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

“I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Wane and Ms. Abouya for their briefings. Malta reiterates the importance of an orderly, safe and effective withdrawal of MINUSMA in accordance with resolution 2690 (2023), and we express our support for the Secretary-General and the work on the plan of transferring the Mission’s tasks. We commend the swift actions already taken towards this end, while underlining the critical need to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel throughout the entire withdrawal process. We further emphasize that, until MINUSMA’s complete departure, its freedom of movement in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement is not negotiable. Access to any imports and exports required by the Mission for its withdrawal should not be restricted in any way.”
2023-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9407 (2023) · source
“Malta strongly condemns those barbaric, indiscriminate and illegal acts of terror and urges Russia to immediately cease those attacks. Regardless of the context, international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be upheld. Let us recall the facts: Ukraine did not want war, and neither did it provoke it. Russia is the aggressor and is committing war crimes in Ukraine. We remain firmly committed to ensuring that Russia is held fully accountable for all its crimes. In conclusion, Malta reiterates in the strongest possible terms the need for Russia to end its aggression and to immediately and completely withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“Missile and drone strikes have destroyed vital infrastructure, health facilities, religious and cultural sites and residential buildings, all resulting in the deplorable loss of life. Russia’s brutal war on the people of Ukraine is also having a multi-layered impact on women, men and children and is affecting people’s safety, physical and mental health and livelihoods and compromising their access to health care and education. Women and girls continue to face extremely high risks of gender-based violence. There are widespread reports of grave human rights violations, including torture and conflict-related sexual violence. The people remaining close to the front lines, especially older persons and people with disabilities or specific needs, experience barriers to access humanitarian services.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“Threats regarding the potential targeting of civilian vessels navigating in the waters of the Black Sea are unacceptable. Last week, a Russian warship fired warning shots at a cargo ship in the south-western Black Sea. Those actions exemplified Russia’s deliberate policy of endangering the freedom of navigation and safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea. The provocative actions carried out by the Russian navy are a clear violation of the international law of the sea and a crime against civilian vessels of a third country in the waters of other States. The recent attacks on the Kherson region, especially in Mykolayiv, Zaporizhzhya, Donbas and Kharkiv, by Russia are alarming.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, global food prices rose or the first time in months following the collapse of the landmark agreement to ship grain from Ukraine to the rest of the world. We cannot stress enough that the weaponization of food is completely unacceptable and unconscionable. We regret that Russia disregarded a credible United Nations proposal, ending a lifeline for millions facing hunger and spiralling food costs. The threat of famine, with people slowly starving to death, is a red line for international peace and security. We believe it is crucial to restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative as a means to re-balance the global food market and contribute to Ukraine’s export of grains to the countries that need it the most.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. I also thank Ms. Rashevska and Mr. Kuleba for their remarks. As Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day, we continue to reiterate that Ukraine has the right to determine its own future. Malta stands with the Ukrainian people in defending their freedom and independence. Today’s meeting illustrates once again the far- reaching consequences of this senseless, illegal and unprovoked war. A month ago, a permanent member of the Security Council opted to politicize humanitarian needs by terminating the Black Sea Grain Initiative. That decision has had severe global consequences by exacerbating existing agricultural, energy and financial crises, disproportionately affecting the affecting world’s most vulnerable populations.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“I conclude by reiterating Malta’s support for all efforts that seek to secure an inclusive, peaceful, stable and prosperous present and future for all Libyans.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“We hope that that will lead to the unification of political and military institutions. We also welcome the establishment and recent meetings of a high committee on financial oversight to address issues of transparency in the spending of public funds and to ensure the fair distribution of national resources as a positive step. We hope that will support efforts to address the difficult socioeconomic conditions facing large segments of the Libyan population. From the human rights perspective, we regret to note the decreased space for civil society in Libya. The recent restrictive measures on fundamental freedoms and rights, including on women’s freedom of movement, run counter to the goal of inclusive elections and national reconciliation, in which women, young people and civil society have a pivotal role to play.