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

“Doing nothing or not reacting to those unlawful actions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would mean normalizing violations in the face of the Council. It would mean accepting that we are powerless to react to proliferation crises around the globe. Malta’s concern for the humanitarian situation faced by the population of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s blatant violations of international law divert resources from its people, prevent its economic development and undermine the welfare of its population. Malta calls on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to faithfully engage with the United Nations and the international humanitarian system, as well as to enable and facilitate humanitarian assistance to reach those in greatest need across the country.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“We urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to cooperate promptly with the International Atomic Energy Agency in the full and effective implementation of the Agency’s comprehensive safeguards, including all necessary safeguards activities provided for in the safeguards agreement. We also urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Malta regrets that the Council stands frozen regarding the responses to any of the intercontinental ballistic missile launches witnessed over the past year. In that regard, Malta recalls resolution 2397 (2017) as a reminder that we have the duty to take action to maintain regional and international peace and security.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s constant and complete disregard for its obligations under Security Council resolutions undermines international peace and security. It is crucial that the entire United Nations membership, especially members of the Security Council, speak out and demonstrate that such actions will never be accepted. Malta calls upon Pyongyang to completely, verifiably and irreversibly abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and to return to full compliance with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as a non-nuclear-weapon State.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“Malta strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s attempted launch of a military satellite that occurred on Wednesday, 31 May. Those latest developments show that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to develop and improve its ballistic missile capabilities in open defiance of Security Council resolutions. Those activities must stop at once. Although the test conveyed last Wednesday failed, it is important to underline the fact that Security Council resolutions do not distinguish between successful launches and failed attempts. Such actions remain a flagrant violation and show a concerning pattern of reckless behaviour by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, undermining global non-proliferation efforts and advancing its programmes.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“We also remain supportive of the IAEA’s continued efforts aimed at finding a permanent solution for the safety and integrity of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. In this regard, Malta welcomes the principles outlined today that constitute an important foundation to continue to build and guide future discussions. The return of full legitimate control over the facility to the competent Ukrainian authorities, including the demilitarization and de-occupation of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, is a first priority. This is a key prerequisite for restoring not only nuclear safety and security but also respect for international law. We thank the Director General for his tireless efforts and the experts that form part of the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya for their valuable work.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“Malta also welcomes the General Assembly’s recent adoption by consensus of the resolution entitled “Persistent legacy of the Chernobyl disaster” (General Assembly resolution 77/288), which is indicative of the importance placed by the international community on nuclear safety and security in Ukraine and the significance of the serious long-term consequences of nuclear disasters. The risks currently posed to nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, endangering the entire world, are a direct consequence of Russia’s illegal, unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine. Once again, Malta reiterates its call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease its war of aggression and withdraw all its forces and military equipment from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“Malta deeply regrets that, despite assurances, Rosatom has not granted the IAEA access to the Zaporizhzhya thermal power plant, which has provided back-up power for the nuclear power plant in the past. It is urgent that the IAEA be granted access. While we welcome the delivery of 200 portable-power systems to Ukraine to compensate for frequent power losses, as well as the agreement reached earlier this month between the IAEA, France and Energoatom for the delivery of necessary spare parts for emergency diesel generators of the South Ukraine nuclear power plant, we also underline the need for guarantees of uninterrupted power supply to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant from the territory under the control of the Government of Ukraine.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“We also note that in recent weeks there have been reports of evacuations from the town of Enerhodar, where most staff and their families live. That creates further uncertainty about the staffing situation. We welcome the presence of staff from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) deployed to Zaporizhzhya and other Ukrainian power plants, but emphasize that this does not amount to a solution. Even in a shut-down State, the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant requires adequate maintenance and other work. Since Russia’s illegal invasion and occupation of the region last February, the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant and its surrounding area have been exposed to dangerous military activity. The power lines, essential to the operation and maintenance of safety of the plant, have been damaged on a number of occasions.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“As stated by Director General Grossi, the situation is becoming increasingly unpredictable and, consequently, more dangerous. Such risks are completely unacceptable. While it remains occupied, the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant has been operating with significantly reduced staffing numbers. It has been reported that the Ukrainian staff who are still there are working in extremely challenging conditions, faced with intimidation, interrogation and even abduction, in some instances. A humanitarian corridor for the rotation of the management, operational and repair staff of the power plant is an idea that should be given serious consideration to make sure that the station continues to function in a safe way.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“I too thank Director General Grossi for his briefing. As we just heard, the situation regarding nuclear safety and security in Ukraine continues to be of great concern. Since February 2022, the world has watched with worry as Russia has occupied Zaporizhzhya, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, as part of its aggression against Ukraine. Let us not forget that the root of the problem is the illegal presence of Russian military personnel at the site. We stress the fact that without their presence, the situation we are discussing today would not exist. With that in mind, it is deeply regrettable that military activities in and around the facility, as a result of Russia’s actions, have placed the nuclear safety and security of the entire continent in jeopardy.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“We firmly believe that cooperation with regional and subregional organizations in maintaining peace and security, consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, can improve collective security. Now is the time to translate those principles into reality.”
