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, for these long-term political processes to be effective, Member States should promote the equal representation of women at all levels in all security institutions, include gender expertise in field operations and guidance, and ensure that the workplace environment is free from sexual and gender-based harassment and discrimination. It has been proven that women’s full, equal and meaningful participation has helped to build inclusive, accountable and legitimate institutions that promote lasting peace and sustainable development.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Moreover, a holistic approach is needed to encompass the security and justice needs of the local population, ensuring that security sector reform results in State security and human security. Engagement with civil society is crucial as a key vehicle for transparency, accountability and oversight. If we strive to build a better future, accountability must be our cornerstone. Security sector reform is crucial to addressing impunity and promoting accountability for violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, and undoubtedly contributes to upholding the rule of law and access to justice. By incorporating security sector governance and reform into strategic partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, as well as through existing mechanisms, the United Nations could strengthen security sector reform.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Malta welcomes the progress made in mainstreaming child protection in military training, standard operating procedures, and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. Child- protection units in national security forces and effective age-assessment mechanisms to prevent underage recruitment have helped advance this agenda. Malta stresses that reforming the security sector in post- conflict environments is crucial to the consolidation of peace and stability, promoting poverty reduction, rule of law and good governance to prevent countries from relapsing into conflict. While the United Nations has played a valuable role in promoting security sector governance and reform, national and local-driven processes remain essential for successful outcomes.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Gender-responsive legal, judicial and security sector reform can help overcome obstacles in women’s access to justice. An intersectional understanding of security sector reform would gradually provide individuals and the State with more effective and accountable security that takes a human rights approach and strengthens democracy, the rule of law and good governance. A professional, effective and accountable security sector and an accessible and impartial law-enforcement and justice system are necessary to lay the foundations for peace and sustainable development. Security sector reform is a core element of peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development. While ensuring national ownership, the United Nations has strengthened the assistance to national authorities to undertake critical and complex security sector reform processes.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Security sector reform is a long-term and political process that needs to be nationally driven and requires political commitment and leadership. It also depends on inter-institutional cooperation and broad stakeholder participation to achieve the widest possible buy-in. Security sector reform governance is central to the women, peace and security agenda. Knowing who is at greatest risk of perpetration and victimization is essential for meeting the security needs of men, women, boys and girls. Translating this operationally will require training and capacity-building across the armed forces, police, border guards and intelligence services. Vetting and codes of conduct are crucial for ensuring that the security sector is a trusted partner.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“At the outset, I thank Assistant Secretary-General Zouev and African Union Commissioner Bankole Adeoye for their briefings. I would also like to thank Mozambique for organizing today’s meeting on this important topic. One of the primary purposes of the United Nations, as stated in its Charter, is the maintenance of international peace and security. It is a keystone of the Organization’s daily work in peacebuilding and sustaining peace, including conflict prevention and post-conflict stabilization. The strengthening of the United Nations comprehensive approach to security sector reform and broader support for this approach are essential for the establishment of sustainable, secure and stable institutions and environments around the world.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, Malta would like to extend its appreciation to United Nations colleagues for their tireless work regarding the FSO SAFER oil tanker. The purchase of a very large crude carrier last week is a critical development in the United Nations-coordinated operation to avoid a catastrophic environmental, economic and humanitarian disaster. We hope that, in achieving that major step, the United Nations plan will be expedited to ensure that the imminent threat to Yemen and the region is resolved without further delay.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“In that respect, Malta calls for greater efforts in the demining process, particularly in the Al-Hudaydah region. To that end, we commend the efforts of the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement in this important area. I would also like to reiterate our thanks to Albania for its work as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), which has proven to be an important tool to advance peace and security in Yemen. In late February, a joint operation by the United Kingdom and the United States led to the seizure of anti-tank guided missiles and missile components in the Gulf of Oman. That underlines the continued fragility of the situation and the need to ensure strict adherence to the arms embargo.