YouSaid · the spoken record

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420

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2021-11-22

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2023-12-29

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un-security-council

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1. “We echo the call of the Secretary-General and of hundreds of humanitarian organizations around the world in calling for a ceasefire between the parties to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach all those in need. All States and other relevant parties must do their utmost to protect and assist forcibly displaced persons and comply with international law, including refugee law, human rights law and humanitarian law. Of particular concern are the 42 million displaced children, many of whom are alone and at risk of recruitment into armed groups. Displaced women remain disproportionately exposed to sexual and gender-based violence. We welcome UNHCR’s efforts to increase access to quality services for survivors and to engage displaced women and women-led organizations in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence.”

   2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source

2. “I begin by expressing our appreciation to Mr. Grandi and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its dedicated partners, who are operating in increasingly challenging global conditions. The briefing by the High Commissioner serves as a stark reminder of the monumental challenges facing our world today. The Security Council bears the responsibility to act, to rise to the occasion and to make a difference. The crisis in Gaza stands as a test of our humanity. It is the collective responsibility of the Council to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure the delivery of vital humanitarian aid into Gaza. Civilians must be safeguarded against forcible displacement and have their protection and basic needs met.”

   2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source

3. “It is clear that that can be achieved only if Russia withdraws completely and unconditionally all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders.”

   2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source

4. “These include wilful killing, torture, rape, other forms of sexual violence and the deportation of children to the Russian Federation. Malta condemns such deplorable acts against civilians. Those actions are prohibited under international law and may amount to war crimes. International humanitarian law must always be respected. Malta remains firmly committed to ensuring that the perpetrators are held fully accountable for their crimes. In conclusion, last week’s Ukraine peace formula meeting, which was held in Malta, is a clear example of the international community’s desire to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the Charter of the United Nations.”

   2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source

5. “The war is also having a multilayered impact on men, women and children. It is affecting people’s mental and physical health and livelihoods and compromising their access to education and health care. The onset of winter conditions in Ukraine brings a new dimension to the grave humanitarian crisis. Almost 18 million people — half of Ukraine’s population — are in need of humanitarian aid. Sustained and predictable humanitarian assistance will be critical during the cold season. Malta will continue to support the Ukrainian people by providing humanitarian aid and assistance as long as necessary. On 19 October, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine shared new evidence showing that Russian authorities may have committed war crimes.”

   2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source

6. “I thank Mr. Rajasingham for his important briefing and for all the work being carried out on the ground. Since the beginning of its war of aggression, Russia has been violating the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law and international human rights law. With its shelling deliberately targeting civilian populations and civilian infrastructure, the Russian Federation is also inflicting untold suffering on Ukraine and its people. Just last week, Russia shelled a postal terminal in the Kharkiv region, a strictly civilian site, with no evidence of its military use. Six people were killed, and several others were injured. That is but the latest in a series of such attacks. Each time, Ukrainian civilians are losing their lives because of Russia’s continued aggression against the country.”

   2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source

7. “All players, including the Astana format and the Arab contact group, must come together to continue the vital work of finding solutions to this conflict, which has caused too much misery, for too many, for too long. That must be accompanied by meaningful, coordinated, reciprocal and verifiable actions related to the steps-for-steps initiative. That includes progress on the missing, the disappeared and those arbitrarily detained in Syria. In conclusion, Malta urges maximum restraint for all parties in Syria and the region at this time of escalation. We once again reiterate our call for a nationwide ceasefire in Syria and for parties to refrain from further action that could tip the region into greater calamity.”

   2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source

8. “The humanitarian crossings at Bab Al-Hawa, Al-Salam and Al-Rai remain a critical lifeline for millions of the most vulnerable civilians in the north-west. Malta reaffirms its support for the delivery of humanitarian aid via all modalities and calls for the authorization of each of these crossings to be renewed for as long as the needs persist. As outlined by Special Envoy Pedersen, only a political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015) can resolve the root causes of this crisis and provide the safety, dignity and justice that Syrians have long deserved. Notwithstanding the regional escalation of recent weeks, the momentum that has built towards the reconvening of the Syrian Constitutional Committee must be maintained. The body must resume its work without delay.”