2023-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9329 (2023) · source
“The EU is committed to continue to cooperate with the AU, including through its ongoing engagement in the tripartite United Nations-AU-EU project for enhancing and operationalizing the AU human rights compliance framework to put into practice AU policies in human rights and due diligence. As the EU has provided €600 million for the period from 2022 to 2024 to support the military aspects of the African-led peace support operations, we further encourage additional funding from a diversified donor base to truly ensure the sustainability of the peace operations. In conclusion, Malta stands ready to engage on the road ahead and during the upcoming negotiations on this important topic.”
2023-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9329 (2023) · source
“AU peace support operations offer us a critical opportunity to implement such joint approaches. Properly financed AU peace support operations would allow us to perform in a broad peacekeeping space, possibly with more than one operational model. We look forward to better defining the operationalization of AU peace support operations through the upcoming discussions. With that in mind, we commend the AU for the progress achieved in the critical areas of human rights, conduct and discipline compliance frameworks, the operationalization of the Peace Fund and financial accountability arrangements. We also acknowledge that genuine engagement in solving pending matters, such as burden-sharing for those operations, is still required.”
2023-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9329 (2023) · source
“Malta is committed to ensuring adequate, predictable and sustainable funding for AU peace support operations. We firmly believe in the value and feasibility of that long-standing request from our African partners from both a political and an operational perspective. It is crucial that responsibility and ownership for the African Union to lead on its peace operations be met by equal commitment from within this Chamber in adequately supporting those calls. We should use the enhanced relationship between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council to build on and improve concrete cooperation on addressing crises on the African continent. We view that exercise as a complementary one, jointly strengthening our approaches to common challenges and interests.”
2023-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9329 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, African Union (AU) Commissioner Adeoye and Ms. Tadesse for their insightful briefings. As the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers approaches, we pay tribute to all those who have served and continue to serve, working resolutely towards the maintenance of peace and security and the protection of civilians. We also congratulate our African colleagues on Africa Day. The latest report of the Secretary-General on the financing of African Union peace support operations (S/2023/303) and the recent adoption of an African position on the matter, as well as our experience as a member of the European Union (EU) in partnering with the African continent on its path towards peace and security, represent key reference points towards our constructive engagement on that important topic.”
