YouSaid · the spoken record

Gatt

lines on the record: 420
first: 2021-11-22
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 80
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Killing and maiming and attacks on schools and hospitals remain at an all-time high. We call on Russia to cease attacks on schools and hospitals and populated areas, to allow access to the United Nations and humanitarian actors in all the territories and to adopt and implement an action plan to end and prevent grave violations against children. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to aggravate global food security. Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, as well as its campaign of systematic attacks against Ukrainian port infrastructure and grain stores, are undermining Ukrainian livelihoods, destabilizing the international economy and instrumentalizing food. The humanitarian needs in Ukraine are driven by the consequences of Russia’s invasion.”
2023-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9494 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Jenča and Director Rajasingham for their insightful briefings. We strongly condemn the recent attacks on Kyiv, the largest since the beginning of the war, as well as the brutal shelling of the city of Kherson on Sunday by Russia. Those are just two of the most recent attacks, which are happening daily. Attacks against civilian infrastructure are primarily designed to inflict even more suffering on the Ukrainian people and are a serious violation of international law. Attacks must stop immediately. We once again express our full support for the ongoing processes to ensure accountability for violations. All perpetrators and accomplices must be held to account. Malta remains deeply concerned that children continue to bear the brunt of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.”
2023-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9494 (2023) · source
“In addition, UNITAD’s important work continues apace across all aspects of its mandates, including investigations, evidence collection and capacity building. A drawdown of UNITAD functions must therefore be gradual and orderly, recognizing as well the need to appropriately deal with confidential and sensitive evidence in the Team’s possession, including testimonial evidence from victims and witnesses from vulnerable communities. In conclusion, I would like to assure the Special Adviser of Malta’s continuing support of UNITAD’s crucial work in ensuring that there is no impunity for atrocity crimes committed by Da’esh in Iraq. Together, we must ensure that the legitimate call for justice of survivors and victims is fulfilled.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“We also welcome the swift conclusion of an agreement between the Government of Iraq and UNITAD to determine modalities for information sharing with third States, in line with resolution 2697 (2023). It has enabled the Team to continue supporting a growing number of national jurisdictions with respect to ongoing investigations and prosecutions. We look forward to receiving the road map for the completion of the Team’s work next March. However, we note that the views expressed in the Team’s most recent report that UNITAD’s mandate will not be completed in a meaningful way by September 2024. Although the wheels of justice can turn slowly, we must acknowledge the concrete results achieved by UNITAD over the past five years in pursuing accountability for atrocity crimes committed by Da’esh in Iraq.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“Key to overcoming challenges regarding the transfer of evidence is the adoption of a domestic legal framework enabling the prosecution of international crimes, namely, genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Malta repeats its call for such legislation to be progressed as a matter of priority and procludes the application of the death penalty in line with United Nations best practices. UNITAD provides wide-ranging technical assistance and support to the Iraqi authorities, including evidence digitization and preservation, excavation of mass graves and training for judges. We share UNITAD’s views regarding the importance of that collaborative and impactful work, which has received substantial funding from the European Union.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“We welcome the sharing of both reports with the Iraqi authorities and the Team’s commitments to sharing additional analytical and structural findings with the Iraqi judiciary. More broadly, Malta appreciates the Team’s continued partnerships with civil society, victims, survivors, communities and religious leaders across all aspects of its investigative work. We look forward to receiving the Secretary- General’s report next month on Iraq’s request for the transfer of UNITAD’s evidence holdings. Our view is that any evidence transfers must be consistent with international human rights law and the Team’s terms of reference, including United Nations best practices.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Adviser Ritscher for his report and briefing, and I welcome the Permanent Representative of Iraq to this meeting. Malta commends the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD) on the progress achieved across its investigative priorities during the reporting period. We recognize that the cooperation afforded by the Government of Iraq, the Iraqi judiciary and the Kurdistan Regional Government was essential in ensuring such progress. UNITAD’s investigative achievements over the past six months include the production of an analytical report on sexual violence perpetrated by Da’esh against women and girls and a case assessment report on Da’esh’s manufacturing and use of chemical weapons.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“We also welcome the recent order of the International Court of Justice in Syria in the case concerning the application of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. At this time of grave instability and danger across the whole of Syria and the wider region, we must all redouble our efforts to ensure the restoration of calm and the cessation of all hostilities. From there, we all must refocus in order to ensure the realization of a just and lasting peace for the people of Syria.