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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. “On that note, we hope that the Council reaches an agreement on a presidential statement that truly reflects the situation on the ground. In conclusion, we look forward to the recommendations of the Independent High-Level Panel on Security and Development in the Sahel, led by Mr. Issoufou, while reaffirming our strong support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, UNOWAS and regional organizations. Peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel should remain at the heart of our efforts.”

   2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source

2. “We also commend UNOWAS for its collaboration with UN- Women and other organizations in advancing the women and peace and security agenda in the region. Malta remains deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian situation across the region, particularly in the Sahel, with millions more this year than in the previous reporting period requiring humanitarian assistance and with the majority expected to experience severe food insecurity, with elevated food prices also impacted by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. As the region is heavily impacted by climate change, we continue to support UNOWAS in advocating for best practices on climate-change resilience and adaptation on the ground and in promoting an understanding of these practices among local communities.”

   2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source

3. “We reiterate our call for the protection of civilians to be safeguarded in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Relevant stakeholders must focus on the needs of children and on the humanitarian response in the light of the grave violations being committed against them. We look forward to discussing how UNOWAS could potentially bridge that gap, following this development. We also take note of the establishment of the ECOWAS Presidential Task Force to deepen reflections on the withdrawal and any forthcoming security challenges. Malta commends ECOWAS, members of the Accra Initiative and other regional organizations for their work in handling these challenges and strongly encourages full cooperation from countries of the region.”

   2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source

4. “Malta calls for a holistic approach towards deterring any extension of violence in the region by tackling the root causes of violent extremism and conflict. Education, human rights, sustainable development, justice and the rule of law must run parallel to counter-terrorism operations. We deplore violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in any counter-terrorism efforts and strongly urge thorough investigations into alleged violations to ensure accountability. In particular, we wish to underline our concern about the security situation in Mali. The withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali carries potential risks for both Mali and its neighbours.”

   2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source

5. “The increased representation of women as local councillors and mayors in the Gambia, the highest-ever proportion of women in Benin’s National Assembly, the increased number of women parliamentarians in Mauritania and a quota for women’s representation in Liberia are welcome achievements. However, we also note with concern the setbacks to women’s representation and political participation in Nigeria, where the number of women in the National Assembly decreased by 19 per cent. Furthermore, any attacks on human rights defenders and the civic and political space continue to limit the right of opinion and expression, and we strongly urge the authorities in the region to step up efforts in that regard.”

   2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source

6. “I take this opportunity to welcome Mr. Simão, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), to his new role and thank him for his briefing. I thank the former Special Representative, Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif, for his work and Deputy Special Representative Biha for ensuring continuity over the past months. I also thank Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for his insightful briefing and the Peacebulding Commission for its written advice. The year 2023 is crucial for democracy in West Africa and the Sahel. Malta welcomes the recent elections in the region, which are a step in the right direction towards democracy and sustainable peace. We commend the good offices of UNOWAS, including its engagement with leaders.”

   2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source

7. “Amid the current situation across the country, we reiterate that the conditions are still not in place for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees. It will be crucial for Damascus to cease its arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture and ill treatment of the Syrian people. In conclusion, I want to reiterate that the Council has the ability — and the responsibility — to find a compromise that can deliver for the Syrian people. We also stress that the Council must do so while maintaining the principles of humanitarian action, which safeguard the operational independence of the United Nations and of its specialized agencies and humanitarian partners.”

   2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source

8. “On the political front, Malta remains concerned about the continued lack of progress on the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). While we have taken note of the decision of the League of Arab States to invite Syria to resume its participation in meetings, it is critical that actions taken at the global level, including those agreed on by the Council, be supported at the regional level. Progress on resolution 2254 (2015) is the only way to achieve a just political solution and lasting peace in Syria. Malta once again calls for the Constitutional Committee to reconvene. Meaningful progress must be made to benefit the lives of the millions of Syrians who have continued to endure more than a decade of conflict.”

   2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source

9. “The renewal would have expanded humanitarian assistance, early-recovery projects, mine action and cross-line aid, in addition to supporting rehabilitation in various areas, enabling the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons, all of it done in full accordance with international law and the humanitarian principles of independence, impartiality, neutrality and humanity. Malta reaffirms the need for the Council to come together once again to renew the cross-border mechanism in order to allow the continued delivery of principled humanitarian assistance to the people most in need in the north-west. We urge the Russian Federation to engage in negotiations to find a workable outcome.”

