon to do.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“Te'te Anto'nio, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations; and Mr. Donald Kaberuka, African Union High Representative for the Peace Fund. Their comments, remarks and proposals have very much enriched our debate this morning on a theme that is very dear to the African continent and to the entire global community, given the threats to peace and security facing the world. The contemporary and evolving challenges posed by violent conflict, humanitarian crises, extremism, terrorism, war crimes and crimes against humanity call for a more coordinated response and complementary action on the part of all stakeholders in addressing issues related to peace and security at the international and regional levels.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“Mr. Gaspar Martins (Angola) (spoke in French): It is quite a pleasure to have the Foreign Minister of Senegal here to preside over this meeting of the Security Council to guide and shape our discussions on a matter that occupies a unique place within the deliberations of the Council and is, of course, a matter of great importance to Africa. (spoke in English) I would like to begin by commending Senegal and the Senegalese presidency for convening this debate on strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and African Union on peace and security. We thank the briefers, namely, Mr. El-Ghassim Wane, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations; Mr. Haile Menkerios, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union; Mr.”
2016-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7816 (2016) · source
“Angola believes that such a concerted effort and holistic approach by peacekeeping missions and peacebuilding agencies, coupled with the support from host nations, civil society and the international community at large and by shifting the focus from military solutions to national political dialogue will gradually generate solutions to asymmetrical threats. In conclusion, we insist on the absolute need to strengthen the capacities of national defence and security forces as a prerequisite for a sustained and sustainable solution to the security threats facing these nations.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“Some areas for strategic and operational improvements have been identified, such as better understanding of the context and the planning of missions, including through operations with regional organizations; clear mandates, appropriate postures, adequate resourcing and capacity to operate in hostile environments, all of which can be achieved through better cooperation among the Security Council, the Secretariat and troop- contributing countries; special emphasis on troop-contributing forces and countries and host nations; appropriate support and predeployment training; greater and innovative cooperation among peacekeeping operations and counter-terrorism bodies; developing intelligence-gathering capacities and integrating them into mission structures as a crucial component for the safety of peacekeepers and overall success of peace operations; and, finally, establishing an effective connection and relationship with local populations as a central feature of missions' mandates.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“In the deadly events that we have recently seen in Mali and in Somalia, such devices have become a major hindrance to the implementation of peacekeeping mandates and a major safety issue in the protection of civilians. Angola supports the establishment of a comprehensive counter- IED/asymmetrical-threat approach as a strategy framework to respond to this deadly threat as such an approach might help prevent vehicle-borne IED suicide attacks against United Nations personnel and civilians. Although United Nations peace missions are not suited to engage in counter-terrorism, the United Nations cannot turn its back when faced with asymmetric threats. It is entitled to respond in order to fulfil its core mandates of protecting civilians and facilitating political processes.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“The countries receiving peacekeeping missions must gradually adjust their own armed forces' and security forces' capacity to enable them to address the threat of terrorists and extremists and permit peace missions to formulate exit strategies. By 2015, the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations had already concluded that the deteriorating security environment in which peace operations are deployed, characterized by high-intensity conflict, and the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) - the terrorist weapon of choice - could discourage Member States from contributing to peace operations due to the growing risks and threats of the use of such devices.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“Indeed, they must be used if necessary to counter violent extremism, particularly in missions with protection-of-civilian mandates. Anothercrucialaspectofpreventiontouchesuponthe provision of assistance to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes and security and defence sector reform in case the peace missions have to develop exit strategies. Such strategies are possible only when consistent programmes empowering national armed defence and security forces are effectively in place and ready to deliver. In fact, we consider it crucial to make redoubled efforts and assign adequate resources to defence and security sector reform, which must be the object of major attention in peacekeeping mandates.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“Peacekeeping and special political missions must find political solutions to Violent extremism, be able to talk to all actors and try to identify the more moderate voices among them on which to rely in order to eventually move political processes forward. In his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, the Secretary-General recommends to Member States that they integrate preventing violent extremism into relevant activities of United Nations peacekeeping operations and special political missions in accordance with their mandates, which calls for troop-contributing countries to train their personnel to deal with these issues. Despite the principal fact that confrontation is outside the scope of peace operations, military tools must not be discarded.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“The High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations made clear reference to the inability of United Nations peacekeeping missions to engage in military counter-terrorism operations due to their inadequacy in responding to this type of assignment. However, peace missions and operations, which are usually working in hostile environments, are required to deliver results, which is why there is the need to urgently review their capacity to operate safely and effectively while adjusting their postures to changing needs. This implies adopting policies dealing with political challenges arising from complex environments and preventive efforts to deal with perceived threats. First and foremost, the preventive efforts to be adopted by peacekeeping operations should target violent extremism.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“We acknowledge with great concern the increased targeting of peacekeeping missions amid asymmetric conflicts involving Government forces and non-State armed groups, in particular extremists and terrorist organizations, and tactics used by them, often in the form of hostage-taking, suicide bombings and the use of improvised explosives devices, which are fuelled by radical extremism, intolerance, hatred or sheer lack of respect for fundamental human rights. This leads to an extremely complex and unsafe environment for United Nations peacekeeping missions to effectively and successfully implement their mandates in the protection of civilians and the mission's integrity, the promotion of peace solutions and political processes.