2023-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9329 (2023) · source
“We encourage the parties to continue the discussions following-up on the agreements made in Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh and to establish confidence-building measures and the constructive implementation of the commitments made, including the need to cease conflict drivers and ensure the fiscal stability of the Palestinian economy. That is necessary to lay the groundwork for a much- needed peace plan. Malta remains committed to the realization of the two-State Solution, in which two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“We are also deeply concerned about the dire financial situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and appeal for the sustained and predictable funding of its indispensable services, without which there will be dire humanitarian consequences. Inter-Palestinian reconciliation is crucial if we are to move closer to a two-State solution. Malta urges the Palestinian factions to deliver on the commitments made in the 2022 Algiers Declaration, including the holding of democratic and inclusive elections. The rights of women, including their full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership, must be central to those processes and discussions. Malta underscores the critical need for all the parties to engage in good-faith dialogue.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“We are also alarmed by the provocative Israeli flag march witnessed last week in Jerusalem, which saw thousands of settlers marching through the Muslim quarter of the Old City and hundreds storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque, under the protection of heavy security. Those acts, coupled with inflammatory hate speech, push tensions closer to a breaking point. Such measures deny the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and fracture any prospects of a contiguous Palestinian State, entrenching a one-State reality that runs contrary to resolution 2334 (2016).”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“Those include the further expansion of Israeli settlements — which are illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace — the retroactive legalisation of settlement outposts, the demolition of Palestinian homes and the further displacement of Palestinian civilians. The reports detailing the exploratory attempts to substantially increase the number of settlers in the West Bank are also deeply concerning. We unreservedly condemn the demolitions of European Union (EU)-funded projects, including the recent demolition of the EU-funded school in Jubbet al-Dhib. That unilateral act denied 81 Palestinian children their inherent right to education.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“We strongly condemn the indiscriminate rocket fire towards Israel, as well as all acts of terrorism and incitements to terrorism, which continue to threaten civilians and result in further tragic loss of life. While we reiterate that Israel has the right to self- defence, the principles of necessity and proportionality must also be respected. We are concerned that the frequent, systematic and violent raids by Israeli forces in the West Bank continue to endanger civilians, including children. Echoingthe Security Council’spresidentialstatement of 20 February (S/PRST/2023/1), Malta reiterates its strong opposition to unilateral measures that impede peace.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“As a signatory to the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, it was particularly distressing for my country to watch, yet again, renewed bombing and devastation in Gaza — one of the most densely populated areas in the world. In that latest round of fighting, homes have been damaged and destroyed, and there are reports of partial damage to several hospitals and health-care facilities. For Malta, the protection of civilians in conflict, including children and women, and respect for international humanitarian law is paramount. Regrettably, it is too often disregarded in the case of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Malta strongly condemns all acts that result in the killing of civilians on both sides.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing and Ms. Hary for her insightful remarks and recommendations. At the outset, in the wake of the recent hostilities, we commend the Egyptian authorities for brokering a ceasefire and returning the situation to relative calm. Those events have once more highlighted how precarious and unsustainable the situation in the Gaza Strip remains. Gaza is home to some of the highest levels of humanitarian needs in the world, with 80 per cent of the population in need of humanitarian aid — a situation exacerbated by Israel’s continued blockade. We stress the obligation to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“Meanwhile, we will continue to back significant efforts for regional cooperation in the Sahel that are aimed at strengthening security and governance, based on respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“Malta welcomes the cooperation between the Joint Force and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in its support for the Organization’s respect for human rights and international humanitarian law obligations, which must underpin the conduct of all military operations. Malta strongly advocates for increased support for women peacebuilders as agents of change in developing strategies to counter terrorism and violent extremism, including through early-warning mechanisms. We call for more gender-responsive capacity-strengthening and protection efforts to enable the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in building and sustaining peace and preventing relapses into conflict.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“And as we have heard today, women and children bear the brunt of that. A holistic and effective counter-terrorism strategy for the region must include a comprehensive understanding of the drivers of violent extremism and insecurity, as well as whole-of-society approaches to tackling the issues. Resilience should be bolstered by trust in Government systems and their institutions, coupled with respect for human rights. Malta calls on the Governments concerned to deliver the level of governance and justice that their people deserve through transitions to democratic rule and respect for the rule of law. The Economic Community of West African States and the African Union have a central role to play in such efforts.