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

“Finally, Malta unequivocally supports the Secretary-General’s key proposals in the report Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), as well as all the current related negotiations on advancing the work of the Organization and enhancing the constructive power of multilateralism, together with the work of the High-level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism, established by the Secretary-General in March of last year. In preparation for the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit, we underscore the need for the international community to take stock of the progress it has achieved so far and the gaps that remain, while engaging in intensive multilateral efforts to bring the implementation of the SDGs back on track.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“If it is to respond to true multilateralism, we underline that it is also important for the Council to be more inclusive. Malta is a strong supporter of the standing mandate for a General Assembly debate when a veto is cast in the Council. In the same vein, we also fully support the political declaration on the suspension of veto powers launched by France and Mexico, as well as the code of conduct of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“Today we once again urge the Russian Federation to stop the war, withdraw its military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and turn to dialogue and diplomacy as the tools that can bring stability to the region. As an elected member of the Security Council, Malta firmly believes in making use in good faith of the toolbox for the peaceful settlement of disputes as outlined in Article 33 of the Charter. In that context, there is also space for the Security Council to strengthen its cooperation with the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. With regard to reforming the Security Council, Malta is firm in its belief that the Council should reflect today’s realities and challenges.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“On the contrary, such actions contribute to the unravelling of the rules-based order. Secondly, it is deeply worrisome that the Russian Federation, a permanent member of the Security Council, blatantly disregarded the Council’s primary function of maintaining international peace and security when it launched its aggression against Ukraine. Nor can we forget that its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war has generated one of the worst refugee crises since the Second World War, along with a global grain shortage, hundreds of thousands of people killed or injured, forced deportations of children, worldwide anxiety about a nuclear disaster and damage to the Council’s credibility.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“It is also worth highlighting that according to the 1970 United Nations Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, there is no conflict between the principles of international law because they are interrelated, and each principle should be construed in the context of the other principles. In that context, we can never accept the results of last year’s illegal referendums engineered by Russia as a pretext for the further violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Neither can we recognize the so-called republics emerging from Russia’s illegitimate acts towards Ukraine and their “striving for independence or ‘strategic autonomy’”, as indicated in the concept note.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“Malta is a strong advocate for the integrity, independence and functionality of the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations. Human rights are universal and indivisible. A transformational shift in global governance to respond to growing inequalities is also needed. Building equality through multilateralism requires the full, equal and meaningful participation of women to promote gender-transformative actions and agreements. I would like to make some observations on the concept note (see S/2023/244) circulated ahead of today’s meeting. First, it is important to highlight that since the creation of our Organization, the world has been widely guided by the Charter of the United Nations and its fundamental principles, among which we find the principle of the sovereign equality of States.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“I too thank the Secretary-General for sharing his thoughts and insights with us today. Over the years, multilateral institutions, with the United Nations at their heart, have promoted cooperation and brought prosperity and stability. To ensure that our institutions continue to serve us well, we must recommit to a revitalized multilateral system and uphold the fundamental principles underpinning them, especially at a time when they are being undermined. We need it to help us address the unprecedented global challenges we are facing. Enhanced cooperation among multilateral organizations at the international and regional levels, with the United Nations at the core of that work, is especially important in the areas of peace and security and sustainable development.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“As armed groups continue to control and ravage local communities in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, we condemn their actions in the strongest terms and call for them to lay down their arms. Malta also deplores the reported instances of movement restrictions and access denials for medical and humanitarian organizations seeking to deliver life-saving aid to those most in need often in the face of grave danger. In conclusion, we must prevent history from repeating itself and work tirelessly to heal the collective trauma of generations of people who have grown accustomed only to conflict and insecurity and strive to bring them back to peace and stability.