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“Women and children continue to bear the brunt of the suffering in the conflict, accounting for more than three quarters of the 4.5 million displaced persons in Yemen, and experience compounding vulnerabilities. Millions of children not only suffer from acute hunger, but continue to be exposed to recruitment by armed groups, forced marriages, trafficking, child labour and even commercial sexual exploitation. Landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to kill and maim innocent civilians on a regular basis and have been the main cause of children’s deaths since the truce began. Landmines also exacerbate the devastating impacts of the conflict, denying many Yemeni families access to their homes, farms and other sources that are essential to their livelihoods.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“We commend Member States that have also pledged their support and encourage other countries in the region and beyond to contribute in a generous manner. The imposition of mahram requirements in Houthi-controlled areas continues to prove to be a major detriment to Yemeni women’s access to essential services, exacerbating their already vulnerable situation. Women humanitarian workers must be allowed to perform their crucial work without impediment. The increasing security issues faced by humanitarian actors also remain of grave concern, and authorities must ensure the safety of aid workers and support staff. Like Assistant Secretary-General Msuya, we too are concerned about the United Nations staff in Sana’a detained by the Houthis and call for their immediate release.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“Malta is encouraged by the seventh meeting of the Supervisory Committee on the implementation of the Detainees’ Exchange Agreement, which opened in Geneva last weekend. We commend the Office of the Special Envoy and the International Committee of the Red Cross for their work and encourage parties to engage constructively in the discussions. Malta remains deeply concerned about reported impediments to humanitarian access across Yemen. Parties must work to limit and overcome bureaucratic obstacles to ensure that life-saving aid reaches those in need in a timely manner. We also underline the need for adequate and predictable funding. It is in that spirit that Malta has made another financial contribution to the humanitarian response plan at the high-level pledging event held in Geneva in February.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“We acknowledge the coordinated efforts of regional partners in their support for peace in Yemen, and we stress the importance of Yemeni ownership in both the negotiation and the implementation phases of any agreement. An inclusive Yemeni-led process under the auspices of the United Nations, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, is the only way to achieve sustainable and long-lasting peace. Independent and impartial human rights monitoring in Yemen is crucial to documenting serious violations on the ground. All parties to the conflict have the responsibility to protect Yemeni civilians, fully abide by international humanitarian law and international human rights law and build on the progress made towards peace. Accountability and justice are essential foundations in building a stable future in Yemen.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their briefings today. I also extend our appreciation to Albania, in its capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), for its report. I welcome the Permanent Representative of Yemen to this meeting. It has been six months since the United Nations- mediated truce formally lapsed on 2 October last year. While that was a great disappointment, it is encouraging that key elements underpinning the truce broadly continue to hold and that the situation on the ground remains relatively stable. This current period of calm provides a crucial opportunity for the parties to advance the dialogue towards sustainable peace.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“The Council must remain vigilant and united to respond swiftly to any further repressive measures by the de facto authorities. The latest report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan (A/HRC/52/84) illustrates the state of the shrinking space for civil society in the country. We support the recommendations outlined in his report and call on the de facto authorities to implement them in full. As the causes of the current crisis are multifaceted and diverse, we strongly support the renewal of UNAMA’s mandate, which includes robust protections and advancements for the full spectrum of women’s rights. We look forward to actively engaging with and further supporting the Mission in accomplishing its priorities.”
2023-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9277 (2023) · source
“As the Secretary-General states in his quarterly report (S/2023/151), those edicts have effectively put the development of the three-year Strategic Framework for Afghanistan on hold. We welcome the work of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee and Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in engaging with the de facto authorities to find new parameters and protocols for humanitarian operations in Afghanistan that will allow aid to continue reaching the people of Afghanistan without compromising the humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality, impartiality and humanity. As the humanitarian and political crisis in Afghanistan continues, much progress has to be made in supporting the functioning of the Afghan economy and local markets, especially in the face of mass acute hunger.”
2023-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9277 (2023) · source
“As the international community, we are obliged to respond to abuses of governance that institutionalize discrimination. Afghan women and girls must be given access to education and work and be able to participate in political life without fear of reprisals. Afghanistan’s economic recovery and development cannot be realized without women’s full, equal and meaningful participation. Women are critical leaders for change. Without them, there is little hope for a brighter tomorrow in Afghanistan. Malta is also deeply concerned about the restrictive edicts with which the de facto authorities targeted women in December 2022. They are not only reprehensible but threaten to undermine the crucial humanitarian operations across Afghanistan.”