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“We thank the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali for its continued invaluable support for the Joint Force. In parallel, we look forward to the outcome of the work of the High-Level Panel on Security and Development in the Sahel in proposing innovative ways to address the security challenges aggravated by the spiralling humanitarian and economic problems in the region. We must also take into account the severe consequences of climate change in the region, threatening access to food and water by undermining agricultural activity and severely impairing the health and welfare of vulnerable communities. That triggers conflict over food and water resources, leading to significant difficulties in sustaining livelihoods and amplifying the effects of existing vulnerabilities.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, the confirmed killings of hundreds of people in Moura by the Malian armed forces and foreign military personnel are deeply saddening and disturbing. It is important to acknowledge the victims. Justice is needed to combat impunity. The key to unlocking progress for peace and development among the countries of the region has to confront the multiplicity of their existing challenges, which can be tackled only through enhanced regional leadership and cooperation and the sharing of expertise and solidarity between the Sahelian and coastal communities. Ensuring the protection and welfare of civilians must always be a priority. On that note, and despite the significant challenges of the past year, Malta remains fully supportive of the continued efforts to operationalize the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Pobee, Mr. Tiaré and Ms. Diouf for their informative briefings. Malta believes that a stable, consistent and viable regional response, backed by international support, is urgently required as part of the solution to the terrorism and violent extremism that has gripped the region. Malta is deeply concerned about the wave of violence that has increased tenfold in recent years, as well as about the humanitarian situation in the region. We must never lose sight of the grave impact that the violence is having on civilians, especially the devastating toll it is taking on children, with staggering increases in killing and maiming, the systematic burning and looting of schools and food insecurity brought about by blockades on villages and the sabotage of water networks.”
2023-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9322 (2023) · source
“That will enhance accountability and complementarity and bring justice closer to the victims. Moreover, access to documentation relevant to the investigations of the Office and engagement with the relevant technical authorities, including those involved in forensics and crime-scene analysis, remains a priority. The situation in Libya continues to warrant the international community’s focus and support. Despite the current calm, we remain concerned about its fragility. Our collective aim is to ensure a durable and sustainable peace, which can be achieved only if there is justice for the victims and survivors of atrocity crimes. The Office of the Prosecutor and the Court can count on Malta’s unwavering support in all efforts towards accountability.”
2023-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9320 (2023) · source
“The Office’s efforts to coordinate investigative activity with third parties and international agencies has resulted in investigations and prosecutions in Libya, as well as by other domestic authorities that can exercise jurisdiction and by the ICC. We encourage those proactive and creative efforts, as well as action in support of domestic investigations. The significance of the Prosecutor’s first official visit to Libya in November 2022 and the progress that has been made since cannot be underestimated. We applaud the Libyan authorities for their facilitation of the visit and their efforts to assist the Office in its work. Further cooperation will be required in the upcoming operational and logistical mission, including for the establishment of a liaison office in Tripoli.”
2023-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9320 (2023) · source
“The addition of a number of experts to the Office of the Prosecutor with experience in investigating human trafficking and sexual and gender-based crimes is a step in the right direction. However, a greater focus on that is required to ensure that impunity for such hideous crimes, including those perpetrated against migrants, does not prevail. We acknowledge the continuing assistance provided by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to the Office of the Prosecutor, as well as the exchanges between the Office and the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya. Their commitment to strengthening one another’s work in the interest of justice and accountability, while fully respecting the security, privacy and confidentiality of information providers, is commendable.”
2023-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9320 (2023) · source
“In particular, we want to mention the acceleration of evidence collection, as well as the issuance of multiple arrest warrants. We commend the Office’s increased engagement with victims, victims’ associations and representatives, other civil society organizations and human rights activists inside and outside Libya, as well as the attention given to crimes committed against and affecting women and children. We concur with the Prosecutor’s call for effective psychological and rehabilitative assistance to victims and reiterate the importance of ensuring that the assistance is age-appropriate, survivor- centred and gender-responsive. As the final report of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya (A/HRC/52/83) illustrates, the human rights situation in Libya is cause for deep concern.”
2023-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9320 (2023) · source
“Let me start by thanking Prosecutor Khan for the report and his insightful briefing this morning. I reiterate Malta’s strong support for the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and for the Prosecutor’s tireless efforts in pursuing justice for victims of the most horrific crimes in different conflict situations. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya to today’s meeting. Impunity undermines efforts to resolve conflict, perpetuating cycles of violence. The Security Council’s referral of the Libyan situation to the ICC is critical not only for accountability for international crimes, but also for long-term peace and stability in the country. We are pleased with the progress reported and the meaningful steps forward made in the implementation of the renewed strategy for the situation in Libya.”