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“In order to successfully tackle the root causes of conflict, it is essential that proper management of natural resources be part of our collective efforts. We applaud the role played by Special Envoy Huang Xia in the region in that regard. Malta remains deeply concerned with the humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. As Special Envoy Huang Xia said earlier in his briefing, it is devastating. Conflict and climate-induced food insecurity, among other issues, continue to cause suffering for some of the region’s most vulnerable population groups. Women and children, as well as refugees and internally displaced persons, remain as disproportionately impacted as ever.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“That will be translated into the promotion of free and fair elections, transitional justice and the fight against impunity and corruption — all key priorities for Malta. In the same vein, the EU’s efforts are complemented by the Global Gateway initiative in the region. Efforts must be focused on breaking the cycle of violence in the region. It is crucial that we place local populations — women, youth, marginalized groups, civil society and the private sector — at the front and centre of our purpose. As we encourage the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to return to dialogue, we also urge all armed actors to lay down their weapons, de-escalate and engage in the disarmament process.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“We also acknowledge the work of other subregional organizations, such as the Economic Community of Central African States and the Southern African Development Community, as they are constructively contributing to growth and stability in the region. As a member State of the European Union (EU), Malta is deeply committed to complementing peace efforts in the region. In line with the United Nations Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region, the respect for democracy, good governance, the rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law all lie at the heart of the recently adopted renewed EU Great Lakes Strategy.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“Malta acknowledges the African Union Peace and Security Council’s extensive engagement in the region. The recent endorsement of the final communiqué from last February’s summit of the Eastern African Community and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region represents an important joint endeavour. The Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region remains the best structure for achieving peace and stability in the region and needs to be translated into reality. In that regard, we look forward to the holding of the eleventh summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework next month.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Huang Xia and Peacebuilding Commission Chair Šimonović for their informative briefings. I welcome the representatives of Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the meeting. Since the beginning of this year, the Council has been engaged in addressing the deeply concerning security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which threatens the stability of the Great Lakes region. The Security Council has been united in its messages to actors involved in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo crisis while actively supporting ongoing regional initiatives. The Nairobi and Luanda processes are key to achieving long- term sustainable peace and security. We reiterate the need for sustained commitment by all parties to their successful implementation.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“Malta is also pleased to note the progress made in the work of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, with the issuance of restorative sentences expected in the coming months. We support the call of women’s and LGBTI organizations to open Case 11, on sexual and gender-based violence. Malta believes that 2023 has the potential to be a defining year for Colombia’s journey towards achieving sustainable peace. We are confident that, with the continued commitment of the Colombian people and the Government, the international community and the Council, we can be optimistic for Colombia’s bright future.”
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“Attention must continue to be paid to that crucial topic, and resources must be made available to strengthen the Unit for the Search for Persons Deemed as Missing, including by guaranteeing its access to the information that is essential for its work. Malta commends the Government’s actions to implement comprehensive rural reform and the steps taken to advance the implementation of the ethnic chapter across the Final Agreement. We strongly support Colombia’s transitional justice system and welcome the progress being made to provide truth, justice and reparations to victims on all sides of the armed conflict, with a view to guaranteeing non-repetition. All actors must meaningfully contribute to the effort to address the needs of victims.”
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“More than 25,000 people from those communities have been recently displaced or forcibly confined, owing to violence in the first three months of 2023 alone. The several reports of child recruitment by illegal armed groups, especially among Indigenous and Afro-Colombian children, is utterly reprehensible. Malta encourages the Government to continue strengthening its efforts for the protection of children in the implementation of its “total peace” policy. Malta is also deeply concerned about all the forcibly missing and disappeared persons in Colombia, whose number is estimated at more than 100,000. Their families deserve answers on the fate of their loved ones.”
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“Violent attacks against, and killings and abductions of, social leaders and human rights defenders also remain a major concern. The increase in violence against women leaders is unacceptable, and more must be done to prioritize the protection of civilians. Any violence directed against former combatants who remain committed to transitioning to civilian life is also unacceptable. Resources must be made available to provide for the security and support that they require. Malta is seriously concerned about the increased protection risks faced by Afro-Colombians and Indigenous people, who continue to be disproportionally affected by humanitarian emergencies involving mass displacement and confinement.”
