YouSaid · the spoken record

Geraldine Byrne Nason

lines on the record: 366
first: 2021-01-05
most recent: 2021-09-30
sittings or episodes: 53
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

“We would also urge the Mission to ensure that any future transitions are carried out in full consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including the humanitarian community, and that transitions take place only when the security situation allows, accompanied by robust risk assessment and mitigation. Experience alone teaches us that. Finally, the reported violations of the status-of-forces agreement, especially in and around Juba, are deeply worrisome. Such violations place the protection of civilians in jeopardy. Ireland calls on the South Sudanese authorities to ensure unhindered access to all United Nations operations in order to ensure essential support and protection to those in need, as enshrined in the status-of-forces agreement.”
2021-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/219 (2021) · source
“The latest reports indicate that a staggering 48 per cent of the population are projected to face severe acute food insecurity this month. While we know that the causes of this situation are many and varied, it seems clear that climate change is having a negative impact. We need to help address this situation. As the Council considers the renewal of the UNMISS mandate this month, Ireland believes one of the Mission’s key roles continues to be the protection of civilians. It is critical that UNMISS patrol areas where populations face most risk and threats. The Government of South Sudan has the responsibility to protect its citizens. We urge the Government to fully protect its citizens in the transitioned camps and throughout the country, where civilians are still suffering the effects of insecurity.”
2021-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/219 (2021) · source
“The truth is that there may be a link between the recent upsurge in violence and the gaps in state administration, including below the level of governor. So, Ireland encourages authorities to urgently establish the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly and transitional security arrangements, with a particular need for policing services to be strengthened. Women should be fully represented in the arrangements. Their contribution will lead to more sustainable outcomes. We all know that. An overall security strategy that provides an inclusive and comprehensive framework for decision-making is fundamental and critical for peace in South Sudan. The lack of movement on the establishment of the unified forces must also be rectified. Ireland also expresses serious concern over the worrisome humanitarian situation.”
2021-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/219 (2021) · source
“However, when it does, South Sudanese authorities have a responsibility to protect victims and survivors and to ensure the provision of holistic and survivor-centred support services, including sexual and reproductive health services. Perpetrators, regardless of rank or seniority, must be brought to justice. Prosecutions for conflict-related sexual violence are welcome, but, with underreporting and limited accountability, we fear these cases are but the tip of the iceberg. Ireland urges the South Sudanese authorities to accelerate the establishment of all institutions of Government and to implement the 35 per cent quota for women. We recognize the critical role of women and youth in peacemaking and peacebuilding efforts and urge the full, equal and meaningful participation of women at every stage of the constitution-making process.”
2021-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/219 (2021) · source
“Equally, we expect non-signatories to lay down their arms and join the political process. The unfortunate reality remains that levels of subnational violence remain unacceptably high. The bloodshed faced by civilians is quite simply tragic. During 2020, as we have heard, more than 2,000 civilians were killed in local conflicts. Ireland expresses serious concern over this violence. It results in a challenging human rights and protection environment, particularly for women and girls, as we heard in some detail today from Jackline. Ireland strongly condemns all acts of conflict-related sexual violence in South Sudan. Such violence should never happen in the first place.”
2021-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/219 (2021) · source
“There has been some progress in areas of the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, such as the appointment of 10 state governors, announcements in relation to the establishment of long-awaited transitional justice mechanisms and the Government’s intention to move forward on establishing a transitional legislature. Concrete follow up to such announcements is now needed. A positive move would be, for example, signing the memorandum of understanding with the African Union on the hybrid court. We certainly see engagement by regional bodies such as the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development as key, but it must be accompanied by all parties maintaining their commitment to the ceasefire.”
2021-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/219 (2021) · source
“Thank you, Madam, and best wishes to you in your role as President this month. I also thank the United Kingdom for its presidency in February. My thanks go, too, to David Shearer for his informative briefing, for his leadership of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in such challenging circumstances over four years and for his reflections today. We also appreciate our second briefer, Jackline Nasiwa, for her insights. As the Secretary-General has told us, the peace process is at a critical juncture.”