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“We regret, however, that the Syria humanitarian response plan remains critically underfunded. While greater resources are urgently needed, what Syria needs now more than ever is genuine political progress in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015). All parties must work to ensure de-escalation across Syria. That is essential to moving towards a much-needed nationwide ceasefire. Malta again calls for the reconvening of the Constitutional Committee at the earliest opportunity and for the Committee to undertake its work in a credible manner. To that end, we continue to support the tireless work of Special Envoy Pedersen with representatives in the region and encourage engagement through his step- for-step approach.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, without safe spaces for displaced women and girls, many are forced to resort to negative coping mechanisms to survive, including early and forced marriage. They continue to face pervasive threats of gender-based violence and barriers to accessing critical services owing to the destruction of the public health-care service. That means that drastically limited maternal and paediatric health care is available to many of Syria’s most vulnerable. Malta welcomes the renewal of the agreement between the United Nations and Damascus on the use of the Bab Al-Rai and Bab Al-Salam crossings for the provision of vital humanitarian assistance. We express our continued support for the provision of aid via all modalities in Syria. All pathways must remain in place as long as the needs persist.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“We are deeply concerned about reports of an increase in children being killed and maimed in Syria, as well as in attacks on schools and hospitals. We reiterate our call on all parties to adhere to their obligations under international law and to swiftly implement their action plans to end and prevent grave violations against children. In Syria’s north-west, some 4.1 million remain in need of acute humanitarian assistance. We again express our utmost concern about the needs of the displaced in the north-west as we head into the cold and harsh winter months. Those circumstances leave the most vulnerable groups, including women and children, persons with disabilities and the elderly, at increased risk.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“I begin by thanking Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi and Director Wosornu for their briefings. As we heard, Syrians continue to suffer the political, economic and humanitarian consequences of the devastating conflict. Recent developments in the region paint a troubling picture. Mortar fire emanating from Syria into the occupied Golan has been reported. Israeli air strikes have continued to target areas of Damascus, including Damascus International Airport. Attacks on United States military forces in the north- east have spiked. Against that backdrop, increased military action by Syrian forces in the north-west has continued unabated, with more than 70 people killed, a third of them women and children, as a result.”
2023-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9487 (2023) · source
“As the guarantor of international peace and security, the Council should act accordingly. Malta also remains deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation and the grave human rights violations perpetrated by the regime. They are inextricably linked to the advancement of its programme of weapons of mass destruction and cannot be neglected. A reopening of borders to international humanitarian staff is essential to allow United Nations agencies to carry out a rapid needs assessment in the country. In conclusion, we reiterate that the only way to achieve peace and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula is by ensuring that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea refrains from further provocations and dangerous actions. For that, we need a united Security Council, and we cannot afford to wait any longer.”
2023-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9485 (2023) · source
“That is not only unacceptable, in itself, but also a clear violation of the obligations under the resolution 1718 (2006) sanctions regime concerning the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must cease all confrontations, engage in meaningful dialogue with all parties and adhere to its obligations under Security Council resolutions. It must completely, verifiably and irreversibly abandon its nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes and return to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. Persistent Council divisions and failures to speak with one voice to condemn those actions have only emboldened the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. This most recent launch clearly confirms it.”
2023-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9485 (2023) · source
“They pose a serious threat to international peace and security and erode the global non-proliferation regime. The launch was reportedly successful in placing the satellite in orbit. That, in itself, is a very worrisome development. Even more troubling, the country’s space agency stated that the launch “will make a significant contribution to definitely ramping up the war preparedness of the armed forces of the Republic”. It further stated that it would send multiple reconnaissance satellites in the near future. The Council cannot remain silent or turn a blind eye in the face of this situation. Malta is gravely concerned that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has successfully obtained technical guidance from another country to complete this launch.”
2023-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9485 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Khiari for his informative briefing. The ongoing, relentless advancement of the nuclear and ballistic missile programmes of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is illegal and deeply concerning. In 2023 alone, the country has carried out four intercontinental ballistic missile launches. We meet today following the most recent launch of a military reconnaissance satellite by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions, despite many international calls to refrain from engaging in such actions. This is a threat to international peace and security, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Malta remains firm in its belief that such acts increase tensions and further destabilize the region.”