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“Malta commends the steps taken by the Government in that regard and underscores that the focused implementation of the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace across all its sections must remain at the core of its efforts for peace. We welcome the Colombian Government’s commitment to dialogue and ensuring women’s full, equal and meaningful participation. We were pleased to see the progress made on key topics at the recent peace talks held in Mexico and hope that the momentum can continue at the next round of negotiations. Despite the positive steps, it is regrettable that Colombia continues to suffer from high levels of violence. Malta strongly condemns the attacks that killed 10 Government soldiers and left several injured in the state of Norte de Santander on 29 March.”
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative Ruiz Massieu for his briefing today and the crucial work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. I also thank Mr. Ivan Šimonović, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, and Mr. Londoño Echeverri for their briefings, and I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia to this meeting. Since our previous meeting in January (see S/PV.9240), Colombia has continued to demonstrate steadfast determination on its journey to sustainable peace. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/222) highlights the Colombian Government’s continuing commitment to the implementation of its “total peace” policy.”
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, the achievement of the Silencing the Guns initiative requires the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders in Africa, with the support of the international community. When Governments, regional organizations, international partners, civil society and the private sector work together, we are one step closer to a peaceful and prosperous Africa for all.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“Our national contributions to the PBF over the years stem from our conviction that peacebuilding is an integral part of our multilateral project. We strongly believe that, if we all contribute, we can, and will, achieve significant results. We also highlight the extensive support that the European Union provides through the Global Gateway initiative, with at least €150 billion to be invested in sectors such as transport education, health and energy by 2027. Early-warning systems, as well as mediation, conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation, are critical tools for achieving long- lasting results in many settings. We commend the work of the African Union in that regard.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“By sensitizing them, they are preventing sexual and gender-based violence, combating impunity for those crimes and supporting victims. Development policies must be designed to promote a grass-roots-based approach to addressing the root causes of conflict. It is clear that climate, conflict and conflict- induced food insecurity have left a number of African countries more vulnerable and less resilient to meeting the current and future shocks. That, in turn, drives their overall humanitarian needs and stifles progress, most notably their overarching objectives with respect to the Sustainable Development Goals. When sustainable investments are facilitated, entire communities can be uplifted from the scourge of financial poverty and rejoined into decision-making processes. The Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) is one such example.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“Hearing impassioned pleas by an 18-year- old from Cameroon at a meeting last month during our presidency to remove barriers to youth participation drives us to do more for our young people (seer S/PV. S/PV.9258). Ensuring that disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes are both age-responsive and gender-responsive, with comprehensive physical and psychosocial support, can provide young people with meaningful alternatives to violence. Malta supports the essential work of the Peacebuilding Commission in also advancing the youth, peace and security agenda. Thirdly, gender equality and women’s empowerment are central to sustainable peace, especially in conflict and post-conflict situations. Religious and traditional leaders in Africa continue to play important roles in promoting women’s leadership in their communities.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“First, the preamble to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child says: “[M]ankind owes to the child the best it has to give.” We should put that objective at the core of our priorities at the Council and ensure a conducive environment for our children’s aspirations to flourish. When schools are targeted during armed conflict, children’s right to education is violated. Malta remains deeply committed to protecting and promoting education and literacy for all children. That should be our cornerstone for building more resilient, inclusive and sustainable societies. Secondly, Africa is a young continent. As actors of change, the contributions of young women and men to decision-making and peace processes must be supported.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. A holistic political process underpinned by respect for the rule of law, democratic principles and good governance is made possible when all stakeholders are included. Today I will focus on three key messages that can assist in the realization of the Silencing the Guns agenda: first, on the focus on children’s education and literacy as pillars to end discrimination, radicalization, violence and conflict; secondly, on the critical support for the youth, peace and security agenda and its inextricable link to the Silencing the Guns agenda; and thirdly, on the centrality of gender equality for ensuring inclusive participation, equitable development and political governance, as underpinned by the women, peace and security agenda.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“Thank you, Madam President, for convening today’s important discussion, and I thank the Special Adviser on Africa to the Secretary-General, the African Union High Representative for the Silencing the Guns Initiative, and the Personal Envoy of the Secretary- General for Mozambique for their insightful briefings. Malta fully recognizes the intrinsic value that socioeconomic considerations have in promoting long- term social cohesion, peace and stability. It is essential to periodically reiterate this message in the Security Council Chamber, where we are daily confronted with the struggle for solutions towards the root causes of conflict and violence. Malta reaffirms that development, peace and security and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“Malta would also like to highlight the valuable contribution by the Common Security and Defence Policy missions of the European Union to strengthening the security and justice sectors and supporting our partners in Africa. An additional mission was established in Mozambique in January 2022. Lastly, as an active participant in this year’s review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Malta stands ready to engage with African partners on ways to address the terrorist threat more effectively on the continent. We also hope that the African counter- terrorism summit, to be convened by the Office of Counter-Terrorism and Nigeria later this year, will mark a turning point in strengthening regional cooperation in addressing the evolving threat of terrorism in Africa.”