2021-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/219 (2021) · source
“Finally, Ireland reiterates its willingness to assist Palestinians and Israelis in their efforts to re-engage on the path to peace. We welcome the recent meeting of Quartet Envoys and the efforts of the Munich Group. We echo Tor Wennesland’s call for reinvigorated efforts by the Quartet and other international actors, including the League of Arab States and by members of the Security Council. Ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires ongoing sincere, coherent engagement by the international community as a whole, and by the Council in particular. We stand ready to play our part.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“For many young people in Gaza, their life has been defined and limited by the blockade. They live in a protracted humanitarian crisis. Ireland is also very concerned by the provisions announced earlier this month by the Gaza authorities allowing male guardians to restrict travel by unmarried women relatives. We oppose the curtailing of the rights of women and girls to move independently. Ireland reiterates its support for the holding of elections in Palestine. We encourage the Palestinian factions in their efforts to ensure a free, fair and inclusive electoral process, and we call on Israel to facilitate voting, particularly in East Jerusalem. We encourage all efforts to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and young people in those elections.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“Persistent acts of violence, as well as movement and access restrictions and violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, damage trust between Israelis and Palestinians and within their own communities, making a peaceful settlement more difficult to achieve. Where accountability is absent, a climate for further human rights abuses is fostered. Breaking this cycle is integral to achieving a peaceful settlement. Ireland congratulates the Government and the people of Israel on its commendable achievements on the vaccination of its citizens. We urge Israel, as the occupying Power, to ensure free and equitable access and distribution of the coronavirus disease vaccine to Palestinians, in line with international law. Ireland renews its call on Israel to end its illegal blockade on Gaza.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“Israel, as the occupying Power, also has obligations under international humanitarian law to allow and facilitate full and unhindered humanitarian assistance to those in need. The destruction and confiscation of humanitarian aid is unacceptable and causes harm and suffering to ordinary Palestinians. Fifty-three Palestinian schools across the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, are at risk of demolition. The rights of children to protection, safety and well-being must be upheld at all times. We recall that the Oslo Accords provided for gradual transfer of Area C to Palestinian jurisdiction. Current Israeli actions and trends make this transfer increasingly difficult to envisage and have a real impact on the prospects and lives of Palestinians, especially young Palestinians.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“I have welcomed Palestinian women and girls to our deliberations here at the United Nations, and I can tell you they are powerful advocates for the role of women anywhere in the political process. I want to thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for his briefing today. Together with the European Union, Ireland strongly opposes illegal Israeli settlements. Settlements are a major obstacle to peace and undermine the viability of the two-State solution — a two-State solution that Ireland fully supports and is affirmed in resolution 2334 (2016). Ireland is gravely concerned by the repeated demolition of Palestinian homes and other structures in Humsa Al-Baqai’a and elsewhere. The rules of international humanitarian law prohibit the unnecessary destruction of private property, and Israel must immediately cease such practices.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“Ireland is proud of its long-standing support for the delivery of services, including quality education, to Palestine refugees by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). We call on other donors, and on Council members here today, to support UNRWA’s vital work. We also recognize the disproportionate impact of occupation on Palestinian women and girls, who face greater constraints in all areas of economic, social and political life. Ireland actively supports a range of initiatives focused on building Palestinian women’s political participation and the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda more broadly.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“And that is true whether it be in Ireland or in the Middle East. So I want to thank you for what you said to us this morning. We see youth engagement in political processes, including in the upcoming elections in Israel and Palestine, as really crucial. We know that Palestinian youth are especially affected by occupation. Over half of the Palestinian population, we know also, is under the age of 29. Palestinian youth sadly remain disempowered and disenfranchised, with high unemployment rates and low political representation. Ireland is a strong supporter of education for Palestinian youth, which we believe is crucial for Palestine’s own long-term economic viability.