   2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source

9. “There are 12.1 million people who remain food insecure, with 2.5 million no longer receiving food or cash transfers owing to underfunding. Protection needs to remain at the heart of this crisis. As we heard today, acute protection needs for tens of thousands of displaced persons in the north-west remain largely unaddressed, with gender-based violence and early and forced marriage a daily reality for Syrian women and girls. Against that backdrop, we urge greater resourcing of the Syria Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan, which remains critically underfunded, at 29.4 per cent, as we have heard today from Director Wosornu. Greater humanitarian protection and early recovery, resilience and livelihood support are needed now more than ever.”

   2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source

10. “Israeli airstrikes on Damascus and Aleppo international airports have further destabilized the situation in the region and have disrupted crucial United Nations Humanitarian Air Service flights for those working on the Syrian response. Put simply, the conflict continues to rage in Syria. A spillover from the ongoing tensions in Israel and Gaza can only further exacerbate an already volatile situation. Within that context, the humanitarian situation across the country remains perilous. Millions lack water owing to chronic fuel shortages, violence and the impact of climate change. Ahead of the winter months, there remains an urgent need for winterization support for nearly 6 million internally displaced Syrians.”

    2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source

11. “Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Pedersen and Director Wosornu for their briefings. At a time of escalated regional violence and tensions, their messages of practical steps towards peace and dignity are crucial. Since we last met to discuss Syria (see S/PV.9426), a deadly increase in military activity has gripped the north-west of the country, most notably, the 5 October attack on a Syrian military graduation ceremony in the city of Homs. Hostilities and government strikes in the north-west have damaged critical infrastructure such as power and water networks. The Allouk water station is yet again non-functional. These attacks have also resulted in the killing of more than 61 civilians and the displacement of more than 100,000 people from 91 affected communities.”

    2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source

12. “It is essential to build on what has been achieved and to take decisive action to stop the ongoing violence and ensure the comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement.”

    2023-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9434 (2023) · source

13. “Ensuring the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in its implementation remains key. Malta is pleased to see progress across cases of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace as it approaches the pivotal phase of issuing its first restorative sentences. That next step is crucial to the transitional justice process and to peacebuilding efforts and the overall implementation of the peace agreement. We also commend the announcement on the opening of Case 11, on sexual and gender-based violence, and the inclusion of sexual violence and slavery among the first regional indictments for war crimes and crimes against humanity. In conclusion, we are pleased to see clear progress being made on Colombia’s path towards lasting and sustainable peace.”

    2023-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9434 (2023) · source

14. “We also call for sustained attention and resources to be provided to the search for the missing and disappeared. Malta welcomes the Government’s efforts on comprehensive rural reform. We call for continuing the work of providing vulnerable groups with access to land and transforming conflict-affected areas. The implementation of the ethnic chapter in the Final Agreement is vital. It is deeply worrisome that ethnic communities continue to suffer disproportionate violence and child recruitment at the hands of illegal armed actors. We call on the Government to redouble its efforts to ensure the full and timely implementation of those crucial provisions in order to address historic inequalities. Priority must also be given to the gender provisions in the peace agreement.”

    2023-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9434 (2023) · source

15. “Botero García highlighted, pose an existential threat to the peace agreement. We condemn that violence in the strongest possible terms and call on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible. The State must honour its obligations to those who have chosen peace and ensure robust security guarantees for former combatants and social leaders. We are deeply concerned about the high numbers of both forcibly displaced people and those who have been forcibly confined. More must be done to prevent and address such human rights violations. We urge the Government to redouble its efforts to establish an effective State presence in the areas most affected by conflict and to create suitable conditions for returns and reintegration.”

    2023-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9434 (2023) · source

16. “We welcome the progress being made towards a ceasefire with the Estado Mayor Central Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo and hope it will prove to be a promising step forward. Regrettably, persistent violence continues to hinder the realization of the full potential of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. The continuing targeted killings, threats and violence against people standing for office in the upcoming elections are cause for great concern. We urge the Government to ensure comprehensive safeguards that can enable meaningful political participation and representation. The violent attacks and targeted killings of former combatants, human rights defenders, Indigenous leaders and Afro- Colombian leaders, as well as environmentalists, as Mr.”

    2023-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9434 (2023) · source

17. “I thank Special Representative Ruiz Massieu, Deputy Permanent Representative Hrvatinić of Croatia, in his capacity as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, and Mr. Botero García for their briefings. I also welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Leyva Durán of Colombia. Malta commends the Government’s efforts in holding peace talks with armed groups and welcomed the commencement at the beginning of August of a six-month ceasefire with the Ejército de Liberación Nacional. The Council’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2694 (2023), aimed at verifying the implementation of the ceasefire, demonstrates its commitment to Colombia on its path to peace and highlights the advances being made on the ground.”