   2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source

10. “The conditional offer of a short-term authorization by Damascus exposes Syrians in the north-west to the same interference in and manipulation of humanitarian aid they experienced before the creation of the cross-border mechanism. It is an attempt to obfuscate reality and contort international law in order to achieve a political objective. The text presented by Brazil and Switzerland represented a well-crafted compromise. Following weeks of negotiations, the co-penholders struck a delicate balance that should have been acceptable to all sides.”

    2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source

11. “However, while Syrians continue to face this cascade of deprivation and hunger, which exposes women and girls to disproportionate risks of sexual violence and vulnerability, the ability of the international community to deliver aid effectively has been called into question. Russia’s veto of draft resolution S/2023/506, ending the cross-border mechanism, and Damascus’s offer of access to the United Nations with unacceptable conditions attached are worrisome developments. We continue to believe that such decisions create too much uncertainty at the present juncture in such a highly volatile context. Civilians and humanitarian aid workers on the ground need all the support, stability and predictability they can get right now, not unrealistic, eleventh-hour arrangements.”

    2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source

12. “I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Director of Coordination Rajasingham for their briefings. We agree with the sentiment expressed by the Special Envoy when he says that if progress cannot be made on ensuring the continued principled delivery of humanitarian support to Syria, what hope do we have when it comes to the international cooperation needed on all aspects of the Syrian political file? The Council is holding its monthly meeting on Syria today against the backdrop of a failure to renew the humanitarian cross-border mechanism on 11 July (see S/PV.9371). All across the country, wholesale destruction, conflict, a lack of basic services in education and health and recent scorching temperatures and wildfires have further exacerbated the mounting humanitarian needs.”

    2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source

13. “Malta is also alarmed by the large number of grave violations committed against children, including killing and maiming and their recruitment and use as soldiers. We call on all parties to cease and prevent such violations, while we reiterate that child protection can be effectively ensured only through legal frameworks and relevant action plans and road maps. In conclusion, Malta reiterates its support for UNSOM and Special Representative Laing. The crucial work of UNSOM continues to contribute towards lasting peace and security in Somalia. We remain encouraged by the multiplicity of voices engaged in advancing Somalia’s State-building and security goals, and the people of Somalia should remain at the heart of such efforts.”

    2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source

14. “While famine has been averted thanks to sustained humanitarian assistance from donors, 6.6 million are still projected to be food- insecure and approximately 1.8 million children under five are likely to face acute malnutrition and waterborne diseases such as cholera. We are gravely concerned about sexual and gender- based violence against internally displaced women and girls, who make up more 80 per cent of Somalia’s internally displaced persons. The perpetrators of such crimes must be held accountable. In that context, we welcome UNSOM’s support in addressing impediments to accountability and incorporating a gender-sensitive humanitarian response. Humanitarian partners should ensure close collaboration between agencies to address those dire protection needs.”

    2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source

15. “Those efforts should encourage further progress by ATMIS in the security transition, as well as coordination between the Frontline States, ATMIS and partners. Malta remains supportive of ATMIS and its intended tasks to be completed by 2024. It will be crucial to diversify its financial support, while acknowledging that the European Union has supported the mandated Mission with more than €2.2 billion since its inception. Somalia remains heavily affected by climate shocks. We commend the role of the Climate Security Adviser within the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), whose work has enabled a better understanding of how prolonged drought and flash floods have exacerbated farmer-herder conflicts and civilians’ susceptibility to radicalization and recruitment by Al-Shabaab.”

    2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source

16. “We welcome the ceasefire efforts by the Somali Government, Ethiopia and clan elders, while reminding all the parties of their obligations under international law. Malta strongly condemns all the offensives carried out by Al-Shabaab, which continue to represent a serious threat to the peace, security and stability of Somalia, with the surging use of improvised explosive devices and complex attacks, of which the most recent hit a forward operating base of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in Bulo Mareer on 26 May. We will remember the peacekeepers who were injured and those who lost their lives, as well as their families. We welcome the commitment displayed by Somalia and its neighbours, with Somalia’s Frontline States initiative bringing together Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya.”