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“First, I thank you, Oren Gian and Malak AbuSoud. Seeing you here in the Security Council today, listening to you both, reminds me in a powerful way of why we are here, what our purpose should be: to alleviate the human impact of conflict, and really frankly to wake up to the toll it takes on young people. You have a critical role in building peace and in resolving the conflict that you live with. I have high hopes that in future you will be real agents for preventing conflict too. As an Irish woman I grew up on an island that was troubled. We learned the hard way that actually achieving and sustaining peace is indeed an intergenerational process. Including young people, as we recognized in several Security Council resolutions here on youth, peace and security, builds better peace. It builds more sustainable peace.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“The Committee also received eight advance delivery notifications from supplying Member States or international organizations in accordance with paragraphs 11, 14 and 17 of resolution 2551 (2020).Lastly, the Committee received a copy of the Federal Government of Somalia’s biannual report to the Security Council pursuant to paragraph 37 of resolution 2551 (2020) on the structure, composition, strength and disposition of its security forces and on the status of regional and militia forces.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/207 (2021) · source
“One pertained to arms embargo exemption issues, to which the Committee responded. The other concerned the final report of the Panel submitted under its previous mandate, on which consideration is still ongoing. I will next summarize some statistics with regard to arms embargo exemption requests and notifications. Prior to the adoption of resolution 2551 (2020), the Committee received an advance delivery notification and a post-delivery notification from the Federal Government of Somalia, pursuant to paragraphs 11, 13 and 16 of resolution 2498 (2019). Following the adoption of resolution 2551 (2020), the Committee approved an exemption request and received five advance notifications and one post-delivery notification, all from the Federal Government of Somalia, pursuant to 10, 11, 13 and 16 of the same resolution.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/207 (2021) · source
“Recalling that in 2020 the Panel focused on rebuilding a positive working relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia, the Coordinator informed that the Panel remained actively engaged with the Federal Government of Somalia in projects both in Mogadishu and in the federal member states. Several Committee members commended the progress in the relationship between the Panel and the Federal Government of Somalia since last year and hoped that it would continue to be strengthened. Committee members also expressed appreciation for the Panel’s work towards disrupting Al-Shabaab’s finances. During the reporting period, the Committee received two monthly updates from the Panel of Experts mandated by resolution 2498 (2019). The Committee also received two letters from Member States.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/207 (2021) · source
“Following the adoption of the resolution, six Panel members were appointed by the Secretary-General on 11 December 2020. In resolution 2551 (2020), the Council also requested the Panel of Experts to continue exchanging information about Al-Shabaab’s finances with the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. It also requested them to continue to work with stakeholders to develop a plan to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s finances. During its first virtual meeting of this year, which was held by closed video- teleconference on 29 January, the Committee met with the members of the Panel of Experts to hear about their work programme for 2021.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/207 (2021) · source
“As mandated by paragraph 11 (g) of resolution 1844 (2008), I have the honour to brief the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992), concerning Somalia. This briefing will cover the period from 29 October 2020 to 25 February 2021. This is the first Chair’s briefing since the adoption of resolution 2551 (2020), on 12 November 2020. Under that resolution, the Council renewed the partial lifting of the arms embargo and the humanitarian exemption to the assets freeze, without subjecting them to an end date. It also eased some of the requirements of the partial lifting, reaffirmed the improvised explosive device (IED) components ban and added to the list of components, as well as renewed the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Somalia until 15 December 2021.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/207 (2021) · source
“Let me close as I began, casting an eye over 10 years of conflict and looking to the future. We cannot face another 10 years of human suffering driven by conflict. This Council has a responsibility to stand together in solidarity with those who find themselves without a voice.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/206 (2021) · source
“Shelling and violence in the north-east, at Ain Issa, has forced 3,000 people to leave their homes, all the while life-saving humanitarian deliveries have been delayed due to bureaucratic impediments. We are very concerned about the deteriorating security situation at the Al- Hol camp, as reported by the Secretary-General this month, where 23 people are reported to have been killed since 1 January. This situation is particularly worrying given that over half of the residents in the camp are aged under 12. We remind all parties, in the strongest terms, of their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, with regard to the protection of civilians, and we reiterate the call of the Secretary-General for an immediate cessation of hostilities.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/206 (2021) · source