    2023-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9434 (2023) · source

18. “In conclusion, we once again underscore our conviction that to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, Russia must immediately cease all hostilities. It must unconditionally and completely withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Until then, we will continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people.”

    2023-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9431 (2023) · source

19. “They should serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of war and the consequences of resigning ourselves to living in a world in which might is right. Malta condemns such deplorable acts against civilians and civilian infrastructure in the strongest possible terms. There is no justification for them. Intentional attacks against civilians are prohibited under international law and amount to war crimes. The perpetrators of such atrocities must be held accountable, and we support all efforts to that end, including the ongoing International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice processes. We stress that international humanitarian law and the rules on the conduct of hostilities must be fully respected.”

    2023-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9431 (2023) · source

20. “I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their briefings. Last Thursday, we witnessed yet again the tragic consequences of Russia’s senseless, illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. This time, the Russian Federation struck a café in Hroza, a village of 330 people in the region of Kharkiv with no evidence of military sites. Fifty-two people were killed as a result, including a child. Several others were injured. This was one of the deadliest attacks on civilians since the beginning of Russia’s aggression. One sixth of the population living in the village was wiped out. Every single family was affected. The harrowing images that came out of Hroza illustrate the devastating impact this war is having on Ukraine’s civilian population.”

    2023-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9431 (2023) · source

21. “In conclusion, we maintain our belief that military endeavours, no matter how robust, will never suffice to resolve the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Genuine political dialogue and concerted efforts towards compromise must take precedence in order to pave the way for peace and stability in the region.”

    2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source

22. “We unequivocally condemn the atrocities committed by all armed groups and expect all the parties to honour the decisions and agreements reached under the Nairobi and Luanda processes. The strengthening of the judicial system must remain at the heart of multilateral and governmental endeavours, offering hope to communities that have been constantly exposed to heinous crimes and violations. If wielded effectively, it will also serve as a deterrent to future transgressions. We welcomed the launch of a prosecutorial investigation mission to Lala earlier this month and appreciate the Government’s commitment to holding those responsible for the violence on 30 August accountable. We express our condolences to the families of the victims of the heinous massacre.”

    2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source

23. “Guided by those principles, we support the Secretary-General’s proposal to withdraw units from South Kivu. We believe that establishing a well-defined timeline for the process is imperative, and we are prepared to engage in negotiations to forge a unified vision. At the same time, we consider an enhanced mandate to support the training and capacity- building of the national security forces to be a positive step. Malta encourages enhanced and structured coordination between MONUSCO and the East African Community regional force and stresses the importance of focusing on the outcomes of the African Union-led peace support operations’ negotiations. Malta reiterates its steadfast commitment to a peaceful resolution to the protracted conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

    2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source

24. “We commend President Tshisekedi’s invitation to non-governmental and international organizations to observe the electoral process, and Malta trusts that the Congolese Government will guarantee their safe and unimpeded participation. In that context, we echo the Secretary-General’s call for the swift enactment of the draft law against tribalism, racism and xenophobia. The Security Council will soon be tasked with negotiating the renewal of the MONUSCO mandate, aligning with the ongoing revision of the joint transition plan, which will pave the way for the Mission’s eventual withdrawal. Malta welcomes the convergence towards a withdrawal that aligns with the realities on the ground and envisions a transition that involves the transfer of MONUSCO’s core responsibilities to the Congolese authorities.”

    2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source

25. “While we welcome the system- wide scale-up for the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo activated in June, and the corresponding operational plan, we note that the humanitarian response is underfunded vis-à-vis the needs. This periodic briefing comes at a pivotal juncture, as we are in the final quarter preceding presidential elections. It will be crucial to ensure that the electoral process embodies the principles of freedom, fairness, transparency and inclusivity. The civic space should remain unimpeded if it is to shape public discourse. Beyond the electoral outcome, progress could truly shape the country’s destiny and instil trust in its institutions. We are concerned about reports of incidents of intimidation and violence directed at political opposition members and civil-society representatives.”