    2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source

17. “As preparations are under way for next year’s local and assembly elections, we reiterate that it is only through inclusive, free and fair elections and a safe civic space that all voices can be heard and represented. We call for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the political, electoral and constitutional processes. We commend the efforts being made to implement the Somali Women’s Charter and the national women and peace and security action plan, including the ongoing multi-stakeholder conversation among federal ministries, civil society and women leaders supported by UN-Women. Nevertheless, Malta remains concerned about the security situation in the country, especially the ongoing violence in Laascaanood, which has resulted in more than 300 casualties so far.”

    2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source

18. “We join others in welcoming President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to today’s meeting. I thank Special Representative Laing for her briefing and wish her every success in her new role. I also thank Mr. El-Amine Souef, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, and Ms. McCain, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, for their briefings. Malta is pleased to note the positive engagement of Somalia, which signals the country’s sustained progress, and we are encouraged by the recent agreement led by the National Consultative Council on a model for fiscal federalism and the amendments to the national security architecture.”

    2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source

19. “As the country’s future remains alarmingly uncertain, we urge the Taliban to adhere to the principles of the Charter and international law and to respect the human rights of Afghanistan’s citizens. The Security Council must be steadfast in demanding an immediate and unconditional revocation of the Taliban’s regressive dictates and undertake actions that will benefit the Afghan population through this time of major humanitarian need.”

    2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source

20. “In addition, we welcome the efforts by regional organizations and the United Nations, including the Secretary-General, to achieve positive results in the realms of human rights and counter-terrorism, as the regional terrorist threat has increased since the Taliban returned to power, according to recent reports. Malta reaffirms its full support for UNAMA and its mandate. The Mission works towards an inclusive Afghanistan, and its provision of support to its citizens plays a vital role in the country. The protection of United Nations personnel is paramount, and we welcome the leadership’s assurances that the Mission constantly assesses the scope and consequences of the imposed bans and reviews their status.”

    2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source

21. “Women and girls belong in the workforce, including those employed by international aid agencies and the United Nations, in line with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations. Women and girls must be allowed back in the classroom. Women and girls belong in the classroom. Women and girls must also have their right to education secured and respected. The reports from UNICEF noting that international education organizations are being pushed out of the country are beyond troubling and will leave millions of Afghanistan’s young people — not just girls — without education. The adoption of resolution 2681 (2023) was an important step. We call on the Taliban to respect that resolution and to be accountable to the international community.”

    2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source

22. “In recent visits to the country, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls found that the Taliban are continuing to perpetuate the most extreme forms of systematic gender-based discrimination and generalized censorship through restrictive edicts targeting women and girls and by abolishing legal protections and accountability mechanisms for gender-based violence. That must end, as called for by the unanimously adopted resolution 2681 (2023). All the restrictive edicts must be reversed. The fundamental rights of women in Afghanistan must be realized. Women must be allowed back into the workforce.”

    2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source

23. “Humanitarian aid workers now find themselves working within an increasingly restrictive and shrinking humanitarian space, balancing principled humanitarian action with the dilemmas of engaging with the Taliban and adhering to policies set by the humanitarian donor community. They require the greatest level of support and flexibility when it comes to undertaking their vital work in such a dire context. Malta deplores the continued efforts by the Taliban to codify gender segregation within Afghan society and within the United Nations and humanitarian system in the country. The de facto authorities have signed more than 520 restrictive decrees since July 2022, to the detriment of millions of Afghan women and children.”

    2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source

24. “I thank Special Representative Otunbayeva for her briefing. I also thank Ms. Shabana Basij-Rasikh, co-Founder and President of the School of Leadership, for the courageous and poignant briefing she delivered. Let me begin by underlining our support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and all United Nations and humanitarian staff who continue to assist the people of Afghanistan. Afghanistan remains home to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. The multidimensional emergency throughout the country continues, with two thirds of the country’s population in need of humanitarian assistance. While 6 million Afghans are on the brink of starvation, no strategic pathway exists to address those desperate needs.”