“All parties must allow rapid, safe and unimpeded access — humanitarian access — to all people in need, wherever they are located, in line with the humanitarian principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality We offer our deep condolences to the family of the humanitarian health worker killed last week in Al-Bab city. At least 14 humanitarian workers have been killed in Syria in the last 14 months. We are deeply troubled by the ongoing violence across Syria, which continues to cause deaths and injuries, and we condemn all violence against civilians. The latest toll we have for December to January counts 67 people who lost their lives, among them 17 children. We call on all parties to enter into a nationwide ceasefire, in line with resolution 2254 (2015).”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/206 (2021) · source
“All parties must facilitate humanitarian access and uphold ceasefires to enable humanitarian medical teams to undertake their vital functions, including safely delivering COVID-19 vaccinations to those who need them most. As humanitarian penholders, we are keenly aware of the necessity to ensure that humanitarian assistance reach all Syrians in need. We are also aware of the depth and breadth of humanitarian need across Syria and the complex challenge they present to life-saving — and life-sustaining — humanitarian operations. We must do everything in our power to support these operations, both by providing funding and by ensuring that humanitarian actors can carry out their work, utilizing all necessary modalities, and with the necessary support.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/206 (2021) · source
“We recognize the disproportionate impact that these conditions, and the ongoing conflict and violence, have on women and on children. The misery endured by Syrian civilians is unimaginable for most of us. We are alarmed by the conflict-related sexual violence against children in Syria. This has had devastating consequences for these children, for their communities and for society at large. All parties to the conflict must take immediate and specific measures to end this scourge and comply with international humanitarian law and human rights law. The threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) further adds to the urgency of protecting access to water and sanitation. It is crucial that the health-care system across Syria be supported in battling the pandemic.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/206 (2021) · source
“However, the Secretary-General tells us that humanitarian needs have increased by one-fifth in the past year alone. A record 12.4 million Syrians, 60 per cent of the population, are being denied their most basic right to food, struggling to find enough food to eat, and, as we heard, child malnutrition is rapidly increasing. Harsh winter conditions have coincided with rising fuel prices, making basic heating out of reach for many Syrians. Tragically, lives continue to be lost among Syria’s most vulnerable in fires resulting from efforts to keep warm. The dreadful conditions caused by flooding in the north-east have added to the hardship for 141,000 displaced persons, as tents and schools have been destroyed, demonstrating once again the fragility of the situation and the imperative of ensuring that help can reach those most in need.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/206 (2021) · source
“I make this statement today on behalf of the co-penholders of the Syrian humanitarian file, Ireland and Norway. We would like to thank Under-Secretary- General Mark Lowcock for his briefing today. We are also very grateful for the presence of our civil society briefer, Sonia Khush of Save the Children, and for the insights she has just shared with us. Next month will mark 10 long years of conflict in Syria, a conflict that has driven widespread suffering for the Syrian people and created a deeply embedded humanitarian crisis, underscored by a shattered economy and deeply degraded health and education systems. Over the past 10 years, this Council has heard many harrowing reports. Each time, we imagine things could hardly get worse.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/206 (2021) · source
“We call on all parties, including the national defence and internal security forces, to uphold respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. Finally, peace and reconciliation is possible only when those who violate international humanitarian law and international human rights law are held responsible. The hearings on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in The Hague remind us that justice can and will be rendered. We welcome the appointment of the Commissioners to the Commission on Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation and eagerly await the commencement of their work. From our own experience in Ireland, we know that the establishment of a lasting peace is not secured at the moment an agreement is signed; it is a long-term, intergenerational process.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“We welcome the recommendation of an additional battalion to undertake that task, which we see as urgent. Of course, when aid arrives the task is just beginning, but humanitarians need to be able to reach those in need without delay. We condemn in the strongest terms attacks against humanitarian workers. With more than half of the population of the Central African Republic in need, it is absolutely vital that humanitarian workers can operate and that humanitarian space is respected by all security actors. The incidences of human rights violations and conflict-related sexual violence, along with increases in gender-based violence, are shocking. As a matter of the most basic human concern, survivors must be able to access care and services, including health, psychosocial support and sexual and reproductive health services.