2023-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9277 (2023) · source
“The cost of a basic food basket rose by 30 per cent, and unemployment by 40 per cent. All that has tipped the country into yet another cycle of impoverishment. Against that backdrop, Malta reiterates its full support for the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Our focus remains on supporting the needs and rights of all Afghans. We are pleased that the European Union has re-established its physical presence in Kabul to support humanitarian operations. Malta deplores the Taliban’s systematic gender persecution and discrimination against women and girls across all political, economic and social spheres. Their systematic aggression against women violates international law and contravenes fundamental human rights and gender equality norms, as well as the Charter of the United Nations itself.”
2023-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9277 (2023) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Representative Otunbayeva for her briefing. We also thank Mozambique for inviting Ms. Zubaida Akbar to brief us on the challenges, or rather the struggles and humiliations, with which women in Afghanistan have to contend on a daily basis. Her message on International Women’s Day has special significance, and I assure her that Malta will remain committed to keeping the spotlight on this fundamental issue during its term on the Security Council and beyond. Afghanistan remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with approximately 28.3 million Afghans in need of emergency humanitarian assistance. According to the United Nations, in just 18 months, Afghanistan’s gross domestic product declined by approximately 30 per cent.”
2023-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9277 (2023) · source
“A peaceful and prosperous future requires a committed presence at all levels, without which the transition will falter. By building trust and consolidating the progress made, the people of South Sudan will be one step closer to realizing their aspirations.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9274 (2023) · source
“We are concerned about the fact that the climate-induced loss and forced migration of livestock have become major drivers of intercommunal conflict, and we support UNMISS’s call for facilitating dialogue and peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists. With 90 per cent of the population dependent on climate-sensitive livelihoods and a staggering eight of 10 states suffering from the ongoing flooding, the South Sudanese people are acutely vulnerable to climate- and conflict-induced food and water insecurity. We will continue to support key European Union-funded humanitarian projects in order to respond to the situation. In conclusion, Malta reiterates its continued support for South Sudan and its people, and we look forward to the renewal of the UNMISS mandate later this month.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9274 (2023) · source
“We are very disturbed about the possibility that as many as 77 verified grave violations have been committed against children. We commend UNMISS for raising awareness about child protection and the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba de Potgieter, for her invaluable work in the area. The worsening effects of climate change in South Sudan are clear. An unprecedented four-year period of flooding has submerged large swathes of the country, destroying crops, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and affecting millions, especially women and girls.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9274 (2023) · source
“We strongly condemn all killings, the destruction of livelihoods, the abduction of women and children and sexual and gender-based violence, and we call for justice and accountability in that regard. We welcomed the creation in 2020 of the country’s first Gender-Based Violence and Juvenile Court in an effort to end impunity for such crimes. We also call for the immediate implementation of the joint Action Plan for the Armed Forces and Police on Addressing Conflict- related Sexual Violence in South Sudan. We are deeply concerned about the fact that many acts of violence are committed by young people. We welcome the ongoing efforts supported by UNMISS aimed at fostering a transformative, cohesive social approach to the youth of South Sudan and fostering dialogue with them.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9274 (2023) · source
“We share their frustration with the pace of reform, the unmet quotas for women’s political participation and the high level of conflict- related sexual and gender-based violence. We urge South Sudan to ensure that civil-society organizations, including those for women and young people, are safe and respected and that their freedom remains unhindered. In that context, we welcomed the holding in Juba last month of the International Conference on Women’s Transformational Leadership. Malta is deeply alarmed by the security situation, as civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence. Three humanitarian workers have also been killed on duty this year alone. We emphasize that humanitarian aid workers provide essential assistance to those who need it most, and their safety and security must be ensured at all times.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9274 (2023) · source
“We welcome the progress made on the constitutional process bill and on the preparations for holding national elections in 2024, as well as the recent graduation of the unified forces, for which we encourage the further harmonization of ranks. In order to ensure the most effective and sustained form of lasting peace, we need consolidated political will and commitment, which should be demonstrated as quickly as possible by ensuring that all of the parties to the peace agreement, along with South Sudan’s leadership, come together to address any deficiencies that might jeopardize its implementation. We call for accelerating that process so that it can meet its intended deadline. Over the past two years, the Council has been briefed by women from civil society in South Sudan six times.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9274 (2023) · source