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Full compliance with the arms embargo and the broader framework of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya is essential. We believe that the assets freeze is meant to exist for the benefit of Libya and its people, and that Libyan funds held abroad must be declared and frozen for eventual repatriation. The continued work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and other measures that seek to stabilize the security situation require our full support. That includes the role of Operation IRINI and the holding of the first in-person plenary meetings in Libya of the security working group of the Berlin process International Follow-Up Committee on Libya. We welcome the announced finalization of the reunification of the two branches of the Central Bank of Libya.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“The recent clashes in Tripoli and recent incidents in Zawiyah underscore the fragile security situation. We continue to call for dialogue, de-escalation and the legal responsibility to protect civilians. Structural threats to Libya’s security continue to be present, posing threats to civilians in Libya, including children. In that context, we welcome that UNICEF will conduct a multiple-indicator cluster survey to increase data and analysis on women and children in the country. We hope that that will enhance Libya’s capacity for child-rights monitoring and effective child-protection policies. We are concerned about the continued presence of foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries, whose full withdrawal should be prioritized. Equally concerning is the proliferation of weapons under the control of various State and non-State actors.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Malta will continue to support the Special Representative’s efforts to engage in inclusive consultations with a broad range of actors and to facilitate discussions among them. That is the only pathway to advancing a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, under United Nations auspices, with the necessary political consensus and legal framework to conduct free, fair, transparent, inclusive and secure elections. We reiterate the right of the Libyan people to choose their own leadership through such elections and to see their democratic aspirations realized. In that context, we emphasize the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all political processes and electoral reforms, as well as their safe participation in elections.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative Bathily for his briefing and Ms. Al Jerbi for her insightful remarks. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in this meeting. We continue to observe a prolonged political impasse in Libya. That gives rise to a tense security situation, which can quickly escalate into violent clashes, as we recently witnessed. That underlines the need for the international community to be unified and supportive of efforts to advance peace and stability in the country. Elections are necessary to find a sustainable and inclusive political solution. On the political front, we continue to urge all Libyan parties and key stakeholders to engage fully, constructively, transparently and in a spirit of compromise with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source
“Malta remains committed to the two-State solution as the only just and comprehensive resolution that addresses the legitimate aspirations of both sides.”
2023-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9400 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, we call on Israel and the Palestinian Authority to return to good-faith dialogue and uphold their commitments made related to security coordination. In the absence of a political solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East continues to be the strongest pillar of support for the growing needs of the Palestinian people. In that regard, we remain concerned about the Agency’s precarious financial situation, and we highlight the need for the Agency to be provided with predictable and sustained funding. Recent negative trends clearly indicate that steps towards restoring a political horizon should be the focus of our efforts. Israelis and Palestinians deserve to coexist in freedom, peace and security.”
2023-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9400 (2023) · source
“The Palestinian Authority is also facing internal challenges with increasingly negative trends with regard to the rule of law and fundamental freedoms in areas where the Palestinian Authority is in control and in Gaza. In that regard, we are encouraged to note steps in the context of intra-Palestinian reconciliation, including through the formation of a dedicated committee, as discussed in talks between Palestinian factions on 30 July in Egypt. A stronger and more credible Palestinian Authority as a partner is in everyone’s interest. We continue to urge the authorities in Palestine to hold the overdue national elections as soon as possible, as that will be an important sign of strengthening the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority for the Palestinian people.”
2023-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9400 (2023) · source
“Malta recalls that settlements are illegal under international law and dangerously imperil the viability of the two-State solution based along the pre-1967 borders. Additionally, demolitions, forced evictions and settler violence have a marked humanitarian toll on Palestinian communities, particularly on herder communities. Within that context, we call for the cessation of settlement expansion and legalization. Continued provocations and threats to the historic status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem must also cease, as they threaten to ignite tensions with regional repercussions. We emphasize, in that regard, the importance of the special custodianship role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. We welcome attempts being made by Israel’s Security Cabinet to introduce economic measures aimed at bolstering the Palestinian Authority.”
