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

“It serves as an example for others affected by conflict. We in Ireland know that peace can be fragile and that building peace takes time, courage, forbearance and — always — just a little faith. I assure Minister Blum de Barberi that she can count on Ireland as a faithful friend on this journey. As a member of the Council, we will work with her and with our European Union partners, including the European Union Special Envoy for the Peace Process in Colombia, Irishman Eamon Gilmore. As we start a new and, hopefully, brighter year, we encourage all to redouble their efforts to ensure the full, comprehensive and inclusive implementation of the final peace agreement.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“We also want to see full implementation of all the provisions, including on ethnicity and gender. That remains an important priority. We urge the allocation of sufficient resources — technical and financial — to allow completion of this vital work. We are particularly concerned about the gendered nature of violence perpetrated against women and girls, including social leaders, human rights defenders and former combatants. The incidence of such violence, alarmingly, has increased in recent months. Both in our national capacity and through our broader work here on the Security Council on women and peace and security, Ireland will continue to work with all in Colombia to empower and protect women and girls. In conclusion, the peace process in Colombia rightly stands out as an example, globally, of successful peacebuilding.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“We welcome the request by the President of Colombia for an expansion of the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission. The verification of compliance with sentences issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace would help to further build the trust in the process of all parties at a critical juncture. The second issue that I wanted to raise is that of women and peace and security. The Colombian peace agreement quite simply serves as an exemplary model for gender-inclusive and gender-responsive peacebuilding. Ireland applauds the progress reported by the National Reintegration Council’s Technical Working Group on Gender and the Government’s High-level Forum on Gender. This work is embedding women’s full participation in the political process. We want to see this continue because we are ambitious for Colombian women.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“We also support all the Secretary-General’s recommendations in his latest report (S/2020/1301), including those aimed at improving security and consolidating the progress towards peace. We hope and trust that they will bear fruit. I want to highlight two areas of particular interest today, based on Ireland’s own experience of conflict and peacebuilding on our island. The first issue is transitional justice. An innovative approach to transitional justice is at the very heart of the Colombian peace prcocess. Truth, justice and reconciliation efforts have been the bedrock of the transformation that has been achieved to date. Ireland welcomes the progress achieved by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and the Truth Commission and for the families of forcibly disappeared persons.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“We believe that the perpetrators of such violence must be brought to justice. Sustainable peace cannot be delivered if peacebuilders live in fear, suffer harm or, worse, lose their lives. We are deeply concerned about reports of the continued forced recruitment of children, as well as threats against youth leaders by illegal armed groups and by terrorist organizations. The activities of those illegal groups pose an ongoing challenge to building peace. We encourage the rapid adoption and implementation of a comprehensive public policy to dismantle criminal organizations and their support networks. Effective strategies for continued reintegration, land redistribution and providing alternative means of economic activity, including effective crop substitution, are all vital to stabilizing areas that are still experiencing violence.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“We welcome the continued commitment of the parties to the full implementation of the peace agreement. As in all our countries, the coronavirus disease pandemic has brought enormous challenges. But, notwithstanding those challenges, we recognize that significant progress continues to be made in implementing the agreement. The purchase of land for housing and productive projects for former combatants and the ongoing progress on truth, justice and victim reparation are just two examples of the determination that we see. We also share the serious concern expressed by the Special Representative about the ongoing violence. The protection and security of former combatants and those living in conflict-affected communities, as well as social leaders and human rights defenders, are essential.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“I want to start by warmly welcoming Minister Blum de Barberi to the Security Council this afternoon and by thanking the Special Representative for his very comprehensive brief and, more importantly, for all the ongoing commendable work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. In November, we marked the fourth anniversary of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. The journey to peace has not been easy or without sacrifice, and we know that much remains to be done. But I want to say that the dividends of that work are being felt by more and more Colombians every single day, and we salute all who work for that. Let me reiterate Ireland’s well-known support for the peace process in Colombia.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“The Council, the authorities of the Central African Republic and all national and regional stakeholders must work together towards the peaceful and secure future that the people of the Central African Republic so deeply deserve.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/76 (2021) · source