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“The engagement of regional States and organizations has been vital so far, and will continue to be. The Economic Community of Central African States, the AU and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region have undertaken important outreach to advance a peaceful resolution to the current instability. As the Security Council, I believe that it is our collective responsibility to support that and engage constructively with them. Sadly, the humanitarian situation remains grim, particularly the increasing levels of food insecurity, driven by the conflict. The arrival of humanitarian and commercial convoys in Bangui from the Cameroonian border is welcome. But it is far from enough to provide the desperately needed relief. Put simply, the route must be secured as a matter of priority.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“It should also include young people, civil society, internally displaced persons and refugees. Ireland knows from its own experience that the more inclusive the process, the more durable the result. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women is critical. Women must be meaningfully represented, we believe, in both the peace talks and the Government, including in appointments to the Council of Ministers. We call on the Government, with the support of the United Nations, MINUSCA and all relevant actors, to help to ensure that. Holding the presidential election and the first round of legislative elections within the constitutional timeline was indeed an achievement, which should now be built on through peaceful and inclusive elections on 14 March. I strongly encourage all parties to engage fully in the electoral process.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“The Mission simply must have the capacity to help create conditions conducive to the advancement of the political process. A better, more secure future depends on peace, which we all know can come only from an effective political dialogue. On the second anniversary of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic earlier this month, President Touadera again indicated his intention to facilitate dialogue. We welcome that commitment. We view its implementation as a matter of urgency. A military approach will not solve this crisis. We call on all parties to engage in a constructive dialogue to achieve reconciliation and peace. For that peace to be sustainable, it must also be inclusive. A national dialogue should of course include women.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“The increase in violence and the targeted attacks on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) have tragically cost the lives of seven peacekeepers in recent weeks. That alone underlines the urgency for, and responsibility of, the Security Council to ensure that the Mission is adequately resourced to safely fulfil its mandate. We have a shared responsibility to do that. We welcome the Secretary-General’s recommendations to augment MINUSCA’s numbers. We believe that the Council should support that proposal. Within MINUSCA’s mandate, we believe that the fulfilment of its priority task of the protection of civilians is vitally important. We remain deeply concerned, indeed moved, by the suffering of the civilian population.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank today’s briefers for their very enlightening presentations. The presence of the United Nations, the African Union (AU), the European Union and Central African civil society in the Security Council this morning demonstrates the importance of this discussion. Furthermore, it illustrates the deep commitment of Central African society and the international community to peace and stability in the Central African Republic. I would like to thank Ms. Ekomo-Soignet in particular. Her work illustrates the great potential of young people to bring about change and the crucial role that they can play in establishing and consolidating peace. We share her aspiration for a future in which the young people of the Central African Republic can prosper.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“The international community simply must rise up and meet their impact and promise with our action. In conclusion, we agree with the Special Representative that 2021 could be a turning point in Haiti. It is crucial that the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti lend its full support to resolve the constitutional and political crisis and fully realize its mandate. Once again, I would like to reiterate our deep support for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United Nations family of agencies and all the actors working with the Haitian people to build a new future based on a peaceful transition of power, a stable political and economic system and, hopefully, a society free of intimidation and violence.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“The real tragedy, of course, is that we know this suffering is not inevitable. International non-governmental organizations, such as the Irish organization GOAL, report that humanitarian need is driven by violence, insecurity, climate vulnerability and the instability we have discussed here today. Once again, the most vulnerable in society are again forced to carry the heaviest burden. Education, particularly that of girls, is the catalyst to deliver on peacebuilding, security, and the advancement of gender equality. The approximately one in three girls and boys who are still out of school following the lost school year simply cannot be allowed to fall through the cracks. In her poignant remarks today, Ms. Roc has clearly demonstrated the dynamic at play in Haiti’s youth.