2023-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9485 (2023) · source
“This untenable situation needs to end. When it does, we need to be well prepared to prevent a reversion to the status quo in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territory. Such a change in the political trajectory towards reconciliation and peace must also include women as legitimate stakeholders and effective peacebuilders. To that end, Malta underscores its commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East, on the basis of a two-State solution in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“In that regard, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all countries that assisted or facilitated those efforts. The adoption of resolution 2712 (2023) last week clearly called for a number of provisions that aim to offer a respite to families and children suffering from this conflict. Furthermore, attacks on schools threaten children’s right to education, which will have negative long-term consequences. Malta deplores last weekend’s attack on UNRWA schools that killed at least 24 people. We are also deeply concerned about the situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Military incursions, settler violence, demolitions and the forced transfer of Palestinians risk the opening of a third front — a real possibility. Incidents at various checkpoints in Jerusalem are also on the rise. Hence, we call for restraint.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“We must also strive to include gender-related issues and perspectives into the Council’s considerations of this agenda item. Children continue to disproportionately bear the burden of the escalation in this conflict. The killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, abductions and denial of humanitarian access are grave violations against children and violations of international law. We are also deeply distressed about the death of premature babies at Al Shifa Hospital. While the evacuation of babies in critical condition into hospitals in the Sinai peninsula is a welcome development under current circumstances, we must not ignore the fact that their lives and well-being continue to be in grave and imminent danger.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“Coupled with that is a lack of access to hygiene supplies, adequate privacy and increasing gender-based violence and community tensions, all due to overcrowding in shelters. Such conditions also have an acute effect on the thousands of pregnant women, who suffer from heightened vulnerabilities and require specific needs and care. Those are only a few of the reasons why Malta continues to underline the need for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors for a sufficient number of days, as outlined in resolution 2712 (2023). Even amid this unbearable situation, women in Gaza are among the first responders. Support for women’s civil society organizations must be given urgent priority. Women human rights defenders and activists, including journalists, must be protected.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“Likewise, while acknowledging that Israel has the right to defend itself within the parameters of international law, we call on Israel to stop attacks on Palestinian civilians. It is clear to all that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Civilian lives, including those of women and children, must be safeguarded. UN- Women estimates that there are more than 2,000 new female-headed households since the start of the conflict, many having been displaced and taking shelter in overburdened facilities belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and in hospitals. Standard necessities for survival, such as food, water and medicine, continue to be scarce and are disproportionately affecting children’s health and women as primary caregivers.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“Malta deplores the kidnapping, torture and killing of hostages, which include babies, young children, men and women. Hamas must release all hostages, safely and unconditionally. We welcome the truce deal for the release of several hostages and a four-day pause in the fighting. We commend the mediation efforts of all parties involved — the United States, Qatar and Egypt — is this very important step. We also remain deeply concerned about reports that civilians and civilian structures, including hospitals and schools, may have been used as human shields. Furthermore, the indiscriminate rocket fire attacks on Israeli civilians must not go unnoticed. Israeli men, women and children are also suffering from internal displacement, as well as emotional and psychological trauma.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“I thank the Executive Directors of UN-Women, the United Nations Children’s Fund and the United Nations Population Fund for their important briefings today. Malta and United Arab Emirates called for this meeting as we are deeply concerned about the disproportionate impact this conflict is having on women and children. It is harrowing to learn that around 68 per cent of casualties since 7 October are women and children, with many still believed to be caught under the rubble. Since that day, Malta has spared no opportunity to condemn the atrocious terror attacks by Hamas. They have left hundreds — including innocent men, women and children — brutally tortured and murdered. We reiterate our solidarity with the victims and their families.”
2023-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9484 (2023) · source
“We urge the Russian Federation to comply with its obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We remain firm in our position that those who have committed crimes must be held accountable. In conclusion, we once again urge the Russian Federation to immediately cease its aggression and unconditionally completely withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”
2023-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9481 (2023) · source
“Several United Nations reports have cited evidence showing that Russian authorities have committed wilful killing, torture, sexual violence, shelling of civilian infrastructure and the deportation of children to the Russian Federation. Furthermore, Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine have left a wide trail of destruction across the country. The damage inflicted on the largest Orthodox church in Odesa by a Russian missile strike on 23 July is a clear example of that and adds to UNESCO’s verification list of damage to more than 327 cultural, historical or artistic sites in Ukraine, including 124 religious buildings. Malta strongly condemns attacks against religious and cultural heritage.”