“We all know that the Mission is being stretched beyond capacity. It is fundamental that the Mission have the resources necessary to deliver on its first priority of protecting civilians. Last week, we heard of the critical contribution of the Rwandan infantry and Sri Lankan aviation units from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, which allowed MINUSCA to react to the actions of armed groups. The Council must ensure that MINUSCA has the resources it needs to maintain its robust posture. In conclusion, the instability in the Central African Republic is of grave concern. We all share that view, and significant efforts must now be made to resolve that situation peacefully. The elections represent an important opportunity.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/76 (2021) · source
“We continue to be gravely concerned by the ongoing and deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground in the Central African Republic. It is critical that the Cameroon to Bangui road be made secure in order to allow the movement of goods into the country. Indeed, 60,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries just since December, with tens of thousands more, we understand, displaced internally. We call on all parties to ensure full, safe, immediate and unhindered humanitarian access, in accordance with international law and resolution 2552 (2020) and to respect humanitarian principles. We salute the work of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in these extremely challenging circumstances. Put simply, it has been extraordinary.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/76 (2021) · source
“We know that full involvement of all stakeholders across the Central African Republic is essential to securing peace, and that includes political, civil-society and opposition actors. Ireland also knows from our own experience just how challenging it can be to keep the lines of communication open, but we also know how absolutely vital they are to the establishment and maintenance of peace. I also want to say that accountability matters. The cycle of impunity is inextricably linked to the cycle of conflict; whenever there is impunity, we need to break the link if there is to be hope for stability. We call on the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of violence and human rights violations and abuses, including those against children and those involving sexual and gender-based violence, are fully held to account.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/76 (2021) · source
“For this to progress, we ask the Government to engage with the opposition in an open manner and substantive dialogue. We welcome President Touadera’s statement on the need for national reconciliation following the recent violence, and we look forward to seeing that underpinned by action. We urge the Government to continue to work with signatory groups that remain committed to the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic and to actively endeavour to bring others back to the discussion. We are convinced that the Council needs to send a clear message that progress made on the implementation of the Political Agreement simply cannot be allowed to slide further back.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/76 (2021) · source
“We commend the democratic commitment of the people of that country and their determination to vote even in the face of violence and insecurity. That determination should inspire the authorities and all parties to engage sincerely in the electoral process and to do everything in their power to represent the will of the people of the Central African Republic. The work of civil society, especially women and religious leaders, has been vital to facilitating the process, making it clear that inclusive processes are essential to building peace. Ireland believes that all stakeholders must respect the decision of the Constitutional Court taken earlier this week. We call on all to address concerns and differences of opinion peacefully and through dialogue.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/76 (2021) · source
“I would first like to thank Madam Minister for being with us this morning. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ndiaye for his very enlightening briefing, and the three African countries members of the Security Council, along with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, for having scheduled this timely Security Council meeting. I would like to pay tribute to the seven peacekeepers who have lost their lives since the start of the election period. I express my deepest condolences to their families. Ireland condemns in the strongest terms all attacks and violence against peacekeepers, and we call on the authorities of the Central African Republic to bring the perpetrators to justice. These elections offer an opportunity for progress in the Central African Republic.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/76 (2021) · source
“Ireland remains concerned that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its affiliates remain active and are, of course, exploiting the vacuum that exists in some parts of Syria. The European Union is contributing by non-military means to the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL/Da’esh for the stabilization of north-east Syria. After nearly a decade of conflict, the political process quite simply has failed the ordinary Syrian people. We regret that deeply, as they continue to suffer unconscionably — both inside and outside Syria. Once again, only a political solution can end that suffering and prevent continued conflict and instability. We will continue to work with Mr. Pedersen; he can count on Ireland as he works with the Syrian authorities, and we hope that the Syrian authorities will sincerely engage with those efforts.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“Accountability and reconciliation are linked and are key to sustainable peace. As pointed out by the Special Envoy, we have yet to see meaningful progress on detainees, abductees and on missing persons. Ireland supports Mr. Pedersen’s call for significant action, including the provision of access to prisons and detention facilities, so that we can have real information on the missing. Action on those issues is urgent, and it is also essential as a confidence-building measure. Today millions of Syrian people, ordinary Syrian people, remain scattered as refugees, and the conditions necessary for them to return in a safe, voluntary and dignified manner are far from having been achieved. Only a credible political solution can lead to such conditions. We hope to see that urgently.