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“The invaluable projects supporting access to legal and judicial aid services for women and youth facilitate their engagement in peacebuilding initiatives. That is really how durable and sustainable peace is achieved — not through all our high-minded statements here, but from the grass roots up and with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and active involvement of young people. The people of Haiti deserve nothing less than a peaceful life, free from violence and intimidation. My third point relates to the difficulties in the delivery of basic services and the chronic humanitarian needs of more than 4.4 million Haitians, as indicated in the Secretary-General’s report. We commend the work of the World Food Programme in helping to keep Haitians from starvation.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“We urge the Government to prioritize the adoption of the national action plan on human rights and the endorsement of the national community violence reduction strategy.Ireland welcomes the reported policing reform gains, but remains concerned about ongoing challenges faced by the judicial and penal systems. An end to impunity and unimpeded access to justice are a prerequisite if there is to be any chance of building trust among the people of Haiti. The removal from office of three Supreme Court judges this month is worrying, and we strongly oppose attempts to undermine the role and independence of the judiciary. On a more positive note, I want to recognize and welcome the important role of the Peacebuilding Fund in Haiti.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“Secondly, as a result of the deteriorating security situation, Haiti’s most vulnerable citizens are suffering the most. The reported scale of homicide, rape, abductions and kidnappings is, quite frankly, shocking. Those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable. The impact of the violence and subsequent impunity on women, youth and children are of deep concern. The 95.9 per cent increase in human rights abuses registered by the United Nations mission itself is particularly stark. No community should live — or be expected to live — with that level of violence and fear.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“To be clear, we believe that the Government’s ambitious electoral calendar can be successful only if trust and engagement are built across the political spectrum. We urgently call on all parties to engage in an inclusive dialogue. The process of constitutional reform must be sensitively and carefully managed, including through appropriate public consultation. Once again, that consultation should include the voices of women and youth. We recognize the protection of civil society space, including the right to peaceful protest, as fundamental to a flourishing democracy. We regret the recent arrest of political and community leaders, and call for the protection of journalists and of peaceful protesters. We are particularly concerned about the recent redefinition of terrorism to encompass acts of legitimate protest.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“We are all too aware today that the climate in Haiti remains extremely fraught. For any of us, confidence in the rule of law, in a system of governance, is the bedrock of a functioning democracy. The cancellation of legislative elections, the dissolution of the Parliament and the frequent and wide-reaching use of presidential decrees risk deepening mistrust in the political system and widening gaps among political actors. The year ahead offers Haiti an opportunity to restore and revitalize its democracy. It is essential that the citizen registration process is conducted transparently and effectively, ensuring that all Haitians eligible to vote are given the opportunity to do so. It is particularly critical that the voices of women and youth be heard.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“I would like to join others in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Meagher La Lime, for her briefing. I would also like to acknowledge the presence of His Excellency Mr. Moïse, President of the Republic of Haiti. I also welcome Ms. Roc to the Council this afternoon. That today’s meeting has a sense of urgency is undeniable. The situation in Haiti, as described in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/133), deserves — and I would say, demands — the attention of the Council. For too long, the Haitian people have suffered from a series of intertwined and interconnected crises. They are political, constitutional, security, economic and, of course, humanitarian crises. Given the time constraints, I will focus on three points. First, there is an unavoidable need for genuine, inclusive dialogue.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“I therefore again call on all parties to quickly find consensus on the holding of inclusive elections so that we can put the focus firmly back where it belongs: ensuring the security, safety and health of every Somali citizen.