2023-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9320 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, we urge responsible and sensible leadership in Bosnia and Herzegovina that strives for cooperation based on respect for all members of society with a clear view towards EU integration and rejects decisions that perpetuate division. We support all efforts to engage in constructive, inclusive dialogue that guarantees the peaceful coexistence of all communities.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“We call for a strong, unified country that enacts coherent legislation through coordinated institutions. That is the only way to achieve adequate reforms and overcome future challenges. We stress the need for a strong commitment from all parties towards reconciliation and the strengthening of cohesion. We consider that to include a school curriculum that represents diversity but does not discriminate based on ethnicity, in order to ensure that children grow up in a reconciliatory environment. Malta also recognizes the importance of the role of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining security and stability and believes that its presence is crucial to preserving the present stable situation.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Malta condemns all nationalistic and divisive rhetoric and actions that could lead to unnecessary tensions or conflict, undermining stability and the quality of life in the country. That is especially true for dangerous discourse about secession that not only undermines the progress achieved but creates obstacles on the path towards EU accession. Malta is also concerned about the legislative initiatives and announcements in the Republika Srpska entity against LGBTQI persons and civil society and media freedom. We call for the implementation of credible and genuine measures to address shortcomings in the protection of the fundamental rights of persons belonging to minorities, including LGBTQI persons, and in preventing discrimination against them.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“We hope that this step forward will foster increased cooperation between all parties for the sake of stability and social and economic prosperity. Malta calls for ensuring the representation of women in all Government institutions and highlights the importance of an inclusive public administration. We welcome the European Union (EU) candidate status granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of last year and support its commitment to achieving its goal of EU membership. We encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to strive to adopt the necessary reforms, particularly in addressing the 14 key priorities and strengthening the country’s constitutional, electoral and judicial frameworks, which will ensure meaningful progress towards EU membership. We call for the reforms to be inclusive and based on the rule of law.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“I thank the High Representative for his briefing. Malta values the role and mandate of the High Representative and acknowledges the importance of his Office in maintaining the continued stability and peace in the country. We take the High Representative’s concerns about divisive inter-ethnic and secessionist rhetoric seriously as threats to peace and stability in the country and potentially to the wider region. The Office’s presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina is key to facilitating dialogue and maintaining calm in the region. We reiterate our position on the importance of sustained stability in the Western Balkans and the overall prosperity of the region. We have taken note of the fact that authorities are now in place at the State and entity level.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“We commend efforts to strengthen the criminal code, the criminal procedural code and the Protocol for the Treatment of Sexual Violence Cases and the Law on Protection of and Prevention from Domestic Violence, Violence against women and Gender-based Violence. Malta reiterates its support for UNMIK in its efforts to actively and constructively engage with Pristina and Belgrade, all communities in Kosovo, as well as regional and international actors. We now look forward to seeing more robust political commitment to implementing the agreement reached in the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue, which will continue to shape the way forward in the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, increased cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade will also result in increased stability in the Western Balkans. We maintain our continued support for Kosovo’s reforms and for its efforts in its path towards EU membership. We acknowledge the progress, including in the rule of law and public administration, and we continue to support focused efforts in this regard. Moreover, we encourage reforms to address the needs of all members of society and call for wide consultations with the various stakeholders from within civil society, including vulnerable and marginalized communities. To this end, we very much welcome President Osmani’s convening of a high-level regional forum of women, peace and security. Reported incidents of sexual and gender-based violence, including femicide and child marriage, are alarming.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“We are, however, concerned with some of the facts presented in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/247), such as the reported assaults on civilians, as well as reports of intimidation and excessive use of force by special operations units. We call on both sides to de-escalate tensions and refrain from any unilateral action or divisive rhetoric that could undo the advancements made to date. Positive steps to create an atmosphere conducive to reconciliation, good-neighbourly relations and further dialogue are what is needed at this juncture. We stress once again that dialogue is key in resolving outstanding issues, and collaboration is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region. The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia will undoubtedly lead to further economic and social prosperity in the region.