2023-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9296 (2023) · source
“By engaging with regional and subregional organizations, the United Nations can ensure that its efforts to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism are context- sensitive and grounded in local realities. In addition, the latest research by the United Nations Development Programme on extremism in Africa reveals that human rights violations perpetrated by State actors are the main triggers that drive individuals to join violent extremist groups. Malta underscores the fact that regional efforts to counter terrorism must always comply with international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Counter-terrorism measures must be gender- responsive, ensure the participation of women and young people and include meaningful engagement with civil society and local communities.”
2023-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9296 (2023) · source
“We hope that the Panel’s recommendations will pave the way for some long-awaited progress on strengthening international and regional cooperation in addressing the region’s multifaceted challenges, including military coups. However, we must be clear that regional responses cannot be solely security- driven. Comprehensive regional approaches must also address humanitarian, development and social needs to prevent recruitment among vulnerable populations, including disaffected youth. Malta supports a preventive approach that tackles the root causes of terrorism. They include conflict, governance and accountability deficits, lack of development, poverty, lack of access to education, climate change and human rights abuses.”
2023-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9296 (2023) · source
“For United Nations efforts to be truly effective, they must address transnational terrorist threats in a more holistic manner by working with the African Union and African subregional organizations, including the Economic Community of West African States, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the Southern African Development Community. In that regard, Malta recognizes the need for predictable and sustainable financing for United Nations-authorized, AU-led peace support operations. We look forward to discussing the Secretary-General’s upcoming report on the issue. We also welcome the work of the Independent High-Level Panel on Security and Development in the Sahel.”
2023-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9296 (2023) · source
“Notably, many terrorist groups operating on the African continent, including Al-Qaida and Da’esh affiliates such as Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram, are conducting attacks and expanding the scope of their operations across national borders, undermining security in the region. Malta welcomes the increased engagement between the United Nations and the African Union on peace and security issues in Africa in recent years and underlines once again the value of regional organizations in bringing their unique knowledge and perspectives to the table. We will continue to support the strengthening of such cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism, where ongoing regional and subregional counter- terrorism initiatives include the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, the Group of Five for the Sahel and the Accra Initiative.”
2023-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9296 (2023) · source
“At the outset I thank you, Mr. President, and your country, Mozambique, for organizing today’s important high-level debate. I also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and the President of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU) for his insightful remarks. It is undeniable that terrorism constitutes a great threat to international peace and security. The deeply worrisome activities we see around the world are testament to that and a clear indication that there is still considerable work to be done by the international community in the area. Terrorist activity and violence continue to increase in Africa, with the Sahel alone accounting for 43 per cent of total terrorism-related deaths globally in 2022, and the situation in other regions of Africa is also very concerning.”
2023-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9296 (2023) · source
“Malta therefore abstained in the voting on the draft resolution on the basis that at this point, any investigative action by the United Nations would be premature and would undermine the integrity of the ongoing national investigations, which are being comprehensively undertaken by the parties directly affected.”