    2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source

26. “I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Keita for her briefing and for the work that she and her team are doing. I thank Ms. Modi for her remarks. I am also grateful to the Permanent Representative of Gabon in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004), concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for his updates. As we have heard, the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to be a concern. The number of food-insecure people this year alone is estimated at 25.8 million, and the actual number is likely to be much higher. The numbers of the displaced are soaring. Sexual and gender-based violence continues unabated, and the recruitment of children persists.”

    2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source

27. “All actors, including the League of Arab States, must support the efforts and engagement of the Special Envoy in encouraging Damascus to positively respond to the steps-for-steps initiative. Most relevant to advancing the stalled political process is the resumption of the Constitutional Committee. The deadlock that has characterized the Committee is deeply regrettable, as it remains the only format that convenes all parties together for dialogue. In that respect, we are pleased to hear today plans to reconvene that vital format before the end of the year. We sincerely hope that all stakeholders, especially Damascus, can find the political will to engage in a meaningful manner and make significant steps towards ending this devastating and seemingly endless war.”

    2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source

28. “We also call on all relevant stakeholders to comply with their obligations under international law to facilitate the unimpeded passage of aid to all areas of the north-west through Bab Al-Hawa. At the heart of the many and varied humanitarian needs is the continued political paralysis and military conflict that drives them. Across the country, we note the recent demonstrations in the south, the troubling tensions in the north-east between the Syrian Democratic Forces and tribal communities, as well as continued air strikes in the north-west. Only a United Nations- facilitated political process, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), will allow for the change needed to address the root causes of the crisis that Syria continues to face.”

    2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source

29. “Women and girls remain disproportionately impacted by the worsening situation. As such, an urgent increase in humanitarian funding is now required to prevent the total collapse of basic humanitarian, medical and social services throughout the country. Unimpeded access and scaled- up operations are critical to stave off the most acute cumulative humanitarian consequences ever faced by the Syrian people. Malta is pleased by the resumption of humanitarian cross-border operations at Bab Al-Hawa. That vital crossing is critical to providing for the almost 4 million Syrians in acute need in the north-west. We expect that the agreement between the United Nations and Damascus for all three crossings will be respected and extended for as long as those needs persist.”

    2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source

30. “Across Syria, acute hunger continues unabated; 12.1 million people are facing acute food insecurity and, due to underfunding of the humanitarian response plan, approximately 2.5 million are no longer receiving food or cash support through the United Nations. Children are suffering from chronic malnutrition, poor sanitation and the absence of education. Early and forced marriages persist — negative coping mechanisms for families that are often used to alleviate financial hardship or mitigate risks to family honour amid growing rates of sexual violence. The outlook for the rest of 2023 looks bleak, as sharp increases in food basket prices, the non-renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and currency depreciation are pushing an even greater number of Syrians towards economic calamity.”

    2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source

31. “I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Director Wosornu for their briefings before the Security Council today. I also thank Ms. Jarbawi for sharing her experience and valuable insights. The humanitarian situation in Syria remains one of gravest in the world, with conditions for millions of people continuing to deteriorate. Over the summer months, heat waves have compounded the suffering of the population across the country, especially those displaced and living in camps in the north-east and north-west of the country. Water shortages, primarily driven by the ongoing fuel shortages, hostilities and the reduction of humanitarian services, have pushed families to their limit.”

    2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source

32. “We urge that women’s groups and women’s rights activities be included in the ceasefire negotiations, mediation efforts and any future dialogue process. Their inclusion is integral to ensure that a settlement reflects the voices of the Sudanese people in a holistic manner. We recognize the value that the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan holds in providing its good offices in support of peace efforts. We also commend its stepped-up capacity to monitor and document alleged human rights violations and abuses, as well as delivering humanitarian assistance. In conclusion, Malta urges both parties to adhere to peace and to bring the Sudan back to the path of security and stability. We must spare the Sudanese people further pain and suffering.”

    2023-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9417 (2023) · source

33. “We are playing our part by contributing to the Sudan emergency supplementary appeal of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, together with the European Union’s commitment of €256 million for humanitarian and development assistance in 2023. Malta calls for coherence in ongoing mediation efforts to unlock the deadlock and provide a unified platform to de-escalate and cease hostilities and return the Sudanese actors to the transitional drawing board. The efforts by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the League of Arab States, as well as by neighbouring and other parties, must remain complemented by unified messages by the Security Council.”