2023-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9481 (2023) · source
“We too thank Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Brands Kehris for her informative briefing. Regrettably, this meeting represents yet another attempt by the Russian Federation to divert attention from the real issue, which is Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Instead of focusing on that matter and other pressing issues, the Security Council’s time is once again being taken up to spread disinformation and propaganda. At the outset, I want to reaffirm Malta’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that all of us, everywhere, can enjoy our human rights, which include the right to freedom of religion or belief. We take all allegations of violations of human rights extremely seriously. Let us recall the facts. Russia’s actions are violating human rights and international humanitarian law.”
2023-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9481 (2023) · source
“Since its establishment, the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) has facilitated and empowered the voices of Sudanese civilian groups in the political process, especially women’s rights groups and youth. We value the continued monitoring and reporting on violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by UNITAMS, including the follow-up on cases of sexual violence. As the Council soon approaches negotiations for the renewal of the Mission’s mandate against the backdrop of the strategic review, we are confident that convergence is premised on the crucial presence of the United Nations in the Sudan. To conclude, Malta urges a return to peace, which reflects the true call of the Sudanese people.”
2023-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9480 (2023) · source
“We are concerned about outbreaks of previously contained diseases and cases of malnourished children. Those are further exacerbated by the lack of functioning health-care facilities, which have been subject to direct attacks. We commend the relentless efforts and courage displayed by humanitarian staff. We support the continued delivery of relief items facilitated by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the scaling up of aid delivery through cross-border mechanisms. As we welcome the recent resumption of talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, we continue to stress the need for rapid, safe and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid. The European Union has pledged $500 million to the United Nations humanitarian response plan and €256.4 million for humanitarian and development assistance.”
2023-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9480 (2023) · source
“Reports of captured women being subjected to sexual slavery and exploitation in Darfur are appalling. Survivors deserve justice, and perpetrators must be held accountable. We call for thorough investigations into all allegations to combat the cycle of impunity. We also remain seriously troubled by the stark increase in grave violations against children, particularly killing and maiming, sexual violence and the use of children as combatants. We welcome the safe release of 30 boys who were reportedly used as combatants in September and support continued access to conduct age assessments of affected children. A humanitarian catastrophe is currently unfolding. Almost half of the population requires humanitarian assistance, with millions having been internally displaced or fled the country.”
2023-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9480 (2023) · source
“We also express concern over today’s declaration by the signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement on ending their neutrality. In unlocking a coherent international response, Malta calls for enhanced coordination among regional and subregional mediation initiatives, underpinned by support from the Council. Malta deplores human rights violations by both parties. Those include the arbitrary detention of civilians and human rights defenders, arbitrary killings, torture, sexual violence and extortion. In Darfur in particular, we are alarmed by the atrocities in Ardamata. More than 1,000 members of the Masalit community were killed in attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces and its affiliated militias. We are deeply concerned about widespread conflict- related sexual violence.”
2023-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9480 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Pobee for her briefing. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of the Sudan to this meeting. Malta strongly condemns the continued violence in the Sudan. As the conflict enters its seventh month, we reiterate our call on both parties to immediately cease the ongoing hostilities, to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid and to seek an eventual return to the political transition process. We also call on both parties to respect their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We are concerned about the Sudan’s integrity, particularly the increasing risks of a territorial fragmentation along military and tribal lines. Any solution to the conflict should be underpinned by a united and comprehensive civilian front.”
2023-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9480 (2023) · source
“And, on new and emerging threats, something to which each speaker has referred, how are the speakers able to adapt to evolving situations in their respective missions?”
2023-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9475 (2023) · source
“The upcoming United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting, to be held in Accra in December, will provide an opportunity to achieve concrete outcomes to improve peacekeeping operations in line with ongoing reform efforts. Malta remains committed to supporting United Nations police and to help to meet the challenges that lie ahead. In conclusion, I would like to pose the following questions on three issues raised today. How can training and capacity-building be improved to obtain the results needed on the ground? What are the current shortcomings? On gaining the trust of local communities, what are the lessons learned that could help other missions? The speakers can of course share their experiences in that regard.”