2023-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9295 (2023) · source
“Malta once again reiterates its deep concern about the damage to the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in September 2022 and condemns any attack on critical infrastructure. Such acts are dangerous and irresponsible, not least in the context of a global energy crisis. We listened to the information presented by the penholder of draft resolution S/2023/212 and others, including during the briefing on the subject last month (see S/PV.9266). Unfortunately, so far, the information presented in support of the draft resolution lacks credible supporting evidence. Furthermore, investigations by Denmark, Germany and Sweden are ongoing, and it is important to enable those national processes to be concluded without interference. We also welcome the updates provided by those States last month.”
2023-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9295 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, Malta looks forward to the successful adoption of new guidelines for the Group of Experts, which should enable the Group to undertake its actions and work in the most efficient way.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9293 (2023) · source
“Malta further welcomes the voluntary national implementation action plans submitted by 38 States, including the three submitted over the past year. We commend the seven voluntary peer reviews held so far, which are an excellent tool to evaluate effective practices, and we look forward to training for points of contact being resumed once the circumstances allow. One important role of the Committee is facilitating assistance to Member States by matching assistance requests with offers of assistance. The utility of that role was underlined by States during the comprehensive review. Malta welcomes the ongoing work of the Committee in that respect, including visits to States.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9293 (2023) · source
“We also express our gratitude to Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez of Mexico, as previous Chair of the 1540 Committee, for his leadership, diplomacy and hard work on that resolution. We commend the completion of the comprehensive review, which provided Member States an important opportunity to take stock and review the status of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Malta particularly valued the participation of civil society and international and regional organizations in that process. Malta welcomes the first national reports submitted by 185 Member States on measures taken to comply with their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004), and we encourage the remaining eight States to submit their first reports.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9293 (2023) · source
“I thank Ambassador Pérez Loose for his briefing, and I congratulate him on his appointment as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). As a newly elected Vice-Chair of the Committee, Ambassador Pérez Loose can count on Malta’s full support. Malta places great value on the work of the 1540 Committee, which plays a key role in the global non-proliferation architecture. The adoption of the programme of work is a positive development and will guide the Committee’s important activities, including on outreach, assistance, cooperation and transparency. Malta welcomes the adoption of resolution 2663 (2022), extending the mandate of the Committee for another 10 years.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9293 (2023) · source
“We therefore call on the authorities to fully respect the operations of UNITAMS and to lift all restrictions on United Nations personnel while carrying out their duties. In conclusion, Malta reiterates its commitment to a Sudanese-led and -owned process, facilitated by the trilateral mechanism, which will effectively bring about solutions aimed at peace and security in the Sudan. We are convinced that if confidence-building is enhanced, the people of the Sudan will enjoy the future that they deserve.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9289 (2023) · source
“One third of the population requires humanitarian assistance, with the situation expected to worsen this year. Climate-induced shocks have also driven displacement and competition over shrinking resources, following years of political misguidance and impunity. Malta supports ensuring a strong financial donor base, including through the European Union’s humanitarian aid response. We welcome the launch of the 2023 humanitarian response plan for the Sudan and acknowledge United Nations efforts to stand ready to mobilize partners to resume financial support once the transitional period is complete. Malta also supports UNITAMS. The Mission’s work should continue unimpeded, and we regret that administrative impediments hamper its mandate’s implementation.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9289 (2023) · source
“Malta welcomes the collaboration between the Sudan’s national authorities and the United Nations, which has led to a road map based on the 2016 Action Plan for ending and preventing child recruitment, as well as the subsequent mission to Darfur to verify allegations of the recruitment and use of children by the parties to the conflict. While we welcome the release of Darfuri detainees in Khartoum, we remain deeply concerned about the renewed intercommunal violence in the Sudan, including in Darfur. We strongly condemn the killing of a peacebuilding adviser in Blue Nile state and call for the urgent protection of aid workers in the country. Turning to the humanitarian situation, we are deeply concerned that the Sudan’s humanitarian needs have now reached record levels.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9289 (2023) · source
“The low numbers of reported cases indicate the high rate of reluctance on the part of the victims to report them, owing to stigma and victim- shaming. In that connection, Malta reiterates its call for accountability. We must see justice done for all victims, including those in remote areas where justice is harder to access. The perpetrators must be held accountable. We also underline the need for timely and impartial investigations of any allegations of the unlawful use of force on protesters. Children also continue to suffer from severe violations.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9289 (2023) · source