    2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source

25. “We strongly encourage MINUSCA to take every possible measure to assist and support the victims. In conclusion, we continue to believe that addressing the root causes of conflict while investing in the protection and promotion of the fundamental rights of the people of the Central African Republic, especially women and children, is key to unlocking peace and security in the region. It is only by cultivating an inclusive public space and extending State authority that a peaceful and promising future for the country can be advanced.”

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source

26. “Incitement, violence and intimidation directed at women human rights defenders and peacebuilders and women’s civil-society groups must cease if we are to see a safe environment that ensures women’s full, equal and meaningful participation. The establishment of gender-responsive legal frameworks and the decree on the implementation of the parity law, as well as a revision of the law on political parties and the electoral code, must be given priority. We commend MINUSCA and Ms. Rugwabiza’s leadership in their renewed efforts to coordinate with the authorities and extend State authority in the country. We deplore the allegations of sexual abuse by a contingent from the Mission and fully support the decision to repatriate the peacekeepers concerned.”

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source

27. “Sustainable financing, especially for projects such as vocational training centres, is crucial to returning children to society following their release from armed groups. Malta calls on Member States to ensure proper financing for child protection efforts through the Fifth Committee and MINUSCA. We also welcome today’s focus on women and peace and security in the Central African Republic. Gender- sensitive conflict analysis has been largely absent from the reporting in this area, particularly on women’s role in political security, peace and humanitarian efforts and on the barriers related to that. In a week when we are marking the International Day for Women in Diplomacy, we emphasize the importance of ensuring that women are respected, consulted and included in every process of policy- and decision-making.”

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source

28. “The impact of military operations on local communities is often intolerable, and military gains should be accompanied by progress in good governance, accountability and the strengthening of the judicial system. The conflict in the Sudan has had severe spillover effects in the Central African Republic, and we express our solidarity with the authorities as they continue to welcome refugees and returnees. Greater support from the international community and humanitarian partners is clearly necessary. We are alarmed by the figures for abductions and the recruitment and use of children in the Central African Republic, an area where the movement of armed groups has led to increasing numbers of grave violations.”

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source

29. “It is crucial for the people of the Central African Republic to be provided with the information they need to guide their opinions, with sufficient time and in an open and inclusive civic space. We condemn the violence in the country and urge all armed groups to lay down their weapons unconditionally. We also deplore the presence of foreign armed groups and militias. At the same time, we encourage the authorities to continue investing in a holistic manner by prioritizing political dialogue and the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic over military action and keeping permanent demobilization at the forefront of their work. We also commend the ongoing efforts to address bilateral issues with Chad through sustained dialogue.”

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source

30. “I thank Ms. Rugwabiza, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Bahous, the Executive Director of UN- Women, African Union Commissioner Adeoye and Mr. Ngatondang for their insightful remarks. I would also like to welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic to this meeting. At the outset, I want to express our sympathy to the Burundian peacekeepers who were injured in an attack on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on 13 June. We reaffirm our commitment to the sovereignty, independence and ownership of the Central African Republic in defining political priorities. Nevertheless, we are concerned about the recent decisions to suspend local elections and to call for a constitutional referendum to be held on 30 July.”

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source

31. “Beyond Iraq, we welcome the Team’s efforts to enhance assistance for ongoing investigations and prosecutions in foreign jurisdictions, many of which are dealing with crimes against the Yazidi community. Before concluding, I want to once again reassure the Special Adviser and his Team of Malta’s strong support for UNITAD’s crucial work in pursuing accountability for atrocity crimes committed by Da’esh in Iraq. Impunity is not an option. In that context, we look forward to the renewal of UNITAD’s important mandate in September.”

    2023-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9341 (2023) · source

32. “Malta stresses that such legislation must preclude the application of the death penalty in line with United Nations best practices. The technical assistance and support provided by UNITAD to the Iraqi authorities is wide ranging, comprising evidence digitization and preservation, forensic expertise, the excavation of mass graves and training for judges and investigators on international humanitarian and criminal law. That is important work, and we urge its continuation. Malta is pleased that UNITAD will expand capacity enhancement support towards the Iraqi judiciary in criminal proceedings and case-building and encourages continued positive engagement with the Supreme Judicial Council. We also encourage greater cooperation between UNITAD and the Iraqi authorities on United Nations sanctions listings.”