“I would like to begin by congratulating Mozambique on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I thank Mr. Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and Mr. Talahma, Acting Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for their briefings. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of South Sudan to this meeting. The implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and the peace process remains central to South Sudan’s trajectory. Malta is strongly committed to ensuring that the road map leads towards the conclusion of the transitional period without any additional delays.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9274 (2023) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Somalia to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At this meeting, the Council will hear a briefing by Ambassador Kimihiro Ishikane, Permanent Representative of Japan, in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Al-Shabaab. I now give the floor to Ambassador Ishikane.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9271 (2023) · source
“Our collective aim in this context is to ensure a durable and sustainable peace in the Sudan. That aim can only be achieved 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 towards accountability.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“Before concluding, let me express Malta’s commitment to the Sudan’s path towards political stability, which is underpinned by a meaningful political transition. We welcome the signing of the political framework agreement last December which effectively lays the groundwork for a final accord that will usher in a new reality for the Sudan and its people. We reaffirm our full support for the efforts of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, in making coordinated efforts in the peace process. We reiterate the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and youth in the transitional process and encourage the parties to include their aspirations in the final agreement.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“Let me also thank Prosecutor Khan for his open approach to reporting and the continued prioritization of Security Council referrals, as evidenced by the allocation of dedicated resources to this investigation. We take this opportunity to stand with him in underlining that the full cooperation of Sudanese authorities remains central for the investigative work on all cases and for delivering on the legitimate expectations of survivors. We regret the lack of progress over the reporting period across the four priority areas identified by the Prosecutor and call for unimpeded access to documentation and witnesses, support for the establishment of a field presence in Khartoum and the required visas, and prompt responses to requests for assistance.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“We welcome the progress achieved in the trial of Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman, and we are also pleased that the Prosecutor anticipates concluding his case in February. The enhanced cooperation with third States and international institutions, which secured new forms of evidentiary material, is commended. Most importantly, we want to applaud the profound courage and determination of the witnesses, especially the victims of sexual and gender-based violence, without whom that would have been impossible. As mentioned in the report, a round table dedicated to crimes against children was organized. We strongly encourage these efforts and improved engagement with both civil society organizations and representatives of affected communities.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“We thank Prosecutor Karim Khan and his team for presenting the report on the situation in Darfur and for their commitment to continuing the pursuit of justice. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of the Sudan to today’s meeting. Impunity sows the seeds of further violence. Ensuring accountability for the people of Darfur is essential if we are ever to stop the cycle of violence. We remain firm in our belief that there is room for a deeper and improved relationship between the Security Council and the International Criminal Court, in particular through referrals by the Council to the Court, to ensure accountability for atrocity crimes committed in all regions. The referral of the situation in Darfur demonstrates that when we act together, the Council can make real progress towards achieving accountability.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“We call on the international community to enhance support for the Haitian National Police, including those outlined in the Secretary-General’s recommendations. The people of Haiti need urgent action now. There is no more time to lose. Let the Council lead by example, and let 2023 be a year of progress towards the peaceful and prosperous future that Haiti’s people deserve.”
2023-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9247 (2023) · source
“We welcome that opportunity and urge all political actors in Haiti to set aside their differences and come together in compromise for the sake of the Haitian people. It is apparent in the briefing of Special Representative La Lime and the report of the Secretary-General that, in order to make progress towards a political solution, the Haitian Government needs urgent support from the United Nations and the international community. The unanimous adoption of resolution 2653 (2022), which established targeted sanctions measures for those engaging in, or supporting, criminal networks and gang violence has been seen to have had positive effects. The sanctions should continue to be used as a tool to impede those seeking to perpetuate chaos and hold the Haitian people ransom for their own gain.”
2023-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9247 (2023) · source
“Armed gangs continue to attack ports and block roads, restricting the delivery of humanitarian assistance and jeopardizing the safety of aid workers. Malta commends the national and international humanitarian partners who risk their own safety to deliver life-saving assistance to people in desperate need. More must be done to enable humanitarian access and ensure that adequate resources are made available for the humanitarian response. Security and stability in Haiti can be brought about only through an inclusive, Haitian-owned political solution. The National Consensus for an Inclusive Transition and Transparent Elections, signed by the Government and other stakeholders in December 2022, is reflective of a possible opening for progress on the political front.”