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“Allow me to first congratulate Senegal on assuming the presidency of the Council and to commend the Senegalese delegation for organizing this very timely debate on asymmetric threats faced by United Nations peacekeeping or peacebuilding operations - an issue of crucial importance to the performance and future of peacekeeping missions. I welcome and thank you, Minister Mankeur Ndiaye, for presiding over this important debate, and the briefers for their very insightful remarks.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“Angola reiterates its determination to remain engaged in the search for peace and to save lives in Syria by advancing the political process through negotiations and dialogue involving, above all, Syrians.”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“We deeply regret the suspension of bilateral discussions on the cessation of hostilities between the co-Chairs of the ISSG Ceasefire Task Force. We sincerely hope that the respective Governments will be able to agree on the importance of maintaining open lines of dialogue and renewing cooperation in the search for peace and the fight against terrorism, and easing the plight of the Syrian civilians who bear the heaviest burden of the conflict. In conclusion, after the show of unity of the Security Council on the recommendation for the next Secretary-General, today's events are a very negative signal regarding the Council's ability to contribute meaningfully to international peace and security, which we deeply regret.”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“While the Russian proposal (S/2016/847) contains some positive elements with a view to relaunching a process conducive to the cessation of hostilities, Angola decided to abstain in the voting in order to avoid being dragged into the unfortunate prevailing acrimony among the members of the Council that bear the main responsibility for the conflict and the duty to find solutions to it. I support Special Envoy De Mistura's efforts and his permanent commitment to relaunching an agreement on the cessation of hostilities, guaranteeing safe and unrestricted humanitarian access, resuming the repairs of Aleppo's damaged water and power facilities and allowing medical evacuation for urgent cases in and around the city. Surely that effort depends on the cooperation between the Russian Federation and the United States of America.”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“Angola abstained in the voting on the two resolutions. The draft resolution submitted by France and Spain (S/2016/846), in our view, does not address the fundamental issue of reviving the process conducive to a meaningful cessation ofhostilities. On the contrary, it seeks to feed the acrimonious and dangerous debate among the main players in the conflict, permanent members of the Security Council and it most probably will represent the burial of the International Syrian Support Group (ISSG).”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“Even though the brave and dedicated Members of the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies continue to operate in Syria, the reality is that the latest wave of fighting in Aleppo has caused the destruction of essential infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and ambulances, and depleted the ranks of medical staff able to provide much-needed care and assistance. The numbers of casualties, wounded and displaced are absolutely overwhelming. We have voted here today on two draft resolutions that, in our opinion, contain constructive proposals. We find the inability to make progress on a single resolution addressing the most pressing concerns - the protection of civilians, the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a political process conducive to lasting peace in Syria - to be most unfortunate.”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“However, the regional and international stakeholders that have directly involved themselves in the conflict by supplying weapons and logistic support to belligerents guilty of grave human rights violations, bear the greatest responsibility for resolving this grave issue. We expect the permanent members of the Council, whose special responsibility lies in the maintenance of peace and security, to set the example by putting aside strategic interests and mobilizing all possible political action for the sake of the Syrian civilians whom we are called upon to protect.”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“Members of the Security Council were confronted today with a peculiar situation. They had to cast two consecutive votes on two draft resolutions on the same issue - the cessation of hostilities in Syria. First and foremost, we would like to state our deep distress about the current humanitarian situation in Aleppo, which has left the vast majority of the city's population without access to basic necessities and life-saving assistance, while the horrific bloodshed, particularly in eastern Aleppo, has caused far too many deaths and injuries among the civilian population. In Aleppo, we are witnessing destruction of truly historical proportions to which we in the Council can put a stop if we act constructively and decisively. The bombing of hospitals is unacceptable and we strongly condemn such actions.”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“The Council cannot continue to meet and simply listen to the appeals and descriptions of the prevailing situations in different parts of the world, especially when called to briefings by the International Committee of the Red Cross and Medecins Sans Frontieres. We must act, and the time for action is now. It is even late - we must act.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“We repudiate the prevailing impunity for violations and abuses committed against medical and humanitarian personnel. Parties to conflicts bear the primary responsibility for meeting the basic needs of the civilians under their control, and we agree with the Secretary-General's assessment that humanitarian organizations must be able to engage systematically with all parties to conflicts in order to secure and maintain humanitarian access and alleviate the human suffering of those trapped in conflict. Resolution 2286 (2016) conveyed a strong signal on the rejection of such violations of international humanitarian law. The Secretary-General's recommendations are an extremely important tool to put an end to that scourge. We call for their implementation by all relevant actors.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“South Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen are some of the instances where vital humanitarian supplies are looted, damaged or destroyed, prolonging the population's suffering and the conflicts themselves. Regrettably, and despite the robust normative frameworks set out in several resolutions and presidential statements issued by the Security Council, especially the unanimously adopted resolution 2286 (2016) on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, we continue to witness constant violations of these principles. Angola condemns all attacks against humanitarian and health-care personnel and facilities, and urges the parties to conflicts to fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“Attacks against humanitarian and health-care workers and facilities, their means of transport and equipment; the arbitrary denial of humanitarian access; bureaucratic restrictions; interference in the delivery of assistance; and depriving civilians of their means of survival are flagrant violations of international humanitarian law set down in the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, its Additional Protocols of 1977 and 2005, as well as the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel and its Optional Protocol. Moreover, such acts of violence exacerbate the conflicts and undermine the Security Council's efforts, as mandated by the United Nations charter.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“Angola is deeply concerned by the prevalence of attacks on health-care workers and medical facilities in conflict zones, with a devastating impact on people in need of health care and humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian access remains a key challenge as the parties to conflicts deliberately obstruct the delivery of assistance to civilians trapped in conflict zones.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source