    2023-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9341 (2023) · source

33. “As we heard today from the Special Adviser, UNITAD is making considerable efforts to identify the perpetrators most responsible for atrocity crimes through the building of targeted case files. That is welcome. However, key to holding Da’esh perpetrators accountable is the adoption of a domestic legal framework enabling the prosecution of international crimes, namely, genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. We call on the Iraqi authorities to progress that legislation and welcome recent steps towards that goal, including the establishment of the joint working group on pathways to accountability for Da’esh’s international crimes. We also commend UNITAD’s decision to prioritize support for the national legislative drafting process over the coming six months.”

    2023-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9341 (2023) · source

34. “Such acts underscore once again the importance of including persons of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions and sex characteristics in discussions on international peace and security. Furthermore, Malta welcomes UNITAD’s continued attention to the thematic investigation into sexual and gender-based violence and crimes against children. The conclusion of an analytical report on sexual and gender-based crimes committed against members of the Shia Turkmen community, including children, is particularly noteworthy. More broadly, we welcome the Team’s continued cooperation with civil society, victims, survivors and community and religious leaders across all aspects of its investigative work.”

    2023-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9341 (2023) · source

35. “UNITAD’s investigative achievements over the past six months include the completion of preliminary case assessment reports on crimes committed by Da’esh against the Sunni population in Anbar and on the destruction of the cultural and religious heritage of all Iraq’s communities. The Team also successfully launched new lines of inquiry on the development and use of biological and chemical weapons by Da’esh. In addition, we commend UNITAD for finalising a preliminary case assessment on Da’esh crimes against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community. Those abhorrent crimes included public executions of men and boys and those perceived as gay.”

    2023-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9341 (2023) · source

36. “At the outset, I want to thank Special Adviser Ritscher for presenting the report (see S/2023/367) of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD) and his briefing this morning. Malta welcomes the progress achieved by UNITAD across its investigative priorities during the reporting period. I also join others in welcoming the Permanent Representative of Iraq. We recognize that the cooperation afforded by the Government of Iraq, including the authorities of the Kurdistan Regional Government, was essential in ensuring such progress.”

    2023-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9341 (2023) · source

37. “We once again urge Russia to immediately cease all hostilities and unconditionally, completely and immediately withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. We continue to express our unequivocal support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and deplore any behaviour that seeks to escalate the conflict further.”

    2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source

38. “That violates, in every way possible, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s five principles for ensuring nuclear security and safety. We emphasize that civilians and civilian infrastructure are not and must not be targets. Intentionally targeting them constitutes a war crime. Malta stresses its determination to make sure that the perpetrators of such crimes are held accountable in line with international law. Accountability must be our priority, and perpetrators must know that justice will ultimately prevail. In the meantime, Malta will continue to support all efforts to address the consequences of Russia’s aggression.”

    2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source

39. “People living in low-lying parts of the city of Kherson, less than 50 miles downstream, have been warned to evacuate as quickly as possible and to seek shelter on higher ground. Eight villages have been completely flooded, with more expected to flood as we speak. At least 16,000 people have lost their homes, with safe and clean drinking water supplies in jeopardy for thousands more. This attack has also brought with it irreversible environmental consequences. The river has now been contaminated with 150 tons of industrial lubricant. Furthermore, dropping water levels in the dam affect access to one of the main critical cooling sources for the reactors at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant and put at risk the proper functioning of the plant’s safety and security systems.”

    2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source

40. “I too thank Under-Secretary- General Griffiths for his sobering briefing. Malta is seriously concerned about the latest developments and strongly condemns the attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam. This is another attack against Ukrainian civilian critical infrastructure, and yet another flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law. The resulting flooding from the destruction of the dam has caused catastrophic damage. It has put at risk the lives of civilians, further aggravating the humanitarian situation in the country. As we heard from Under-Secretary-General Griffiths, reaching those in need of assistance will not be easy or straightforward. Thousands of people are at risk.”

    2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source

41. “On that note, we welcome the latest efforts geared towards women’s leadership in political offices, including in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Those efforts, among others, represent positive and sustainable investments for the peace, security and development of Central Africa. In conclusion, Malta continues to support efforts to spearhead inclusive dialogue between Governments and citizens, partnerships with civil society and confidence-building measures. We support UNOCA and the countries of the region towards that path.”