2023-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9247 (2023) · source
“We also underline the need to strengthen the availability, accessibility and quality of medical and psychosocial care for the survivors of sexual violence and the need to strengthen coordination efforts among relevant units within the Haitian National Police. The humanitarian situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, particularly with regard to food and nutrition, with 4.7 million people acutely food insecure and nearly 20,000 people estimated to be living in famine-like conditions. Cholera has also spread rapidly throughout all 10 regions of the country, with 40 per cent of all suspected cases being children. Those numbers are likely to rise unless the level of humanitarian assistance increases quickly.”
2023-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9247 (2023) · source
“Turf battles between heavily armed gangs in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, Artibonite and the northern regions have made the lives of local populations unbearable, with deliberate killings and maimings and coordinated acts of sexual violence. The violence has forced children out of school and left more than 150,000 Haitians internally displaced. The harrowing accounts of the widespread instances of sexual violence and collective rape perpetrated by armed gangs as a strategy for extending their control over communities are shocking and reprehensible. We condemn such acts without reservation and call for an accountable justice system to take immediate action against the current state of impunity for the perpetrators of those crimes.”
2023-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9247 (2023) · source
“Malta would like to extend its sincere condolences on the untimely passing of Foreign Minister Michael Moussa Adamo to Ambassador Biang, the Gabonese delegation and the people of Gabon. I thank Special Representative La Lime for her comprehensive and sobering briefing today. It is deeply regrettable and tragic that Haiti continues to suffer in the grip of numerous crises, with the worst human rights and humanitarian emergency in decades. In gang-controlled areas, people are deprived of their most fundamental rights, including their rights to life, water, food and health care. Throughout the past year, we have continued to witness an ongoing downward spiral. According to the Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/41), homicides have increased by more than 35 per cent, and kidnappings have more than doubled compared to 2021.”
2023-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9247 (2023) · source
“Malta underlines the central role of UNOWAS in holistically addressing the challenges in the region, and we strongly support the renewal of its mandate. Despite the many challenges, the commitment demonstrated by UNOWAS to consistently upholding the values of its good offices is greatly valued.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“Supporting authorities in improving local governance, addressing social grievances, ensuring education and promoting gender equality within the scope of all peacebuilding efforts must remain an integral part of our approach. Malta underlines the importance of continuing to enhance and strengthen resilience through various UNOWAS projects. Additionally, we reiterate our support for any United Nations, regional or local efforts striving to advance sustainable development in the region. To that end, we welcome the greater cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime under the Accra Initiative. We also fully support the timely set-up of the Independent High-Level Panel on Security and Development in the Sahel, and we look forward to its findings later this year.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“They include increasing the protection of women’s human rights defenders and facilitating exchanges among women leaders and women’s civil- society organizations within and outside the Sahel. We commend UNOWAS for promoting the women and peace and security agenda and ECOWAS for establishing its Women, Peace and Security Steering Group. We also echo the remarks of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the importance of protecting children’s right to education, in line with resolution 2601 (2021). The links between education and peace and security are clear, and we need to safeguard the right to education. Despite those challenges, we are pleased to see that solutions continue to be forged through UNOWAS and regional partners, including the African Union, the Group of Five for the Sahel and ECOWAS.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“Malta is strongly committed to solutions designed to bridge the climate-security nexus, and acknowledges the work of UNOWAS in integrating those interlinkages through risk analysis and road maps, including the Dakar Call to Action. As things stand, more than 24.4 million people in the Sahel needed life-saving assistance in 2022. That situation cannot be allowed to continue. Beyond this, women and girls in the region continue to face high risks of sexual and gender-based violence, abductions, displacement and trafficking. As a founding member of the Group of Friends of Women of the Sahel, Malta is committed to actions that can ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, including in leadership roles, in political processes in the region.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“On the security front, Malta deplores the increasing threats of terrorism and violence from armed groups, particularly in Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as the presence of mercenary groups. We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks, which are resulting in civilian casualties and exacerbating the already dire situation for local communities. The continued fighting between armed groups and the spread of terrorist activity are jeopardizing the prospects for long-term stability in the region. We urge for local, regional and international efforts to reverse these increasingly violent trends and address the underlying conditions that lead to the spread of terrorist activity. Climate change is also exacerbating instability in a region already contending with the serious displacement of populations and food and water insecurity.