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“Finally, as outlined by Jim Swan earlier, Somalia faces complex and multifaceted humanitarian challenges, including from looming drought, the ongoing threat of the coronavirus disease and desert locusts. The report of the Secretary- General (S/2021/154) describes how the number of people in need in Somalia is expected to increase to 5.9 million in 2021. We all have a responsibility to do what we can to assist. However, the Somali leadership must also recognize that the time spent arguing about election modalities and the use of armed violence is time and resources lost to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Somalis and a drag on building the prosperity and security of the country.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“We all have the same goal, and that is a safer Somalia for all Somalis. We must work together to achieve that. Human rights remain central in our collective consideration of next steps, as must the protection of civilians. Reports of a rise in conflict-related sexual violence, alongside attempts to introduce the regressive sexual intercourse and related crimes bill are of particular concern. Protecting women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence has to be a priority. I join the Secretary-General in calling for the Federal Government to enact the 2018 sexual offences bill and to ensure accountability for perpetrators of sexual violence. The use of arbitrary arrest and detention, including of journalists, is also a concern.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“The way forward for Somalia’s security transition is complex but clear. It involves cooperation among all stakeholders and taking into account the realities on the ground. In this week’s renewal of the AMISOM mandate, the Security Council must lay out the path, and the milestones, towards that transition. These should include enhanced Federal Government and federal member state cooperation, agreement on the implementation of the Somalia transition plan, the completion of the African Union independent assessment and progress on force generation, among many other steps. None of that, however, will be possible without political consensus on a way forward for Somalia that addresses underlying divisions in Somali society and puts an end to the political leveraging of Somalia’s security personnel and resources.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“However, there are still far too many people dying at the hands of Al-Shabaab and others in attacks, such as that on the Afrik Hotel on 31 January. We condemn these in the strongest possible terms. To move beyond this context, we need to see sustained momentum on Somalia’s security transition. There is broad agreement, including around the Council table, on one thing for sure: that we need a phased handover of primary security responsibilities by AMISOM to Somali authorities. This will involve adapting our collective approach to countering the asymmetrical threat of Al-Shabaab, including through the use of non-military means, such as financial disruption. It also means addressing the governance and justice gaps that have created space for Al-Shabaab to continue to extend its reach, including to areas not formally within its control.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“Ireland continues to call for a credible and inclusive electoral process that safeguards the freedom of expression and ultimately best serves the national interest. Let me stress in particular that, despite the stressful conditions — perhaps because of them — we once again reiterate the importance of following through and implementing the 30 per cent women’s quota throughout the entire process. AMISOM and the Somali national security forces risk their lives in the line of duty. Too frequently, they make the ultimate sacrifice. We welcome the successes in reducing the number of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which was the result of increased effectiveness of security operations. Equally, the disruption of supply chains and the enforcement of the arms embargo are key in countering IEDs.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“Such violence is unacceptable. It threatens the peace, security and stability of Somalia. It puts civilians at risk. I urge the leaders of Somalia to put the interests of their people first and immediately re-engage in constructive dialogue. I can do no better than to reiterate the words of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission: the stability of Somalia is at stake. There is a need for dialogue and compromise. As trust among the parties has further diminished in the wake of the violence in Mogadishu, we see the role of the African Union as critical to convening the parties and finding consensus on the implementation of the electoral model agreed on 17 September 2020. The sustainability of Somalia’s political future depends on its being inclusive.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“We are further disappointed that, despite recent commitments, made on 9 February, the leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states have yet to come together to resolve the outstanding electoral implementation issues. I know that Minister Abdirizak agrees with us on this. The longer this political stalemate continues, the further Somalia moves into a state of political uncertainty. In the week when we are due to renew the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the significant gains made in fighting Al-Shabaab are now under threat. The streets of Mogadishu in the past few days rang out with the sound of heavy weaponry, fired not against Al-Shabaab but in pursuit of political advantage. We saw the Federal Government of Somalia deploy security forces against demonstrators.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source