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“We know that that, of course, is completely unacceptable and not sustainable. As we see it, there can be no sustainable peace without accountability and no true peace without justice. We believe that it is imperative that those who are responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and for human rights violations and abuses be held to account and that the recommendations of impartial mechanisms, including the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, be implemented. We firmly believe that we should collectively stand against impunity and ensure that those who torture, murder and commit other heinous crimes be held accountable. Evidence of serious violations and abuses has been extensively documented.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“That is being done when those women are facing challenges that would defy many of us. I assure Mr. Pedersen that we will keep saying that and supporting that. Progress on the constitution is a critical part of the work that we need to do to find peace. There are also several other vital aspects of resolution 2254 (2015) that must be urgently addressed if Syria is to achieve sustainable peace. Violent conflict and terrorism remain, we know, a grim reality for many ordinary Syrians. In Mr. Pedersen’s words, a fragile calm largely continues, but it still falls far short of the lasting and verifiable nationwide ceasefire as we demanded in resolution 2254 (2015). Shelling, airstrikes and attacks using improvised explosive device attacks continue to kill and injure civilians.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“Ireland can only hope that at the upcoming fifth session we will see all parties working urgently, and, we underline, sincerely towards concrete outcomes on the basic principles of the constitution. I want to commend especially the work of the civil-society members of that Committee and to welcome in particular the ongoing consultation and engagement with Syrian women representatives, including the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board. We know that, in such dire circumstances on the ground, conflict has the greatest impact on the lives of the most vulnerable and that usually, very often, that means women, in this case Syrian women. But we also know that they are resilient women, and we know that the work of the Board is highlighting the importance of ensuring their full and meaningful equal participation in political life.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“Today is another painful recognition of the fact that, after almost 10 years of a brutal war with devastating consequences for the ordinary people of Syria, we seem no closer to a credible political solution that can implement resolution 2254 (2015). That is no reflection on Special Envoy Pedersen and his dedicated team, but it does flow largely from the lack of serious engagement by the Syrian authorities in the political process. To be clear, Ireland fully supports the role of the United Nations and commends Mr. Pedersen and his team on the sterling work that they do and for the briefing they gave us today. It is welcome news that the Constitutional Committee members continued their dialogue on national foundations and principles, but clearly progress to date is neither sufficiently rapid nor substantive enough.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“At the outset, knowing that it is the last day on the Security Council for the representative of the United States, I wanted to send my personal best wishes to Kelly for her future and certainly to remind her not to forget her Irish roots as she leaves one family and returns to another. I thank you, Mr. President, as well as Mark Lowcock and Geir Pedersen for today’s briefings, which have set out very starkly indeed the enormous challenges that we still face in Syria. I will concentrate today on the political issues only, as the representative of Norway just spoke on behalf of Ireland as co-penholder on the humanitarian aspects.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“Aboul Gheit, the League of Arab States and its member States in tackling peace and security issues over the next two years. Mr. Aboul Gheit has an important and onerous responsibility, and he can count on Ireland.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“That is an important step in renewing legitimacy, and the European Union stands ready to support the electoral process. We welcome the normalization agreements between Israel and a number of countries of the region. We sincerely hope that those will be followed by inclusive engagement to support tangible confidence-building measures with and by the parties and a reinvigorated role for the Middle East Quartet to achieve progress towards a just and lasting peace. In conclusion, I wish to thank the Foreign Minister of Tunisia and the Tunisian presidency for organizing today’s important discussion. I also wish to than Secretary- General Aboul Gheit. As a member of the Security Council, Ireland will continue our committed partnership with Mr.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“In that connection, we welcome the strong support and solidarity of the League of Arab States. We also recognize that there are nine peacekeeping operations under the League’s regional watch. Peacekeeping is an important and noble function, and Ireland supports the League’s efforts to reinforce regional capacities in that regard. As Secretary-General Aboul Gheit is all too aware, a key element for regional and global security is a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting two-State solution is critical — not only for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples but for unlocking a better, more peaceful future for the region as a whole. Ireland welcomes the 15 January presidential decree issued by President Abbas on the holding of elections.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“We recognize that there are no military solutions to those conflicts, and we share the ambition to agree on political pathways forward. We also know that sustained peace will require respect for human rights, and that those responsible for violations of international law and international human rights law need to be held accountable. Collectively, we must also continue to do all we can to support humanitarian workers in reaching those in need. Today, on behalf of Ireland, I renew our call for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all in need, particularly in conflict areas. As a leading troop contributor to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon since 1978, Ireland remains resolutely committed to the stability of Lebanon as its people grapple with complex political and economic challenges.