2023-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9400 (2023) · source
“We also strongly reiterate our call for relevant parties to safeguard lives and in particular the well-being of children who continue to bear too many negative repercussions of the prolonged conflict. Malta unreservedly condemns all acts of terrorism and extremist violence, which have regrettably continued to take place in recent days and weeks. That also includes extremist settler-related violence, which has intensified in an alarming manner this year. Furthermore, we remain concerned about the high incidence of Palestinian deaths following military operations in the West Bank and urge the concerned parties to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. Persistent unilateral actions continue to fuel instability and instigate recognized flash points to the detriment of any real prospects for peace.”
2023-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9400 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for briefing us on the current situation. Malta remains deeply concerned about the increasing frequency of violence, provocations and unilateral decisions, which continue to cause civilian suffering in both the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel. Statistics from the Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs underline that the scale of violence affecting civilians has resulted in a monthly average of fatalities in the West Bank and Israel that is 85 per cent higher than the monthly average for all of 2022. In that context, we again reiterate that the protection of civilians in conflict and respect for international humanitarian law are fundamental.”
2023-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9400 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, we once again urge the Russian Federation to end its hostilities, withdraw its military forces and proxies from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and embark on constructive dialogue and diplomacy as the means to establish lasting peace, stability and security.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“On a related note, we would like to point to our commitment to holding Russia accountable for all its crimes and violations. We support the ongoing efforts of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice and welcome the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine and the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine. Ending this war and its negative consequences depend exclusively on this permanent member of the Security Council. We also want to remind members of Ukraine’s legitimate and sacrosanct right to self- defence, enshrined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“The war not only threatens the security of the region, but is having a serious impact on the entire world. By withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the Russian Federation has consciously weaponized food security. The naval blockade and attacks on Ukrainian ports, as well as the illegal boarding of ships by the Russian armed forces, is further evidence of Moscow’s strategy to use food security to create global disruption. That is unacceptable. The attacks on critical infrastructure have also continued unabated, including most recently in the Kharkiv region. Malta strongly condemns Russia’s actions, in particular the vile attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, which should never be targets, and we reiterate our call on Russia to cease such attacks immediately.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has recorded more than 26,000 civilian casualties in Ukraine since the start of the war. An estimated 5.1 million people have been internally displaced and more than 6.2 million have crossed into neighbouring countries. Of those figures, 90 per cent represent women and children, who are at risk of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation and abuse, while facing perilous health conditions. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to pose serious and direct threats to the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. Nuclear incidents should be avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the indiscriminate and devastating effects that would have on lives and the environment.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“I thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her updates. Malta strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is a blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. We are unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and its inherent right to self-defence. I reiterate that Russia bears the sole responsibility for its war of aggression in Ukraine. Russia is seeking to subdue a sovereign neighbouring country through the use of force to expand its territory and extend its borders. The grave humanitarian crisis resulting from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine must be at the centre of our deliberations.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to remind the Council of our shared objective: peace on and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Human rights are not optional, nor are they an isolated concern. They are the foundation upon which a stable and peaceful Korean peninsula must be built.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must meaningfully cooperate with United Nations human rights bodies and initiate a dialogue with the Special Rapporteur and special procedure thematic mandate holders and invite them to carry out official country visits. We further call on States to fully implement their obligations under the sanctions regime and refrain from engaging in, or assisting with, any sanctions violations. The use of revenue generated by North Korean workers overseas to fund the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s illegal weapons programme also constitutes human exploitation. We call on States to repatriate all nationals of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea earning income in their jurisdiction, in full accordance with international law.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, reports concerning forced child labour are disturbing, despite the claims by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea denying such practices, which constitute a grave violation of children’s rights. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has also abducted foreign nationals outside its borders, many of whom remain unaccounted for. Malta calls on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to provide full information about all persons who have been kidnapped and unlawfully detained and to immediately release all abductees. We stress that the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must be held accountable for its abhorrent practices against its own people, including the trafficking of women and girls and the exploitation of children.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“Arbitrary arrests, detentions and forced disappearances, which also affect the extended families of those accused of being “traitors”, continue through the regime’s vast use of detention centres and prisons. Discrimination against women and girls as a result of widespread gender stereotypes and normative deficits prevents the achievement of gender equality. Their low- level market activities have made them targets of regime control. As Special Rapporteur Salmón noted, the North Korean authorities subject women in detention to inhumane conditions, including torture, forced labour, sexual violence and deprivation of food. We concur with her recommendation to address the patriarchal root causes of gender-based violence, promote women’s awareness of their rights and engage men as part of the solution to ending violence against women.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“As we have heard today from our briefers, the humanitarian situation in the country remains dire, with severe levels of food insecurity and large segments of the population enduring chronic malnutrition. Children are especially impacted by the situation. The North Korean authorities must allow international humanitarian organizations to bring rapid and unhindered assistance to the most vulnerable groups, including prisoners. We deplore reports of the regime using food as a method of State control, with the diversion of resources to military objectives, including the numerous ballistic missile launches witnessed in the past year. The systematic restrictions of the freedoms of thought and expression and of movement are deeply troubling.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“The violations have continued and are intrinsically linked to the threats posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to international peace and security. We call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to adhere to its international obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions. It must completely, verifiably and irreversibly abandon its nuclear and ballistic-missile programmes and return to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. We urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Civilians in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continue to live in a climate of Government- induced fear.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“I thank High Commissioner Türk and Special Rapporteur Salmón for their valuable contributions. I also thank Mr. Ilhyeok Kim for his powerful and courageous testimony. Malta recognizes the inextricable link between human rights and advancing international peace and security. We commend the work of human rights bodies and mechanisms such as the Human Rights Council that continue to highlight the long list of human rights violations occurring within the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, despite the complete lack of cooperation by State authorities. It is almost 10 years since the commission of inquiry on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea exposed systematic, widespread and grave violations amounting to crimes against humanity.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9398 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, Malta reiterates its call for the immediate removal of the blockade imposed in the Lachin corridor and for the restoration of freedom of movement of people and goods in the Nagorno-Karabakh region in both directions. We continue to fully support efforts leading to sustainable peace, security and prosperity.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“Only inclusive dialogue and diplomacy can ensure a peaceful settlement to the situation and guarantee an outcome that is beneficial for the people. In this context, Malta encourages the direct engagement between both sides in order to reach a quick resolution to the conflict. Malta reaffirms its support for a negotiated and comprehensive solution for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and is supportive of the efforts by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Minsk Group in pursuing this objective. The continued engagement by the European Union in facilitating the peaceful resolution of issues between both sides is strongly commended. There is no other viable way forward but to continue working together to overcome the differences and guarantee the safety and security of citizens in the region.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“Malta strongly believes that humanitarian access must not be politicized under any circumstance by any of the actors involved and continues to support and commends the work carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross in the region, and by local women’s organizations that have provided services to victims of domestic violence, psychosocial support, and sanitary and hygiene products. Malta remains fully committed to constructive dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to long- lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus. We encourage confidence-building measures by both the Armenian and Azerbaijani leadership to overcome differences and guarantee the safety and security of citizens in the region. Armenian women in all their diversity continue to be marginalized in all stages of peace and reconstruction processes.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“Everyone, especially society’s most vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly and persons with disability, who should be effectively protected and whose well-being should be prioritized, must have easy access to basic and essential goods. Women and girls who are internally displaced or are in refugee-like situations often face intersecting forms of discrimination, have limited access to education, employment, health care and housing and are inadequately protected from gender-based violence.