    2023-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9417 (2023) · source

34. “We are troubled by the almost tenfold increase in grave violations against children, including killings, maiming, recruitment and sexual violence. The suffering inflicted on children is unacceptable and must stop. We are also concerned about the forcible displacement of over 5 million people within the Sudan and across its borders into neighbouring countries. The catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Sudan should serve only to guide the parties to lift any impediments to the humanitarian response. Humanitarian aid must reach those most in need in a safe, rapid and unhindered manner. We commend OCHA and humanitarian partners for their facilitation of food delivery.”

    2023-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9417 (2023) · source

35. “Reports of abductions have raised serious concerns that women and girls are being forced into slavery. More than 4.2 million people need gender-based violence prevention and response services. With 80 per cent of medical infrastructure across the country no longer functional, we call for the scale-up of medical and psychosocial support and monitoring. Crucially, we call on the parties to ensure safe and unimpeded access for all those who need it. Justice to survivors must be accompanied by thorough investigations. Perpetrators must be held accountable. We reiterate our support to the efforts of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in investigating incidents in Darfur in the current hostilities.”

    2023-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9417 (2023) · source

36. “We call on both parties to cease hostilities without preconditions and work towards negotiating a credible, lasting and inclusive ceasefire. We are disturbed by the way that violence has moved from Khartoum into the depths of Darfur, with the conflict escalating into systematic, ethnically based violence. All that bears terrifying similarity to the situation 20 years ago. Malta deplores the loss of life and the indiscriminate targeting of critical infrastructure and humanitarian and medical personnel, premises and assets. We remind all parties of their obligations under international law and that humanitarian workers must never be a target. We deplore in the strongest terms the increasing use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tactic of war. Women and girls continue to face the most horrific impacts of the conflict.”

    2023-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9417 (2023) · source

37. “I thank Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Director Wosornu for her briefing and the Permanent Representative of Ghana for his report. I also thank Ms. Adil for her insightful and courageous words. She has given a voice to many women and girls today and has empowered them in doing so. In particular, I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Perthes for his professionalism and tireless efforts over the past couple of years. Meanwhile we remain firm in our belief that blaming United Nations officials and scapegoating the United Nations will not bring us closer to reaching a just and lasting peace. As the conflict in the Sudan now enters its sixth month, we remain deeply concerned by the vicious cycle of violence, which we strongly condemn.”

    2023-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9417 (2023) · source

38. “In conclusion, while we recognize that there is still more work to be done to meet new and fast-changing operational challenges, we reaffirm our readiness to support efforts to improve peacekeeping operations at all levels.”

    2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source

39. “To that end, it is essential to ensure that the Security Council increases its focus on environmental management and deploys green, responsible missions that achieve maximum efficiency in their use of natural resources. We stress the need to comprehensively address the environmental impact of peacekeeping operations in close coordination with the parties involved, including troop- and police-contributing countries. Fourthly, it is crucial to ensure that peacekeeping missions have adequate and predictable funding. We would like to remind the Council that European Union member States have always contributed to United Nations peacekeeping operations and together constitute the second largest financial contributor to the peacekeeping budget.”

    2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source

40. “The catalytic impact of that agenda on the operational effectiveness of peacekeeping operations has strengthened early warning and increased the protection of women and girls through gender-responsive patrols and community engagement, including with young people. Promoting and supporting gender parity in peacekeeping requires support mechanisms for deployed women and gender-responsive leadership, and we commend the Secretariat’s ongoing efforts in that area. Lasting peace can be achieved only through the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all facets of peacebuilding and peacekeeping. Thirdly, Malta acknowledges the potential adverse effects that peacekeeping operations may have on the environment, local economy and relations with host communities.”

    2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source

41. “Mandates should be rooted in a broader political strategy that gives priority to child protection, women and peace and security and climate action, which are central to achieving sustainable peace. Malta attaches great importance to the protection of civilians and respect for human rights as core responsibilities of peacekeeping missions. While the primary responsibility for those tasks lies with the host State, we stress that close cooperation with all local, regional and multilateral stakeholders is key and should be supported. Secondly, we reaffirm the importance of ensuring the integration of the women and peace and security agenda across A4P+ priorities.”