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“The European Union and its member States remain ready to support the monitoring of that ceasefire. Ireland is concerned that key elements of the agreement remain unimplemented, especially with regard to the withdrawal of foreign fighters. Ireland looks forward to the fulfilment of the political road map to December elections thanks to the ongoing work of the Libyan Political Forum, in which women participants have played a critical role. Ireland welcomes their recommendations for improving women’s participation in the political process and in governance. We hope that success can serve as a useful example elsewhere in the region, and hope that the League of Arab States will continue to assist in that process. We all know that we must redouble our efforts to bring to an end the terrible conflicts in Yemen and Syria.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“Ireland firmly underlines the urgent need for lasting political solutions to disputes and conflicts in the region, as we heard every speaker say this morning. As a Security Council member, we are ready to play our part to support that work here in the Council and will also support similar efforts made by the League of Arab States and its member States. We welcome the Al-Ula Declaration of 5 January, made by the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Egypt, as it represents a key milestone in the development of closer regional integration, cooperation, stability and prosperity. We only hope that the progress made in Al-Ula will be built on in the months to come. We welcome the Libyan ceasefire agreement reached in October, as well as the Secretary-General’s December report on ceasefire monitoring options.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“We welcome the establishment, in 2019, of the United Nations Liaison Office to the League of Arab States and urge the Secretariat to ensure that the Office is staffed at a senior level in order to facilitate enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the organizations. Mindful of the types of conflict in the region and their interconnected nature, Ireland strongly supports Tunisia’s call for intensified coordination between the League of Arab States and United Nations Special Envoys in addressing the current crises in the region. We also echo Tunisia’s call for all to support efforts undertaken by both organizations with regard to conflict resolution, conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“We firmly believe that cooperation on addressing common challenges faced by States — from water management to the threat of climate change, from the role of women in sustaining peace to, of course, the current common challenge of the coronavirus disease — can build confidence and trust, promote solidarity and lay the critical foundations for peace. In framing today’s debate, Tunisia rightly welcomes the progress achieved on cooperation between the League of Arab States and the United Nations and recognizes its contribution to regional stability. The thoughtful briefings this morning by Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Secretary-General Aboul Gheit underline the shared ambition and, indeed, the need to further build upon it. Ireland encourages both organizations to actually invest in strengthening the relationship.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“While progress has been made in the implementation of Chapter VIII — and we have heard a great deal in that regard this morning — it is clear that much needs to be done to fully exploit the potential of regional organizations to deliver on our collective goals. It is in that spirit that we welcome this opportunity today. Before looking to some of the specific regional challenges, I would like to make a few general remarks. Coming from Europe, a region transformed — through regional cooperation — from a post-war wasteland to a thriving and peaceful union of States, Ireland strongly supports, and indeed advocates for, regional cooperation.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“I want to begin by thanking the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tunisia for organizing today’s meeting. I want to give a warm welcome to the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Ireland has worked closely with the League of Arab States and its member States over time, and we very much appreciate the important role that the League plays regionally. Ireland believes that, when drafting the Charter of the United Nations, the Organization’s founders recognized the reality that regional organizations and arrangements, such as the League of Arab States, have a central and often critical role to play in maintaining peace and security.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, the shameful humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen has persisted for far too long and threatens to get worse as we just heard today. We call on all parties to urgently do everything in their power to bring this conflict to an end and to bring hope to the people of Yemen. Surely, the Council has heard enough today to convince us of that urgency. Frankly, the Yemeni people surely have suffered enough.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“The potential humanitarian consequences of such a designation are serious, as is the impact on prospects for progress on the political track in Yemen. We believe it is incumbent upon the United States to ensure that all possible measures are immediately taken to minimize the implications of that designation for the Yemeni people. Ireland is also increasingly alarmed at the situation regarding the oil tanker FSO SAFER. That is the definition of a ticking time bomb, which threatens a catastrophic environmental impact on Yemen, and indeed on the region. While we welcome the incremental progress made, we call on all parties to engage in a constructive spirit to ensure United Nations teams can access the tanker in the very near future.