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“We appeal to the Azerbaijani authorities to restore free access to the Nagorno-Karabakh region and refrain from further violations of the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020, international humanitarian law and orders of the International Court of Justice. We also take note of the expressed readiness of the Azerbaijani authorities to supply goods via the city of Aghdam. Nevertheless, this should not be seen as an alternative to the reopening of the Lachin corridor. Malta calls for an immediate de-escalation of the situation and highlights the importance of reconciliation between both parties in order to prevent unnecessary hardship and loss of life.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“I thank Director Wosornu for her briefing. Malta is deeply concerned about the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, including the humanitarian situation aggravated by the blockade of the Lachin corridor. It is deplorable that citizens in the region continue to be deprived of such essential goods as food, medicine and fuel, which has affected the functioning of medical and educational institutions. Malta calls for the immediate and unconditional end to this blockade. The implications of this situation on the local population and the lack of humanitarian access to the region are serious and will only worsen as time goes by if there is no form of redress or remedy. Unimpeded humanitarian access must be given.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9397 (2023) · source
“We also call for greater mine-clearance efforts and increased explosive-ordnance-risk education across Yemen, to eliminate the indiscriminate threats posed by mines and explosive remnants of war. In conclusion, Malta commends the completion of the ship-to-ship transfer of oil from the FSO SAFER. Thanks to donors and the dedicated work of United Nations staff, a monumental environmental and humanitarian catastrophe has been avoided. We hope the remaining funding will be made available to ensure the timely completion of the project.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“Restrictions of movement for women aid workers further exacerbate the suffering of Yemen’s most vulnerable and must be lifted immediately. On a positive note, we welcome the release on 11 August of five United Nations staff members who had spent 19 months in detention. We call on the parties to continue the dialogue on prisoner exchanges and reiterate our call for children, humanitarian workers and other detainees, including those from the Baha’i community, to be released. Malta is also concerned by the campaigns of disinformation and misinformation on vaccines in Yemen, which are causing needless and preventable long-term suffering. We emphasize that vaccines are crucial, particularly for children, and strongly encourage authorities to counter such callous acts in a decisive manner.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“We convey our deepest condolences to his family and the humanitarian community and call on the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. The lack of funding for Yemen’s humanitarian response plan is also troubling. Almost eight months into 2023, the plan remains less than one third funded, preventing the delivery of essential aid to those in need. Despite many warnings, the lack of financing has led the World Food Programme to cut its assistance. At this delicate juncture, the international community must redouble its efforts to rectify this desperate situation. Furthermore, as we continue to see no improvement in chronic access impediments faced by humanitarian workers, we remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“Malta remains gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Yemen, where civilians, including women, children and other vulnerable groups, continue to bear the brunt of the protracted conflict. Nearly 22 million Yemenis are in need of humanitarian assistance; some 17 million are food insecure. This is inexcusable. Children continue to suffer from the horrors of protracted conflict. Many have never experienced anything different. Over 11 million of them are in need of humanitarian assistance, 2.3 million are internally displaced, and more than half a million are acutely malnourished. Humanitarian aid workers continue to operate under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions. Malta strongly condemns the murder on 21 July of Moayad Hameidi, who served for nearly two decades with the World Food Programme.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“I also thank Special Envoy Grundberg, Director Wosornu, and Ms. Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj for their briefings. Malta remains encouraged that the people of Yemen continue to benefit from the longest period of relative calm since the beginning of the conflict. However, as we have heard again today, this calm remains fragile. We reiterate our call on parties to the conflict to maintain this positive momentum. We hope that they will engage constructively in peace talks to achieve a formalized and permanent ceasefire and pave a path towards a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process under United Nations auspices. This crucial window of opportunity will not remain open forever, and it must be seized without delay.”
2023-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9396 (2023) · source
“At the same time, we reiterate the importance of ensuring that regional mediation efforts — including by the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and by neighbouring countries and other partners — are synchronized and supported by strong and unified messages from the Council. To conclude, we remain convinced that it is only through dialogue and mediation that the conflict can be resolved. We urge both parties to act on these calls to ensure a lasting settlement which places the Sudanese people at the centre.”
2023-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9394 (2023) · source
“With an estimated 3.5 million people having been displaced, the conflict in the Sudan risks setting off a crisis of regional proportions. Those seeking to flee are being deliberately targeted, and this is unacceptable. We are also concerned with the situation of internally displaced women and children, who are at high risk of sexual and gender-based violence. Malta welcomes all efforts that seek an end to the ongoing hostilities and return the Sudan to its political transition process. Such efforts must be inclusive, with the full engagement of women, youth and civil society.”