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“We are encouraged by the relatively calm environment in which preparations for the February and March general elections in Nigeria are taking place. Despite that progress, we remain concerned about the successive coups d’état in the region, which are hindering progress towards democratic consolidation, and we call on the authorities concerned to respect democratic processes. Malta fully supports joint efforts by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and ECOWAS to that end, such as the joint UNOWAS-ECOWAS high-level mission to Burkina Faso following the coup there in September. We also commend ECOWAS for immediately condemning the attempted coup in the Gambia last December and for standing firmly by the democratic results.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Deputy Special Representative Biha for her report and comprehensive briefing and His Excellency Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for his valuable insights. Malta welcomes the peaceful democratic efforts in the region, which offer hope to other countries pursuing their own political and democratic paths. The legislative elections in Senegal in July 2022 and in Benin on Sunday, and the continued efforts aimed at national reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire, are examples of that. In looking ahead, we call for similar democratic approaches to ensuring inclusive and peaceful elections in the run-up to the 2023 electoral cycle in the region.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“During our tenure on the Security Council in 2023 and 2024, Malta aims to support regular, diverse and independent civil-society participation in the work of the Council. As the Secretary-General’s report on women and peace and security further notes, there has been an increase in the number of women briefers in the Council. As we move closer to taking our seat in the Council, Malta is proud to also join the statement of shared commitments initially spearheaded by the consecutive presidencies of Ireland, Kenya and Mexico. We hope that will lead to greater visibility of the women and peace and security agenda and of gender issues more broadly.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The Secretary-General’s most recent report on women and peace and security (S/2022/740) discusses the gendered impact of small arms and light weapons on women and girls. In that regard, women-led organizations can lead strategies to address those effects, especially at the community level. We encourage Member States to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration, whose commitments can contribute to facilitating the participation of women in decision-making at all levels. National action plans continue to be a critical tool for countries to prioritize the women and peace and security agenda in national and foreign policy. In 2020, we launched our first action plan, reaffirming our commitment to strengthening peace and security.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Women are still at the forefront of protests asking for change, as seen in Iran, the Sudan and Yemen. Their daily struggles should ignite our resolve to act and uphold women’s rights and gender equality. Member States need to ensure consistent, visible and solid political support for women. We firmly believe in the need to redouble efforts to end impunity and strengthen accountability when it comes to investigating cases of intimidation, attacks or reprisals against civil-society organizations and women human rights defenders. Literacy and education have pivotal roles in strengthening women’s resilience and leadership. Women-led initiatives often make communities more resilient in the face of conflict.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The Russian war on Ukraine has led to the displacement of millions of women and girls, leaving them especially vulnerable to conflict-related sexual violence. Courageous women in Myanmar continue to face risks of sexual violence, arbitrary execution and torture in their quest for democracy. In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s regressive policies have set back women’s and girls’ rights and have violated and threatened LGBTIQ persons, based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. In Syria, millions of women and children still live in catastrophic humanitarian conditions. In Ethiopia, parties responsible for sexual violence have not been held accountable, while the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to have devastating effects on women and girls.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source
“I thank Gabon for convening this year’s annual open debate and the briefers for their statements. Malta aligns itself with the statements made on behalf of the European Union and the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. Many conflicts and crises around the world continue to disproportionately affect women and girls. The women and peace and security agenda cannot be realized without the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls, in all their diversity and in all aspects of peace and security. Malta recognizes the immense bravery of the many women at risk, including human rights defenders, peacebuilders and women with disabilities, who continue to make active and tangible contributions to their societies. They are crucial leaders of change, and yet they still face gendered obstacles.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Malta is also a signatory to the French-Mexican initiative, which calls for the suspension of the veto during cases of mass atrocity, and we also support the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group code of conduct, which calls upon all Security Council members not to vote against any draft resolution intended to prevent or halt mass atrocities.”
2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9079 (2022) · source