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“Faced with such catastrophe, the Council simply must resolve to spare no effort to ensure protection and humanitarian assistance for the most vulnerable, including all internally displaced persons and marginalized groups in Yemen. We also believe we must make every effort to facilitate the ability of those important humanitarian workers we heard our briefers speak about earlier to deliver aid to those in need. Put simply, lives depend on that. We at this table all have a shared responsibility to help with that. We are deeply concerned by the implications of the decision of the United States to designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. We share the concerns we have heard expressed at this meeting this morning and by many other leading humanitarian actors, including Martin Griffiths, David Beasley and Mark Lowcock today.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“We were disappointed to note the absence of any women in the new Cabinet, and we hope that the important issue of women’s inclusion in key political councils will be addressed in the very near future. As co-Chair of the Council’s work on women and peace and security, along with our Mexican colleagues, we plan to monitor that and to keep in touch with the Yemeni Government. We hope to see progress. A second terrible, horrific shadow stalks Yemen as we begin this year — that of famine. Years of conflict have created this, the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Mr. Lowcock could not have been clearer with us today in again reminding us that not just will over half the population face crisis levels of food insecurity or worse by mid-2021, but that this is a growing and accelerating crisis happening before our eyes.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“He himself used the term “cumbersome”, and frustrating as it may be, we know it is the only way forward. I want to underline today also that we want to see all obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law respected. I want to underline today that we see a way forward that, in our view, must be inclusive, if it is to succeed. A truly inclusive discussion on the parameters for peace in Yemen simply must include the voices of women and young people, at every single stage of the process. Evidence shows us again and again that ensuring women’s empowerment and their full, equal and meaningful participation in decision- making is critical to conflict resolution, but also to the creation of sustainable and lasting peace.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“The Aden attack is a stark and terrible reminder of the urgent need for a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. We know, we have said it again and again, that there can be no military solution — so today again, we call on all actors in Yemen to return to the negotiating table and to demonstrate a genuine, sincere commitment to compromise and to dialogue. We welcome recent progress towards the implementation of the Riyadh agreement, including the formation of the new power-sharing Government, and call on all parties to the conflict to build on that as an opportunity and to move towards a comprehensive settlement to the conflict. We fully support Mr. Griffiths’ efforts, and we call on all parties to the conflict to engage urgently and seriously with his work, including by declaring an immediate nationwide ceasefire.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“But it was also, as I see it, an affront to United Nations efforts to support an inclusive peace process. We support calls for an independent investigation of the attack, and we look forward to developments in that regard. We want to offer our sincere condolences to the people of Yemen and to those who have lost loved ones. We wish a swift recovery to all the injured. Of those who tragically lost their lives, I know there were a number of International Committee of the Red Cross staff members. Their deaths serve to remind us of the daily courage and extraordinary commitment of all humanitarian workers in areas of conflict. Deputy Minister Yasmin Al-Awadhi, one of the few women in the new Government, was also sadly killed. We deeply regret all loss of life.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“I welcome the Minister to the Council. We congratulate him and his colleagues on his appointment. And I know we will hear from him a little bit later in the meeting. He has extraordinarily important responsibilities, unfortunately at very difficult and dark times, but Ireland certainly will work with him to be a constructive partner and to bring hope to the Yemeni people. It is deeply regrettable that the first meeting of the Security Council on Yemen in 2021 takes place in the shadow of such a heinous and indiscriminate attack as took place at Aden International Airport in December. There is no other way to put it: that was an unacceptable act of violence against civilian targets. It was also a direct attack on the Yemeni Government, represented at this meeting today.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“I want to start by thanking each of our three briefers this morning for the stark and really powerful messages they put before us. I also want to thank each of them for the courage and conviction that they bring to this table, and I think none of us today can be in any doubt that we simply have to step up to meet our responsibilities as a Security Council as we look at Yemen. In particular, I want to thank Executive Director Beasley for the extraordinary work that his aid workers are doing on the ground. But I will also say to him that I was very marked by his own remark today about the safety of his workers, and one thing I want to assure him of is Ireland’s support and concern for his work in Yemen. I would like to acknowledge also the presence today of newly appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Binmubarak.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“Ireland, my country, knows from lived experience that the path to peace is not easy or linear, but peace is possible, and it should be pursued with vigour. We know — and we know well — that Mali has a significant burden of responsibility in rising to meet such complex challenges and obligations, and we want to reiterate our support for accompanying Mali on this path. As Mr. Annadif said today, we dare to hope that this path points to a brighter and stable future for Mali and the Malian people.