2023-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9394 (2023) · source
“The humanitarian crisis in the Sudan continues to escalate. As much as 42 per cent of the country’s population is facing acute food insecurity, on top of increasing food and fuel prices, poor harvests and climate shocks. We call for safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access in the Sudan. We also support the World Food Programme’s resumption of operations, especially the recent cross-border food delivery on 3 August to Darfur, facilitated by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. As we have heard today from Director Wosornu, more needs to be done in that regard. Regrettably, at least 18 humanitarian workers have been killed since the beginning of the conflict, and over 53 attacks were carried out against health- care facilities. Such persons must never be a target.”
2023-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9394 (2023) · source
“We remind all parties of their obligations under international law, including redoubling efforts to end and prevent all grave violations against children. We are appalled by the extensive reports of sexual and gender-based violence in Khartoum and El Geneina, including attacks on women’s human rights defenders and civil society organizations, and the abductions of women and girls. Urgent support for survivors’ access to medical care and psychosocial support must be given priority. Providing justice to victims and survivors of atrocity crimes and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable must remain central to our collective efforts. We urge for protection measures to be strengthened, especially for women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.”
2023-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9394 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Pobee and Director Wosornu for their updates. Malta strongly condemns the cycle of violence that has engulfed the Sudan over more than 100 days and reiterates its call on both parties to cease hostilities without preconditions. We deplore the loss of life and condemn the targeting of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and places of worship, and on humanitarian and medical personnel, premises and assets. We are concerned by increasing reports of civilians being caught in the crossfire, including those killed in their own homes or in places they sought for safety. Children also remain at high risk, with over 2,000 having been killed and maimed since the start of the conflict.”
2023-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9394 (2023) · source
“Could he perhaps elaborate on how the protection of civilians, including children, and the response to conflict-related sexual violence will be addressed during the transition phase so as to ensure that sufficient capacity remains to protect all civilians? Turning to UNIFIL, where Malta is also a troop- contributing country, we remain concerned about the recent number of incidents along the Blue Line. I would like to ask Major General Lázaro Sáenz — what are the emerging challenges faced by the personnel in protecting civilians under imminent threat of physical violence and how can the Security Council support and increase the protection of civilians in those emerging and challenging contexts?”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“Also, what is the role of the military component in deterring and preventing sexual and gender-based violence, including by actively intervening to protect civilians threatened by sexual violence? The ongoing drawdown of MONUSCO offers an opportunity to assess how the guidance collected in resolution 2594 (2021) is being applied and to identify new lessons on peacekeeping transitions and the protection of civilians. Lieutenant General Otávio Rodrigues De Miranda Filho has provided a very frank assessment on how the protection-of-civilians mandate needs to be proactive and efficient, primarily to gain the trust of the local population.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“In relation to the United Nations policy on gender-responsive peacekeeping operations, we would appreciate hearing about how gender has been incorporated into operational staff work and tactical activities, and the needs within troop-contributing countries for training in those areas. With regard to UNMISS, Security Council resolution 2677 (2023) stresses that the protection of civilians shall be given priority in decisions about the use of available capacity and resources. In that regard, I would like to ask Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian for more information on the Mission’s plan to adjust its protection-of-civilians strategy to respond to attacks against civilians in internally displaced persons camps and protection-of-civilians sites promptly and effectively, particularly following the violent scenes at Malakal in May.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“We welcome the opportunity to meet with Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under- Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and the Force Commanders of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for an interactive discussion on this important issue. We salute the work of peacekeepers and remember those who have been injured or lost their lives, and I also convey our condolences to Ghana for today’s tragic accident. Contemporary peacekeeping missions with protection-of-civilians mandates operate in challenging environments partly characterized by widespread armed-group violence against civilians, weak and abusive security forces and limited State authority.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source