    2023-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9338 (2023) · source

42. “Existing humanitarian needs are compounded by a difficult socioeconomic context in the region, with growing flows of displaced persons and refugees into multiple countries, now further worsened by the conflict in the Sudan. We also echo the findings of the Secretary- General’s report (S/2023/389) that adverse climate impacts further intensify the root causes of conflict, triggering transhumance and intercommunal clashes, thus jeopardizing peace and security in the region. The increase in incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea also reminds us of the importance of advancing regional governance, in cooperation with the Yaoundé Architecture, also funded by the European Union. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women must stay at the forefront of our considerations.”

    2023-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9338 (2023) · source

43. “As violent extremism continues to pose a threat to entire communities, we condemn the recent killings of protesters and the closure of schools in the Lake Chad basin area. In that connection, Malta emphasizes the importance of education. It is crucial for schools to remain accessible for children and youth, ensuring that their full potential is unlocked. In welcoming the work of UNOCA in strengthening democracy in the region and in providing good offices and technical support on multiple aspects, we also commend the Office for its role in addressing cross- cutting issues that represent serious threats to the stability and development of Central Africa.”

    2023-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9338 (2023) · source

44. “The reports of arrests, transfers to a high-security prison, public hearings and convictions following the protests last October are deeply worrisome. Malta acknowledges the findings published by the National Human Rights Commission in that regard. As Cameroon is experiencing multiple crises, from terrorism to competition for resources and to the refugee crisis, we encourage the continued efforts towards mediation by Special Representative Abarry in support of the Cameroonian authorities. Malta remains concerned about the shrinking civic space in certain countries and the repeated threats to the safety of journalists, which only fuel further violence and misinformation, increasing the human cost.”

    2023-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9338 (2023) · source

45. “We welcome the ongoing coordination with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region and subregional organizations, such as the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). As we express concern about the significant developments that took place last November in Sao Tome and Principe, we also welcome the request by President Vila Nova for the support of the United Nations and ECCAS in strengthening the country’s security and justice sectors. We are also concerned about the difficult path towards transition in Chad.”

    2023-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9338 (2023) · source

46. “I would like to thank Mr. Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Da Piedade Veríssimo, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and Ms. Tamoifo for their insightful remarks. At the outset, allow me to express Malta’s regret that the adoption of a presidential statement on the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) remain pending, notwithstanding the Council’s commitment to addressing the multiple challenges that threaten Central Africa. Malta hopes that an agreement on such a statement can be reached in a timely manner. We commend Special Representative Abarry for ably steering the mandate and work of UNOCA and for strategically addressing the challenges that individual countries and the region face.”

    2023-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9338 (2023) · source

47. “Malta remains steadfast in its support of the Sudanese people, convinced that only through dialogue can the issues raised by the warring parties be resolved.”

    2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9337 (2023) · source

48. “We welcome the Council speaking with one voice and reinforcing its central commitment to the people of the Sudan, in concert with regional initiatives. Malta fully supports the work of the United Nations, together with the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, as members of the trilateral mechanism. We echo the call on both parties to cease hostilities without preconditions and to lead the Sudan back to its political transition. We remind all the parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, at a time when humanitarian needs in the Sudan have risen to record levels. In conclusion, we reiterate our full support to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Perthes, who together with his team at UNITAMS, continues his tireless work with unfaltering dedication and commitment.”

    2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9337 (2023) · source

49. “Malta welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2685 (2023), which extends the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission (UNITAMS) for six months. Malta expresses its gratitude to the penholder country for its extensive efforts in bridging and leading the members of the Security Council towards a consensus. Today’s adoption reflects the Council’s continued commitment to and support for UNITAMS, which is currently operating in challenging times. Malta welcomes the issuing of a press statement (SC/15257) in that regard, which provides a timely, unified and complementary message by the Security Council on the situation in the Sudan — a situation that continues to reflect a deeply worrisome future for the country.”

    2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9337 (2023) · source

50. “In conclusion, I reiterate that everyone at this table has a shared objective: peace and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Divisions and inaction among members of the Security Council will only push us away from fulfilling our duty. At the same time, Malta calls on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to cease all actions that raise tensions and instead choose the path of dialogue.”

    2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source