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“We were honoured last year to chair, alongside Mali and the Niger, an event on United Nations peacekeeping operations and pastoral-related insecurity. In our view, we must do more to integrate current and projected climate-related threats in our analysis and actions in Mali. Working with the Niger in deepening the Security Council’s understanding of the links between climate and security, we hope to shine a light on the Sahel and the particular challenges those links cause. In conclusion, I call on all States Members of the United Nations to ensure that MINUSMA has the full resources necessary to allow it to continue to deliver on its core priorities, namely, protecting civilians and supporting the delivery of peace in Mali.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“Violence, increased displacement, growing food insecurity and the adverse effects of climate change all have their impact. A lack of access to education, especially for adolescent girls, remains a key challenge and, I would say, a risk. We call on the Government to address conflict-related sexual violence and ensure access for survivors to justice and services, including sexual and reproductive health care, and, of course, to hold perpetrators accountable. We call on all parties to support humanitarian action and to respect humanitarian principles and facilitate the basic delivery of essential assistance to those in need. Ireland is particularly conscious of the adverse impacts of climate change on security in Mali.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“We also welcome efforts also to advance disarmament, demobilization, reinsertion and integration processes, and stress that mainstreaming child protection in that work needs to be given consideration. Ireland takes note of the report of the International Commission of Inquiry for Mali and encourages the Government to respond comprehensively. Ending impunity is integral to breaking the cycle of conflict and, importantly, to building confidence in the State’s institutions. We strongly support the Secretary-General’s call for investigations into human rights violations and abuses. We continue to be particularly concerned by the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, which we know is exacerbated by the coronavirus disease.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“We remain concerned about levels of violence, including from intercommunal conflict and — as we heard this morning — terrorist activity. We also recognize that those challenges cannot be resolved through security efforts alone. We must help to address the root causes of instability by working together to support sustainable and inclusive development. That must be at the heart of all our efforts. We must also act to promote good governance, the rule of law and human rights, and to strengthen democratic institutions in Mali. The restoration of State authority is clearly integral to Mali’s security. MINUSMA’s support for the Malian security forces and the judicial authorities play an important role in that regard.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“MINUSMA’s continued support to mediation and communal reconciliation efforts are vital to conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. They will reinforce the implementation of the plan. I want to highlight and welcome the steps taken to increase the engagement of women in the peace process. We heard several speakers refer to that this morning, and we call for greater participation by women in the political transition. Women’s participation will help to anchor the process. Looking forward, I underline that women must be encouraged and supported to participate fully, equally and meaningfully as voters, candidates and representatives of their communities. That is in Mali’s interests. As co-Chair of the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security, alongside Mexico, we intend to follow, monitor and, hopefully, support progress.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“We call on the Government to move towards holding inclusive, transparent, free, fair and credible elections within the 18-month time frame. There is now a real opportunity in Mali to make progress towards inclusive and lasting peace. President N’Daw’s New Year’s message gives hope and offers a way forward. We look forward to those commitments being translated into actions. I would like to outline a number of areas where progress is both needed and possible. We know many Malians also share this view. The implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation on Mali remains critical. We strongly welcome the inclusion of civil society in the transitional cabinet of representatives, as well as the inclusion, for the first time, of four representatives of signatory movements. We see that as an opportunity to advance the peace process.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“We encourage the full implementation of the plan as soon as possible. I express my deepest condolences to the victims who have been killed recently in Mali, including members of MINUSMA and the French armed forces. I would like to pay tribute to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace and security in Mali. Mali is at an important juncture. Ireland strongly welcomes the progress made in establishing the transitional Government and institutions. We commend the leadership demonstrated by the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union in supporting that transition. Today we encourage all Malians to continue to work to ensure a successful civilian-led transition and return to constitutional order.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“I would first like to thank Mr. Annadif, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali, for his illuminating briefing and for the important work of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Ireland is proud to be a troop-contributing country to the stabilization efforts in Mali. As we heard this morning, the presence of MINUSMA in Mali remains critical. The level of violence in Mali is alarming, and we recognize that much more needs to be done to protect human lives. It is therefore imperative that the Mission have the capacity and resources it needs to fulfil its mission. We welcome the continued implementation of the MINUSMA adaptation plan. In particular, we support the objective of proactively protecting civilians in central Mali.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“Ireland looks forward to working with UNOWAS to promote enhanced regional cooperation with key partners, including the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the European Union, in order to promote peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel — a shared and joint endeavour.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source