“It is only with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women that the realities of all the Sudanese people can be included in the final political settlement. Malta calls on the signatories to uphold their commitment to including a minimum 40 per cent representation of women in the legislative, executive and sovereign bodies, and we commend the support provided to that end by the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS). The courage displayed by Sudanese women in their resolute path towards peace and democracy is inspiring and commendable. While they play a key role, they continue to be at high risk of sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. That is especially true for internally displaced women who engage in livelihood activities outside the camps.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9289 (2023) · source
“I join others in thanking Special Representative Perthes for his briefing and welcoming the Permanent Representative of the Sudan to today’s meeting. Malta strongly supports a civilian-led transition in the Sudan that, once established, will reflect the aspirations of the Sudanese people. We welcomed the signing of the political framework agreement last December and urge both signatories and non-signatories to fully engage in and join the political process. We call on the Sudan’s authorities to establish and sustain an environment conducive to a safe, inclusive civic space. It will be critical to ensure the inclusion of all stakeholders, including women, young people and civil society, in every area of decision-making.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9289 (2023) · source
“Finally, I would like to remind every member of the Security Council of our shared objective: the peace and denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Delay and inaction will push that only further from realization. The Council must uphold its own decisions and responsibilities and act now. To that end, Malta supports a presidential statement.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“Malta’s concern over the humanitarian situation faced by the population of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues. The situation is dire, and serious humanitarian needs continue to be ignored by the country’s leadership. An estimated 10.7 million people are undernourished and require emergency relief. Instead, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea chooses to waste its resources on costly ballistic missile launches and its illegal weapons programme. It continues to restrict access to humanitarian actors. Malta calls on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to restore access to United Nations and other humanitarian actors so that its population can receive the aid that it requires.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“The Security Council cannot continue to stand by while its decisions, as defined in a number of its own resolutions, and credibility are consistently undermined. The Council has the duty and the responsibility to discuss and act on threats to international peace and security. Malta urges the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to engage in meaningful dialogue towards denuclearization and to adhere to its obligations under Security Council resolutions. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea 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 safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency. We urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“Despite its obligations, and with a total disregard for the concerns voiced by many Member States, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has continued to develop its ballistic missile and nuclear programme, with a record number of ballistic missile launches in 2022. Three months into 2023, we are seeing a very similar pattern. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea recently announced a new doctrine setting out the conditions in which it could use nuclear weapons, including pre-emptively. It further announced that it would exponentially increase its nuclear weapons arsenal, including tactical weapons, and that it would also develop another ICBM system and launch its first military satellite. The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“We again recall that resolution 2397 (2017), adopted unanimously in response to an ICBM launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, decided that the Council would take action to place further restrictions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea if faced with further launches. At that time, the Council rightly considered that even one ICBM launch constituted a threat to regional and international peace and security, and it responded accordingly. Yet today the Council stands frozen and forced to not respond to any of the ICBM launches witnessed over the past year. The launches are only the most recent in a deeply concerning pattern of reckless behaviour by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, posing a significant threat to international peace and security and undermining global non-proliferation efforts.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Jenča for another important briefing. I welcome the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to this meeting. Over the past week, we have witnessed a series of deeply concerning ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. On Thursday, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea launched another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), reportedly a Hwasong-1, with a range capable of reaching much of the globe. The ICBM launch was accompanied by an almost daily series of other ballistic missile launches. The most recent of those took place only yesterday. Malta strongly condemns such launches, in open defiance of Security Council resolutions.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source