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Malta welcomes the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations between Kosovo and Serbia and underlines its firm belief that the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue remains of crucial importance. That result could not have been achieved had it not been for the ongoing work and sustained efforts of all those engaged in the dialogue. The developments demonstrate that solutions are possible through constructive engagement. The Agreement will hopefully serve as a basis for further progress and continued improved relations. We encourage both sides to build on this momentum and fully implement all their obligations in the Agreement without delay. The success of the Agreement will depend on the political will to implement it.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ziadeh for her briefing today. I welcome the presence at this meeting of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo. Malta acknowledges the importance of the role of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in promoting security, stability, the preservation and promotion of human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women and young people in Kosovo. We also acknowledge the importance of the role played by the European Union in providing stability to the situation in the region and facilitating the ongoing discussions between both parties.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“In addition, we remind parties of their obligations under international law with regard to the safety and protection afforded to medical and humanitarian personnel and assets. In conclusion, the situation in Haiti must remain a priority for the Council, as the country continues to suffer from a multidimensional emergency. We reaffirm our solidarity with Haiti and pledge our collective commitment to support the Haitian people.”
2023-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9311 (2023) · source
“As we have been briefed by the Special Representative, hundreds of thousands of children struggle to access education, with many schools becoming hotspots for abduction or forced to close. The protection of children and women must be of paramount importance for the international community, and we must urgently take steps to ensure that they are shielded from violence. We recognize the efforts of humanitarian actors on the ground who continue to work to alleviate the suffering of people in Haiti. As we heard, humanitarians face many access challenges throughout the country. Malta therefore reiterates its calls on all parties to facilitate rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need.”
2023-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9311 (2023) · source
“It must be a priority of the international community to strengthen Haiti’s judicial system to fight corruption and impunity that feed the cycle of violence and insecurity. Those responsible for perpetuating this crisis must be held accountable. The people of Haiti are suffering from a catastrophic human rights crisis. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, which is being used as a tool by gangs to terrorize, punish and subjugate communities. These actions are utterly reprehensible, and Malta condemns this violence in the strongest possible terms. Children also suffer some of the most serious abuse in this crisis, being targeted by armed groups for kidnapping, sexual violence and recruitment into their criminal gangs.”
2023-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9311 (2023) · source
“As highlighted by UNODC in its March report and again today, that includes strengthening border controls and customs authorities to combat the illicit trafficking of drugs, arms and people, as well as transnational organized crime. Malta remains deeply concerned by the political crisis in Haiti. We urge the Haitian authorities to engage with civil society groups in order to build the broadest possible consensus on a road map for the necessary political and security conditions that would allow for free and fair elections. That should be a Haitian-led and -owned political process, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and young people. That will require continued investment in capacity- building for women and youth leaders.”
2023-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9311 (2023) · source
“The Haitian people continue to suffer at the hands of armed gangs, as they compete to expand their territorial control, displacing over 100,000 people. The international community must do all it can to support the Haitian National Police and their efforts to bring security and the rule of law to Haiti. Malta believes the sanctions regime, established by the Council in resolution 2653 (2022), is an important tool for targeting and deterring those who engage or support illicit financial and criminal activities, including the forced recruitment of children and sexual and gender- based violence. The Council should look to update the list of those designated for sanctions as soon as possible, as well as to ensure the full implementation of those measures.”
2023-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9311 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative Salvador for her briefing, and I welcome her to the Chamber for the first time in her new role. I also thank the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for her briefing and welcome the participation of the Foreign Ministers of Haiti and the Dominican Republic and the Permanent Representative of Canada. Malta remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Haiti. As detailed in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/274), violence, including sexual violence, and homicides continue to escalate. Acts of kidnapping continue to intensify, and hunger is at an all-time high, with nearly half of all Haitians experiencing acute food insecurity.”
2023-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9311 (2023) · source
“We also look forward to the September 2024 Summit of the Future and to advancing ideas for governance arrangements in areas of global commons.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source