2023-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9475 (2023) · source
“Better trained and equipped uniformed personnel will enhance safety and security for civilians and will strengthen accountability for peacekeepers. Malta welcomes the women and peace and security agenda as a cross-cutting theme within the Action for Peacekeeping Plus initiative. As a result, UNPOL has achieved its gender parity targets for 2025, and five out of the nine police components in United Nations peacekeeping operations are led by women. We must continue to fully implement the women and peace and security agenda, increase the number of women in United Nations peacekeeping and make sure that they can continue to participate and contribute in a meaningful manner. In that regard, I would like to thank Ms. Fossen for sharing her experiences in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.”
2023-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9475 (2023) · source
“For them to be effective, we must pursue meaningful performance assessments to address deficiencies and promote their effectiveness on the ground. Furthermore, we must work to ensure UNPOL are properly prepared, equipped and resourced to address the challenges on the ground. The New Agenda for Peace represents a valuable opportunity to reinforce and strengthen United Nations peacekeeping capacities to operationalize rapid responses to emerging crises. We also echo the Secretary-General’s call for a networked multilateralism. That would enable a more effective and universal approach to peace and security and an expanded use of the peacekeeping tools at our disposal to respond to the new and emerging threats. We must ensure that the existing tools will continue to improve UNPOL’s performance and accountability.”
2023-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9475 (2023) · source
“Their efforts not only help us to reinforce security through patrolling and other operational support, but — as we have heard today — also to increase compliance with international human rights standards and uphold the rule of law. UNPOL have demonstrated its capacity to operate in an integrated manner in peacekeeping missions. In South Sudan, they have supported prevention efforts on sexual and gender- based violence and promote human rights by engaging directly with the communities they serve. In the Central African Republic, they have provided support to national security forces, providing capacity-building for the national police and gendarmerie to facilitate the efficient exercise of their missions. UNPOL operates in challenging and dangerous settings.”
2023-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9475 (2023) · source
“We welcome this exchange with Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and the Heads of the police components of United Nations operations — Mr. Christophe Bizimungu, Ms. Christine Fossen and Mr. Faisal Shahkar — as well as Ms. Karin Landgren. We acknowledge the men and women police officers who have served and worked in communities with the utmost dedication and honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Now more than ever, the United Nations police (UNPOL) are an essential component of peacekeeping. As we speak, 10,000 United Nations police officers serve on the front lines in 16 United Nations peace operations globally.”
2023-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9475 (2023) · source
“Our collective aim is to ensure a durable and sustainable peace, which can be achieved only if there is justice for the victims and survivors of atrocity crimes. It is for that reason that Malta maintains its unwavering support to the Court in all its efforts towards accountability.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“Malta acknowledges the continued assistance provided by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to the Office. We underline the importance of that ongoing support in anticipation of increased field missions to Libya in the coming months. We are also encouraged by the renewed commitment of the relevant Libyan authorities to facilitating the Office’s access to Libya. We hope that this will accelerate cooperation in the coming months. Such cooperation is essential to enhance accountability and complementarity and to bring justice closer to the victims. The situation in Libya is one that continues to warrant the international community’s focus and support. Libya’s enduring political impasse continues to foster instability.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“The proactive policy of cooperation with third States, regional organizations and international partners enhances complementarity, and is essential to achieve the objectives of the mandate. We remain extremely concerned about the occurrence of crimes against vulnerable individuals. In that regard, we welcome the appointment of a second investigator specialized in sexual and gender-based crimes, and the Office’s increased engagement with victims, victims’ associations and representatives, other civil society organizations and human rights activists, inside and outside Libya. We call for effective psychological and rehabilitative assistance to victims, and we reiterate the importance that the assistance be age appropriate, survivor centred and gender responsive.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“We want to mention the significant progress across the lines of inquiry, particularly in addressing the 2014-2020 operations, where lines of investigation against key suspects were successfully concluded and the Office is approaching the completion stage of the investigative activities. We are also encouraged by the positive progress with respect to the inquiries addressing detention facilities and alleged crimes against migrants. We commend the accelerated engagement with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation on those crimes, as well as with relevant national authorities through the joint team established to support the investigations.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“Let me thank Prosecutor Khan for the report and his briefing this morning. I reiterate Malta’s strong support for the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the tireless efforts of the Office of the Prosecutor in pursuing justice for victims of the most horrific crimes in different conflict situations. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya to today’s meeting. The ICC’s work in relation to the Security Council’s referral of the Libyan situation is critical — not only for accountability for international crimes, but also for long-term peace and stability in the country. In that regard, we are pleased with the progress made during the reporting period on the implementation of the renewed strategy of the Office on the situation in Libya.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“As we reiterate our support to UNISFA’s ongoing reconfiguration into a multinational force, we look forward to seeing its mandate renewed next week. In conclusion, ensuring a peaceful Abyei that can bring prosperity and stability to its population should be at the heart of our efforts. Malta continues to stand with the people of Abyei and calls for reinvigorated will to instil a lasting and meaningful peace.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“As the proliferation of small arms and light weapons is exacerbating instances of armed violence and insecurity, we commend the work of the United Nations Mine Action Service in destroying confiscated weapons and ammunition, as well as delivering education on the risks of explosive ordnance. Malta deplores sexual and gender-based violence against women, as well as child marriage. The protection of women and girls must continue to be given priority. The recent establishment of an internal gender focal point system within UNISFA, accompanied by the launch of the UNISFA United Nations Police Women Network, is key to ensuring a coordinated and integrated response to the protection needs of women in the Abyei Area. The freedom of movement of UNISFA personnel must be respected at all times.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“We support UNISFA for its intercommunal engagement, and welcome programmes designed to combat disenfranchisement, the involvement of young people in conflict and their recruitment by armed groups. The region is seeing increasing humanitarian needs for 220,000 people, 8,000 of whom are refugees from the violence in the Sudan. Access to basic services, such as water, sanitation, education and primary health care, is dire. The increases in the numbers of malnourished children and in cases of malaria and measles among the displaced serve only to further highlight the severity of the situation. We are also increasingly concerned about the heightened risk of recruitment or use of children in armed conflict. We continue to support UNISFA in sensitizing interlocutors on those and other related violations.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“The continued military occupation of schools and community centres is a threat to children’s education and hinders the work of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). We also reiterate the need to establish the Abyei police service until the parties agree on Abyei’s final status. Malta supports all endeavours that seek to end the violence in the Abyei region, particularly those at the grass-roots level, and welcomes the recent intercommunal talks. We commend the participation of women in early-warning and conflict-management structures, as well as in local administration, including the appointment of two women to ministerial positions.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and Special Envoy Tetteh for their briefings. We also welcome the representatives of the Sudan and South Sudan to this meeting. The situation in the Abyei region warrants our continued attention. We are concerned about the current paralysis over arriving at a permanent settlement for Abyei, and the ongoing hostilities in the Sudan are also impacting those efforts. We strongly encourage the Sudan and South Sudan to build on previous exchanges held in Khartoum and Juba and revive further discussions on the final status of Abyei as soon as the time is right. Malta remains steadfast in its support for a mutually acceptable permanent solution and calls on both sides to withdraw their security forces.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“The refugee crisis that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has triggered, causing suffering beyond Europe, has set off a global food insecurity crisis that has had particularly acute impact on displaced persons, many of whom live in countries with acute food insecurity. The link between climate and displacement is undeniable. Malta remains convinced that the nexus between climate change, peace and security warrants the Council’s attention. Addressing the root causes is also crucial, and it entails promoting good governance and inclusive and sustainable development and building resilience against food insecurity and poverty.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“The intensification of migratory pressures in the central Mediterranean, which persists as a primary and perilous migratory route to Europe, requires immediate attention. Front-line countries, including Malta, require support and durable solutions that safeguard the dignity, safety and human rights of all. We reiterate our commitment to continue to fulfil our responsibilities and coordinate rescue activities in a manner that fully respects international law, including the law of the sea. Our consistent position recognizes the importance of establishing effective partnerships based on the principles of solidarity and shared responsibility, which are crucial to manage refugee flows.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“Displaced persons with disabilities and older persons are more likely to be sidelined in every aspect of humanitarian assistance. LGBTIQ+ and gender diverse refugees continue to experience multiple and intersecting forms of violence, discrimination and abuse, both in their countries of origin and in locations where they seek asylum. We are, however, encouraged by UNHCR’s age, gender and diversity approach to its programmes. Furthermore, humanitarian access is indispensable for addressing the needs of millions of displaced persons. The Security Council has a responsibility to act and to remove barriers preventing the provision of urgent, unhindered, life-saving and life-sustaining aid.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source