    2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source

42. “They are a constant threat to their security and hinder their ability to implement mandates. In that regard, we deplore the recurring instances of restrictions on freedom of movement and the increasing presence of mercenaries in operating areas. We welcome the latest report of the Secretary-General and strongly support the Action for Peacekeeping initiative and the Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+) implementation plan. We believe that a comprehensive approach to those cross- cutting issues is the best way to improve peacekeeping operations. In that regard, we would like to highlight four key areas of implementation. First, having clear, credible and realistic mandates is a prerequisite for the success of peacekeeping missions.”

    2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source

43. “I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his comprehensive and informative briefing. Let me begin by emphasizing that United Nations peacekeeping missions play a pivotal and invaluable role in promoting stability and protecting civilians in some of the most complex and dangerous theatres around the world. The courage, sacrifices and commitment of United Nations peacekeepers enable missions to continue to operate in increasingly difficult political and security contexts. Malta remains steadfast in its commitment to the security and safety of peacekeepers. We strongly condemn all attacks on peacekeeping missions, some of which may amount to war crimes under international law. We are concerned about the growing challenges that peacekeepers are facing on the ground.”

    2023-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9413 (2023) · source

44. “We condemn all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as well as violence against women and children. Given the outcome during this meeting, we resolve to continue engaging in discussions to find the way forward. The meeting rose at 5.30 p.m.”

    2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source

45. “We abstained in the voting on the second draft resolution, as it seeks to eliminate the same measures that would have assisted Mali on its path towards genuine security and stability. In the light of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali’s departure from the country, the sanctions regime plays a critical role as the sole source of the United Nations for monitoring the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. That approach also aligns with the Security Council’s duty to uphold peace and security in Mali by enforcing measures against any actor hindering the agreement’s implementation. As the situation in Mali remains deeply concerning, we urge the Malian authorities and all parties to the agreement to respect it.”

    2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source

46. “Malta delivers this explanation of vote in the light of the two draft resolutions presented to the Security Council (S/2023/638 and S/2023/639). Malta thanks France and United Arab Emirates for their tireless efforts and extensive consultations on the first text towards an outcome that continues to support Mali’s security and stability. We believed that the draft prepared by the co-penholders reflected that, hence why we voted in favour of it. Our position also reflects our steadfast support for retaining the sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts at a time when it is needed the most. We deeply regret that the co-penholders’ text was vetoed by the Russian Federation and that an alternative text was put forward by the Russian Federation.”

    2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source

47. “In conclusion, Malta reiterates its support to MINUSMA and its dedicated personnel for their steadfast commitment over the past 10 years. The absence of MINUSMA in the country will require a renewed approach and commitment by the transition Government, including the restoration of constitutional order by March 2024, which remains central in the path towards stability and peace in the country and the region. Malta looks forward to further updates to the Council in the coming months.”

    2023-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9407 (2023) · source

48. “We also call for the swift adoption and implementation of a joint plan to prevent all six grave violations against children. We recognize and appreciate the efforts of the United Nations country team and other United Nations bodies in supporting the transfer of monitoring and reporting tasks in relation to the protection of women and children. At the same time, we underline the critical need for the Malian authorities to work together with the United Nations system to ensure the protection of civilians and to monitor, report and evaluate the human rights situation in the country. We support UNOWAS and the United Nations country team in taking on tasks previously under MINUSMA’s mandate and acknowledge the need for additional financing and resources to properly fulfil those functions.”

    2023-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9407 (2023) · source

49. “We also call on all parties to the Agreement to respect the ongoing withdrawal process and refrain from committing any acts that could jeopardize United Nations personnel during this delicate stage. We denounce the recent incidents in Ber earlier this month and call for unity, peace and stability. Malta strongly condemns all human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law. Preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence and grave violations against children must be given priority. We urge the Malian transition Government to enhance protection for women and children, especially in central and northern Mali and to accelerate the implementation of the joint communiqué and action plan to prevent and respond to conflict- related sexual violence.”

    2023-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9407 (2023) · source

50. “Malta remains deeply concerned about the vacuum that may arise in the context of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, in particular the impact that MINUSMA’s withdrawal will have on its implementation. We call upon the Malian transition Government and parties to the Agreement to revive diplomatic efforts in a bid to avoid further confrontation. We expect full cooperation from Mali in safeguarding the Peace Agreement, while also welcoming discussions between the Secretariat, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), international mediation and regional organizations on the new role of UNOWAS within the Agreement Monitoring Committee.”

    2023-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9407 (2023) · source